The
Tyndale Society Journal
No. 34 Spring 2008
About the Tyndale Society Registered UK Charity Number 1020405 Founded in 1995, five hundred and one years after Tyndale’s birth, and with a worldwide membership, the Tyndale Society exists to tell people about William Tyndale’s great work and influence, and to pursue study of the man who gave us our English Bible.
Membership Benefits
• 2 issues of the Tyndale Society Journal a year • Many social events, lectures and conferences • Exclusive behind-the-scenes historical tours • Access to a worldwide community of experts • 50% discount on Reformation. • 25% advertising discount in the Journal
For further information visit: www.tyndale.org or email tyndale.sec@btinternet.com or see inside the back cover of this edition of the Tyndale Society Journal.
Trustees
Professor David Daniell; Rochelle Givoni; Mary Clow; Charlotte Dewhurst; Revd David Ireson; Revd Dr Simon Oliver; Dr Barry T. Ryan; Jennifer Bekemeier; Dr Paul Coones; David Green; Dr Guido Latré.
Patrons
His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury; Rt. Rev. and Rt. Hon. Lord Carey of Clifton; Baroness James of Holland Park; Lord Neill of Bladen QC; Prof. Sir Christopher Zeeman, former Principal, Hertford College, Oxford; Mr David Zeidberg.
Advisory Board
Sir Anthony Kenny, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University; Anthony Smith, Emeritus President, Magdalen College; Penelope Lively; Philip Howard; Anne O’Donnell, Catholic University of America; Professor John Day, St Olaf ’s College, Minnesota; Professor Peter Auksi, University of W. Ontario; Dr David Norton, Victoria University, Wellington; Gillian Graham, Emeritus Hon. Secretary.
Other Tyndale Society Publications Reformation
Editor: Professor John N. King, Humanities, English & Religious Studies, e Ohio State University, 164 West 17th Ave (Rm421), Columbus, OH 43210-1370, USA. Phone: 1+614 2926065 fax: 7816 email: king.2@osu.edu Commenced Publication 1996 • 1 issue a year • ISSN: 1357 - 4175
Contents e Tyndale Society Journal ♦ No.34 Spring 2008 Editorials
Articles
Submission Guidelines David Ireson, Mary Clow
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Mostyn Roberts Anne Richardson Donald Dean Smeeton
William Tyndale’s ‘The Obedience of a Christian Man’ The American ‘Obedience’ - A Progress Report The Significance of the Tyndale-More Debate in this Post-Modern Era Betrayers and Betrayal in the Age of William Tyndale ‘Frutefull Sermons’: a Tudor Bestseller Tyndale’s Usages: A Holiday Sermon
8 21 25
Event Reports
The 13th Annual Lambeth Lecture Stationers’ Company 450th Anniversary Lecture Tyndale in the Barn
60 62 65
Peter Marshall Hugh Latimer Vic Perry
Mary Clow Nick Sanderson Guido Latré
34 48 57
Letters to the Editor
Brian Buxton, Mary Clow on behalf of the Trustees
67
Book Reviews
68 69
Mary Clow Margaret Clark
‘Constantine’s Bible’ ‘Philip Melanchthon and the English Reformation’
What are you Reading?
71
Forthcoming Events
82 72 73 83
Mary Clow
May Events:
June Events: July Events:
September Events: October Events: December Events:
‘Reformation’ by Diarmaid MacCulloch Hertford College Chapel, Oxford Merton Priory, Wimbledon Tyndale’s Gloucestershire, Bristol Tyndale, More and their Circles, Liverpool Hope University A Celebration of the Life & Martyrdom of John Fryth Sevenoaks, Kent 14th Annual Lambeth Tyndale Lecture, London Hertford Tyndale Lecture, Oxford Carol Service and Christmas Party, London
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84 84 84
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Press Gleanings
The Independent N.Y. Review of Books Islington Newsletter
Language Observations ‘Wars over the Printed Word’ William Tyndale Defeats Joan of Arc
Society Notes Mary Clow
Obituaries
Melissa Briggs David Daniell
74 75 76 77
Sir Rowland Whitehead Rev Dr Edwin Robertson
79 81
Dates for Your Diary
82
Ad Specs
59
Please note that neither the Tyndale Society nor the Editor of this Journal necessarily share the views expressed by contributors.
