Send us a textIn 1611, forty-seven scholars completed a translation that would change the world. The King James Bible shaped Shakespeare's language, fueled democratic revolutions, inspired abolitionists, and provided the vocabulary for both liberation and oppression. It's been quoted by Frederick Douglass and slaveholders, by Martin Luther King Jr. and segregationists, by suffragettes and those who opposed women's rights.Drawing on Melvyn Bragg's sweeping book, this episode explores how a translation commissioned by a Scottish king became one of the most democratizing forces in history. We delve into William Tyndale's martyrdom and lasting legacy, the Hampton Court Conference that launched the project, and the Bible's profound influence on literature, democracy, education, and social reform.But this isn't just a celebration. We wrestle honestly with the King James Bible's deeply ambiguous legacy—how the same text that empowered the enslaved was weaponized to justify slavery, how it spread literacy while advancing colonial oppression, and how it inspired both the best and worst impulses of the English-speaking world.Four hundred years later, this translation continues to echo in our language, shape our understanding of justice, and influence movements for change. Whether you've read it devotionally for years or never opened its pages, the King James Bible has touched your life in ways you might never have imagined.Join Alex and Michael for a thoughtful, critical, and ultimately appreciative exploration of The Book of Books.Support the showThanks for joining us on The Theology Pod. We hope today's conversation has given you something meaningful to wrestle with as you continue your own spiritual journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform—it really helps other seekers find our conversations. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. For show notes, reading recommendations, and to join our ongoing discussion, visit us at TheologyPod.com. You can also follow us on social media @TheologyPod on Facebook for reflections and updates on upcoming episodes. We love hearing from our listeners. Feel free to send us your questions, topic suggestions, or just let us know how these conversations are impacting your faith journey via our social media platforms. Remember, theology isn't just an academic study—it's the lived experience of wrestling with the divine in our everyday lives. Keep asking the hard questions, keep seeking, and keep engaging with the mystery. Until next time, may you find grace in the questions and peace in the seeking.

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