Responsible Biblical Scholarship
Community of Christ uses the most responsible biblical scholarship available in the public use and interpretation of scripture. Earlier translations like the King James Version (KJV, published in 1611) were valuable in their time but had limited Greek and Hebrew manuscripts to reference. The Inspired Version (IV, published in 1867) is not a translation from the original languages. It is the KJV with about 5 percent changed or added by Joseph Smith, representing his insights and experiences. While the IV helps us better understand Smith’s developing theology, it does not get us closer to the original texts of the Bible, and it has many limitations of the KJV on which it is based.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV, published in 1989) has been used by Community of Christ as the most reliable version of the Bible available in English because it was based on thousands of manuscripts discovered since the 17th century as well as improved knowledge of the original languages. As of September 2024, Community of Christ has moved to the Updated Edition of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSVue) as the main reference for English resources. According to the National Council of Churches and the Society of Biblical Literature the NRSVue is “considered the most meticulously researched, rigorously reviewed, and faithfully accurate English-language Bible translation.”
Key Updates in the NRSVue
Bible Gateway described the updates from the NRSV to the NRSVue:
The NRSVue presents approximately 12,000 substantive edits and 20,000 total changes, which include alterations in grammar and punctuation.
Like its predecessors, this NRSVue has relied on the best results of modern discovery and scholarship. The mandate primarily focused on two types of revisions: text-critical and philological. The New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue) is not a new translation. While some stylistic improvements have been made, these were reserved for instances where the translation was awkward, unclear, or inaccurate. Other changes involve matters of consistency, grammar and punctuation, and general improvements that render the translation and notes more consistent and uniform.
Importance of Responsible Bible Interpretation
Responsible interpretation of the Bible requires careful study of the best current translations. The scholarship reflected in the NRSVue helps readers more closely understand the contexts and intents of the original authors.
Using the NRSVue
Consulting various translations can be helpful in Bible study and sermon preparation. However, for public ministry it is important to work with a translation consistent with Community of Christ’s understanding of what scripture is and how it should be used. The NRSVue is based on dependable scholarship and a translation approach consistent with Community of Christ’s official statement on scripture. It is a trustworthy version of the Bible for public worship and study. Community of Christ’s Sermon & Class Helps and Worship Resources are based on the NRSVue and follow the scripture text cycle from the Revised Common Lectionary. Using the NRSVue gives us access, then, to many excellent lectionary-based resources like Feasting on the Word, Seasons of the Spirit, and The New Interpreter’s Bible.