Dear Restinsi; There are a couple things I can add to your first question. The reasons for differences in Bibles are varied. One of the big reasons is where the copies or the manuscripts came from. As you might know, there are no original texts of the Bible, everything is a copy. The newer found, yet older copies are referred to as the 'Alexandrian text'. Many of the new translations depend largely on these. The Revised Standard; New International and many more. One thing about the Alexandrian Text, is there are far fewer copies and fragments than what is called the 'Textus Receptus' (Received Text) which are not as old as the Alexandrian. Confused yet? The received text is what the Geneva, and King James versions, and many others are based on.
Bible 'translation' is a science, however, nothing is without subjectivity. Among other things, scholars use usage, based on common textual evidence. But it is also accomplished by statistics of how many 'copies' contain certain words, letters, sentences. Honest translators take these and decide what copies carry the most evidence- this opposed to what they wish it contained. When you read a Bible that omits some verses, it is likely the text is taken from the 'Alexandrian' sources; simply because the ancient copies they translate from do not contain them. Here's the problem for translators; Alexandrian though older, have far few copies. Textus Receptus, though a bit younger, on the other hand, has tons more copies! Which should one use? No one knows absolutely. But, as I have said before, the major tenets of God's word stay intact regardless. So it is not to be worried about. As an example, when the dead sea scrolls were found, the complete book of Isaiah was intact, in a clay jar. 600 years older than any other copy. They've compared it to other copies and the differences were very minor; a letter here and there.
In trying to make a translation understandable, sometimes there are things added. For instance, if I said to you, 'boy woods went tree down cut'. It makes it very hard to read. What you would do to pass on this information is do some word switching and added some words to create flow. Otherwise it is what translators call 'wooden'. There are translations like this; it makes it less subjective, but more accurate as word for word. Young's Literal is one that is readable, but still is altered to make it readable.
Some, hoping to advance their skepticism will not accept anything but perfect agreement, yet they might love Shakespeare, who we also just relies on copies. And these copies vary in a huge way. Taking the size of the Bible, it is truly a miracle it has come to us at all. Because of it, we have a more clear record of the life of Jesus, even more than that of Julius Caesar, or other historical persons. Skeptics argue, 'not much of Jesus in secular history'. But Jesus was not 'famous' during his lifetime. It took many decades, centuries to accomplish what he had promised. Unlike the murdering and plundering of Mohammed, for instance, Jesus did not take his world by force. Later, contrary to his Bible, some of his followers did, but Christianity would have grown, and Christ's name advanced without violence, just as it has in yours and my life.
There is a very good book, I don't know if is still in print, 'Evidence that demands a verdict', Josh McDowell. I read this many years ago and these and other points are made in McDowell's book. I highly recommend it. However, my own view is that the Bible, with it's variants, multiple copies, languages, contradictory verses, etc are by God design. For instance, in Proverbs it says 'answer not a fool....' the next verse, 'answer a fool....'. A total contradiction. The original writer stated this knowing what he was doing. A little more study and thought of these verses clears the mystery. The skeptic will never see it, because he doesn't want to. But those who want wisdom will find the answer. All this is good, because God is continually sorting the dishonest, from those who think they are (sheep/goats syndrome).
If you ever have any questions in particular, I'll be glad to attempt to answer them. Christianity can be confusing, especially since the cultures within the pages of scripture span millenniums, but most does make sense in time. Things like the differences of Old Testament vs. New Testament law; killing every breathing thing in Old T; womens place in the church, age of the earth, and tons more, are major stumbling blocks to many. But when you come to God with a open heart, answers come building one atop another. As a natural born skeptic, I've had to find answers, or I can't sleep. Some don't need answers, they just enjoy God's blessings. I wish I were more like that. Peter
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