Picture an American visionary who made the Bible accessible to millions with a single, bold idea—meet Kenneth N. Taylor! A publisher, author, and philanthropist, Taylor revolutionized Christian literature with his paraphrase, The Living Bible, which sold over 40 million copies. His passion for clear, engaging scripture sparked a global movement, all while he quietly funneled his success into mission work.
Born into a world where the King James Bible’s archaic language stumped even devout readers, Taylor’s mission was personal: make God’s Word clear for his ten children and beyond. From his humble commuter train scribbles to founding Tyndale House Publishers, his story is one of faith, grit, and a knack for storytelling that resonates across generations.
The Making of Kenneth N. Taylor
Kenneth Nathaniel Taylor was born on May 8, 1917, in Portland, Oregon, to a Presbyterian minister and his wife. Raised in a home where scripture was sacred, Taylor developed a deep respect for the Bible, though its 17th-century phrasing frustrated him. After graduating from Wheaton College in 1938 with a degree in zoology, he pursued theological studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and Northern Baptist Seminary, earning a Th.M. in 1944. His early career saw him editing HIS magazine and directing Moody Press, where he honed his publishing chops and dreamed of simpler scripture.
Kenneth N. Taylor’s Unforgettable Works
Taylor’s crowning achievement, The Living Bible, began as a labor of love in the 1950s. Frustrated that his children struggled with the King James Bible, he paraphrased New Testament epistles into modern English during his Chicago train commutes. Published as Living Letters in 1962 after rejections from major publishers, it gained traction when Billy Graham distributed half a million copies through his crusades. By 1971, The Living Bible—covering the entire Bible—was a sensation, topping U.S. bestseller lists for three years.
Beyond The Living Bible, Taylor wrote beloved children’s books like The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes, which sold over 1.5 million copies. With vivid illustrations and simple prose, it brought scripture to young readers. Other works, like Stories for the Children’s Hour and Right Choices, blended moral lessons with engaging narratives, reflecting Taylor’s knack for teaching faith accessibly. His style—conversational, heartfelt, and clear—made complex biblical ideas relatable, especially for families.
Taylor’s publishing ventures were equally impactful. In 1962, he founded Tyndale House Publishers, named after 16th-century Bible translator William Tyndale. The company grew into a powerhouse, producing bestsellers like the Left Behind series and the New Living Translation, a scholarly translation distinct from Taylor’s paraphrase. In 1950, he also co-founded the Christian Booksellers Association, strengthening the Christian publishing industry.
Why Kenneth N. Taylor Matters
Taylor’s legacy is monumental. The Living Bible didn’t just sell millions—it transformed how people engaged with scripture, making it a household staple for those intimidated by traditional translations. His generosity shone through the Tyndale House Foundation, which funneled all Living Bible royalties into global mission projects, spreading his vision of accessible faith. Taylor’s work inspired countless conversions, with readers crediting his paraphrase for their spiritual awakenings. Today, Tyndale House remains a leading Christian publisher, and the Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award honors his industry impact.
His humility and resilience—self-publishing despite rejections, prioritizing mission over profit—set a standard for Christian authors and publishers. Taylor died on June 10, 2005, but his commitment to clear, vibrant scripture endures, touching readers worldwide.
- Birth Date: May 8, 1917
- Key Works: The Living Bible, The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes, Stories for the Children’s Hour
- Awards: Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award (named in his honor), four honorary doctorates
Ready to dive into Taylor’s world? Snag The Living Bible or The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes and discover his timeless, faith-filled storytelling!