Rating: 
Summary: What should we believe?
Review: The sad part is that most of my brothers & sisters in Christ would be appalled to find that I have a strong affinity with Phillip Comfort's view of historicity & reliability. His was the most readable book on this subject I've studied. Most of the time the details and the "back & forth" nature of the subject matter leave me confused & with a loss of interest. Comfort didn't--in fact, I could hardly put it down once I'd started (ask my wife). After reading and re-reading and re-re-reading, I decided I ought to be fair and hear what the "other side" had to say about his lack of attachment to tradition--KJV, etc.. I was not surprised, but was disappointed with their lack of scholarship and their attempts to encite hysteria in those who might not think EXACTLY as they do. I was most put off by the personal attacks on the character & faith of those who didn't line up with them. They are the ones who appear hysterical & deeply afraid that any new thoughts or evidence would destroy the faith of millions. Phillip Comfort was trying (with great success in my opinion) to increase my faith in God's word--and to make sure we know what it is--and isn't. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Too much text criticism
Review: This book has a great history of how our modern bible translations came to be, much of which can be found on the net or in the forward of any parallel New Testament. The only thing I found discouraging about the book is the...promotion of the New Living Translation, also a product of the Tyndale house (hint, hint). From the conclusion, one is led to believe the NLT is the only valid interpretation. The redeeming factor was held in the final pages of comparison; here many of the disputed or "missing" verses of the KJV were analyzed and competently put in context.Pro's
1 Detailed history of the Bible
2 A general overview of the style of interpretation of many versions (i.e. word for word v. thought for thought)
3 The lineage of many versions (i.e. Latin Vulgate, Greek, Textus Receptus etc.)
4 An analysis and listing of disputed verses of the KJV Con's
1 Some of the descriptions are, shall we say, long-winded.
2 A blatantly one-sided view of the authority of the New Living Translation which, just "happens to be" from the same publishing house. After I read this book, I had to go and research the evolution of the Bible for myself to ensure that what I'd just read wasn't just an advertisement.
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