Conference examines the influence of the King James Bible
Posted on 1 July 2011
The Bible in the Seventeenth Century: The Authorised Version Quatercentenary (1611-2011) from 7-9 July will be based at the King’s Manor in York.
The aim of the conference is to clarify the uses to which the Bible was put in the 17th century
Dr Kevin Killeen
Scholars from across the globe will examine the reception of the Bible in the early modern era. Drawn from a variety of disciplines, they will assess the significance of the scriptures to cultural, political, theological and philosophical history throughout the 17th century.
Supported by the British Academy with sponsorship from the Society for Renaissance Studies and the Royal Historical Society, the conference is the academic centrepiece to a range of related events – exhibitions, work with schools, theatrical and musical events – under the umbrella of the York Festival of Ideas.
Conference organiser Dr Kevin Killeen, said: “The aim of the conference is to clarify the uses to which the Bible was put in the 17th century, an era in which most biblical culture was vibrant and pervasive, both radical and conservative. The scriptures featured as a major resource in everything from the interpretation of politics and social revolutions to distinctive forms of philosophical and scientific thought.”
The conference will address the significance of the King James Bible, its translation, its function as an important cultural entity, as well as the biblical scholarship that flourished over the century in the wake of the text. However, the remit of the event is broader, encompassing both the reception and use made of the scriptures well beyond the scholarly and editorial impact of the Authorised Version itself.
The conference will be based at the King's Manor, a beautiful complex of Medieval and Renaissance buildings in the heart of York, and home to the Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies. Plenary lectures will also be held at the city’s historic Merchant Taylors Hall and the 14th century Hospitium in the Museum Gardens.
Notes to editors:
- More information on the Conference at www.york.ac.uk/projects/bible/
- More information on the York Festival of Ideas at yorkfestivalofideas.com/
- More information on the Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies at www.york.ac.uk/crems/about/
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