The following story is true, and it is taken from the prison diary of Perpetua, a young woman that was martyred in Carthage in 202 or 203 CE during the time of the Roman Empire. The reason for her martyrdom was because she was a Christian, she said herself: “I cannot be called anything other than what I am, a Christian.” The story has been edited and narrated at the start and at the end, but the central part of the story are the words of Perpetua herself. This is her story.
A number of young catechumens were arrested, Revocatus and his fellow slave Felicitas, Saturninus and Secundulus, and with them Vibia Perpetua, a newly married woman of good family and upbringing. Her mother and father were still alive and one of her two brothers was a catechumen like herself. She was about twenty-two years old and had an infant son at the breast. (Now from this point on the entire account of her ordeal is her own, according to her own ideas and in the way that she herself wrote it down.)
While we were still under arrest (she said) my father out of love for me was trying to persuade me and shake my resolution. 'Father,' said I, 'do you see this vase here, for example, or waterpot or whatever?'
'Yes, I do', said he.
And I told him: 'Could it be called by any other name than what it is?'
And he said: 'No.'
'Well, so too I cannot be called anything other than what I am, a Christian.'
At this my father was so angered by the word 'Christian' that he moved towards me as though he would pluck my eyes out. But he left it at that and departed, vanquished along with his diabolical arguments.
For a few days afterwards I gave thanks to the Lord that I was separated from my father, and I was comforted by his absence. During these few days I was baptized, and I was inspired by the Spirit not to ask for any other favour after the water but simply the perseverance of the flesh. A few days later we were lodged in the prison; and I was terrified, as I had never before been in such a dark hole. What a difficult time it was! With the crowd the heat was stifling; then there was the extortion of the soldiers; and to crown all, I was tortured with worry for my baby there.
Then Tertius and Pomponius, those blessed deacons who tried to take care of us, bribed the soldiers to allow us to go to a better part of the prison to refresh ourselves for a few hours. Everyone then left that dungeon and shifted for himself. I nursed my baby, who was faint from hunger. In my anxiety I spoke to my mother about the child, I tried to comfort my brother, and I gave the child in their charge. I was in pain because I saw them suffering out of pity for me. These were the trials I had to endure for many days. Then I got permission for my baby to stay with me in prison. At once I recovered my health, relieved as I was of my worry and anxiety over the child. My prison had suddenly become a palace, so that I wanted to be there rather than anywhere else.
Then my brother said to me: 'Dear sister, you are greatly privileged; surely you might ask for a vision to discover whether you are to be condemned or freed.'
Faithfully I promised that I would, for I knew that I could speak with the Lord, whose great blessings I had come to experience. And so I said: 'I shall tell you tomorrow.' Then I made my request and this was the vision I had.
I saw a ladder of tremendous height made of bronze, reaching all the way to the heavens, but it was so narrow that only one person could climb up at a time. To the sides of the ladder were attached all sorts of metal weapons: there were swords, spears, hooks, daggers, and spikes; so that if anyone tried to climb up carelessly or without paying attention, he would be mangled and his flesh would adhere to the weapons.
At the foot of the ladder lay a dragon of enormous size, and it would attack those who tried to climb up and try to terrify them from doing so. And Saturus was the first to go up, he who was later to give himself up of his own accord. He had been the builder of our strength, although he was not present when we were arrested. And he arrived at the top of the staircase and he looked back and said to me: 'Perpetua, I am waiting for you. But take care; do not let the dragon bite you.'
'He will not harm me,' I said, 'in the name of Christ Jesus.'
Slowly, as though he were afraid of me, the dragon stuck his head out from underneath the ladder. Then, using it as my first step, I trod on his head and went up.
Then I saw an immense garden, and in it a gray-haired man sat in shepherd's garb; tall he was, and milking sheep. And standing around him were many thousands of people clad in white garments. He raised his head, looked at me, and said: 'I am glad you have come, my child.'
He called me over to him and gave me, as it were, a mouthful Of the milk he was drawing; and I took it into my cupped hands and consumed it. And all those who stood around said: 'Amen!' At the sound of this word I came to, with the taste of something sweet still in my mouth. I at once told this to my brother, and we realized that we would have to suffer, and that from now on we would no longer have any hope in this life.
A few days later there was a rumour that we were going to be given a hearing. My father also arrived from the city, worn with worry, and he came to see me with the idea of persuading me.
'Daughter,' he said, 'have pity on my grey head--have pity on me your father, if I deserve to be called your father, if I have favoured you above all your brothers, if I have raised you to reach this prime of your life. Do not abandon me to be the reproach of men. Think of your brothers, think of your mother and your aunt, think of your child, who will not be able to live once you are gone. Give up your pride! You will destroy all of us! None of us will ever be able to speak freely again if anything happens to you.'
This was the way my father spoke out of love for me, kissing my hands and throwing himself down before me. With tears in his eyes he no longer addressed me as his daughter but as a woman. I was sorry for my father's sake, because he alone of all my kin would be unhappy to see me suffer.
