Despite Controversies, This Bible Translation Still Used by More Denominations

Five denominations use the King James Version the most, according to new research by Bluefield College.  

And if you quote Romans 15:13, Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 3:5 and Philippians 4:6, you’re among those who cite the most popular verses for 2015.  

Two denominations use the New International Version, and one each for the New King James Version, Kleist-Lilly New Testament, New World Translation, Common English Bible and English Standard Version.  

“From the time of its publication in 1611, the King James Bible has been used to spread the gospel throughout the whole world. With the conquest of the British Empire behind it, it crossed the Atlantic to the United States,” according to Christian Assemblies International.  

“Landing here, it began to permeate young America with its ideals. Its truths led to the establishment of an educational system, based on Scripture, that was unparalleled in the world. It instilled in men the ideals of freedom and personal liberty, thoughts that were included in the U.S. Constitution. It commissioned preachers of righteousness who, on foot and horseback, broke trails into the wilderness and spread the Truth of the gospel and of right living. And eager young missionaries began to scour the globe with little more than a King James Bible and God’s Holy Spirit.” 

However, Bluefield College’s research does not necessarily mean the KJV is the No. 1 Translation of choice, says Andrew Lawrence, associate vice president for Online and Distance Education, as well as instructor of management and leadership at Bluefield College. 

The research also looks at the change in religious landscape of the United States, based on Pew Research studies and Google analytics. Those who claim to be Christians dropped 7.8 percent from 2007-2015. Those who are religiously unaffiliated grew by 6.7 percent.

Bible translations have been the source of controversy, with a “King James Only” movement embraced by some Christians, translations that claim God is a woman, and attacks on The Message for being too informal.

What Bible translation do you read?