“Translating” the Faith: The Lindisfarne Gospels

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has not stood still across the centuries, and neither have the Lindisfarne Gospels. When the monk penned Old English words on this gorgeous manuscript, his community was in exile, chased from their ancient home by Danish invaders. After the Norman invasion in 1066, monastic life in England grew quickly. A new priory was established on the tiny island, and the monks of Lindisfarne came home, bringing their Gospels with them. The English church would revolve around the life of monasteries like Lindisfarne for the next half millennium, counting on them to spread the good news to the English people.

The inspiration of Alfred

In his moment of despair, King Alfred the Great is visited by the Mother of God, who offers him not comfort but a call to arms.

Don’t wait on history

It is not anthropomorphized history that stands in the way of orthodoxy, but only individuals.