The history of the English Bible is rich and complex, with its evolution marked by intense religious, political, and social upheavals. Among the many significant milestones in this journey, the introduction of the first authorized English Bible stands out as a defining moment in the religious life of England. This Bible, known as the Great Bible, not only transformed public worship but also played a crucial role in making the Scriptures accessible to a broader audience.
The Mandate for Bibles in Churches
In 1538, a landmark decree was issued that would forever change the religious landscape of England. Every parish church was ordered to have a copy of the English Bible. This was a bold move in a country where, for centuries, the Scriptures had been largely inaccessible to the general population, with Latin being the only sanctioned language for religious texts. The Bible that was most commonly used to comply with this order was the Great Bible, a massive volume that became a fixture in churches across the land.
The Great Bible was no ordinary book. Its sheer size and significance necessitated that it be chained to the reading desk or pulpit, ensuring that it remained available for all who sought to read or hear the word of God. This chaining also symbolized its importance and the church’s control over religious teachings, ensuring that the Scriptures were interpreted within the framework of the Church of England.
The Great Bible: The First Authorized English Bible
The Great Bible holds the distinction of being the first authorized Bible in English. The term “authorized” in this context is significant; it means that both the monarch, King Henry VIII, and the Church of England approved this Bible for use in public worship. This approval marked a crucial shift in religious authority, with the English crown and church asserting their dominance over religious practices and texts.
King Henry VIII, known for his tumultuous reign and break with the Catholic Church, played a pivotal role in the authorization of the Great Bible. In 1546, he issued a strict order that no man or woman, regardless of their social status or rank, was to receive, possess, or keep copies of Tyndale’s or Coverdale’s New Testament. This was a clear move to consolidate religious authority under the crown and ensure that the Great Bible, as the officially sanctioned text, was the version read and revered in churches across England.
Cranmer’s Bible: A Tool for the Illiterate
Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury and a key figure in the English Reformation, was instrumental in the widespread adoption of the Great Bible. Cranmer, recognizing the importance of the Bible for public worship and personal edification, ensured that a reader was provided in churches so that even the illiterate could hear the Scriptures in their own language. This was a revolutionary step, as it allowed the word of God to reach a broader audience, regardless of their ability to read.
The later editions of the Great Bible, particularly those published in 1540 and 1541, included a preface written by Archbishop Cranmer. These editions became known as Cranmer’s Bible, further cementing Cranmer’s influence on the religious life of England. The title page of these later versions bore a significant inscription: “This is the Bible appointed to the use of churches.” This statement underscored the Bible’s official status as the primary text for public worship in the Church of England.
Light, Food, and Fire: Cranmer’s Preface to the Great Bible
Archbishop Cranmer’s preface to the Great Bible is a profound reflection on the importance of the Scriptures in the life of a Christian. He draws on powerful metaphors to describe the Bible’s role in guiding, nourishing, and purifying believers.
Cranmer begins by likening the word of God to light, referencing Psalm 119: “Thy word is a lantern unto my feet.” This metaphor highlights the Bible’s role in providing spiritual guidance and clarity in a world often shrouded in darkness and confusion.
He then compares the Bible to food, quoting Matthew 4: “Man shall not live by bread only, but by every word of God.” This analogy emphasizes the sustaining power of the Scriptures, which nourish the soul and provide spiritual sustenance that transcends physical needs.
Finally, Cranmer describes the Bible as fire, invoking Luke 12: “I am come to send fire on the earth, and what is my desire but that it be kindled?” This powerful image underscores the transformative and purifying power of the word of God, capable of igniting a spiritual fervor that can spread like wildfire through the hearts of believers.
Cranmer’s reflections also touch on the resistance to change and the power of custom. He uses the example of a people living in perpetual darkness, who might initially be offended by the sudden appearance of the sun, to illustrate how deeply ingrained habits can make people resistant to new truths. Yet, he argues, those who persist in their stubbornness against the light of God’s word are not only foolish but also perverse and hardened.
Chrysostom on the Importance of Scripture at Home
In his preface, Cranmer also references the early church father Saint John Chrysostom, particularly his third sermon on Lazarus. Chrysostom exhorts his audience to read the Scriptures at home, between sermons, to deepen their understanding and retain the teachings of the church. This practice, he argues, prepares believers’ minds to receive and comprehend the messages delivered in future sermons.
Chrysostom’s counsel reflects an early recognition of the importance of personal engagement with the Bible, a concept that Cranmer and the English Reformation would later emphasize. By encouraging the laity to read the Bible in their own homes, Chrysostom and Cranmer both sought to foster a more profound and personal connection between believers and the word of God.
Taverner’s Bible: Refining the Translation
The Great Bible was not the only English translation in circulation during this period. Another notable version was Taverner’s Bible, published in 1539. Based on Matthew’s Bible, this version saw Richard Taverner, an able Greek scholar, make significant improvements to the style of the Old Testament translation. However, his most substantial revisions were in the New Testament, where his expertise in Greek allowed him to produce a more accurate and refined translation.
Taverner’s Bible, though not as widely recognized as the Great Bible, represents the ongoing efforts during the English Reformation to refine and improve the accessibility and accuracy of the Scriptures in the English language.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Great Bible
The introduction of the Great Bible as the first authorized English Bible was a momentous event in the history of Christianity in England. It symbolized the crown’s control over religious life and marked a significant step toward making the Scriptures accessible to the English-speaking population. The efforts of figures like Thomas Cranmer, who ensured the Bible’s widespread use and comprehension, further solidified its place in the spiritual life of the nation.
Cranmer’s reflections on the Bible as light, food, and fire continue to resonate as powerful reminders of the enduring significance of the Scriptures. The Great Bible not only transformed public worship but also laid the groundwork for the personal and communal engagement with the word of God that would shape the future of Christianity in England and beyond.