MSP congratulates KJV transcription effort

Skye, Lochaber an Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has invited fellow parliamentarians to join him in congratulating the organisers of a marathon effort of transcribing all the verses of the King James Bible at its 400th anniversary.

Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber an Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson has called on fellow parliamentarians to join him in congratulating the organisers of a marathon effort to allow Scotland's people to transcribe the entire 18,000 verses of the King James Bible to mark its 400th anniversary.

A team set up by The Scottish Bible Society took a roadshow around Scotland, covering more than 5,500 miles, to allow as many communities as possible to have the chance to write a few verses of the historic document by members of the local population.

Mr Thompson submitted his motion to the Scottish Parliament following the roadshow's attendance at Fort William and Portree within his constituency.

The King James Bible was commissioned by King James IV of Scotland (King James 1st of England and Wales) in 1611 and, in the four centuries since, has become the most common version of the bible around the world, meaning that many people learned to read using it since it was often the only printed book in a house or community.

Peoples Bible

Mr Thompson said:

"This is a truly historic endeavour to mark one of the greatest books ever written. It is impossible to overestimate the influence the King James Bible has had on world affairs because over the centuries through its pages many of the greatest figures of world history have found God or been influenced in their thinking by what they read there.

"The People's Bible's journey through Scotland is nearing its end after setting out in June and will be complete after reaching Stirling next month.

"The Scottish Bible Society is to be commended for having the vision to mark the anniversary of this great book in a way that the whole country could join with."

During the month of August this year, the roadshow travelled throughout the Highlands and Islands area visiting Aviemore, Inverness, Wick/John O'Groats, Thurso, Orkney (Kirkwall), Stornoway, Skye (Portree), Fort William and Oban.

Footnote:

Mr Thompson's motion to Parliament: Date of Lodging: 05 October 2011
Short Title: The People's Bible

S4M-01030 Dave Thompson ♦ (Scottish National Party):

That the Parliament applauds the accomplishment of the People’s Bible in travelling over 5,500 miles since June 2011 and recording 18,320 verses in over 60 towns and cities in Scotland, including Fort William and Portree; considers that the People’s Bible has prompted Scots throughout society and across the country to discover and rediscover the Bible; looks forward to the Scottish finale at Stirling Castle in November; hopes that the People’s Bible will be a catalyst for renewed interest in reading the Bible, and believes that the transformative and lasting impact of the King James’ Bible on Scottish language, culture and education can be mirrored in the influence of the People’s Bible on the people of Scotland today.

Christians Together, 10/10/2011