Weighed in the Balance

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. 

  1. The Five Types of KJV-Onlyism (And Why One Debate Completely Fell Apart)

    4D AGO

    The Five Types of KJV-Onlyism (And Why One Debate Completely Fell Apart)

    Send a text In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, we continue analyzing the debate between Nathan Cravatt and Mitch Canupp on King James Onlyism. By examining the different types of KJV-Only positions—from simple preference for the King James to claims that the KJV itself was re-inspired—we evaluate the arguments, evidence, and reasoning used in the debate. Along the way we look at textual criticism, the Textus Receptus, numerics claims, and how to critically evaluate theological arguments. If you enjoy careful and charitable theological discussions, consider subscribing and joining the conversation. Mark Ward on False Friends in the KJV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1awUlUOhwfI Mark Ward on the language of the Westminster Standards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnsMXQGORrA 00:00 Introduction 01:04 The Debate Question 03:10 Why KJV-Onlyism Is a Shrinking Position 05:02 The Five Types of KJV-Onlyism 05:45 1. “KJV Is the Best Translation” 09:01 2. The Textual Argument 12:37 3. Textus Receptus Only 17:20 4. The Inspired KJV View 19:25 5. The “New Revelation” Position 23:00 Why the Debaters Talk Past Each Other 26:10 The “Perfect Line of Manuscripts” Claim 30:25 The 1611 vs 1769 KJV Issue 34:40 How KJV-Only Arguments Use “Things That Are Different…” 39:02 The Psalm 138 Translation Issue 44:16 Evaluating the Debate Arguments 47:40 Emotional Appeals vs Evidence 49:40 “The Language Got Purer and Purer” Claim 52:30 Numerics vs Numerology 57:00 The WWII Chapter-Verse Claim 01:01:40 Misreading Romans Through Numerics 01:05:30 Erasmus and Codex Vaticanus 01:07:00 Is English the Closest Language to Hebrew? 01:09:10 Moderator Intervention Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    1h 9m
  2. Reformed Worship Explained: Normative vs Regulative Principle (with Ryan Biese)

    MAR 2

    Reformed Worship Explained: Normative vs Regulative Principle (with Ryan Biese)

    Send a text What is worship, and who decides how it should be done? In this episode, Jonathan Brooks and Ryan Biese discuss the biblical definition of worship, the regulative principle, and how modern evangelical practices compare to historic Reformed theology. 00:00 Introduction and General Assembly discussion  12:55 What is worship? Definition and biblical meaning  16:28 Creation and redemption as grounds for worship  21:27 Normative principle of worship explained  25:55 Regulative principle of worship explained  28:16 Nadab and Abihu and unauthorized worship  29:54 Jeroboam, the golden calves, and false worship  33:21 How worship declines when not regulated by Scripture  37:49 Modern evangelical worship and emotionalism  39:47 Worship as response to objective truth Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    1h 4m
  3. Possibly the WORST King James Onlyism Speech I've Ever Heard

    FEB 24

    Possibly the WORST King James Onlyism Speech I've Ever Heard

    Send a text In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, I respond to Mitch Canupp’s speech from the King James Only debate. His argument raises familiar claims about King James I, Westcott and Hort, and textual variants in modern Bible translations—but do those claims actually address the question being debated? We examine key passages such as John 7:8, Matthew 5:22, 1 Timothy 3:16, and the Comma Johanneum (1 John 5:7), and discuss how textual criticism works, what manuscript evidence exists, and why no central doctrine of Christianity depends on a disputed variant. My goal is not to attack individuals, but to evaluate arguments carefully, honestly, and in light of the best available evidence. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    43 min
  4. Which Bible Is God’s Word? | KJV-Only Debate Review

    FEB 17

    Which Bible Is God’s Word? | KJV-Only Debate Review

    Send a text In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, we return to the 2021 debate between Mitch Canup and Nathan Cravat to examine the second major question: Which Bible on the market today contains the words of God? This question gets to the heart of the King James Only controversy and the doctrine of Scripture itself. If God has preserved His Word—as Christians confess—where do we find it today? Is it confined to one English translation, or is God’s Word preserved in the original languages and faithfully conveyed through accurate translations? In this episode, we carefully analyze Cravat’s opening argument, including: What it means to call a translation “the Word of God”Whether all translations are created equalHow textual variants actually affect the New TestamentThe difference between preservation and re-inspirationWhy less than 1% of textual variants meaningfully impact the textWe also discuss the importance of evidence, manuscript history, and theological consistency when evaluating claims about Bible preservation. If you’re interested in careful, charitable theological discussion—especially on issues like Bible translation, textual criticism, and KJV-Onlyism—you’re in the right place. Let me know your thoughts in the comments: Do you believe only one translation can rightly be called God’s Word? Why or why not? 👍 Like & subscribe if you find thoughtful theological analysis helpful.  🔔 New episodes released weekly. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    34 min
  5. The One Verse That Convinced Me of Infant Baptism

