You people are all obviously more learned on the original texts issue than I am. What I know about the Greek or Hebrew texts is entirely self-taught. I have not studied at a seminary or in an Orthodox Church school setting. My background was decidely Lutheran, with some foray into Assenbies of God Pentecostalism. I learned a lot from philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer, but his views are too limited. Most of our views as individuals are rather limited, but there is something different about the Orthodox.
They have a living Orthodoxy, not mere intellectual acumen. Not that they are less educated than the non-Orthodox. But coming to Christ is not merely an academic exerrcise. Nor will we find everything we need merely by reading whatever Bible text or version by ourselves. What is lacking in Western Christendom is an undivided continuous apostolic Christian tradition with apostolic succession and grace-filled Orthodox sacraments. What I still need is sacraments, not merely intellectual understanding of Bible texts. I still have far to go to what is required in becoming Orthodox. But in this open internet forum, there is only so much we can receive anyway, and it is bound to be on the more intellectual side.
Take care.
PS Can each of you who write to this question tell us which English translations your local Orthodox parish does use, alll debate aside; which Bible versions do your priests and bishops, deacons, readers, read in Divine Liturgy? Do they use the King James Version, with necessary corrections wherever the KJV is in need of Orthodox correction?
God bless us all in this New Year.
LORD have mercy. On us all.
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