Church History 102_Demo

Lesson 3: 1611 The King James Version of
the Bible
1611 The King James Version of the Bible
Objectives
To discover the biography of the Anglican's Church's leaders whose lack of popularity
led to the creation of the most popular bible translation.
To learn how the King James Bible was a book created and the issues it faced during
its infancy.
Who Was King James?
Having died without an heir, Mary's crown passed to her sister, Elizabeth I, in the year 1558.
Elizabeth's death in the year 1603 marked the end of the Tudor household. Without an heir,
her English crown passed to King James I (formerly James VI of Scotland).
On 25 July, 1603, in Westminster Abbey, James and Anne were crowned. The two kingdoms
were now united under one crown. However, they were in fact, two separate kingdoms each
with their own legislatures and own administrative bodies. Being under one crown, they
could not go to war with each other, they could not take opposing sides in foreign wars. Nor
could they make any hostile agreements.
James misunderstood the differing powers of the two parliaments and conflicts arose
especially in the areas of taxation and religion. There were also diametrically opposite
opinions on Spain. England adamantly believed Spain to be its enemy and, therefore, a
country to be defeated. On the other hand, James believed in resolving differences with
Spain.
James the Walking Condradiction
James had short flings for James Hay, whom he created Earl of Carlisle, and for Philip
Herbert, whom he created Earl of Montgomery. In the spring of 1607, at the vulnerable age of
40, James bestowed his affections on Robert Carr (to the right), a young, tall and handsome
Scot. Carr was thrown off his horse, breaking his leg, and James insisted that his own
physicians take care of him. He visited him regularly.
After his recovery, James began to treat Robert Carr in public with the same exaggerated,
gross affection as in private. He appeared everywhere with his arm round Robert’s neck,
constantly kissing and fondling him, lovingly feeling the texture of the expensive suits he
chose and bought for him, pinching his cheeks and smoothing his hair. They even kissed
lasciviously in public. Soon, Robert Carr was made Gentleman of the Bedchamber. In 1611,
he was created Viscount Rochester.
In May 1612, Robert Cecil died. By then, James had already met his last and greatest love,