Episode 6 - Why Read the Bible?

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is a significant literary and theological work that was published in 1611. It was translated by a group of scholars commissioned by King James VI and I to create a unified English translation for the Church of England. The KJV includes 39 books of the Old Testament, 14 books of the Apocrypha, and 27 books of the New Testament. It is noted for its 'majesty of style' and has been a driving force in shaping English culture and the English-speaking world. The translation was based on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament, the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament, and the Septuagint and Vulgate for the Apocrypha. The KJV has undergone several revisions since its initial publication, with the most significant revision occurring in 1769.

The Iliad is an epic poem set during the Trojan War, focusing on the wrath of Achilles and the final weeks of the siege of Troy. The Odyssey follows Odysseus as he travels home from the war, facing various challenges and encounters along the way. Both poems are central to Greek mythology and have been influential in Western literature, composed in Homeric Greek around the late 8th or early 7th century BC. They were likely part of a long oral tradition before being written down and are known for their use of dactylic hexameter and the literary device of starting in the middle of the story (in medias res).

William Tyndale's translation of the New Testament into English, published in 1526, was a groundbreaking work that marked the first time the New Testament was translated into English directly from the Greek text. This translation was highly influential and laid the foundation for later English Bible translations, including the King James Version. Tyndale's work was a significant contribution to the Protestant Reformation and had a profound impact on the English language, introducing new words such as 'Passover' and 'scapegoat'. Despite facing severe opposition and eventual execution for heresy, Tyndale's translations continued to spread Reformation ideas across the English-speaking world.

The Aeneid, written by Virgil between 29 and 19 BC, is a monumental work of classical literature. It follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he navigates from the ruins of Troy to Italy, where he is destined to found the city of Lavinium, a precursor to Rome. The poem is divided into 12 books, with the first six detailing Aeneas' wanderings and the second six describing the war in Italy against the Latins. The epic incorporates various legends and mythological elements, glorifying traditional Roman virtues and legitimizing the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It explores themes such as duty, fate, and the relationship between the individual and society, and has had a profound influence on Western literature.

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity.

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.