To their credit, both uses are becoming accepted. Indeed, they can even have slightly different connotations:
"If I were Jesus"
Carries a slightly less active connotation than
"If I was Jesus"
It's a little hard to grasp, but "If I was Jesus," asserts more of an ability to act upon Jesus's position, whereas "If I were Jesus," is lesser so - rather you are closer to merely living Jesus's life.
It's not black and white, but a slight distinction in connotation exists. And yes, some modern grammar texts accept both usages.
|