About 2 years ago I moved churches from non-denominational to Independent Fundamental Baptist church. Which I didn't know much about or understand at the time other than that they were more conservatively dressed and use KJV only. I do love the church but what I am struggling with is the KJV only part now. I am very involved now in ministry and what I see is a lot of self righteous attitude of we are using the only right version and everyone else that doesn't is wrong and in sin for using a corrupt version. Now I can respect that KJV is your preferred version I also like it, but to say that it is the ONLY correct and PERFECT version which is not true in regards to some grammar errors and the like but never the less a good version is difficult for me to deal with. I love this church and don't want to hold a bad attitude with them but I disagree with the KJV only idea and how the attitude towards other believers that come with it. Has anyone else come across and learned to deal with it in a lovingly manner without having to move churches?
If you disagree with them on this, they will call you unsaved. According to the IFB, more specifically, the new-IFB, anybody who doesn't use the KJV is not able to be saved because they are not reading the true word of God. Obviously, that's not even a biblical concept.
One can have convictions about the accuracy of the KJV and the authority of it, like myself, who will only ever use the KJV and advocate for it's accuracy, both in the grammar and manuscripts it is descended and translated from; but to go so far as to say that someone isn't saved or a sanctified Christian because they read another version is zeal that is not according to knowledge.
IFB churches are great for spreading the gospel, for doctrinal teaching, for all-around zeal for a Christian to grow and mature in; however, their attitude of being the only correct denomination and the most biblical church is indeed an attitude of self-righteousness, which causes most of their members to be puffed up foolishly. Now, this is a generalization of what I've noticed amongst IFB churches, this is of course not the case for everyone of them.
I love the fact that they love soul-winning. I love the fact that they love proper doctrine. I love the fact that they are usually always close-knit, familiar communities who are actively apart of each other's lives. I love the fact that they're so willing and zealous to stand up for the truth, and to preach against heresies and wickedness for the edification of the saints.
I hate the fact that they can easily be jerks. I hate the fact that they feel they have the authority to condemn anyone who disagrees with them to hell. I hate the fact that they rail on the brethren, and others. I hate the fact that they make themselves the doctrinal authorities for all matters, as if their interpretations are best. Of course, I myself have been found to be guilty of these things before, I try to repent from them as much as possible.
There is one Lord and Christ, and one gospel that is the power of God unto salvation; I find that if I preach that faithfully, everything else falls into place. The other stuff can easily come of evil.
If I were you, I would be honest and open about how you feel. There is no reason to act against your conscience if you are indeed following Christ in faith. They may condemn you for it. They may hate you for it, but stand up for what you believe in; it's what those people respect.
