C.S. Lewis’s May 9, 1961 Counsel

On May 9, 1961, C.S. Lewis—an Oxford tutor at Magdalen College and later Cambridge’s professor of Medieval and Renaissance literature—wrote in a letter, “A modern translation is for most purposes far more useful than the Authorized [King James] Version.” Speaking as a scholar and as a plain Christian, he urged that Scripture be heard clearly, not filtered through needless obscurity.

Lewis did not sneer at the King James Bible. He knew its reverent beauty and its long service in English-speaking churches. Yet he also recognized how unfamiliar phrasing can hide meaning from ordinary readers, especially children, new believers, and those outside academic settings. His concern was practical discipleship: God’s Word should be understood, believed, and obeyed.

Oxford, Cambridge, and Everyday Faith

Lewis’s heroism was not loud. It was the steadier courage of choosing what helps the flock most, even when tradition feels safer. In mid-20th-century Britain—where the Authorized Version often carried cultural prestige—he recommended clarity as an act of love. True reverence is not confusion; it is submission to what God has actually said.

Understanding as a Biblical Pattern

Scripture itself commends intelligibility. “So they read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8). The goal was not to impress hearers with sacred-sounding words, but to bring them to repentance, comfort, and obedient faith.

Truth Over Tradition, Without Contempt

Lewis’s point was not that older translations are worthless, but that the church must never mistake familiarity for faithfulness. The Bible is not a museum piece; it is living instruction. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

A Timely Encouragement

His counsel remains pastoral wisdom: choose a trustworthy translation you can understand, read it prayerfully, and let it shape your conscience and conduct. Where the Word is clear, faith is strengthened, repentance becomes specific, and courage grows for daily obedience.