Celebrating 400 years of King James Bible

 biblepr
24 Oct 2011 12:54:40.107

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham is to give the first in a series of free talks at The University of Nottingham’s Great Hall to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the King James version of the Bible.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler – an alumnus of the University – will give a talk entitled A Bible for Ordinary People on Wednesday 2 November. His talk will discuss why the King James version came about, what it was hoped it would achieve and some thoughts on the effect it actually had. This will lead on to further reflection on the Bible as a living book and its continued impact in the lives of ordinary people.

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The Living Word Within the Printed Word is the title of a talk taking place on Wednesday, November 9. The Revd Canon Professor Anthony Thiselton, from the University’s Department of Theology and Religious Studies, will discuss whether we can hear God speak through the multiple styles and sources within the Bible, and is what the Bible achieves better explained as a quest of human aspiration, or as the living voice of God? 

The King James Bible has had a profound impact on English language and culture, with many phrases still in use today. In A word in season: the King James Bible and English, Dr Paul Cavill of the University’s Department of English will explore the King James Bible’s legacy and its relevance to the present and the future.  Dr Cavill’s talk will take place on Wednesday 16 November.

The King James Bible, or Authorised Version, is perhaps the best-known version of the Bible, and its poetic English has been treasured for centuries. Its importance to Christians, however, is due to it being the translation of the Bible in the language of the day, which became the dominant translation and which has had a deep effect on the development of British thought and culture

Though superseded by many other translations, the King James Bible has remained a masterpiece of literature for people of many faiths and even those of none.

Events are being held across the UK to mark the 400th anniversary, including a service at Westminster Abbey on 16 November.

All talks are free, open to the public and start at 7.30pm. Organised by the University Chaplaincy, they will be help in the University’s historic Great Hall, which overlooks the lake at University Park. Parking is available nearby and in the visitors’ car park.

The Rt Revd Paul Butler is an alumnus of the University of Nottingham, graduating in 1977 with a degree in English & History (Jt Hons).  He was installed as Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham in February 2010 after serving as Bishop of Southampton. He has also worked with University students and with Scripture Union. He maintains a passionate interest in world mission, and also acts as an "Advocate” for childrenand young people in church and society amongst the bishops of the Church of England

Anthony Thiselton is Professor of Christian Theology in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, and a Fellow of the British Academy. He is known internationally for his work on hermeneutics – the theory of the interpretation of scripture. His research interests include modern Christian theology, and the application of philosophy of language to biblical studies. He has had a number of biblical commentaries published.

Paul Cavill is lecturer in Old English in the department of English. He has researched into the history of the English language and place names, early English Christianity and hagiography. An enduring interest is the interaction of Christian ideas with English culture and literature. 

The King James Bible Trust has been established to celebrate the 400th anniversary. Visit: www.kingjamesbibletrust.org

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For more information please contact: Revd Canon John Bentham on 0773 559 9304  or email:  john.bentham@nottingham.ac.uk or contact the chaplaincy secretary Jacky Pellington on 0115 951 3931, between 10am and 1pm, or Karen Shale, Internal Communication Manager in the Communications Office at The University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 846 8548, karen.shale@nottingham.ac.uk     
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Email: communications@nottingham.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)115 951 5765 Location: King's Meadow Campus
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Published Date
Wednesday 1st February 2012

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