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Bede
and the Origins of Anglicanism
Wednesday
Evenings
January
27. February 3 & 10, 2010
This
three week course will look at the historical work of the
Venerable Bede, who taught us most of what we know about the
beginning of Christianity in England, and also at his work
in chronology, which soled the problem of the correct date
to celebrate Easter that had plagued the church since the
second century.
Most of what we know about the early history of Christianity
in England comes from the Venerable Bede, who wrote The
History of the English Church and Nation in 731. Bede
had a very uneventful life in some ways. He entered the monastery
at Jarrow when he was seven years old. He was ordained Deacon
at the age of 19 and priest at the age of 30. He died in 735,
at the age of 63. He never traveled more than a few miles
from the monastery, but he wrote commentaries on every book
of the Bible, grammar textbooks, one book on cosmology, two
books on chronology, poems, lives of saints, as well as the
History, and was one of the most influential figures
of his time. In these three weeks, we will look at what Bede
tells us about the origins of Anglicanism (contrary to popular
opinion, it did not start with Henry VIII).
We will also look especially at his work on chronology. One
of the biggest issues for the early church was when to celebrate
Easter. Bede developed an Easter cycle that basically solved
the problem. Come and find out why it was so difficult and
how Bede solved it.
Bede was a Biblical scholar, a scientist, a teacher, a monk,
a historian, and an altogether fascinating personality, well
worth the attention he still receives from scholars even today.
Leader:
The Rev'd Sandra Michels joined the parish staff
in September of 2009. She is in a degree program at the General
Theological Seminary here in Manhattan. Mother Michels has
served parishes in Indiana and Missouri and was also active
in Episcopal Collge Ministry. Her interests are in parish
development, preaching, teaching, and spiritual formaton.
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