I tried to comfort him saying: 'It will all happen in the prisoner's dock as God wills; for you may be sure that we are not left to ourselves but are all in his power.'
And he left me in great sorrow.
One day while we were eating breakfast we were suddenly hurried off for a hearing. We arrived at the forum, and straight away the story went about the neighbourhood near the forum and a huge crowd gathered. We walked up to the prisoner's dock. All the others when questioned admitted their guilt. Then, when it came my turn, my father appeared with my son, dragged me from the step, and said: 'Perform the sacrifice--have pity on your baby!'
Hilarianus the governor, who had received his judicial powers as the successor of the late proconsul Minucius Timinianus, said to me: 'Have pity on your father's grey head; have pity on your infant son. Offer the sacrifice for the welfare of the emperors.'
'I will not',
I retorted.
'Are you a Christian?' said Hilarianus.
And I said: 'Yes, I am.'
When my father persisted in trying to dissuade me, Hilarianus ordered him to be thrown to the ground and beaten with a rod. I felt sorry for father, just as if I myself had been beaten. I felt sorry for his pathetic old age.
Then Hilarianus passed sentence on all of us: we were condemned to the beasts, and we returned to prison in high spirits. But my baby had got used to being nursed at the breast and to staying with me in prison. So I sent the deacon Pomponius straight away to my father to ask for the baby. But father refused to give him over. But as God willed, the baby had no further desire for the breast, nor did I suffer any inflammation; and so I was relieved of any anxiety for my child and of any discomfort in my breasts....
Some days later, an adjutant named Pudens, who was in charge of the prison, began to show us great honour, realizing that we possessed some great power within us. And he began to allow many visitors to see us for our mutual comfort.
Now the day of the contest was approaching, and my father came to see me overwhelmed with sorrow. He started tearing the hairs from his beard and threw them on the ground; he then threw himself on the ground and began to curse his old age and to say such words as would move all creation. I felt sorry for his unhappy old age.
The day before we were to fight with the beasts I saw the following vision. Pomponius the deacon came to the prison gates and began to knock violently. I went out and opened the gate for him. He was dressed in an unbelted white tunic, wearing elaborate sandals. And he said to me: 'Perpetua, come; we are waiting for you.'
Then he took my hand and we began to walk through rough and broken country. At last we came to the amphitheatre out of breath, and he led me into the centre of the arena.
Then he told me: 'Do not be afraid. I am here, struggling with you.' Then he left.
I looked at the enormous crowd who watched in astonishment. I was surprised that no beasts were let loose on me; for I knew that I was condemned to die by the beasts. Then out came an Egyptian against me, of vicious appearance, together with his seconds, to fight with me. There also came up to me some handsome young men to be my seconds and assistants.
My clothes were stripped off, and suddenly I was a man. My seconds began to rub me down with oil (as they are wont to do before a contest). Then I saw the Egyptian on the other side rolling in the dust. Next there came forth a man of marvelous stature, such that he rose above the top of the amphitheatre. He was clad in a beltless purple tunic with two stripes (one on either side) running down the middle of his chest. He wore sandals that were wondrously made of gold and silver, and he carried a wand like an athletic trainer and a green branch on which there were golden apples.
And he asked for silence and said: 'If this Egyptian defeats her he will slay her with the sword. But if she defeats him, she will receive this branch.' Then he withdrew.
We drew close to one another and began to let our fists fly. My opponent tried to get hold of my feet, but I kept striking him in the face with the heels of my feet. Then I was raised up into the air and I began to pummel him without as it were touching the ground. Then when I noticed there was a lull, I put my two hands together linking the fingers of one hand with those of the other and thus I got hold of his head. He fell flat on his face and I stepped on his head.
The crowd began to shout and my assistants started to sing psalms. Then I walked up to the trainer and took the branch. He kissed me and said to me: 'Peace be with you, my daughter!' I began to walk in triumph towards the Gate of Life. Then I awoke. I realized that it was not with wild animals that I would fight but with the Devil, but I knew that I would win the victory. So much for what I did up until the eve of the contest. About what happened at the contest itself, let him write of it who will.
Such were the remarkable visions of these martyrs, Saturus and Perpetua, written by themselves. As for Secundulus, God called him from this world earlier than the others while he was still in prison, by a special grace that he might not have to face the animals. Yet his flesh, if not his spirit, knew the sword.
As for Felicitas, she too enjoyed the Lord's favour in this wise. She had been pregnant when she was arrested, and was now in her eighth month. As the day of the spectacle drew near she was very distressed that her martyrdom would be postponed because of her pregnancy; for it is against the law for women with child to be executed. Thus she might have to shed her holy, innocent blood afterwards along with others who were common criminals. Her comrades in martyrdom were also saddened; for they were afraid that they would have to leave behind so fine a companion to travel alone on the same road to hope. And so, two days before the contest, they poured forth a prayer to the Lord in one torrent of common grief. And immediately after their prayer the birth pains came upon her. She suffered a good deal in her labour because of the natural difficulty of an eight months' delivery.
