Tucker and I have recently been swimming in all sorts of confusion, and were feeling the need for a common goal. So we have decided to read Jesus the Christ together. Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage is a doctrinal study on the life and ministry of Christ. Fascinating for sure. We just completed chapter 4.
After tonight’s chapter, I started wondering more about the origins of the bible. Not the prophets who kept the records, but how it got compiled. We believe the Kings James’ version to be most accurately translated, so I researched a little on that.
I found it fascinating to be reminded of how much persecution people have gone through on behalf of what they believe, since the beginning of time. Several men were literally KILLED for translating the bible into English in the 1300-1500’s. I mean doesn’t that seem like a righteous thing to want to do? Yet they lost their lives for it.
Here’s a little of what I read:
An Oxford don, John Wycliffe, produced the first complete Bible in English in 1382, many years before the invention of the printing press. For this he was excommunicated from the Church, and some years after his death and burial, his remains were dug up and “cast out” by order of the church authorities.(WOW!!)
The first printed English translation of the New Testament was made by William Tyndale, and published in 1525. It was also seen as a heresy by the Church, particularly because Tyndale had acted on his own initiative with regard to the Scriptures, instead of deferring to Church authority. Mere possession of his Bible was enough to get you burned at the stake – the fate that Tyndale himself eventually suffered. (AGAIN, WOW!)
Translation of the Old Testament was completed by Myles Coverdale in 1535.
In 1537, the first complete English version translated directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts was published. It is generally known as the Matthew-Tyndale Bible, because it was the combined work of Tyndale and John Rogers, working under the pseudonym of Thomas Matthew.
I’m looking forward to continuing this book. Feels good.
2 comments:
I learned in Sunday school that the reason it was so blasphemous for the bible to be published was because the rulers thought it was only for them and not for common people. Interesting (and interesting what one can learn from sitting in sunday school for 5 minutes here and there in between screaming children that won't stay in their classes!).
good for you two!
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