Résumés
Abstract
The reading and study of bibles in Canada has shaped the ways in which the Christian faith is practiced, but it was not until the middle of the nineteenth century that bibles became widely available. This article examines the historical developments of bible distribution in British North America, focusing on the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS), which became the largest distributor of bibles in the world. Strengthening the BFBS's Canadian influence was its agent James Thomson, whose work in British North America between 1838 and 1842 expanded the organization’s reach and ensured an ample supply of bibles in the colonies. Through the expansion of local Bible Society auxiliaries and the establishment of distribution networks, Thomson laid the foundations for the BFBS’s success in establishing a successful bible enterprise that would dominate the trade in British North America for the rest of the century.
Résumé
La lecture et l'étude de la Bible au Canada a façonné la manière dont la foi chrétienne y est pratiquée, même s’il fallut attendre le milieu du xixe siècle pour que les bibles y soient largement accessibles. Dans cet article, j’évoque les jalons historiques qui ont marqué la distribution de bibles en Amérique du Nord britannique et m’intéresse particulièrement aux activités de la Société biblique britannique et étrangère (BFBS), qui allait devenir le plus grand distributeur de bibles du monde. Je m’intéresserai à la figure de James Thomson, agent de la BFBS en Amérique du Nord britannique de 1838 à 1842, qui, par son travail, contribua grandement à renforcer l'influence canadienne au sein de la Société, en plus d’étendre la portée de cette dernière et de veiller à ce que les colonies soient bien pourvues en matière de bibles. Sous sa gouverne, des sociétés bibliques auxiliaires virent le jour un peu partout et des réseaux de distribution furent établis. Thomson jeta les bases devant assurer le succès de la BFBS, qui allait dominer le commerce des bibles en Amérique du Nord britannique durant la seconde moitié du xixe siècle.
Parties annexes
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