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Weighed in the Balance

Weighed in the Balance

By: Jonathan Brooks & Co
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Weighed in the Balance, the show where we weigh claims against scripture and see if they hold up, of if they fall flat.

© 2026 Weighed in the Balance
Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • 5 Skeptical Claims vs. 1st Century History
    Jun 23 2026

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    I received five all-caps comments from a skeptic that demanded a response. Today, we're putting those claims—from the trial of Jesus to the dating of the Gospels—under historical scrutiny.

    Was Jesus a failed Revolutionary executed by the Romans for sedition?

    Did Augustine change Christian doctrine to make it Manichaean and Neoplatonist?

    Are the Gospels just “fan fiction”?

    Why didn’t “everyone” see Jesus rise from the dead?

    We tackle each of these topics, providing answers grounded in the facts of history and (just as important) the truth of Scripture.

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    32 mins
  • King James Onlyism: A Final Word on Bible Translations and Textual Criticism
    Jun 16 2026

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    Is the King James Version the only trustworthy English Bible? How should Christians think about textual criticism, Bible translations, and the doctrine of preservation?

    In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, Jonathan Brooks is joined by Rev. Don Baker to bring the King James Onlyism series to a close. Having both grown up in Independent Fundamental Baptist churches, they discuss their experiences, common arguments made by KJV-Only advocates, and why faithful Christians can confidently trust God's Word without insisting on one English translation.

    Topics include:

    • Growing up in King James Only churches
    • The value of a shared theological vocabulary
    • Formal equivalence vs. dynamic equivalence
    • Translation philosophy and readability
    • Greek and Hebrew in Bible study
    • The longer ending of Mark and the woman caught in adultery
    • The Comma Johanneum (1 John 5:7)
    • Textual criticism and the preservation of Scripture
    • Why scholarship must remain subordinate to God's Word
    • Common parallels between King James Onlyism and Roman Catholic claims of infallibility

    Our goal is not to attack those who love the King James Version. In fact, we both deeply appreciate the KJV and recognize its enormous influence on the English-speaking church. Rather, we seek to encourage Christians to trust God's providential preservation of Scripture and to approach these questions with charity and humility.

    If you enjoy careful and charitable theological discussion, please like this video, subscribe, and share it with others.


    00:00 Introduction to King James Onlyism

    02:41 Personal Backgrounds in Fundamentalism

    04:38 Debate Insights and Perspectives

    07:18 The Impact of King James Onlyism on Faith

    07:46 The Value of Shared Translations

    09:52 Cultural and Linguistic Perspectives on Translation

    12:52 Translation Philosophy: Formal vs. Dynamic Equivalence

    15:19 The Importance of Context in Translation

    18:13 Textual Variants and Their Implications

    20:05 Authority in Translation: King James Onlyism vs. Scholarly Consensus

    23:07 The Role of the Church in Transmission and Interpretation

    25:00 Understanding Textual Evidence and Its Significance

    27:22 Final Authority: Scholars vs. Original Texts

    40:53 The Impact of Scholarship on the Church

    41:10 Navigating Theological Liberalism and Scholarship

    45:55 The Role of Pastors and Authority in Teaching

    52:16 The Preservation of Scripture Through History

    57:08 Understanding Bible Translations and Their Interpretations

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • King James Onlyism Debate Ends in Controversy: What Really Happened?
    Jun 9 2026

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    In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, we conclude the 2021 King James Onlyism debate between Nathan Cravatt and Mitch Canupp, focusing on a key moment involving Titus 2:13 and the translation of “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

    We walk through the Greek text, discuss the Granville Sharp construction, and examine claims about whether modern translations (like the ESV and NIV) weaken or strengthen Christ’s deity.

    The discussion then shifts to a broader theological concern:
    What happens when translation philosophy becomes tied to questions of salvation and doctrinal fidelity?

    This episode raises important questions about:

    • Bible translation and Greek grammar
    • The Granville Sharp construction (Titus 2:13)
    • Claims of doctrinal “watering down”
    • King James Onlyism and theological boundaries
    • Gospel clarity vs translation preferences

    Whether you’re interested in biblical languages, Reformed theology, or contemporary translation debates, this episode brings the discussion to a head.


    00:00 Introduction to King James Onlyism Debate

    01:48 Disappointment in Audience Response

    04:10 Textual Differences and Translation Accuracy

    11:32 Inconsistencies in Argumentation

    23:57 The State of Humanity and the Gospel

    28:14 The Centrality of Christ in Salvation

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    Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!!

    Click here to find us everywhere!!

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    31 mins
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