Mick,
You have to remember that there is minute difference in the different versions of the bible.
You also have to note that Islam is a newer religion than Judeo-Christianity and the Koran was also complied by only *one* person, Mohammad who also included his own version of the first 5 books of Jewish Torah (Old Testament).
The Quran was written in 5th century Arabic by one person. All over the world they use the same old arabic text. Islam does not recognize any translations of English, Russian or Italian etc.. Anyone who wants to study the "true" Koran has to learn 5th century Arabic.
On the other hand, Christianity is an older religion. The Bible is actually a compliation of letters, articles or books written over several thousands of years in two different languages - ancient Hebrew and 1st century Greek- by different authors. For example, Moses recorded the first five books, David wrote most of Psalms, the new testament was written in Greek by Jesus disciples nearly two thousand years later. During the formative years of Christianity, the church met to compile the various text into what is known as the Bible. The Muslims have accused us of "making it up" during that period. But really what they did was to collect the various letters and books written by the various disciples into what is now known as the New Testament. What you have to bear in mind is the remarkable similarity of the message presented by the various authors who lived spanned over hundreds of years. I'm sure your muslim friend can criticize what I've written but this is not the place for an indepth discussion.
Moreover over time the various groups of Christians have tried to translate the original documents into language more easily understandable to the common man. The King James Bible was translated so that Englishmen (in the 16th century) could read and interpret the bible without recourse to priest. The NIV was translated in the mid 1970s.
With such a rich heritage, it is no wonder that we Christians have different versions or translations. But do they differ from the main message - no.
There are available "original" copies of ancient Hebrew Greek copies of the bible. But they are usually available only to dedicated bible scholars.
BTW, the Catholics also have their "version" or "different translation" of the bible but accept for the inclusion of a few obscure and minor histories - its largely the same.
Does that explain your question?
YM
Originally posted by mick
Thank you so much for replying, but I am still stuck as to why we do not have the original copy of the bible.
One of the closest friends that I have today is a muslim. In Islam the muslims have the "Quran". When ever I visit different towns I allways try to visit book stores and ask for the Quran. And the copies are allways the same, and it is the "original" copy from the times and dates of their prophet.
one help me with this question please.