    FEB 10

    The One Verse That Convinced Me of Infant Baptism

    Send a text In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, I explain how I became convinced that Scripture teaches infant baptism. Both Roman Catholic apologists and Baptist critics often claim that infant baptism cannot be defended from Scripture alone. John MacArthur made that case clearly and forcefully for decades. But what if the real issue isn’t a lack of biblical evidence — but a misunderstanding of what baptism actually is? In this video, I interact with several of MacArthur’s arguments and explain why I ultimately found them unconvincing. The turning point for me came down to a single question: what does Scripture say baptism is? We’ll look at: Why both sides in this debate appeal to ScriptureHow definitions of baptism shape the entire discussionColossians 2 and the relationship between baptism and circumcisionCovenant theology and the inclusion of believers’ childrenWhy the absence of one specific verse changed my mindMy goal is not to attack fellow Christians, but to carefully examine whether our beliefs can truly be supported from Scripture. If you find thoughtful, charitable theological discussion helpful, consider subscribing and joining the conversation. Question for viewers: What definition of baptism were you taught — and where do you see that definition in Scripture? 00:00 Introduction  01:10 Why this debate matters  03:00 Why interact with John MacArthur  05:50 MacArthur: Infant baptism is tradition, not Scripture  08:30 The key question: What is baptism?  10:45 MacArthur’s definition of baptism  13:30 The “missing verse” that changed my mind  15:40 Colossians 2 and covenant continuity  18:30 Baptism and circumcision compared  21:00 Why definitions determine conclusions  23:00 Responding to the “not in Scripture” claim  24:30 Final thoughts and viewer question Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    26 min
  6. Are Bible Translations “Word-for-Word”? The KJV-Only Debate Examined

    FEB 3

    Are Bible Translations “Word-for-Word”? The KJV-Only Debate Examined

    Send a text In this episode of Weighed in the Balance, Jonathan Brooks examines a common claim in the KJV-only debate: that faithful Bible translations must follow a strict “word-for-word” method. Engaging arguments made by James Canupp and Jeff Cravat, this episode explores what the King James translators themselves believed about translation, how Hebrew and Greek actually work, and why “word-for-word” accuracy often misunderstands how language conveys meaning. Rather than polemics, this conversation aims at careful, charitable evaluation—asking whether the claims being made can truly hold up to scrutiny. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    28 min
  7. From Fundamentalism to the Reformed Faith (with Rev. Don Baker)

    JAN 28

    From Fundamentalism to the Reformed Faith (with Rev. Don Baker)

    Send a text In this crossover episode, Jonathan is joined by his friend Rev. Don Baker—Presbyterian minister, YouTuber, and fellow former Independent Fundamentalist Baptist—for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Fundamentalism, wrestling with dispensationalism and King James-onlyism, and eventually embracing the Reformed faith. From Israel trips and rebaptisms in the Jordan River to covenant theology, worship, and Reformed ecclesiology, this episode explores how theology, history, and pastoral ministry intersect on the road to Presbyterianism. Links: Don Baker’s testimony / life story video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ajmKsFZJMU&feature=youtu.be A Case for Amillennialism – Kim Riddlebarger: https://a.co/d/fSja3P4 Desiring God (John Piper): https://a.co/d/goEF1No Ligonier Ministries (R.C. Sproul): https://www.ligonier.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopbmHe8H-lVfL78rGuV-_oCGCjnKDzW7lLl_4w_wmJYy-nMenMn Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    1h 26m
  8. Does Preservation Require Re-Inspiration? A Critical Look at King James Onlyism

    JAN 20

    Does Preservation Require Re-Inspiration? A Critical Look at King James Onlyism

    Send a text In this episode, I analyze Mitch Canupp’s rebuttal in the first question of the Canupp–Cravatt debate on King James Onlyism. After summarizing the structure of the debate and the opposing positions, I focus on Canupp’s central argument: that if God has preserved His Word, then that preservation must involve a re-inspired English translation—specifically, the King James Version. I evaluate this argument logically, showing that while the structure of Canupp’s reasoning may be valid, its premises are deeply flawed. I also address his attempts to cast doubt on the original biblical languages, his skepticism toward scholarly tools and lexicons, and his apparent rejection of a teaching office within the church. Along the way, I discuss the role of non-believing scholars in linguistic study, the proper place of the Holy Spirit’s illumination, and the difference between denying an infallible magisterium and denying teaching authority altogether. I conclude by explaining why the question is not whether Christians have a perfect Bible, but whether the King James Version alone can bear that claim. Support the show Do you think this claim is found wanting? Let us know on social!! Click here to find us everywhere!!

    36 min
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About

Weighed in the Balance, the show where we weigh claims against scripture and see if they hold up, of if they fall flat. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Brooks & Co
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Weighed in the Balance
  • Show Website
    Weighed in the Balance

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