The following documentation shows the acceptance of modern Bible versions within the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship (FBF) and Bob Jones University (BJU) and the trend to replace the King James Version with the New American Standard Version (NASB) as the preferred Bible of fundamentalists within these two organizations. Please note the interrelationships of the individuals and institutions mentioned.

1. The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship annual national meeting for 2001 was held June 12-14th, at First Baptist Church of Troy, Michigan, where Dr. Michael Harding is Senior Pastor. The First Baptist Church of Troy publicly uses the New American Standard Version. In a letter (photocopy on file) signed by Michael W. Harding, Senior Pastor (mharding@fbctroy.org) and dated May 22, 2000, Dr. Harding states:
   
   "We do use the New American Standard in our pulpit, and we are fundamentalists, and we are not ashamed. If you will read the enclosed book, From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man, I think you will be enlightened as well."
   
   [Fundamentalist Mis-information on Bible Versions by Dr. Donald Waite, which refutes From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man, also documents that this book has the "enthusiastic support of Dr. Bob Jones III, president of Bob Jones University... [and was] written by graduates, faculty members, Trustee Board members, Cooperating Board members, and friends of Bob Jones University." - Foreword, p. v.]
   
   
2. When this article was first published in October 2000, "The Bridge to Eternal Life" gospel tract on the First Baptist Church of Troy Website used the NASB Update throughout. Subsequently, the NASB Update version was removed and replaced with the KJV version of "The Bridge" tract. Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary holds the copyright for "The Bridge" tract.
   
   
3. Organizations that the FBC of Troy supports as of October 2001, (www.fbctroy.org/mission.htm), include: Bob Jones University, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, Fundamental Baptist Fellowship, Frontline Magazine, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, and Northland Baptist Bible College.
   
   
4. Dr. Michael Harding (pastor of FBC of Troy) is on the Executive Board of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship and the Cooperating Board of Trustees of Bob Jones University.
   
   
5. Other members listed on the Executive Board of the FBF include Dr. Sam Horn (Northland Baptist Bible College), Dr. Bob Jones III (Bob Jones University), Dr. Mark Minnick (Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, SC), Dr. Fred Moritz (Baptist World Mission), Dr. Les Ollila (Northland Baptist Bible College), Dr. Chuck Phelps (Trinity Baptist Church, NH), Dr. George Youstra (Clearwater Christian College), and Dr. J. B. Williams (editor of From the Mind of God to the Mind of Men book mentioned by Pastor Harding above). Dr. J. B. Williams is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Bob Jones University.
   
   
6. The FBF Website (www.f-b-f.org/links.asp) has thirteen external links to other Websites including First Baptist Church of Troy, MI (Dr. Michael Harding), Inter-City Baptist Church, Allen Park, MI (Dr. David Doran), and Tabernacle Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, VA (Dr. Rod Bell).
   
   
7. Dr. Rod Bell, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, VA, is a Bob Jones University graduate, on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Bob Jones University and President of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship. In a statement that has since been moved from the Tabernacle Baptist Church/College/Seminary Website (www.Tabernacle-vb.org/index.html), Dr. Bell said "...we are not "King James Only" but we use only the King James. The difference is that we use other good, conservative translations that agree with [the] Authorized Version, but we do not recommend them for public use. Also, we will not break fellowship with fundamental men who use a conservative translation instead of the Authorized Version." Dr. Bell is also quoted on the back cover of From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man, although it was done without his prior permission (see link below under Sources consulted). The "Our Stand on the Authorized Version - Statement by Tabernacle Baptist Ministries on Issues of the Scriptures, Adopted, 1988," on their Website has the following message added at the bottom: "We would be in agreement with the resolutions that the FBF has stood on for 25 years or more..."
   
   
8. Supporting Churches of the FBF (www.f-b-f.org/) include the First Baptist Church of Troy (Dr. Michael Harding), Inter-City Baptist Church (Dr. David Doran), Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (Dr. Mark Minnick) and Tabernacle Baptist Church (Dr. Rod Bell).
   
