Lecture Notes: Worship Arts and Bible Rebinding by Jim Littles
Introduction
- Speaker: Jim Littles
- Topic: Worship arts through Bible rebinding
- Personal Background: Part-time Bible rebinder, sees it as an art form
- Not proficient in videography
Motivation for Bible Rebinding
- Personal inspiration: Received father's Bible after his passing
- Father's Bible: Oxford Bible from the 60s, a treasured item
- Goal: Emulate father's use of a fine Bible
- Quality Bible Makers: Allen Bibles, Charfleet bindery in England, papers/rebinderies in the Netherlands
- Investment in Bibles: Owns three Allen Bibles, one purchased at full price ($240)
Life as a Worshiper
- Introduction approach: "Hi, my name's Jim, and I'm a worshiper"
- Aim: Live life as a worshiper
- Began rebinding after father's passing, currently rebinding for 3 years
- Personal Bible rebinding count: Over 150 Bibles, aiming for 200 by year's end
Personal History
- Childhood illness: Led to early interest in reading and writing
- Encouraged by Home Missions representative to become an apostolic writer
- Started taking sermon notes at young age
- Experience with leather projects during hospital stays
- Visit to Gutenberg's press in Germany at age 17
Significant Bibles
- Various Bibles related to different stages of life and ministry
- Pastoral experiences with Thompson chain Bibles
- Personal Bibles: Gifts from family, early rebinding projects
- Handwriting Scripture: Rewriting entire Bible by hand
Artistic Process
- Bible rebinding as an act of worship
- Combining family influences in art and music
- Emphasis on using quality materials (e.g., ostrich, kangaroo, Italian calf)
- Spiritual significance of restoring worn Bibles
Challenges and Rewards
- Challenges of Bible rebinding: Some projects are time-consuming
- Generations of worship and artistry in the family
- Worship through repairing and handling treasured, historical Bibles
- Material selection: Importance of quality and beauty
Concluding Thoughts
- Bible rebinding as a form of personal worship and craftsmanship
- Encouragement to explore personal artistry in worship
- Acknowledgment of growing, unanswered questions despite years in ministry
- Reflection on the authority and power of the Bible
- Hope for students to find ways to worship through art forms
These notes capture Jim Littles' exploration of Bible rebinding as an art form and act of worship, detailing his personal journey, motivations, significant influences, and the materials and processes involved in his work. They highlight the spiritual and artistic dimensions of bringing new life to old texts and artifacts.