Hence one of the assistants of the prison guards said to her: 'You suffer so much now--what will you do when you are tossed to the beasts? Little did you think of them when you refused to sacrifice.'
'What I am suffering now', she replied, 'I suffer by myself. But then another will be inside me who will suffer for me, just as I shall be suffering for him.'
And she gave birth to a girl; and one of the sisters brought her up as her own daughter.
Therefore, since the Holy Spirit has permitted the story of this contest to be written down and by so permitting has willed it, we shall carry out the command or, indeed, the commission of the most saintly Perpetua, however unworthy I might be to add anything to this glorious story. At the same time I shall add one example of her perseverance and nobility of soul.
The military tribune had treated them with extraordinary severity because on the information of certain very foolish people he became afraid that they would be spirited out of the prison by magical spells.
Perpetua spoke to him directly. 'Why can you not even allow us to refresh ourselves properly? For we are the most distinguished of the condemned prisoners, seeing that we belong to the emperor; we are to fight on his very birthday. Would it not be to your credit if we were brought forth on the day in a healthier condition?'
The officer became disturbed and grew red. So it was that he gave the order that they were to be more humanely treated; and he allowed her brothers and other persons to visit, so that the prisoners could dine in their company. By this time the adjutant who was head of the gaol was himself a Christian.
On the day before, when they had their last meal, which is called the free banquet, they celebrated not a banquet but rather a love feast. They spoke to the mob with the same steadfastness, warned them of God's judgement, stressing the joy they would have in their suffering, and ridiculing the curiosity of those that came to see them. Saturus said: 'Will not tomorrow be enough for you? Why are you so eager to see something that you dislike? Our friends today will be our enemies on the morrow. But take careful note of what we look like so that you will recognize us on the day.' Thus everyone would depart from the prison in amazement, and many of them began to believe.
The day of their victory dawned, and they marched from the prison to the amphitheatre joyfully as though they were going to heaven, with calm faces, trembling, if at all, with joy rather than fear. Perpetua went along with shining countenance and calm step, as the beloved of God, as a wife of Christ, putting down everyone's stare by her own intense gaze. With them also was Felicitas, glad that she had safely given birth so that now she could fight the beasts, going from one blood bath to another, from the midwife to the gladiator, ready to wash after childbirth in a second baptism.
They were then led up to the gates and the men were forced to put on the robes of priests of Saturn, the women the dress of the priestesses of Ceres. But the noble Perpetua strenuously resisted this to the end.
'We came to this of our own free will, that our freedom should not be violated. We agreed to pledge our lives provided that we would do no such thing. You agreed with us to do this.'
Even injustice recognized justice. The military tribune agreed. They were to be brought into the arena just as they were. Perpetua then began to sing a psalm: she was already treading on the head of the Egyptian. Revocatus, Saturninus, and Saturus began to warn the on looking mob. Then when they came within sight of Hilarianus, they suggested by their motions and gestures: 'You have condemned us, but God will condemn you' was what they were saying.
At this the crowds became enraged and demanded that they be scourged before a line of gladiators. And they rejoiced at this that they had obtained a share in the Lord's sufferings.
But he who said, Ask and you shall receive, answered their prayer by giving each one the death he had asked for. For whenever they would discuss among themselves their desire for martyrdom, Saturninus indeed insisted that he wanted to be exposed to all the different beasts, that his crown might be all the more glorious. And so at the outset of the contest he and Revocatus were matched with a leopard, and then while in the stocks they were attacked by a bear. As for Saturus, he dreaded nothing more than a bear, and he counted on being killed by one bite of a leopard. Then he was matched with a wild boar; but the gladiator who had tied him to the animal was gored by the boar and died a few days after the contest, whereas Saturus was only dragged along. Then when he was bound in the stocks awaiting the bear, the animal refused to come out of the cages, so that Saturus was called back once more unhurt.
For the young women, however, the Devil had prepared a mad heifer. This was an unusual animal, but it was chosen that their sex might be matched with that of the beast. So they were stripped naked, placed in nets and thus brought out into the arena. Even the crowd was horrified when they saw that one was a delicate young girl and the other was a woman fresh from childbirth with the milk still dripping from her breasts. And so they were brought back again and dressed in unbelted tunics.
First the heifer tossed Perpetua and she fell on her back. Then sitting up she pulled down the tunic that was ripped along the side so that it covered her thighs, thinking more of her modesty than of her pain. Next she asked for a pin to fasten her untidy hair: for it was not right that a martyr should die with her hair in disorder, lest she might seem to be mourning in her hour of triumph.
Then she got up. And seeing that Felicitas had been crushed to the ground, she went over to her, gave her hand, and lifted her up. Then the two stood side by side. But the cruelty of the mob was by now appeased, and so they were called back through the Gate of Life.
