I might become Catholic, but I do not want to give up reading the KJV

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I understand that the KJV is unapproved by the Vatican, but I would like to continue reading it seriously even if I become a Catholic. I know about the Douay Rheims, but that is not a satisfying substitution to me. What verses of the KJV have a Protestant bias? Also, I can be covered when it comes to the Deuterocanonical books by buying the KJV apocrypha on Amazon.
 
Off the top of my head I can suggest one, that of changing the word “or” to “and”, which one might take as a polemic against Catholic practices/beliefs concerning communion. I have bolded the “and” in question. The KJV often uses italics, so the italicized words are not the point of interest.

KJV 1 Corinthians 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
 
You can read whatever you want. Approval for translations is for the liturgy. I use many Protestant and non-approved translations because they are superior. I know how you feel as I grew with up the KJV. The DRA to me is just an annoying version of it. It can’t be beat.

None of the verses people say have a Protestant bias are really biased, people make a massive deal over things because they feel every aspect of their faith must be confirmed by the text, which isn’t true or Catholic, and moreover nothing in the KJV is against the faith. Some so-called anti-Catholicism in it is the translation of episcopos as overseer in parts (a legitimate choice, and one I prefer anyway), the translation of the angelic salutation to say favor (which is the same as Grace and I also prefer, it is a legitimate translation, but Catholics like convoluted prooftexting using this sentence, so they hate it often), and so on.

None of it is legitimate complaints. Overall just remember: approval is for the liturgy, you can use any bible you want in your daily life, memorization of verses, lectio divina, etc. It doesn’t matter. You can even prepare your own Greek/Latin/Hebrew/etc text and translate your own version for non-liturgical use.

To cap off this post here is a lecture by a monk explaining the practice of lectio divina:


I love this lecture, it is beautiful.
 
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JamesJr said:
I understand that the KJV is unapproved by the Vatican, but I would like to continue reading it seriously even if I become a Catholic. I know about the Douay Rheims, but that is not a satisfying substitution to me. What verses of the KJV have a Protestant bias? Also, I can be covered when it comes to the Deuterocanonical books by buying the KJV apocrypha on Amazon.
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Whatever your preferred translation may be, at least make.sure it includes ALL the books. I think that is as much an issue as how well particular verses maybe translated - after all, no translation is ever going to be universally agreed on as perfect.

Personally, I love the language of the KJV, it shows the genius of Shakespeare (unsurprising as it cones from the same place and time).
 
The OP already said they do not like that.
 
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There is no reason to give up the KJV if that is what one likes to read. I still like the NASB for it consistency in literally translating the same verbs in the same stilted fashion. I like the smoothness of the NIV. We should always understand that the Bible is not open to any interpretation even if we read a Catholic Bible, so there is that regardless or what we read.
 
IMO it’s not a big deal, although it’s been demonstrated that many errors occurred in the KJV, most of which have probably been corrected other than where a particular theology may influence and slant the translation. But there are many common idioms, often poetic, existing in our world that issue directly from that version, and which are often quite helpful in their description or in clarify a particular meaning as I see it.
 
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I do like most Bibles, NASB and so on. I have gotten the KJV, Living Word etc.

I would keep in mind, the Catholic Bible has more books, Maccabees I & II, Sirach, Wisdom and so on in the Old Testament.
 
The Jerusalem Bibles are great.

KJV apocrypha, well if it is from that time.
 
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I love the KJV language especially for Psalms, Proverbs, etc.
 
I know that the KJV has a few translational issues. I am very fond of it because of nostalgia and its beautiful language. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. This is an excellent example of the iconic beauty of the KJV.
 
I remember learning that one in first grade. Such a masterpiece. Honestly should just be part of general poetry to memorize, specifically the KJV versions of trust-psalms.
 
The KJV had a huge impact on English literature. It should be discussed in every English literature class that covers the time it was published. Maybe it is; I would not know otherwise since I went to a Christian school.
 
pnewton said:
I like the smoothness of the NIV.
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It’s a fine version and I have a large edition of it beside the bed. I did take note, though, when Anglican theologian, N.T. Wright, who is oft-quoted by David Anders and Robert Barron, said that if one reads only the NIV we will never fully understand certain segments (he cited the Book of Romans particularly) because the Calvinism of the translators shines through brightly. I’m not that skilled an exegete to know precisely what he is talking about, but it does prod me to read more than one version. As such I prefer both the KJV and the RSV, especially the latter.
 
CelticWarlord said:
N.T. Wright, who is oft-quoted by David Anders and Robert Barron, said that if one reads only the NIV we will never fully understand certain segments
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I am okay with that. The goal of understanding all of Scripture is beyond me anyway. I think it important for a Catholic to combine scripture reading with the Catechism to have a basis of when things sound off.
 
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