Movie Review: KJB - The Book That Changed the World (2011)
This is the docu-drama about how the King James Bible came into being. Starting with the political climate of the times leading up to, and surrounding 1603, when James VI, King of Scotland also became James I, King of England.
It goes into some detail about James’ childhood growing up as king under 4 different regencies, and how this precarious situation helped to shape him into who he later became. It also discusses his tutor, the esteemed George Buchanan and Buchanan's influence on him. And then goes into some detail about the religious/political climate in England at that time, and how James decided to try to make peace and force both the Puritans and the Anglican Bishops into one path of unity - recognizing him as a capable King not to be messed with, and also head of the Church.
Highlights
It was so interesting to me how James dealt with the pressures of his childhood, being crowned king of Scotland at 13 months of age, not having a mother or a father or siblings, essentially not having anyone he could really trust, everyone pawns wanting control of the king. Wanting power or to manipulate him. And even with this difficult childhood, he showed himself to be wise, a scholar, and managed to learn how to handle others rather than being handled himself.
When James was declared King of England, he already was unsatisified with the 2 bibles in circulation. The Bishops’ Bible which was extremely biased and lazy. And the Geneva bible was full of scholarly anarchist, rebellious commentary side-notes. But this was not his reason for agreeing to the council pleaded for by the Puritans to hear their grievances against the Anglicans. They hoped James would bring some reform to the government of the church. James wanted to show them essentially who was ‘boss’ and also ultimately bring unity to the church and England. This proposed new translation was what he saw as a perfect opportunity to deal with all three issues.
It’s amazing to me how this translation of the Bible, which took 7 years, was able to unify 2 very differing factions, and brought over 50 scholars, both Puritans and Anglicans together and united them under one cause. A truly holy cause, a noble English translation of the holy scriptures that could unify the church. It was a big risk James had taken, and it proved well.
The personal Impact of this movie for me was really how an infant king grew up to be a scholarly wise king, without the care of a mother or father, with his childhood riddled with rebellion, schemes and plots for power. And this background seems to be the foundation for a king who saw the importance of unity at all costs. It looks to me like God had his hand very actively working through these circumstances, similarly to how God used Joseph, in the book of Genesis. And this brings hope to me for those around me that I see going through rough situations. And for me in my own situations, to have hope and know that God can and will complete his purposes. And it is possible to make a difference and leave a lasting impact on the world.