There Perpetua was held up by a man named Rusticus who was at the time a catechumen and kept close to her. She awoke from a kind of sleep (so absorbed had she been in ecstasy in the Spirit) and she began to look about her. Then to the amazement of all she said: 'When are we going to be thrown to that heifer or whatever it is?'
When told that this had already happened, she refused to believe it until she noticed the marks of her rough experience on her person and her dress. Then she called for her brother and spoke to him together with the catechumens and said: 'You must all stand fast in the faith and love one another, and do not be weakened by what we have gone through.'
At another gate Saturus was earnestly addressing the soldier Pudens. 'It is exactly', he said, 'as I foretold and predicted. So far not one animal has touched me. So now you may believe me with all your heart: I am going in there and I shall be finished off with one bite of the leopard.' And immediately as the contest was coming to a close a leopard was let loose, and after one bite Saturus was so drenched with blood that as he came away the mob roared in witness to his second baptism: 'Well washed! Well washed!' For well washed indeed was one who had been bathed in this manner.
Then he said to the soldier Pudens: 'Good-bye. Remember me, and remember the faith. These things should not disturb you but rather strengthen you.'
And with this he asked Pudens for a ring from his finger, and dipping it into his wound he gave it back to him again as a pledge and as a record of his bloodshed.
Shortly after he was thrown unconscious with the rest in the usual spot to have his throat cut. But the mob asked that their bodies be brought out into the open that their eyes might be the guilty witnesses of the sword that pierced their flesh. And so the martyrs got up and went to the spot of their own accord as the people wanted them to, and kissing one another they sealed their martyrdom with the ritual kiss of peace. The others took the sword in silence and without moving, especially Saturus, who being the first to climb the stairway was the first to die. For once again he was waiting for Perpetual Perpetua, however, had yet to taste more pain. She screamed as she was struck on the bone; then she took the trembling hand of the young gladiator and guided it to her throat. It was as though so great a woman, feared as she was by the unclean spirit, could not be dispatched unless she herself were willing.
Ah, most valiant and blessed martyrs! Truly are you called and chosen for the glory of Christ Jesus our Lord! And any man who exalts, honours, and worships his glory should read for the consolation of the Church these new deeds of heroism which are no less significant than the tales of old. For these new manifestations of virtue will bear witness to one and the same Spirit who still operates, and to God the Father almighty, to his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom is splendour and immeasurable power for all the ages. Amen.
From The Acts of the Christian Marytrs
texts and translation by Herbert Musurillo
(c) Oxford University Press, 1972
References:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/perpetua.html
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Road to Emmaus
The Road to Emmaus is a story that takes place in the Gospel of Luke 24:13-35. The really amazing thing is that it takes place right after the resurrection of Jesus. In the story, Jesus appears to two individuals that were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a village that was about seven miles outside of Jerusalem. I do not plan on making many comments in this posting, but I do wonder what may have been going through the minds of these two persons while they interacted with Jesus unknowingly. If we set the scene, the two were walking and at the same time they were probably very sad because they knew that Jesus had died, and was still dead; however, as the story unfolds they are very much surprised. The following is the story found in verses 13-35 of Luke 24:
“13. That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,
14. and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
16. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17. And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad.
18. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19. And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20. and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
22. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,
23. and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25. And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26. Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
27. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther,
29. but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them.
30. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.
31. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
32. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
33. And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
34. saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!"
35. Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread ( Holy Bible, ESV)."
Closing Thoughts: The two were going to Emmaus because they had lost all hope, Jesus was dead. They perhaps thought that escaping the present reality is what they needed, so they decide to go away; however, when their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus was alive they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. One of the purposes of going to Emmaus for the two was really, so that you and I could read this story. When the two regained hope they no longer had any interest or a need to go to Emmaus. I am sure Emmaus was a nice town, but I imagine that sharing the news with the people they new suddenly became a priority. Actually, the news that Jesus is risen is still the best news ever, and the reason this blog even exist. Well, I hope you enjoyed reading the Road to Emmaus.
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
“13. That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,
14. and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
16. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17. And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad.
18. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19. And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20. and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
22. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,
23. and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25. And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26. Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
27. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther,
29. but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them.
30. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.
31. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
32. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
33. And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
34. saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!"
35. Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread ( Holy Bible, ESV)."
Closing Thoughts: The two were going to Emmaus because they had lost all hope, Jesus was dead. They perhaps thought that escaping the present reality is what they needed, so they decide to go away; however, when their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus was alive they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. One of the purposes of going to Emmaus for the two was really, so that you and I could read this story. When the two regained hope they no longer had any interest or a need to go to Emmaus. I am sure Emmaus was a nice town, but I imagine that sharing the news with the people they new suddenly became a priority. Actually, the news that Jesus is risen is still the best news ever, and the reason this blog even exist. Well, I hope you enjoyed reading the Road to Emmaus.
