On January 9 readings on BBC Radio 4 – the corporation's main radio speech channel – were spread throughout the day, running from early morning till midnight.
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Each 15-minute reading featured a well-known voice, including actors Samuel West, Hugh Bonneville and Emilia Fox, historian Simon Schama and writer Will Self.
It angered Terry Sanderson, president of the UK's National Secular Society, who whinged saying that it was fair enough to have a programme devoted to it, but the coverage was excessive that it beggared belief.
Prior to the broadcoast a BBC spokesman was quoted as saying: "The King James Bible is generally accepted to have had a significant impact on our language, the arts and music. A 400th anniversary is a rather special landmark, and we feel it is appropriate that the BBC sets aside part of one day's scheduling to mark such an event."
James Catford, chief executive of the Bible Society, said he was thrilled at the BBC's decision to clear so much time for the readings. Catford stated: "For the last four hundred years the King James Bible has been a source of inspiration for millions of people across the globe. This will enable listeners to hear this amazing book which still speaks to us today."
The readings broadcast on January 9 followed three programmes presented by James Naughtie, the veteran Today presenter, who will explore why King James decided on a new translation of the Bible and its continuing influence on British culture
The Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, said the BBC's coverage was an encouraging sign it recognised the significance of the King James Bible. "This sends out a very good signal, but it is not just about religious broadcasting, but about the Bible in the life of the nation," said the bishop who chairs the BBC's Standing Conference on Religion and Belief. "
The Australian Opposition Leader Toby Abbott believes that the King James Bible should be a read-subject in Australian schools for its literary and historic value. Many English Language scholars hold that one cannot understand Shakespeare without first grasping the language, tones and symbols of the King James Bible.
The significance of the King James Bible's 400th anniversary should not be lost on anyone for its contribution to our culture and jurisprudence, let alone Christian religious belief, practice and heritage.
Many Australian Christians retain a passion for the King James Bible for its beautiful succinct prose and lyrical metre in memory retention of Bible verses. I for one can recite any number of Bible verses, and all from the King James Bible. It remains my preferred English version text for private Bible study.