A remarkable digital version of one of the world’s most important books is being made available for study in the North East.
Picture By: Keith Blundy
Karenza Passmore with the Codex Sinaiticus facsimile
The digital version of the Codex Sinaiticus manuscript, which was written well over 1,600 years ago and contains the Bible in Greek, is available at the North East Learning Resources Centre in Cuthbert House in Stonebridge Lane, Durham.
Codex Sinaiticus contains the oldest complete copy of the New Testament and its heavily corrected text is of outstanding importance for those studying the history of the Bible. The digital version has been created as part of the Codex Sinaiticus Project, an international collaboration to reunite the entire manuscript in digital form and make it accessible to a global audience for the first time.
Drawing on the expertise of leading scholars, conservators and curators, the Project gives everyone the opportunity to connect directly with this famous manuscript.
The Religious Resources Centre bought the book thanks to a grant from The Lord Crewe’s Trust; the original manuscript is currently on display in the British Museum. The digital version, produced in physical book form, replicates the original, showing changes to the text and the authentic handwriting, even where the light has worn away the text, giving the user the impression of reading the book itself.
Picture By: Keith Blundy
Karenza Passmore with the Codex Sinaiticus facsimile
Centre Director Karenza Passmore said: “It is an amazing piece of work and absolutely fabulous to look at. When you hold it, it is as if you are holding the original.
“The Codex Sinaiticus is the oldest copy we have of the complete New Testament and it is one of the most important books in the world. It helps us see the Bible as living document.” The book is available to view at Cuthbert House until the 18th February, after which appointments can be made by contacting enquiries@resourcescentreonline.co.uk
People interested interested in learning more about the Codex are invited to come along to a lecture by Dr David Bryan entitled: ‘Exploring some of the questions around the formation of the Gospels in the light of the Codex Sinaiticus’ – An entertaining, accessible and intriguing journey back to the earliest written text of the Bible. Suitable for anyone interested in the text, the transmission of the Gospels and the intricacies of biblical translation and formation.
Wednesday 11th May 2016, 1pm-3pm, Religious resources Centre, Church House, St John’s Terrace, North Shields, NE29 6HS