The Venerable Bede: His Passion for Hermeneutics and His Substantial Sources

The Venerable Bede spends the majority of his life as an English Monk at the prominent monastery of St. Peter and its companion monastery of St. Paul. Throughout the duration of his life, Bede utilizes his spare time to study Christian works, teach others Christianity, and composing religious commentaries and historical documents. Bede's monastery rewards him for his studious dedication by granting him access to an impressive library that includes works composed by Eusebius, Orosius, Gregory the Great and a large variety of others. In 1899, Pope Leo XII declares Bede a Doctor of the Church, and he still holds the position as the only individual to receive this pristine title from Britain. Bede also possesses resourceful skills as an impressive linguist and translator, and his extensive work makes the Latin and Greek writings of the early Church Fathers much more accessible to his fellow Anglo-Saxons. This accessibility contributes significantly to early English Christians and their thorough understanding of scripture. The only known parts of Bede's life originates in the last chapter of his Ecclesiastical History of the English People, a substantial history of the church in England. Bede’s brilliant writing displays his possession of a fervent passion for Christian hermeneutics and his reliance on Gregory the Great while retrieving important information from an innumerable amount of substantial sources.

Train (2014) explores the possible idea that Bede attempts to imitate Christ the Savior throughout his life and tries to lead others to a better, deeper understanding of scripture (173). Bede’s works enhance the Christian lifestyle and help readers realize the deeper meanings underlying in scripture while inviting them to read more in depth. While reading and studying scripture, Bede commits to reading the entire literary work at one moment while considering the end to be comparable to the end of his own life. Often, Bede makes references about teaching and acting like Jesus Christ while drawing out his religious themes by combining his personal knowledge and virtue. Train (2014) asserts that Bede earnestly believes worship and wisdom go hand in hand and should be a part of a fully committed Christian’s daily life while reminding his followers that the Holy Spirit comes to the disciples when they pray to God often (182). In addition, Bede displays a deep religious concern for his local Northumbrian community throughout his writing due to their failure to worship and praise the Savior adequately; the community only does so as they please. Also, he believes in the main principle to only teach what he actually practices. In addition, Bede wishes for his readers to take a lengthy spiritual journey where Christ appears as the beginning and the ending while being prominently active in both Christian word and deed. Love (2011) also explores the concept of Bede devoting himself to the study of scripture but his “chief delight” comes from teaching and writing (619). Bede possesses a major interest in recording Christian history during his life. Love (2011) even states that Bede’s enthusiasms were “to study, to teach, and to illuminate the scriptures” (621).

    After reading Bede’s material, one can infer that he studies and uses information from early Christianity. According to DeGregorio (2010), the Venerable Bede uses Gregory the Great as his main source for his writings (43). DeGregorio (2010) claims that Bede possesses a “frequent reliance on Gregory” and has a constant indebtedness to Gregory’s writing (43). Throughout Bede’s writing, many words, phrases, and passages trace back to Gregory’s recordings. DeGregorio (2010) also states that Bede and Gregory share extremely similar views on scripture and both appear to write as “a pastor concerned to foster right behavior” within a congregation (55).  Other popes devoted themselves to building churches and enriching them with costly ornaments, but Gregory's sole concern was to save souls and he regularly gave whatever money he had to relieve the poor. Bede and Gregory also wish for the scripture to be a guide for people's lives; therefore the followers should perform good deeds. Perhaps Bede uses inspiration from Gregory because they both spent time as monks who devote many days to studying Christianity and recording their beliefs, thoughts, and commentary on scripture.

    Love (2011) explores the possibility of Bede considering himself a “very learned” and wealthy man of studies (606). Bede might also consider this concept about himself due to his constant access and use of an extensive theological library. Benedict Biscop supplies the