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 12:1-2
A few years ago when he was still with us, Keith Greene said in the chorus of a song: "We are His workmanship created for good works in Christ... He calls us to offer up ourselves a living sacrifice."
What did Keith do? Well, He combined Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 12:1-2.
Ephesians 2:10 says:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Romans 12:1-2 says:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
What did Keith do? Well, He combined Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 12:1-2.
Ephesians 2:10 says:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Romans 12:1-2 says:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
References:
Holy Bible, ESV
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Prayer of St. Francis Assisi
Jesus taught us how to pray in Mathew 6:9-15. Most of us know the prayer, the one which begins with the words “Our Father.” I believe that it is the best prayer of all time. Moreover, I believe that it is hard to find a good follow up to it. One of the most humble prayers I have heard which always reminds me and makes me feel that I can always be a tad more humble is The prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. If you have never studied St. Francis’s life, I highly recommend that you do, he was quite an inspiration. The following is his prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
References:
http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/stfrancis.htm.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
References:
http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/stfrancis.htm.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Crusades
I. Introductory Abstract:
The Crusades is the topic for this paper, and its intent will perhaps be to argue, show, or prove that the purpose of the Crusades was in reality a venture campaign to acquire Jerusalem or the Holy Land as property for that Roman Catholic Church of this period in history. The original purpose or intent of going to Jerusalem may have been to protect and evangelize; however, it may have become more of a real-estate acquisition outcome. Thomas Asbridge in his book, The Crusades The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land, explains it as follows:
“Nine Hundred years ago the Christians of Europe waged a series of holy wars, or crusades, against the Muslim world, battling for dominion of a region sacred to both faiths-the Holy Land. This bloody struggle raged for two centuries, reshaping the history of Islam and the West (Asbridge, p. 1).”
The Crusades timeline was from 1095to1291, almost 200 years. The more that events unraveled, the more clear it becomes that the original goal distorts and withers. Seemingly, the thought behind going into the Holy Land resembles the purpose radical Muslim terrorist have in the present day.
II. The First Crusade
The First Crusade began as follows:
“In November 1095, Pope Urban II preached a sermon at Clermont-Ferrand in France to launch the First Crusade. The aim was to aid the Christians of the East and return to Christian control the Holy Sepulcher, the church in Jerusalem said to contain the tomb of Christ. Absolution from sin and eternal glory were promised to the Crusaders, who also hoped to gain land and wealth in the East. Nobles and peasants responded in great number to the call and marched across Europe to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. With the support of the Byzantine emperor, the knights, guided by Armenian Christians, tenuously marched through Seljuq-controlled territories in modern Turkey and Syria to Jerusalem. In June 1099, the Crusaders began a five-week siege of Jerusalem, which fell in July 1099. The Crusaders then took over many of the cities on the Mediterranean coast and built a large number of fortified castles all over the Holy Land to protect their new territories (www.metmuseum.org).
In the previous order of events it appears that the Crusaders did exactly as they set out to do. Why, they did was perhaps ignorance of scriptures, but obedience to the pope that said “one must be ready to die for the earthly Jerusalem.” “...Holy war became a new way of gaining forgiveness of sins, an alternative to entering the monastic life (Fergusson, p.414, 415).”
III. Second and Third Crusade
Beginning in 1128, a Turkish ruler named Zengi began taking advantage of some friction between Christians and Muslims, who normally got along, so he recaptured areas of the Holy Land. The king of Jerusalem appealed to the pope in Rome for help in defeating Zengi, and the pope called for a Second Crusade (Cothran, p. 59).
In the second Crusade events occurred as follows:
“In 1147–49, the Second Crusade, championed by the abbot Bernard of Clairvaux, attempted to take Damascus in Syria. The campaign was a dismal failure because the Muslims had regrouped. Led by Salah al-Din (Saladin), Muslim forces advanced across Syria and finally retook Jerusalem in October 1187. By the end of the Third Crusade (1189–92), however, Crusader forces had gained Cyprus and the city of Acre. With each crusade, relations between the Byzantines and the Western forces became more estranged (www.metmuseum.org).”
In the previous order of events it appears that the Crusaders lost ground instead of being able to expand, and the vision between the Eastern and Western Church began to differ. When news of the loss of Jerusalem reached Western Europe people were shocked, and the pope called for a third Crusade…the result of the Third Crusade was limited victory for the Christians; Saladin allowed Richard I of England to claim a thin portion of the land along the Mediterranean Coast, but the rest of the land belonged to the Muslims (Cothran, p. 60).
Indeed, Saladin was victorious in the Second Crusade. Even more, Saladin suggested terms. The terms were as follows:
“He would allow all Christians to leave Jerusalem on payment of ten dinars for a man, five for a woman, and one for a child. Balian pointed out that many thousands of poor people would not be able to afford these sums, and Saladin granted a period of grace for money to be raised. In the end perhaps 15,000 were left behind and taken into slavery, but the remainder were escorted to the coast (Madden, p.76-77).”
