History and Background of the NIV Controversy
This paper provides one of the very best histories of the New International Version Bible translation and the controversies surrounding its various “updates” up to and including the publication of NIV2011, the version that the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have issued warnings about. The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod appears poised to give is a “pass” and recommend it still be used.
This continues to amaze me, given the WELS position on inspiration and inerrancy and the authority of Scripture. Should the WELS choose to go with the NIV2011 as their translation of choice they will be endorsing a translation of the Bible that undermines key Biblical doctrines that the WELS wants to uphold.
Here is the paper that I found extremely helpful. It even mentions in it the WELS and The LCMS. Click the link below to download the PDF file:
It is hard to help people learn that a translation matters. In my weekly Bible studies (w. baptist Pentaostals, Lutherans Presby. Methodist, Church of Christ) I as that the reading be done in the KJV. They like this and are getting used to it.
I grew up on the NIV 1984 and the KJV. I’m also starting to use the ESV as it’s a bit more faithful to the Greek in some areas, though I have to say the Douay Rheims is quite good for literalness if you’re following the Greek or Jerome’s Latin translation (but not a great reading Bible).