Shaped to Serve

Truth & Transformation / Documentary / KJB: The Book That Changed The World 
Documentaries are well known for being a bit boring, not easy to follow up with so much to say, in sort of a rigid format when creativity lacks. But “King James Bible: The World that changed the world”, really surprised me.  Not only because I share Norman Stones desire for going deep in the meaning of life from a Christian perspective, but to unfold one of the most transcended events of our history.  

What makes this documentary a piece of art from the beginning to the end is the extraordinary interpretations, props, verisimilitude, well-written and the theatrical narration of John Rhys-Davies (the dwarf Gimli in The Lord of the Rings).  Also, the great research that makes us perceive the facts and whole scenery at a deep level. So much rhythm, easy-going content, makes all the historical complexities easy to understand.

"The documentary starts when “Virgin Queen of England” died (1603). She had no family to succeed her. The future of the Nation was dangerous and uncertain. Queen Elizabeth governed for years in a society that was about to explode. She was not only the head of her Nation but the head of the Church of England, she became famous for her victory with the Spanish Armada and became the most successful woman in a world dominated by men. She had earned the respect and the loyalty of her people, even her enemies were in place.

In her last breath, Queen Elizabeth chose her 2nd cousin James VI from Scotland to rule over the Throne. He was an experienced Monarch already, she believed that only a “Crown Head” could Reign over her Nation, nothing inferior. Also, they had a close relationship through written correspondence where James constantly demonstrated his loyalty and support to her Kingdom while she was reigning. 

James was made King of Scotland when he was only 13 months. Even though he was born as a Catholic like his mom, he was made Protestant at the moment he was made King. He never saw his mom again. He was raised without friends or family, he was a prisoner in his own kingdom. He grew up between people grasping for power, corruption, conspiracy, intrigues that threaten his Kingdom. The Regents (men appointed to govern the Nation while he was still a minor) ruled committing murder and all kind of evil. 

This was the reality that shaped Kings James deepest convictions and future strategies. 

One of the greatest intellectuals of Europe, George Buchanan, became he´s direct tutor. He was a true Calvinist. He wasn't intimidated by the persona of King James, but only his loyalty to the word of God. His goal was to produce a godly Monarch, making this young King a great servant for God and his Nation. 

The crowning of a new monarch was a grand event for Scotland and England. This event affected deeply the life and identity of both nations. The Monarch would rule for life. There was no continuous cycle of election campaigns in their world as there is in ours. When the new King took place in 1603, the kingdoms of Scotland and England were united and James became King James I of England, the first of the Stuart line. 

King James was a political genius, his ability to hold the kingdom together was quite remarkable. He had a deep belief that his life was shaped by God. He was intelligent and thoughtful, had a great sensibility and desire for unity.

He puzzled a lot of people at his time and the historians. To get the whole picture of him has been quite difficult. 

Religion occupied the very central power of society. The truth about God, the salvation and the corruption of the church on the earth were the main topics of the people of the age. If it was necessary, it was worth dying for the cause.

The Puritans and Scottish Presbyterians wanted a new Bible that would be far from the structure of the Bishops Bible of the Anglican Church, and the idea of a new translation was proposed. It was  King´s James ´s opportunity to pour out all his wisdom and knowledge to influence the biggest project to change the world.

In 1604, King James authorized a new translation of the Bible into English to be started. It was finished in 1611, this version quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Its flowing language and prose rhythms have had a profound influence on the literature of the past 400 years.

In the preface to the 1611 edition, the translators of the Authorized Version, or King James Version, state that is was not their purpose “to make a new translation...,  but to make a good one better.” 

It was completed by 47 scholars from the Church of England over the course of 7 years, with the grand goal of bringing new life to the churches. To this day, the King James version is commonly considered the greatest piece of English Literature ever produced for non-believers as well. History shows that they were successful in creating a translation that not only met the needs of their generation but also succeeded in influencing the lives of generations to come."

Regardless of whether you consider the Bible fiction or nonfiction, it remains key to understand not only one of the world's largest religions but also a pivotal era of European scholarship, the history of collaborative creation. This book represents the evolution of the English language. Many modern phrases like "Cast the First Stone", "Broken heart", "Fall from grace", "Let there be light", "labor of love" - were originally from the KJB.

Referring myself to what pops out to me personally, I believe that nothing that we face in life is an accident. Instead, it´s a preparation for the fulfillment of our destinies.  It's so evident that King´s James life had a transcendental purpose. I`m sure each one of us has a transcendent calling and destiny. The problem is that not all of us take the big opportunities that life presents to us because we are disconnected from our core beings. Generally, we are living in somebody else's shoes or simply a life of mediocrity accepting the comfort zone. Its so encouraging that in spite of so much danger, loneliness, and evil, young King James fulfilled his destiny. I believe that that's the story of every one of us. I think that what made the difference in King`s James life, was his faithful tutor George Buchanan. He didn’t treat him as a lonely boy prisoner in his own Kingdom for the circumstances that he was facing. But instead, he was focused on giving him the best education and knowledge to help him to succeed. He challenged him to run the other mile, stretched the young Kings capacity treating him as the future King. 

What a difference and impact we can make to our people if we see them and treat them as future Kings and Queens that will reign. I believe this attitude can also change the world, inspiring the weight of a deep commitment and responsibility with one another, and our environment.

The other value I rescue from this amazing docudrama is how good in all aspects is always rich to work in collaboration. It's so true that the biggest tasks in the world can reach out in unimaginable ways with successful results if there is a common goal, a community in diversity, honor posture, one heartbeat, and a deep commitment to serve and do good to our society. Working with people of diverse customs with different ways of thinking can bring unexpected results. Where someone ends, the other one begins. Many times the solution, depth, and creativity that is missing are right there, on the other persona and all what that means. And vice versa. A diverse team can produce a result with a sensitivity and professionalism not seen before.

By the way, I want to learn to live out UBUNTU "I exist thanks to you" (South African word) "Our well-being depends and is deeply linked to the well-being of others"

NOTE: Norman Stone, director, and producer of the documentary,  also directed the film “Shadowlands” centered in the life of C.S.Lewis (1993) is about the agonizing spiritual crisis of C.S. Lewis when his wife died from cancer. The love, grief, pain, and sorrow were so shattering his basic Christian beliefs, magnificently communicated in his many books, were now called into serious doubt. I´m looking forward to seeing it!

Sources: Documentary KJB: The Book that Changed the World, BBC, Wikipedia