Submission Guidelines - Tyndale Society Journal No.35 Please send all final article submissions - via email wherever possible - to tyndale.sec@btinternet.com
Articles may be supplied either via Word Document, or as plain text in the message body of your email. Alternatively, we can accept typewritten copy (for scanning in) or clear, hand-written submissions. Artwork and photographs may be supplied electronically via CD-R or via email (minimum 300dpi) or alternatively in hard copy form, for scanning purposes. All CD-Rs, and hard copy artwork & articles for scanning should be sent to: K Wortley, Production Manager, TSJ No.35, The Tyndale Society, Barnyard, Purdy Street, Salthouse, NR25 7XA.
e deadline for submission of articles to the next issue is 15th July 2008. Joint Guest Editors for Issue No.35 and No.36 Eunice Burton & Brian Buxton email: brianbuxton1491@tiscali.co.uk
Journal Commenced publication 1995 • 2 issues a year • ISSN: 1357-4167 Cover Illustration by Paul Jackson • Copyright of all material remains with the contributors.
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Editorials
David Ireson ank you, Valerie - a Tribute to our Resigning Editor
Since April 2000, Valerie Offord has edited no less than nineteen editions of this Journal with professionalism, sound judgement and enormous patience. She has had to cope with thousand of emails, faxes and telephone calls: moreover, with her internet skills and the endurance to sit in front of a computer screen for hours on end, her work was not carried out in Oxford or London, but in Geneva. Tyndale could never have imagined how one day Tyndalians all over the world could transmit scholarship and opinions (largely concerning his life) in fractions of a second with not a bale of wool in sight and without a moment’s fear of having their words blocked or deleted by agents with malicious intent. Valerie Offord and David Ireson Valerie travelled widely and reported on many conferences and events, from San Diego in California, to Lichfield in Staffordshire. As a fire alarm rang she once had to flee from a hotel room clutching data and manuscripts for a forthcoming edition. She explained: ‘Proof reading is very time consuming even though it can be done in unlikely places such as trains, tennis clubs, mountain chalets and airports’. She had faithful contributors, and then promises from so many others. Often she would be told that the article would be emailed tomorrow… or perhaps the next day… or week… or month! Who would be an Editor! When controversial articles were sent to her, Valerie would print them and invite members to respond. They soon did, and their replies were published as well. She was always open with contributors and would forward comments and criticisms to authors of the original pieces for frank debate. She completely understood how the Journal exists not only to report on events and new academic research, but just as importantly to keep members in touch. As Bill Cooper remarked on receiving TSJ No.19 in the post: ‘It is always a thumping good read’. Wherever there are members or interest in Tyndale the Journal aims to keep the entire Society up to date with what is going on worldwide.
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Valerie was overjoyed with the response of those who attended the two very successful Tyndale conferences she arranged in Geneva. On both occasions participants flew in from around the world to listen or speak, the arrangements were meticulous and the experience exceptional It goes without saying that Valerie is an historian and scholar in her own right. Nothing could be included in the Journal which was not referenced and checked and footnotes laboriously typed out. Her time has been taken up with reading the work of others. Clearly she could publish a definitive book on, say, the Geneva Bible or the Reformation in Switzerland. On the other hand she may have had enough of the glare of the computer screen and will rejoice to take up a fine ink pen and writing paper. Those who follow Valerie would do well to heed the words of Ronald Mansbridge in TSJ No.27 who complimented her ‘on keeping things lively when they might in other hands be dull.’ May those who follow her aspire to the very high standard she has set, and then have the enthusiasm and knowledge to ensure the Journal continues to be so enjoyably readable and informative for members wherever they may be found.
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Delegates from the UK, Europe and the USA gather in the Cathedral Close at the 2007 Gloucester Conference
Dear Readers... ‘Nothing beautiful ever came out of a Committee - except the King James Bible’ goes the old chestnut. Well, we Tyndalians know better the origins of that work... However, this is the first edition of the newlook Journal which will be produced ‘in house’ by a committee. These Managing Editors will prepare the text and oversee production. In addition, for each issue, Guest Editors will invite, commission and select contributions. Our regular Photo Credit: Guido Latré features will continue exactly as always and we welcome material from our many faithful correspondents, so please keep writing in (details below and on p.4). Any comments about the new look will be gratefully received but be kind if you do not find TSJ No.34 meets our high standards of the past: we will get there. Valerie Offord, our irreplaceable editor for the past 7 years, is standing down. A full detailing of our thanks to her would completely fill these pages, but I just want to repeat our gratitude for the generosity of Valerie and Robin Offord in their financial donation to the Society (as outlined in the last edition of the Tyndale Society Journal, p.4). Valerie leaves us with a Journal to be proud of for its liveliness, depth and variety. There is nothing we want to change and we hope to continue at the level of excellence she has achieved. Mary Clow, Chairman
Guest Editors for Tyndale Society Journal No.35: Eunice Burton & Brian Buxton
Contact email for Eunice and Brian: brianbuxton1491@tiscali.co.uk
Please send all final electronic article submissions (see guidelines on p.4) to: tyndale.sec@btinternet.com and any hard copy submissions to: Karen Wortley, The Tyndale Society, Barnyard, Purdy Street, Salthouse, NR25 7XA.
