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.
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superseded by many other translations, the King James Bible has remained a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