A recent Financial Times article, “When England bled” (Books, Life & Arts, February 18) looked at the tumultuous history of 17th-century England.
However, this writing overlooked the significant impact of the Geneva Bible on the religious and political landscape of the time, so said Alistair Budd in a letter to the FT editor highlighted this omission:
The author of the FT Books essay “When England bled” (Books, Life & Arts, February 18) fails to mention the vital role of the Geneva Bible in the religious and political life of 17th-century England. The availability of an English translation fuelled the growth of the Puritan movement and the formation of Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army. A scripture-inspired spiritual revolution led to a political and social revolution that resulted in the establishment of Cromwell’s republican regime in 1649.
Alistair Budd
Caldicot, Monmouthshire, UK
The Geneva Bible, with its distinctive marginal notes and theology, was a popular and influential text among English Protestants.
It provided a powerful tool for personal devotion and theological study, and it also fueled a growing sense of religious and political dissent.
The Bible’s emphasis on individual interpretation and direct access to scripture empowered readers to challenge traditional authority and question the established order. This, in turn, contributed to the rise of Puritanism and the eventual outbreak of the English Civil War.
The Geneva Bible’s legacy extends beyond the 17th century. Its influence can still be seen in modern English translations, including the King James Version. By highlighting the Bible’s role in shaping English history, we can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our world.
