Bede

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=Venerable Bede=




 * "Father of English History"
 * Lived 673 to 735
 * Worked in a monastery
 * He was a thorough fact collector and use good sources
 * Wrote about the Roman invasion and the spread of Christianity from them
 * Then Bede wrote about the Anglo-Saxons bringing Paganism and got rid of Christianity
 * Finally writing about missionaries from Rome trying to convert the Pagans
 * Wrote about 40 books covering many differnt subjects
 * One of Bede's most famous works is A History of the English Church and People

media type="file" key="History of the English Church and Her People.aac"

When Paulinus had spoken, the king answered that he was both willing and obliged to accept the Faith which he taught, but said that he must discuss the matter with his principal advisers and friends, so that if they were in agreement, they might all be cleansed together in Christ the Fount of Life. Paulinus agreed, and the king kept his promise. He summoned a council of the wise men, and asked each in turn his opinion of this new faith and new God being proclaimed. Coifi, the High Priest, replied without hesitation: "Your Majesty, let us give careful consideration to this new teaching, for I frankly admit that, in my experience, the religion that we have hither- to professed seems valueless and powerless. None of your subjects has been more devoted to the service of the gods than myself, yet there are many to whom you show greater favor, who receive greater honors, and who are more successful in all their undertakings. Now, if the gods had any power, they would surely have favored myself, who have been more zealous in their service. Therefore, if on examination these new teachings are found to be better and more effectual, let us not hesitate to accept them."

Therefore, Your Majesty, I submit that the temples and altars that we have dedicated to no advantage be immediately desecrated and burned. In short, the king granted blessed Paulinus full permission to preach, renounced idolatry, and professed his acceptance of the Faith of Christ.

1. To whom is Bede writing to? Who is his audience? 2. What are the intentions of Coifi, the High Priest?