King - Prospectus
Laura King
Laura E. King
August 13, 2012
HIS 504
Summer Term
Word - 177
In The Ecclesiastical History of the English People Bede tells the story of the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. Within this tale, another theme arise concerning the debate primarily between the Irish and Anglo-Saxons over the correct dating and celebration of Easter. Though this issue seems trivial to us, for Bede this issue is foundational. In this paper I will examine Bede’s treatment of the Easter controversy and the underlying issues he believes are at stake. Through these observations, I hope to shed light on where and how Easter fits into Bede’s understanding and relating of Christian history in this text. I will also consider the emphasis that Bede puts on baptisms performed on Easter as well as its symbolism and Bede’s emphasis on ritual unity. By examinging these points I hope to prove Bede’s intense interest with the unity of believers regarding the celebration of Easter originates from his perspectives on the concept of time as ordered and governed by God, which God uses to reveal Himself to man and bring man closer to God.