In truth, Saladin’s behavior appears to be more compassionate then some of the Crusaders later on during the fourth Crusade which will be discussed later on, but some insight on the third Crusade is needed before.
The more notable issue in the Third Crusade is that the kings took the cross, or perhaps best understood as follows:
“The kings of England and France (Henry II and Phillip II Augustus) were at war, but in response to Joscious’s preaching in January1188 they agreed to make peace and go to the Holy Land…Henry II died in July 1189 with his crusade vow unfulfilled…Crusaders set out on the Third crusade from all over Europe ( Madden, p. 80-82).”
Initially, this is what transpired, it seems as if there was much motivation, but as mentioned before, the Third Crusade had limited victory for the Christians.
IV. The Fourth Crusade
In the Fourth Crusade, events take place as follows:
“The Fourth Crusade set out in 1202 with Egypt as its goal. After choosing sides in a dynastic dispute in Byzantium, however, the Crusaders turned their siege upon Byzantium's capital, Constantinople, to collect an enormous sum of money that had been promised for their earlier support. The city was sacked in 1204, its rich treasures divided between the Venetians, the French, and other Crusaders. The Latin Empire ofConstantinople was established with Baldwin of Flanders as emperor. In 1261, the Byzantines regained the city (www.metmuseum.org).”
Pope Innocent III was not satisfied with the limited success of the Third Crusade, and in 1198 is when he announced the Fourth Crusade. The Fourth Crusade was the most brutal and corrupt because the Crusaders really lost vision when they stopped in Constantinople for the winter, and terminated the expedition to the Holy Land. They sacked Constantinople, and conducted themselves in a very barbaric way by committing rape, pillage, and murder. The foregoing resulted in Europeans losing faith in the holiness of the Crusades (Cothran, p. 60).
One conclusion that can be drawn from the Fourth Crusade is as follows:
“The Fourth Crusade had done nothing whatever to harm the Moslems. But it had completed it had completed another agenda that had been part of the crusading movement from the beginning. Urban had wanted the Eastern Church to be subordinated to the Western: now it was…now it was conquered (Siebold, p.95).”
V. Conclusions and Results
Finally, the enthusiasm to go defend the Holy Land began to die down, as we see in the following excerpt:
“Successive crusades were launched to the Holy Land. The Seventh and Eighth Crusades, in 1248 and 1270, were sponsored by Louis IX, who died in Tunisia. In 1291, the Crusader city of Acre fell, and the era of Latin Crusader kingdoms ended. Calls for new crusades over the next centuries were increasingly ignored (www.metmuseum.org).”
The results of the Crusades were alienation of the East from the West. Moreover, because of the independent actions by the Crusaders, alienation between Muslims and Christians, Jews and Christians which perhaps created anti-Semitism that has lasted until today…. The Crusaders built a large number of fortified castles all over the Holy Land to protect their new territories….
Many historians believe that the Crusades increased religious intolerance…perhaps even setting in motion the turmoil found in the Middle East today (Cothran, p. 61).
The Crusaders built Churches like St. Anne in Jerusalem perhaps forgetting or never really knowing portions of the scriptures such as when the Apostle Paul said in Acts 17:24-27:
“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place...he is actually not far from each one of us (Holy Bible, ESV).”
Furthermore, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (Holy Bible, ESV).”
As mentioned previously, “absolution from sin and eternal glory were promised to the Crusaders, who also hoped to gain land and wealth in the East.” In conclusion, the purpose of the Crusades was in reality a venture campaign to acquire Jerusalem or the Holy Land as property for the Roman Catholic Church of this period in history. The original purpose or intent of going to Jerusalem may have been to protect and evangelize; however, it may have become more of a real-estate acquisition outcome. In fact, the result of the fourth crusade was that “the Crusaders turned their siege upon Byzantium's capital, Constantinople, to collect an enormous sum of money that had been promised for their earlier support.” The original vision and mission which’s aim was to aid the Christians of the East and return to Christian control the Holy Sepulcher was lost because the West decided to settle and dwell. Jesus said: “love your neighbor, as yourself.” Jesus did not say only if they are followers of me It does not appear that loving ones neighbor was being practiced by the Crusaders when a declaration of war was made by the pope himself.
Another observation which can be made is that of seeking personal wealth. Why would a Christian be seeking earthly treasures? Mathew 6:19-21 says:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Holy Bible, ESV).
Questions come to mind which have answers. Indeed, seeking personal wealth instead of loving ones neighbor goes against the principals taught by Jesus himself while He was on earth. Moreover, in John 14:15, Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Based on this foregoing instruction by Jesus Christ, it does not appear that His commandments were being kept by the Crusaders or the pope who called for the Crusades. Furthermore, Jesus also said in John 15:10: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” It is quite obvious that Jesus himself would not condone the actions taken by the Crusaders; consequently, how could have they expected to be successful in their endeavor.