   
9. Dr. David Doran (Pastor of Inter-City Baptist Church and President of Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary) was the panel moderator for the video recording, "Fundamentalism and the Word of God," produced by the Coalition for the Defense of the Scriptures (c1998), 4801 Allen Road, Allen Park, MI 48101 (the address of InterCity Baptist Church). Panel participants were Dr. William Combs, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary; Dr. Kevin Bauder, Central Baptist Theological Seminary; Dr. Robert Delnay, Clearwater Christian College; Drs. Thurman Wisdom and Randy Jaeggle, Bob Jones University; Rev. Larry Oats, Maranatha Baptist Bible College; Dr. Sam Horn, Northland Baptist Bible College; and Dr. David Burggraff, Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. This video was in response to another video, "The Leaven in Fundamentalism," a history of the Bible text issue in Fundamentalism, produced by Pensacola Christian College, c1998. PCC is a proponent of the superiority of the Greek Received Text (TR) and the King James Version.
   
   
10. Dr. David Doran is a Bob Jones University graduate and was assistant pastor of First Baptist Church of Troy, MI, before becoming Pastor of Inter-City Baptist Church and President of DBTS. As previously mentioned, Inter-City Baptist Church is listed as one of the Supporting Churches of the FBF.
    
    
11. Dr. Dave Doran was a listed speaker for the annual spring Bible Conference at Bob Jones University, March 18-23, 2001.
    
    
12. The Inter-City Baptist Church Website (www.intercity.org/) has links to:
    Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary.
    Bob Jones University.
    Maranatha Baptist Bible College.
    Pillsbury Baptist Bible College
    Northland Baptist Bible College
    Clearwater Christian College
    First Baptist Church of Troy
    
    
13. The "Bridge to Eternal Life" on the Inter-City Baptist Church Website uses the NASB Update throughout. After this article was published in October 2000, the NASB Update version of "The Bridge" tract was removed and replaced with the KJV version of "The Bridge." Subsequently, Dr. Doran wrote me to say that "the change was not one intended by us, and we have already begun steps to correct the problem (by returning to the NASB)." Dr. Doran further stated, "we are not apologetic for our use of the NASB" and "would not want anyone to draw a false conclusion about this ministry, namely that we had caved to KJV Only pressure." As of June 2001, the Inter-City Church Website has returned to using the NASB Update version of "The Bridge" tract.
    
    
14. The Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary is a ministry of Inter-City Baptist Church. The DBTS Website (www.dbts.edu/link.html) contains the following links:
    
    Under KJV Only Refutation and Textual Criticism:
    "Alpha and Omega Ministries is the official site for the apologetics ministry of James White. He has produced some of the best works refuting the King James Only error."
    Under Fundamentalism:
    "Frontline. The magazine of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship."
    
    
15. The DBTS Website (www.dbts.edu/inspiration.html) contains the following statement:
    
    Inspiration & Preservation of Scripture by the DBTS Faculty
    "The Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary recognizes the multiplicity of translations and versions of the Word of God in many languages and dialects. ...We hold that only the autographs of Scripture are inerrant and that copies and translations of Scripture are inerrant insofar as they are true to the inerrant autographs. Thus any translation or version of Scripture in any language is the Word of God if it accurately reproduces what is in the original manuscripts.
    
    ...We believe the [sic] God has providentially preserved His word in the many manuscripts, fragments, versions, translations, and copies of the Scriptures that are available, and that by diligent study, comparison, and correlation, the original text (words) can be ascertained. We therefore hold that the integrity of any text, text type, translation, version, or copy of the Scriptures is to be judged by the autographs only and not by an English translation or any other reproduction or translation.
    
    We acknowledge the right of all Christians to study the manuscript evidence regarding the text of Scripture and to come to a preference for a text, text type, translation, or version. We do not grant the legitimacy of regarding one text, text type, or translation as the very Word of God to the exclusion of all others... November 1996"
    
    
16. Bob Jones, Sr. (in the 1930s) "did serve on the editorial board for the Amplified Bible" (Lockman Foundation) and in chapel "would often read his text from the KJV and then read it from the Amplified Bible to give the hearer a fuller and deeper understanding of exactly what that text is saying." Standing Without Apology, p. 244. According to the Lockman Foundation Website, at least one BJU faculty member worked on the New American Standard Bible:
    
