Hi Branded4him...
As Krispy noted, this is the subject of much debate. This topic has been the source of enormous debate amongst believers, and the topic of numerous threads here at SI (some of which have been a little "heated" in nature). I would urge you to seriously seek the Lord and seek out an answer. There is quite a bit of information available. It is important to realize that much of it is biased one way or another. The challenge is to get past the bias and get to the heart and root of the matter.
While it is fine to consult books on the subject, you should realize that nearly every book is tainted by the opinions, speculations or conclusions of the respective author. When possible, conduct research that extends past the claims. Research the claims themselves -- and attempt to determine whether or not that claim is accurate.
I conducted my own serious research into the subject (as have many individuals here). While my conclusions may differ with others -- they are still my conclusions nonetheless. I actually contacted some of the translators of a few of the modern versions -- including the NIV. I also contacted some scholars (some are college professors) with a list of questions. Surprisingly, I had quite a few responses. I also read several of the books that I know to be biased -- and researched some of the claims made by the author(s).
As such, I prefer the King James Version. I consider it the best translation from the sources known as the [i]Textus Receptus[/i]. There are many free research aids available for the KJV, which make it ideal for study. However, I hold the NIV in high regard, and consider it the best translation from the other sources deemed accurate by many academic "experts" in the matter. I also read the NASB.
When I study, I review the Word from the perspectives of the various versions. I am aware of the differences in translation due to the differences in source material, as well as the differences in translation that are attributed to wording preference.
I will pray for you in your search. I might interject that my search is still unfinished. I am not so abundantly certain of the issue -- even after much study and research -- as to make any sort of final judgment on the matter. Until then, I read the [u]perfect[/u] Word of God, consulting several translations that I deem credible.
:-)