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The Book and the Sword

The Bible in the Experience and Legacy of the Great War

Department A-Z

 

Workshops

Three workshops will be held in the course of the project, two in Cambridge and one in Munich.

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Resources

Materials from the period of the Great War relating to the Bible, its use and interpretation

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About the Project

The Bible is an inescapable part of the cultural landscape of WW1. It was perhaps the single most widely-read book during the war. It offered inspiration and consolation to soldiers and civilians alike. Preachers and politicians used it to instil national pride and fighting spirit, and conscientious objectors in defence of pacifism. It offered concepts and metaphors which helped men and women make sense of their everyday experience. Its words were quoted with pious hope on gravestones and war memorials, and recast by angry poets. It was read in every language and on all sides of the conflict by Christians (Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox) and Jews. Despite the challenges of 19th-century advances in science and biblical criticism, the Bible remained at the centre of Western culture.

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The Bible, the Great War, and Remembrance Study Day

Sep 01, 2016

This event will take place on 11 October 2016 at St George's, Stockport

The Bible, the Great War, and Remembrance Study Day

Jun 24, 2016

Taking place on 5th October, this study day for clergy will address key questions on the subject of remembrance.

Book and the Sword Film

Jun 15, 2016

Dr Nathan MacDonald and Dr Andrew Mein have released a film explaining the impetus for the project and the role of the Bible in World War I.

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