    "More than fifty who have earned doctorates in Biblical languages worked on the translation of the Scriptures. They actively teach in colleges and seminaries, including Wheaton College, Northwestern Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dallas Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Talbot Theological Seminary, California State University, Bethany Nazarene College, Azusa-Pacific College, Bob Jones University, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, Grace Theological Seminary, Texas Christian University, Seattle Bible School, Southern California College, Westmont College, Point Loma College, and Regent College."
    [Source: www.gospelcom.net/lockman/trans/nasbprin.htm]
    
    
17. Bob Jones University. "Position of the Bible Department of Bob Jones University on the Scripture." Office of the President, no date. Source: Standing Without Apology, Appendix D.
    
    
18. The Bob Jones University Campus Store Website (www.bju.edu), as of 10/22/2001, offers for sale the following modern version Bibles (2 styles of the Amplified and 35 styles of the NASB) and books relating to the Bible text/version controversy, etc. Quoted descriptions from the BJU Website:
    
    The Amplified Bible Black Bonded Leather (Zondervan) ZON0011T
    The Amplified Bible Hardcover (Zondervan) ZON0013T
    Life Application NASB Black bonded (Zondervan) ZON0043T
    Life Application NASB Black Genuine (Zondervan) ZON0044T
    Life Application NASB Burgundy Bonded (Zondervan) ZON0042T
    Life Application NASB Burgundy Genuine (Zondervan) ZON0045T
    Life Application NASB Hard Back (Zondervan) ZON0041T
    NASB Classic Reference Bible (Zondervan) ZON0032T
    NASB Classic Reference Bible Black Bonded (Zondervan) ZON0030T
    NASB Classic Reference Bible Burgundy bonded (Zondervan) ZON0031T
    NASB Classic Reference Black (Zondervan) ZON0029T
    NASB Giant Print Black Genuine Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0053T
    NASB Giant Print Black Imitation Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0046T
    NASB Giant Print Burgundy Bonded Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0049T
    NASB Giant Print Burgundy Imitation Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0042T
    NASB Giant Print Forest Green (Foundation Publications) FOU0051T
    NASB Personal Worker's New Testament Black (World Bible Publishers) WOR0077T
    NASB Personal Worker's New Testament Burgundy (World Bible Publishers) WOR0078T
    NASB Pocket Bible Black Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0097T
    NASB Pocket Bible Black Bonded Leather with Zipper (World Bible Publishers) WOR0111T
    NASB Pocket Bible Blue Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0108T
    NASB Pocket Bible Burgundy Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0074T
    NASB Pocket Bible Green Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0109T
    NASB Side Column Reference Black (Foundation Publications) FOU0011T
    NASB Side Column Reference Blue (Foundation Publications) FOU0010T
    NASB Side Column Reference Burgundy (Foundation Publications) FOU0012T
    NASB Slimline Reference Bible Black Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0047T
    NASB Slimline Reference Bible Black Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0079T
    NASB Slimline Reference Bible Burgundy Genuine Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0045T
    NASB Slimline Reference Bible with Flap Black Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0075T
    NASB Slimline Reference Bible with Flap Burgundy Bonded Leather (World Bible Publishers) WOR0076T
    NASB Ultrathin Black Genuine Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0039T
    NASB Ultrathin Burgundy Bonded Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0033T
    NASB Ultrathin Burgundy Genuine Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0037T
    NASB Ultrathin Burgundy Genuine Leather (Foundation Publications) FOU0035T
    The New Inductive Study Bible NASB Bond (Harvest House Publishers) HAR0074T
    The New Inductive Study Bible NASB Hard (Harvest House Publishers) HAR0073T
    
    The King James Only Controversy by James R. White. "Is your Bible translation reliable? Is it the real Bible? Answering those who claim that only the King James Version is the Word of God. The King James Only Controversy examines allegations that modern translators conspired to corrupt Scripture and lead believers away from true Christian faith. In a readable and responsible style, author James White traces the development of Bible translations old and new and investigates the difference between new versions and the Authorized version of 1611."
    [Dr. James White is listed under "Critical consultants to NASB Update" on the Lockman Foundation Website.]
    
