A miscelleny

The daily newsletter of New Morning Almanac for Thursday, Feb. 19 indicates that the first complete Bible in the English language was printed on this day in 1535 and William Faulkner completed his novel Light in August on Feb. 19, 1932. "Readers noticed the parallels between Faulkner's story and the Gospel of John." What do you suppose the second work owes to the earlier?

If you receive updates from Librarian's Index to the Internet, they you will have noticed the bibliography Jesus: Real to Reel: Bibliography and Web Resources for Religion/Theology and Film I've mentioned some of the links before such as Hollywood Jesus, but this is great for those who want a complete, if not exhaustive resource. LII states It "has been set up to collect into one place resources for studying the historical Jesus through modern cinematic presentations of Jesus' life and teachings." It features journal article citations and links to online articles and Web sites on the portrayal of Jesus in film. Includes related citations to the Bible and film and religion/theology and film."

Finally, the current Chronicle of Higher Education features an article by Richard Wightman Fox, America's National Obsession which posits that Jesus will be a major influence in American thought and culture for some time. Along with many other arguments, he also traces the way different Americans have adapted Jesus to their culture. For instance: "Thanks to his paradoxical place as Lord and servant of both highborn and low, Jesus came to stand in African-American religion for the mysterious agency through which, against all appearances, the last would ultimately...be made first." If you are not an online subscriber, locate a copy. This essay was adapted from Professor Fox's book, Jesus in America: Personal Savior, Cultural Hero, National Obsession--coming out in March.