The Bible in Cockney: Well bits of it anyway

by Mike Coles

Would you Adam and Eve it?

When Mike Coles first moved to the East End of London to teach RE at Sir John Cass's Church of England Secondary School in Stepney, he was delighted to come across Cockney rhyming slang for the first time. To liven up his lessons, he started to write Cockney versions of some of the Bible stories he used - and the children loved it. Mike went on to publish some of these very down-to-earth 'translations' with BRF, to help God's word reach out to those who wouldn't normally read the Bible but who just might pick up a copy of this book!

As well as the Lord's Prayer in Cockney and the whole of Mark's Gospel, this book includes selected Old Testament stories - Noah and 'is big nanny goat, Joseph the currant of Jacob and Rachel, David and that huge geezer Goliath, and more. And if it's all a bit confusing, there's a helpful glossary at the back of the book!

'It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.'
Reverend Stan in The Badge, the London cab drivers' newspaper

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2001

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a surreal experience to be an American living homeless in England and finding this book passed around the local homeless community.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gift from a student (who made no profession to Christian faith and therefore all the more thoughtful as a gift), Wendy and I chose this as our 'read together' book when we were out having coffee and writing our gratitude journal together. It was fun and, because we are no Cockney's, made us think about what was written in new ways. As a high school teacher, I can also appreciate what Coles is attempting in this short contribution to understanding what the Bible is actually saying. I am consistently saddened, all the more so because I am not amazed, at the appalling ignorance and misunderstanding of biblical writing demonstrated by both supporters and detractors.

[Tommy Maker · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun way to learn stories from the bible. It was different, and kept my attention, unlike the bible, which loses me, to the point I don't understand what reading. Didn't always get the rhyming slang, had to refer to glossary at back when confused, which frustrated me a bit, being a true cockney myself.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on familiar stories. The way it's written makes you think a little bit more about what is actually going on in each part.

I liked it. I doubt many religious enthusiasts would though!