25.02.2020
Gospel Readings in Iambic Verse Provide Novel Way to Access Scriptures
Two new books which present the Gospels as poems offer a novel way to read the Scriptures. ‘Meet the Apostles’ and ‘The Gospels in Iambic Verse’ by Canon Prof John Bartlett were officially launched in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute yesterday evening (Monday February 24).
Canon Prof Bartlett, a former Precentor of Christ Church Cathedral and former Principal of the Church of Ireland Theological College, has been working on the project to render the Sunday Gospel readings from the Revised Common Lectionary into iambic verse. He has illustrated them with his own quirky line drawings.
‘Meet the Apostles’ is a prequel which provides an introduction to the Apostles of the New Testament in iambic verse. ‘The Gospels in Iambic Verse’ is the first volume of a series of three which will take the reader through the three year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary.
The books were launched by musician, liturgist and theologian, Dr Margaret Daly–Denton. She described the poems of the Sunday Gospel readings and the accompanying drawings as “a novel way to ‘hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them’”.
“These poetic renderings of the Gospels are the work of someone who processes into Christ Church Cathedral for Sunday Eucharist clutching his beloved Greek New Testament. Obviously, he brings to this project all the rigour of his biblical scholarship, but he also has a profound pastoral aim,” Dr Daly–Denton explained. “The Revised Common Lectionary’s design on a three year cycle is intended to help the people of God to experience and appreciate the distinctiveness of each Evangelist’s writing: Matthew’s in Year A, Mark’s in Year B, Luke’s in Year C and John’s during Lent, Easter and Christmas. This is exactly what this iambic project with its quirky illustrations does in a most attractive way.”
She reported that for the last three liturgical years the author had been emailing her a weekly ‘fix’ of iambic pentameter. She said she had found herself “deeply touched by the devotion of an elderly priest faithfully preparing, as each Sunday approached, to hear what the Spirit would be saying to all of the Churches throughout the world as they assemble for worship”.
Dr Daly–Denton performed the launch on behalf of Bishop Michael Burrows who was unable to be present but sent a message. He said the books were not to be missed. “His work on the iambic pentameter gospels is an absolute triumph of brain and (in the proper sense) wit. Readers as they enjoy his work will scarcely realise the depths they are plumbing. And all enriched by his own line drawings. It is a perfect example of what the Irish hymn writer Herbie O’Driscoll would call the ‘simplicity beyond complexity’,” he said.
Canon Prof Bartlett described how the project began when he was listening to the Gospel one Sunday and the words fell into iambic pentameter: ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ From that point on it became a hobby, he said. He thanked everyone who supported him in getting the books published. He said that the proceeds, after costs, would go to Christ Church Cathedral in thanks for them putting up with him for 34 years.
‘Meet the Apostles’ is published by Christ Church Cathedral. ‘The Gospels in Iambic Verse’ is published by Church of Ireland Publishing. Both are on sale in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, and will be available from the Church of Ireland online store in due course.