August 28, 2000
Survey finds NIV top pick
___PHOENIX (ABP)--The New International Version is the most popular Bible translation among Protestant ministers, according to a new nationwide survey.
___In a poll of more than 500 pastors of Protestant churches, 34 percent said they are most likely to rely on the NIV in their work. The traditional King James Version was favored by 24 percent, followed by the New Revised Standard Version (17 percent), the New King James Version (10 percent) and the New American Standard Version (9 percent).
___Other versions, including the New Living Translation, The Message, the Living Bible, the Contemporary English Version and the Amplified Bible, each were named by less than 2 percent of the pastors.
___The survey, conducted by Ellison Research, a marketing-research company based in Phoenix, only asked pastors what version of the Bible they use for most of their work.
___The type of Bible used varied by denomination. Pastors in mainline denominations favored the New Revised Standard Version. Evangelicals favored the NIV, while Pentecostal and charismatic churches leaned toward the King James Version.
___A surprising find, said researcher Ron Sellers, is that the pastor's age has little to do with selection of a Bible translation. The average age of pastors who favor the King James Bible is 51, compared to 50 for those who prefer the NIV and 48 for each the New Revised Standard, New King James and New American Standard versions.
___"The research exploded the myth held in some circles that older pastors cling to the traditional King James while younger ministers prefer more contemporary versions," said Sellers, president of Ellison Research. "Just under half of the ministers who prefer the NIV are 50 years or older, and almost half of the pastors who rely on the King James are under the age of 50. Their preference has far more to do with theology, worldview and denominational background than with age."Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!