Wednesday, August 27, 2014

The Codex Sinaiticus - It's a Big Deal

Join us in celebrating the acquisition of
The Codex Sinaiticus 
 Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 10:30AM


The Darling Library is planning a very short event to celebrate the acquisition of The Codex Sinaiticus which is now on display in the library. The event is to serve two purposes: to draw student attention to this resource and to thank the Treasures N Beyond thrift store board for their generous donation for its display case.

Dr. David Matson, Professor of Biblical Studies, who requested the book for the library and will be giving a short presentation about The Codex Sinaticus and how it will be useful for instruction at Hope.

The Codex Sinaiticus (facsimile edition, 2010) is a "big deal" in many ways.  

First of all, 'the Sinai Book' is important.
"It is one of the most important books in the world. Handwritten well over 1600 years ago, the manuscript contains the Christian Bible in Greek, including the oldest complete copy of the New Testament. Its heavily corrected text is of outstanding importance for the history of the Bible and the manuscript – the oldest substantial book to survive Antiquity – is of supreme importance for the history of the book." - The Codex Sinaiticus Project website

The Codex Sinaiticus Project is an undertaking of four entities which hold parts of the manuscript and agreed to put them together in one cohesive publication: The British Library Board, National Library of Russia, Monastery of Mount Sinai (Saint Catherine's), and The University of Leipzig as well as numerous contributors and funding bodies. Read more about it on their website.

Secondly, it is a big deal for the Darling Library because it was a big expense. This single volume cost more than some sets of encyclopedias! (Remember those?)

Physically, The Codex Sinaitucus is a big book. In fact, it is the largest book in the Darling Library. At 43 cm. (almost 17 inches) high it doesn't even fit on our Oversize shelves. (Books that are taller than 12 inches are put in the Oversize section in order to keep us from having to adjust shelving throughout the rest of the library.) The Codex is not only taller, it is bigger in every dimension - and it is much heavier. It would be dangerous to have it hanging on the open shelves.

Therefore, thanks to the Treasures N Beyond board we have a new display case just for this! Treasures N Beyond, formerly called The Heirloom Shoppe, is a thrift store that was established by the Pacific Christian Women's Association thirty years ago. Operated by volunteers, all of the proceeds go to fund projects that support the students of Hope International University.

Come celebrate with us!


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