The Crusades ended more than seven hundred years ago, and in retrospect can it be said that these wrongs have been acknowledged by those institutions involved which still exist today? The answer to this question will subsequently be addressed.
On Sunday, 12th of March, 2000, in the HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER, Pope John Paul II declared a "DAY OF PARDON." Many have questioned if Pope John Paul II apologizes for the Crusades and many other sins; however, that depends on one interpretation of his holiness’s words. The following is an excerpt from the speech he gave:
"Let us forgive and ask forgiveness! While we praise God who, in his merciful love, has produced in the Church a wonderful harvest of holiness, missionary zeal, total dedication to Christ and neighbour, we cannot fail to recognize the infidelities to the Gospel committed by some of our brethren, especially during the second millennium. Let us ask pardon for the divisions which have occurred among Christians, for the violence some have used in the service of the truth and for the distrustful and hostile attitudes sometimes taken towards the followers of other religions (www. vatican.va)."
Pope John Paul II apologized for historical wrongs committed by Christians in the service of the Church. Many people have believed that the Pope did apologize for the Crusades, some however believe that technically he did not because no specific mention of the Crusades was made. Whether one takes sides on this issue or not, at least some form of apology was made that perhaps was long overdue. In spite, of apologies these wrong cannot be corrected, and only bring to mind that it was an age of much darkness and evil.
Jesus said: “"let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Holy Bible, ESV)." Unfortunately, the Crusades are known more for darkness than for light. If shining our light before men is equivalent to good works then good works were minimal and the ambience was very dark during this period of church history. Jesus said, as mentioned before in John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
It does not seem that His commandment of doing good works was being exercised by the Crusaders, especially, in the fourth crusade. Moreover, as mentioned before, Jesus said: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” It is sad that the Crusaders became the thieves that broke in to steal.”
Finally, perhaps the Crusades were as suggested previously, an attempt to acquire real-estate, and to force into subjugation those that were not under the submission to the Western Pope. Unfortunately, these attempts ultimate were unsuccessful. Edmund Burke use to say: “our patience will achieve more than our force.” Perhaps Edmund Burke’s wisdom may have been useful to those in power during the dark period of the Crusades; however, they had the wisdom of Jesus in the very Holy Scriptures, and they neglected to apply it. The only option left for us that carry the baton of this Christian faith is to know that as the Apostle Paul said in Second Corinthians 10:3-6:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh… For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete (Holy Bible, ESV).”
References:
Asbridge, Thomas. The Crusades the Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land. NY, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2010.
Cothran, Helen. The 1100s Headlines in History. San Diego, Ca: Green Haven Press, 2001.
Http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/crus/hd_crus.htm.
Http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/documents/.
Fergusson, Everett. Church History volume one from Christ to Pre-reformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.
Holy Bible, ESV
Madden, Thomas F. Crusades The Illustrated History. Ann Arbor, MI: The University of Michigan Press, 2004.
Siebold, Thomas. The 1200s Headlines in History. San Diego, Ca: Green Haven Press, 2001.
The Crusades is the topic for this paper, and its intent will perhaps be to argue, show, or prove that the purpose of the Crusades was in reality a venture campaign to acquire Jerusalem or the Holy Land as property for that Roman Catholic Church of this period in history. The original purpose or intent of going to Jerusalem may have been to protect and evangelize; however, it may have become more of a real-estate acquisition outcome. Thomas Asbridge in his book, The Crusades The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land, explains it as follows:
“Nine Hundred years ago the Christians of Europe waged a series of holy wars, or crusades, against the Muslim world, battling for dominion of a region sacred to both faiths-the Holy Land. This bloody struggle raged for two centuries, reshaping the history of Islam and the West (Asbridge, p. 1).”
The Crusades timeline was from 1095to1291, almost 200 years. The more that events unraveled, the more clear it becomes that the original goal distorts and withers. Seemingly, the thought behind going into the Holy Land resembles the purpose radical Muslim terrorist have in the present day.
II. The First Crusade
The First Crusade began as follows:
“In November 1095, Pope Urban II preached a sermon at Clermont-Ferrand in France to launch the First Crusade. The aim was to aid the Christians of the East and return to Christian control the Holy Sepulcher, the church in Jerusalem said to contain the tomb of Christ. Absolution from sin and eternal glory were promised to the Crusaders, who also hoped to gain land and wealth in the East. Nobles and peasants responded in great number to the call and marched across Europe to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. With the support of the Byzantine emperor, the knights, guided by Armenian Christians, tenuously marched through Seljuq-controlled territories in modern Turkey and Syria to Jerusalem. In June 1099, the Crusaders began a five-week siege of Jerusalem, which fell in July 1099. The Crusaders then took over many of the cities on the Mediterranean coast and built a large number of fortified castles all over the Holy Land to protect their new territories (www.metmuseum.org).
