The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship (FBFI) and English Translations, Discernment, and Christian Charity

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship (FBFI) and the Modern One English Only Position

This organization or fellowship of Fundamental Baptists meets multiple times each year (according to region and otherwise).  They also produce a magazine entitled "Frontline" several times each year. Back in 1995, and subsequently they have produced statements concerning the English Only Position.  I personally know probably over a hundred members of this fellowship and have been a member of multiple of their churches.

Series Part One

Below in its complete form is a copy of their statement as written in the year 1995.  This statement is just as true today as it was over twenty years ago when it was written.  (The Bold headings are my own take away summary statements and should not be misinterpreted as to represent the original authors of the FBFI positional document).  You have the original statement to draw your own conclusions.

Christians should hold to their own position on English translations with love, a clear conscience, and a well-informed historical perspective (especially within practicing Fundamentalist local churches).

"In light of the considerable discussion among fundamentalists about the issue of manuscripts and textual theories, no particular belief about the best textual theory should be elevated to the place of becoming a core fundamentalist belief.  Fundamentalists may hold the doctrine of inspiration with equal strength without embracing the same belief about textual criticism."

Christians should compare their English translation of choice with the original languages (whatever your choice of manuscripts may be).

"Additionally, proper evaluation of the doctrinal integrity of any particular English translation can only be done by examining its faithfulness to the original languages, not by comparing it to another English translation.  While the process of comparing it with other translations may be profitable for matters of clarity and readability, this process cannot pass as the test of doctrinal accuracy since it is illegitimate to check one copy by another; one must compare the copy to the original."

Christians should exercise great care in whatever English translation they use.  This extends to homes, local churches, and organizations.

"In a day when translations abound, fundamentalists must exercise careful discernment in both the selection and rejection of translations.  Some professing fundamentalists have wrongfully declared one translation to be the only inspired copy of God's Word in the English language and have sought to make this a test of fundamentalism."

Christians should put forth effort to study the original languages and not to rely solely on English translations.

"Since no translation can genuinely claim what only may be said of the original, inspired writings, any attempt to make a particular English translation the only acceptable translation of fundamentalism must be rejected."

(resolution passed at the 75th annual meeting at Faith Baptist Church, Greenville, SC).

Below are some additional principles I have derived concerning this issue of English translations (I apply these to myself and family, not to those outside my home).

First, I have for years memorized verses, chapters, and books of the Bible using a particular English translation.  I have no necessary or compelling reason to change this daily practice.

Second, I have been blessed to have multiple years of Greek and Hebrew seminary level training.  This enables me to dive deep into my scriptural study of grammar and syntax.  I have no necessary reason to limit myself to word studies or an English translation.

Third, I completely understand local churches and institutions set their own policies for public teaching and preaching (either by the pastor, elders, or the congregation).  Therefore, in those capacities of verbal ministry, I do restrict myself to their policies concerning English translations.

Fourth, I have not (to my knowledge) ever actually taught against (from a local church pulpit or in a classroom) against the position of that particular local church on English translations.

Finally, I (and my family) understand that both (in the past and potentially in the future) we will have to leave local churches due to the nature and manner in which this English translation only position is addressed (both in teaching and demeanor).

Historical Quote from History on Translations

"We do not deny, nay, we affirm and avow, that the very meanest translation of the Bible in English set forth by men of our profession ... containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God....No cause therefore why the word translated should be denied to be the word, or forbidden to be current, notwithstanding that some imperfections and blemishes may be noted in the setting forth of it....Whatever was perfect under the sun, where Apostles or apostolick men, that is, men endued with an extraordinary measure of God's Spirit, and priviledged with the privilege of infallibility, had not their hand?" (The Translators to the Reader, p. xix)

Read, learn, be educated.  soli deo gloria

Comments as always encouraged.