IT’S a shame that Peter Mullen in his diatribe about the modern versions of the Bible (Echo, Jan 3) did not include the whole of verse one from Corinthians Chapter three, because it illustrates perfectly why the translations into modern day English are needed.

The full verse in the King James version reads “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.”

Charity? What is that all about?

Giving money away? The RSPCA?

No. It is, in fact, the old word for love.

As a child from a working class background, like Peter Mullen, I attended Sunday School and later became a member of the Presbyterian Church (now the URC) and was always puzzled by the use of this word charity. It was not until I read this passage in the New English version that I came to see that the whole of our Christian faith is based on love. Love of God and our fellow human beings, as Jesus constantly reiterated.

Sometimes reading Peter Mullen’s column he does sound like noisy gong or a clanging cymbal – but he certainly never sounds like a tinkling cymbal.

However, I have to admit that the new versions often do destroy the poetry of the old versions, especially in the psalms which, after all, are poems/songs.

But what is more important?

That people understand the word of God or that they appreciate the poetry without understanding the meaning of the words?

Perhaps there is room for both.

That is if we apply Paul’s logic and do everything with love, including, dare I say it, writing a newspaper column or a letter to HAS.

Harry Bunting, Darlington.

PETER MULLEN complains about the modern translation of the Bible and its inferiority to the King James’ version from 1605.

Had Peter been alive in 1605 I am sure he would have complained about a new translation.

I fear everything is for the worse in Peter’s eyes Eric Gendle, Nunthorpe.