Speaking of participation — and this being Holy (or Passion) Week — it’s a good time to highlight the 400th anniversary of the completion of the King James Bible, which — no matter your religious bent — can be appreciated for its felicitous use of language.
For months, the King James Bible Trust, which was established to celebrate the anniversary, has been commissioning music and literary compositions (composers who were short-listed are here), sponsoring lectures and debates, holding study days in the UK, and various other activities more about which you can read on its website.
You’ll see that Neil MacGregor of the British Museum introduces the video there called “The Book That Changed the World.” It goes on to have people citing a few verses that have given the world common usages, cliches even, read in a beautiful but somehow chilling way. For more examples, click on “King James Bible Phrases.” Those cited include “a land flowing with milk and honey,” “the salt of the earth,” “the powers that be,” “feet of clay,” and “a time and a place for everything,” among so many more.
The website also includes a digitized version of the KJB, as published in 1611, a clever look at life in 1611, and much more.
And in a sign of the times — participation — the KJBT has also started a project called the YouTube Bible: it’s a complete reading of the Bible in English, by actors, musicians, politicians, and people everywhere — even royals (Prince Charles, at least).
The Trust is seeking readers. You maybe?
This link explains how to participate — basically, you look at what has already been recorded, choose a section from the KJB (published online by the University of Michigan) that hasn’t been done, record it, upload it to YouTube, and email the link to the Trust, which will choose whose versions become part of the official YouTube Bible.
If you have a videocam, it’s simple. And worthwhile.