[dayglored]

As an American English speaker, and raised during the 50's and 60's, the King James Version has always been, and will always remain, "The Bible" to me and my family.

I recognize that there is a place for the newer translations. But the phrases that have become part of the American culture and lexicon are from the KJV.

I do not believe that a modern American can consider themselves literate unless they have read the KJV, regardless of their religion or lack thereof.

[dayglored]

> I do not believe that a modern American can consider themselves literate unless they have read the KJV, regardless of their religion or lack thereof.

Okay, one modification to that statement:

At a bare minimum, they have to have read the Pentateuch, Psalms, the Gospels, and Revelations. Hundreds of common phrases and words are found there, and without at least that much background, I don't think a person can call themselves literate.

Yeah, they can skim the "begats". :)

[davisfh]

"As an American English speaker, and raised during the 50's and 60's, the King James Version has always been, and will always remain, "The Bible" to me and my family."

I feel just as you do. There may be some slight difficulty in understanding the language of King James, but it is very slight. Unless one is pitifully uneducated, there should never be any difficulty in understanding the beautiful language of that day. If any scripture is read at my passing, my only wish is that it be presented in the language of King James.

[boven_mutum]

I do not believe that a modern American can consider themselves literate unless they have read the KJV, regardless of their religion or lack thereof.

I agree.

My children were put to bed listening to Alexander Scourby's taped narration of the KJV -- and acquired a mastery of English grammar and syntax that still serves them well. It used to amuse uncles and aunts to hear rich, complex, and beautifully crafted sentences spontaneously coming from 5 year old lips!