The deadline for submission of articles to the next issue is 15th July 2008.
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Dates for Your Diary 2008
Saturday 10th May 2.30pm - 8pm
Hertford College Chapel - Hertford College, Oxford A Tyndale Society Event as part of the year-long commemoration of the Dedication of the Chapel in 1908.
When, centuries after its foundation, Hertford College determined to build its own Chapel, the great Victorian architect Sir Thomas Graham Jackson was commissioned. Jackson was already famous for several Oxford buildings notably the Examination Halls - and was widely praised for ‘new’ designs that fitted seamlessly into their Oxford setting. Hertford Chapel was judged equally successful. Many years later it was further enhanced by the gift of the Tyndale window, made in 1911 for the British & Foreign Bible Society with glass from a favourite firm of Jackson’s, and now installed in the antechamber. In its original mahogany frame (Venetian in form - which was a characteristic motif of the architect), the window accords splendidly with the style of Jackson’s Chapel. After lectures on associated subjects, the event will end with a concert by the English Chamber Choir, who have sung for us gloriously many times before. Their programme will include music composed by Sir Nicholas Jackson, the architect’s distinguished grandson and Honorary Fellow of Hertford. And there may be a surprise ending.... Lectures - Tea - Concert by the English Chamber Choir
Tickets: Full Programme £15 Concert only £10 To apply, please send the enclosed booking form to: K Wortley, Tyndale Secretary, Barnyard, Purdy Street, Salthouse NR25 7XA –––––––––––––––––––– ♦ ––––––––––––––––––––
ursday pm 12th June - Saturday pm 14th June
‘Tyndale's Gloucestershire’ - Trinity College, Bristol University
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Two-day event to include: Friday: coach excursion to nearby sites connected with the Tyndale and Poyntz families Overnight accommodation at Trinity College, Bristol
Saturday: at Trinity College, Bristol University: lectures
Inclusive cost £132 - for further details & registration form, see the advertisement on p.73 and the booking form inserted in this Journal. –––––––––––––––––––– ♦ ––––––––––––––––––––
ursday 3rd July to Sunday 6th July - Liverpool Hope University 'Tyndale, More and their Circles: Persecution and Martyrdom Under the Tudors'
This year Liverpool is European Capital of Culture with over 350 events (for full details www.nwculture.co.uk or call 0845 600 6040 for a free guide). Among Tall Ship races and strains of The Beatles, the University will host this international conference, with a major participation by the Tyndale Society. Liverpool Hope is an ecumenical foundation dedicated - as its name suggests - to fostering understanding between different Christian traditions in this city famous for its rival cathedrals. There could not be a more apt subject for such a conference, which promises to be as intensely reasoned as any debates of the 16th century. Of course, we trust in a more irenic conclusion.
Full programme details & registration form enclosed. –––––––––––––––––––– ♦ ––––––––––––––––––––
Saturday 5th July - 5pm at St Mary’s Church, Westerham, Kent A Celebration of the Life and Martyrdom of John Fryth John Fryth was born, raised and schooled in Sevenoaks where many places he would have known still stand. He is proudly commemorated as a local hero, especially on this 425th anniversary of his cruel death. In the parish church of the nearby village of Westerham, there will be choral music by The Sackville Singers and - including words of William Tyndale, and using the original trial language - a dramatic presentation of Fryth’s life. For Members without the opportunity to travel to Liverpool this event, celebrating the tragic short life of Tyndale’s friend and brilliant fellow scholar, will be unmissable. Further details - contact: David Whitmore tel: 01959 561330 –––––––––––––––––––– ♦ ––––––––––––––––––––
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Wednesday 24th September 14th Annual Lambeth Tyndale Lecture
Dr Rupert Sheldrake FRS. Cambridge (Natural Science, Double First; Biochemistry, PhD) Harvard (Philosophy) Research: Kuala Lumpur, Malaya; Hyderabad, India. Author of 9 books, among them: Dogs that know when their Owners are coming Home ; The Sense of Being Stared At
In all of our remarkable series of Lambeth lectures over more than a dozen years (see p.60) we have never heard a scientist. This year will break that disgraceful omission with an exceptional speaker who, with degrees in natural science, biochemistry and philosophy, is moreover a Christian. Dr Sheldrake thinks ‘outside the box’ and challenges orthodoxies in many varied areas: he is never for a moment dull. Please put the date in your diaries now. Ticket application details to be published on our website and also in the next edition of the Tyndale Society Journal. –––––––––––––––––––– ♦ ––––––––––––––––––––
ursday 16th October Hertford Tyndale Lecture Further details of this event to be announced in TSJ No. 35 –––––––––––––––––––– ♦ ––––––––––––––––––––