    The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism by D.A. Carson. "The King James Version is superior to all modern English translations of the Bible:" so say many popularly written books and pamphlets. [This] is the first book-length refutation of this point of view written for both pastors and laymen. The author concisely explains the science of textual criticism since the main premise advanced by KJV proponents is the superiority of the Greek text on which it is based. After showing the problems with this premise, the author refutes the propositions that: (1) the KJV is the most accurate translation..."
    
    Greek New Testament, 4th Rev. Ed. (United Bible Society). "This is the same text as the Nestle-Aland 27th ed." (When the author of this article saw this in the BJU Bookstore during a visit to campus, it was listed as the required text for Elementary Greek II.)
    
    From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man. James B. Williams, editor. "Many volumes on this subject of manuscripts and translations produce more heat than light. Happily, here is a book that is filled with light and little heat." Dr. Ernest Pickering, Baptist World Mission. "This collection of essays presents the true historical and biblical facts regarding the text, transmission, and translation of Scripture in layman's terms."
    
    Fundamentalism and the Word of God (VHS). Described in no. 9 above.
    
    
19. Dr. Pickering, a Bob Jones University graduate, wrote the Preface to From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man. In his pamphlet, "Questions and Answers About Bible Translations" (no date indicated) which was sold by the BJU Campus Store, he answers the following question:
    
    "My pastor is using a translation other than the King James Version in his preaching and/or teaching. I am confused when trying to follow in my King James Version. What should I do?"
    
    "The best thing to do is to purchase a copy of the version your pastor is using (assuming, of course, he is a fundamental preacher and using an acceptable version). Bring this version with you to church and thus you will be able to enjoy and benefit from the ministry of the Word. You can still use your King James Version or other version for private study." p. 7-8.
    
    Dr. Pickering also says on p. 6 of this booklet: "There are compelling reasons why some fundamental pastors and teachers are now employing versions other than the King James Version in their teaching and preaching... (Most would use either the New American Standard Version or the New International Version)."
    
    
20. In Biblical Answers to Bothersome Questions by Bob Jones III. c1981. BJU Press, under Question 1, Is the Bible reliable?, p. 5, Dr. Jones states:
    
    "You ask, "Which translation of the Bible should I use?" My answer is that you should use the one that is closest to the original languages. That rules out all paraphrases such as Good News for Modern Man, The Living Bible, or whatever paraphrase you may think is good." (Note that Dr. Jones does not tell the reader what translation is "the one that is closest to the original languages.")

The above documentation shows the acceptance of modern Bible versions within the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship and Bob Jones University and the actions that are leading to replacing the King James Version with the New American Standard Version (latest edition called NASB Update) as the preferred Bible of fundamentalists within these two organizations. This should be a clear warning to those who believe that the King James Version is God's preserved Word in the English language and who have been unaware of the extent of the movement to accept and openly use modern Bible versions within Fundamentalism.

Dear believer in the Lord Jesus Christ: be diligent! Prove all things! Study the Bible text/version issue for yourself. See the list below of suggested resources for further study of this very important issue. Be valiant! Hold fast that which is good! Take a stand for the Lord and His Word during these last days!

Note: All information from World Wide Web sources is accurate as of October 22, 2001.

Sources consulted:
Books, pamphlets, etc.
Biblical Answers to Bothersome Questions by Bob Jones III.
Bob Jones University 2000-2001 Bulletin. Undergraduate.
Correction to Rodney Bell Statement and related articles.
Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Committed to Modern Versions
Fundamentalist Mis-Information on Bible Versions by D.A. Waite
Photocopy of letter signed by Michael W. Harding, dated May 22, 2000.
Questions and Answers About Bible Translations by Ernest Pickering.
Standing Without Apology: The History of Bob Jones University by Daniel L. Turner. Greenville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press, c1997.
Translators of the New American Standard Bible

Websites consulted:
Fundamental Baptist Fellowship
Bob Jones University
First Baptist Church of Troy, MI
Inter-City Baptist Church
Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary
Tabernacle Baptist Church
The Lockman Foundation

Suggested resources for further study:
Suggested Resources on the Bible Text/Version Issue
Way of Life Literature Electronic KJV Defense Library
Fundamentalist Ministries (Bible institutes, colleges, seminaries; mission boards/agencies, and other ministries that stand for the TR/KJV)