AN international and diverse group of scholars of religion, theology, and the Bible gathered in Otley on Monday, January 30.
They were due to attend a research day at the University of Leeds the following day and eagerly accepted the invitation by the Rev Jason McCullagh of Bridge Street United Reformed Church to meet with members of the public, to discuss and answer questions. The public engagement event was organised by Otley resident Johanna Stiebert who is Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Leeds.
She said: "The format of the event was that of a ‘living library book’, where every participating scholar displayed a short blurb about themselves and their research interests. The aim of this was – just like with the blurb on the back of a library book – to incite interest, curiosity, and questions.
"Well, it worked! In two two-hour drop-in sessions 15 scholars from all over England, as well as Germany, South Africa, New Zealand, the USA, Uganda, and Botswana were kept on their toes. The majority of questioners were residents of Otley, ranging from eight-year-old Freya, to teenagers from Prince Henry's and St. Aidan's, to parishioners from multiple churches. Some participants came from further afield – Guiseley, Ilkley, Leeds, and Skipton.
"Questions covered a huge spectrum and put the scholars through their paces. Freya wanted to know if there were any unicorns in the Bible – and luckily a scholar in the team happened to know that one term occurring nine times is indeed translated ‘unicorn’ in the King James Bible. Other questions centred on themes of more universal appeal: where do we come from (creation)? Why does a just God allow the suffering of the righteous (theodicy)? What happens to us when we die (afterlife)? There was a question and an answer for everyone!
"Participants commented on how enjoyable it was to have an opportunity to ask questions and talk in-depth about the Bible, a text that has had profound impact and influence not only on faith but on history, language, art and culture. The scholars commented how much they appreciated getting a sense of what people are most interested in. All the scholars loved Otley and took advantage of a fine cream tea at Joys Coffee House between question times and of a spicy dinner at Jewel of India following."
There is appetite to do it all again one day. Feedback is gratefully received by Johanna Stiebert (j.stiebert@leeds.ac.uk).
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