Direct Answer
The comparison exposes a double standard: people may condemn textual tampering when outsiders do it, while excusing or endorsing similar changes when they support their own theology. Bercot argues that evangelicals can be “no less guilty” than Jehovah’s Witnesses in altering Scripture to fit doctrine.
Support from Transcript
- The New World Translation adds “other” to Colossians 1:16 so Jesus appears to be part of creation. - Bercot says this addition was made “to support their theology that Jesus is part of creation.” - He then says, “Unfortunately, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not the only ones who have purposefully altered Scripture in order to support their views.” - He states directly, “Evangelicals are no less guilty than they are.” - Concerning the Living Bible, he says evangelicals “smile with approval when one of ‘our’ people does the same thing to a far greater degree.”
Discussion Follow-ups
The transcript suggests that loyalty to one’s group can blind people to the same faults they identify in others, especially when the alteration supports familiar theology.