Loyola Marymount University is one of 40 sites across the nation hosting an exhibit on the King James Bible that explores the social, cultural, literary and religious influence of the King James Bible over the 400 years since it was first published. “Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible,” was created in 2011 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first printing of the King James Bible in 1611. The exhibit — at LMU through Feb. 22 — not only highlights the dramatic history behind the making of this great book, but also includes its influence on English and American literature, and its multifaceted impact on culture and society to the present day. Even many of those whose lives have been affected by the King James Bible may not realize that less than a century before it was produced, the very idea of the Bible translated into English was considered dangerous and even criminal. Many may also be unaware of the meticulous work of some four dozen of England's top scholars, who labored for years to complete the translation, now named "the King James Bible" after its royal sponsor, James I. Equally compelling is the story of the book’s afterlife — its reception in the years, decades and centuries that followed its first printing, and how it came to be so ubiquitous. “Manifold Greatness” focuses on the human side of this major cultural landmark and explores the book’s social, cultural, literary and religious influence over four centuries, from “Pilgrim's Progress” to Handel's “Messiah” to the Apollo 8 astronauts as they read from Genesis — in the King James Bible translation — while they orbited the moon. The exhibit, in LMU’s William H. Hannon Library, opened Jan. 24. LMU this week hosted a talk, “Martyrs and Heretics: The Wycliffe Bible,” with Professor Stephen Shepherd of LMU’s English Department. Other events include: —Feb. 11, 8 p.m.: A gospel music concert in Sacred Heart Chapel will be followed by commentary by Dr. Diane White-Clayton and the Rev. Jason Darden who will present “The Lasting Presence of the King James Bible in the Music of the Black Church.” Following their presentation, there will be a reception and exhibit viewing in the library. Information: http://lmu.libcal.com/event.php?id=231585. —Feb. 19, 6 p.m.: “The King James Version in a Catholic Context,” a discussion with professors from LMU’s Theological Studies Department, will take place in the library’s Von der Ahe Family Suite. Participants will include Jesuit Father Thomas P. Rausch, T. Marie Chilton Professor of Theology; Dr. Jeffrey Siker, chair of Theological Studies; and Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher, Old Testament scholar. Information: http://lmu.libcal.com/event.php?id=221235. A complementary rare books exhibition, “Singular Wisdom: The King James Bible and Early Printed Bibles,” with treasures from LMU and on loan from the William Andrews Clark Library at UCLA, will be on display in the adjacent Archives & Special Collections gallery through May 12. “Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible” will be on display in the Hannon Library's level 3 atrium, just adjacent to the department of Archives and Special Collections, which is hosting a companion rare book exhibition called “Singular Wisdom: The King James Bible and Early Printed Bibles.” The exhibit, and associated events, are all free and open to the public, partially funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Information: http://libguides.lmu.edu/manifoldgreatness. {gallery width=100 height=100}gallery/2013/0201/olabible/{/gallery}
