Controversy
Many have denounced Wescott's and Hort's Greek translation of the Bible as corrupt. This criticism is leveled today by those in fundamentalist Christianity, particularly the KJVO Movement. Gail Riplinger quotes them in her book New Age Versions. In it, she accuses Wescott of being involved in the occult. However, she produces no substantial evidence for the claim. Rather, Wescott himself wrote,
"Many years ago I had occasion to investigate “spiritualistic” phenomena with some care, and I came to a clear conclusion, which I feel bound to express in answer to your circular. It appears to me that in this, as in all spiritual questions, Holy Scripture is our supreme guide. I observe, then, that while spiritual ministries are constantly recorded in the Bible, there is not the faintest encouragement to seek them. The case, indeed, is far otherwise. I cannot, therefore, but regard every voluntary approach to beings such as those who are supposed to hold communication with men through mediums as unlawful and perilous. I find in the fact of the Incarnation all that man (so far as I can see) requires for life and hope."
Others have raised the similar criticism in order to defend the King James Version.
Since controversy was "un-Christian," he refused to answer John Burgon's arguments concerning the Local Text of Alexandria which Westcott helped exalt. He simply said, "I cannot read Mr. Burgon yet. A glance at one or two sentences leads me to think that his violence answers himself."
Read more about this topic: Brooke Westcott
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