Wednesday 17th December Carol Service and Christmas Party Further details of this event to be announced in TSJ No. 35
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Joining the Tyndale Society Frequently Asked Questions: What is the Tyndale Society? The Tyndale Society is a registered charity which exists to tell people about William Tyndale’s great work and influence, and to stimulate study of the man who gave us our English Bible. Who can be a Member? Membership of the Tyndale Society is open to all who share an interest in the life and work of William Tyndale. Where are Members based? Our membership is worldwide, with a large proportion of members based in the UK and the USA and some as far afield as Japan and Australia. What are the categories of Membership? Individual Membership (£22.50/$40 per year) Reformation Membership (£45.00/$80 per year) Friend Membership (£60.00/$100 per year) Gift Membership (£22.50/£45.00/£60.00 for one year) What will I receive if I join? All members receive: Two issues of the Tyndale Society Journal per year Regular invitations to conferences, lectures and social events Invitations to tour historical sites not generally open to the public 25% Discount on advertising in the Tyndale Society Journal In addition, Reformation and Friend Members receive: One issue of Reformation per year (representing a 50% discount) What Payment Methods are Accepted? Standing order, Cheque payment Cash (if you join the Society at a membership event) So how do I apply to become a Member? Fill in the form overleaf and send it to: Karen Wortley, Membership Secretary, The Tyndale Society, Barnyard, Purdy Street, Salthouse, NR25 7XA. email: tyndale.sec@btinternet.com Note: Non-UK residents - please email us for an alternative form.
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T h e T yn d al e S o ci et y
Subscriptions Remittance Advice 2008-9
Please complete & return to: K Wortley, Membership Secretary, The Tyndale Society, Barnyard, Purdy St., Salthouse, NR25 7XA
Member Name: _______________________________________________ Member Address: _____________________________________________ Town: ______________________________________________________ County: _____________________________________________________ Post Code: __________________________________________________ Telephone Number: ___________________________________________ Email Address: _______________________________________________ Standing Order Mandate To: The Branch Manager Bank/Building Society Name: ____________________________ Branch Address: ____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Post Code: ________________________________________________ Name of Account Holder: _____________________________________ Account No: _______________________ Sort Code: _ _ / _ _ / _ _ Please pay: The Tyndale Society, National Westminster Bank, Branch Sort Code: 60-70-03 Account No: 86110683
EITHER £22.50 PER YEAR (For Single Membership) OR £45.00 PER YEAR (Membership including Reformation) OR £60.00 PER YEAR (For Friend Membership) (please delete two of the above, as appropriate)
Amount in words: ____________________________________ Commencing on: ________________________(Date/Month/Year) And Continuing every year on the same date until Further Notice (cancelling any previous instructions regarding this payee)
I am a UK taxpayer intending tax to be reclaimed under the Gift Aid scheme for Charity No. 1020405 (delete if necessary)
MEMBER SIGNATURE: ________________________ DATE: __/__/__ Alternatively, I attach my cheque payment in the sum of: _______________
Tyndale Society OďŹƒcers: Chairman Emeritus Chairman Vice-Chair USA Treasurer Secretary to the Trustees Membership Secretary
Professor David Daniell
Mary Clow, maryclow@aol.com
Dr Barry T. Ryan, drbarrytryan@aol.com
Philip Dickson, philip.dickson@hertford.ox.ac.uk Rochelle Givoni, Rochelle.Givoni@ctl.com
Karen Wortley, tyndale.sec@btinternet.com
Key Contacts for Members and Friends: Membership/Subscription Worldwide Tyndale Society, Hertford College, Catte Street, Oxford OX1 3BW, UK email: tyndale.sec@btinternet.com Phone: +44 (0)207 221 0303 USA Tyndale Society, PO BOX 643, Unionville, PA19375 email (subject: Tyndale Society): SatTeacher@aol.com Phone: +1 610 869 9087
European Representative Mrs Valerie Offord, Le Grouet, 31 route de PrĂŠ-Marais, 1233 Bernex, Switzerland. Phone/fax +41 (0) 22 777 18 58
UK Contact Mrs Priscilla Frost, 27 Ditchley Road, Charlbury, Oxon. OX7 3QS, UK. email: info@oxconf.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 1608 811818. Fax: +44 (0) 1608 819010,
Administration Mrs Gillian Guest, email: PMG7515@aol.com
Publications Committee Brian Johnson, email: brian_rosalind@yahoo.co.uk
Ploughboy Group Revd David Ireson, The Vicarage, Brendon Road, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0HU, UK email: decuman@hotmail.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 1984 631228 Webmaster Dr Deborah Pollard, email: d.e.pollard@qmul.ac.uk, www.tyndale.org
ISSN: 1357-4167