Free Bibles.... reply

[Fraidylady]

Thought I'd share this. I wrote to Michael saying that we'd take the cash rather than the free bible as we already had 30 copies in school. This is the reply.
I had to chuckle.

'Thank you for your email of 26 November, addressed to Secretary of State, about the 1611 King James Bible. I hope you are able to appreciate the Secretary of State for Education receives a vast amount of correspondence and is unable to reply to each one personally. It is for this reason I have been asked to reply.

The King James Bible has a unique place in British culture and it has shaped the identity of this country by influencing our history, language and democracy.

This year celebrates its 400th anniversary and the Government plans to mark this important event by sending an authentic facsimile of the King James Bible to schools. It is hoped that all children ? of any faith or none ? will be able to appreciate this important national icon, which has had such a profound impact. The King James Bible has a symbolic status for this country that goes beyond its purpose as a religious text. The Government believes it is relevant to all young people who want to understand the language, history and culture of this country. This gift to schools will mark a unique anniversary which will inspire teachers and pupils alike, and leave a legacy of knowledge and understanding.

This anniversary provides a unique opportunity for all pupils to experience and learn about the literary, cultural and historical context of the King James Bible. It contains the roots of our democracy, as well as the origins of our language.

The costs are still being finalised but are likely to be approximately £377,000. This comprises production and delivery and may be further reduced by philanthropic sponsorship. There will be full transparency about costs when finalised. At this stage the Government are satisfied that these costs represent value for money, given the quality of this artefact and its potential role in curricular and extra-curricular learning.

The Prime Minister will formally announce this later in the year, when more details will be available.

Thank you for taking the time to write.' etc etc

Obviously not THAT important otherwise they would have got their act together and had the bible distributed during its 400th anniversary not its 401st.

And they haven't actually said no to a cash alternative...

Our Parish Council are donating a Bible to EVERY child in the school on Monday, beat that Gove!!

I like the idea of the King James version being available to all children because of the beauty of the language, but I wish Gove would stop it with the stupid gesture politics when there are schools which are now not going to get their buildings fixed - whilst at the same time there are truckloads of dosh for free schools and academies.

I loathe the man.

£377, 000!!!

(Beats head against wall) The King James Version is already available to every man, woman and child in the country. How about they save £377,000 by emailing every school a link to Bible Gateway It's all on there. For nothing. And I bet every single RE teacher in the country already knows where to find it anyway. Assuming they don't already have several Bibles in the cupboard ready for use.

Such a meaningless publicity stunt. And I say that as a committed Christian who would rather see education money spent on actually educating our children. Because, frankly, I think Jesus cared more about children's life chances than about making sure they read his life-story in 17th century english.

But this is the 'authentic facsimile', chicken!

Don't they know that the Giddions already do this??

The Gideons distribute NIV bibles, not 1611.

"Authentic facsimile?" Is that even English? Perhaps we should send Gove a dictionary and thesaurus.

THe King James is also widely available in Charity shops for schools that want it

but I suspect Gove is getting a backhander from the printing company
(look forward to being PROVED wrong)

But its going to have a preface written by Gove!

This fact alone, makes it an artifact to treasure.

As to the cost, well some things are truly priceless.

(I think thats the word I am looking for)

"THe King James is also widely available in Charity shops for schools that want it" I suspect there'll be plenty more soon.

The ego of the man, writing a preface.

It's going to have a preface by Gove?!?!?!?
I was sitting on the fence on this one, but that tips me way over onto the 'what a stupid idea' side. In fact, it's almost sacraligious! KJV very cheap, very easy to get hold of, 1.99 on Amazon brand new. Usually with an introduction by Professor Whatamajig, who has spent 40 years becoming A LEADING BIBLE TRANSLATION SCHOLAR. This qualified him to write an intorduction to the bible. No small job, I'm sure even non-Christians would agree, to write an introducion to one of the most importnat, revered and world-changing books of the last 1000 years. So waht makes Mr Gove think he can do the job?

x post, luminescence

Actaully, I would also feel the Archbisop of canterbury, or an expert on the English language in the Stewart period could also make a fair stab at preface. Fair enough. But a man who's been in charge of education for 5 minutes....

what a waste of money.

love the concept of an Authentic Facsimile

But if it is a facsimile of the 1611, who is going to teach them to read the 17th century print? Is this Gove's new concept for educational renewal: palaeography in KS2?

There are obviously those with strong views about this - I inadvertently triggered off a smoking debate back on another thread a few days ago. Those who prefer to see the funny side might want to look up my take on it - found in the Mumsnet Bloggers section. Go up to blogs on the main menu and look up my blog under 'Crapteacher' in the education sector. The relevant post about Ebenezer Gove is called 'A Crapteacher's Christmas Carol'!

we all got a free copy when we started secondary school, i thought it was normal?