In the previous order of events it appears that the Crusaders did exactly as they set out to do. Why, they did was perhaps ignorance of scriptures, but obedience to the pope that said “one must be ready to die for the earthly Jerusalem.” “...Holy war became a new way of gaining forgiveness of sins, an alternative to entering the monastic life (Fergusson, p.414, 415).”
III. Second and Third Crusade
Beginning in 1128, a Turkish ruler named Zengi began taking advantage of some friction between Christians and Muslims, who normally got along, so he recaptured areas of the Holy Land. The king of Jerusalem appealed to the pope in Rome for help in defeating Zengi, and the pope called for a Second Crusade (Cothran, p. 59).
In the second Crusade events occurred as follows:
“In 1147–49, the Second Crusade, championed by the abbot Bernard of Clairvaux, attempted to take Damascus in Syria. The campaign was a dismal failure because the Muslims had regrouped. Led by Salah al-Din (Saladin), Muslim forces advanced across Syria and finally retook Jerusalem in October 1187. By the end of the Third Crusade (1189–92), however, Crusader forces had gained Cyprus and the city of Acre. With each crusade, relations between the Byzantines and the Western forces became more estranged (www.metmuseum.org).”
In the previous order of events it appears that the Crusaders lost ground instead of being able to expand, and the vision between the Eastern and Western Church began to differ. When news of the loss of Jerusalem reached Western Europe people were shocked, and the pope called for a third Crusade…the result of the Third Crusade was limited victory for the Christians; Saladin allowed Richard I of England to claim a thin portion of the land along the Mediterranean Coast, but the rest of the land belonged to the Muslims (Cothran, p. 60).
Indeed, Saladin was victorious in the Second Crusade. Even more, Saladin suggested terms. The terms were as follows:
“He would allow all Christians to leave Jerusalem on payment of ten dinars for a man, five for a woman, and one for a child. Balian pointed out that many thousands of poor people would not be able to afford these sums, and Saladin granted a period of grace for money to be raised. In the end perhaps 15,000 were left behind and taken into slavery, but the remainder were escorted to the coast (Madden, p.76-77).”
In truth, Saladin’s behavior appears to be more compassionate then some of the Crusaders later on during the fourth Crusade which will be discussed later on, but some insight on the third Crusade is needed before.
The more notable issue in the Third Crusade is that the kings took the cross, or perhaps best understood as follows:
“The kings of England and France (Henry II and Phillip II Augustus) were at war, but in response to Joscious’s preaching in January1188 they agreed to make peace and go to the Holy Land…Henry II died in July 1189 with his crusade vow unfulfilled…Crusaders set out on the Third crusade from all over Europe ( Madden, p. 80-82).”
Initially, this is what transpired, it seems as if there was much motivation, but as mentioned before, the Third Crusade had limited victory for the Christians.
IV. The Fourth Crusade
In the Fourth Crusade, events take place as follows:
“The Fourth Crusade set out in 1202 with Egypt as its goal. After choosing sides in a dynastic dispute in Byzantium, however, the Crusaders turned their siege upon Byzantium's capital, Constantinople, to collect an enormous sum of money that had been promised for their earlier support. The city was sacked in 1204, its rich treasures divided between the Venetians, the French, and other Crusaders. The Latin Empire ofConstantinople was established with Baldwin of Flanders as emperor. In 1261, the Byzantines regained the city (www.metmuseum.org).”
Pope Innocent III was not satisfied with the limited success of the Third Crusade, and in 1198 is when he announced the Fourth Crusade. The Fourth Crusade was the most brutal and corrupt because the Crusaders really lost vision when they stopped in Constantinople for the winter, and terminated the expedition to the Holy Land. They sacked Constantinople, and conducted themselves in a very barbaric way by committing rape, pillage, and murder. The foregoing resulted in Europeans losing faith in the holiness of the Crusades (Cothran, p. 60).
One conclusion that can be drawn from the Fourth Crusade is as follows:
“The Fourth Crusade had done nothing whatever to harm the Moslems. But it had completed it had completed another agenda that had been part of the crusading movement from the beginning. Urban had wanted the Eastern Church to be subordinated to the Western: now it was…now it was conquered (Siebold, p.95).”
V. Conclusions and Results
Finally, the enthusiasm to go defend the Holy Land began to die down, as we see in the following excerpt:
“Successive crusades were launched to the Holy Land. The Seventh and Eighth Crusades, in 1248 and 1270, were sponsored by Louis IX, who died in Tunisia. In 1291, the Crusader city of Acre fell, and the era of Latin Crusader kingdoms ended. Calls for new crusades over the next centuries were increasingly ignored (www.metmuseum.org).”
The results of the Crusades were alienation of the East from the West. Moreover, because of the independent actions by the Crusaders, alienation between Muslims and Christians, Jews and Christians which perhaps created anti-Semitism that has lasted until today…. The Crusaders built a large number of fortified castles all over the Holy Land to protect their new territories….
Many historians believe that the Crusades increased religious intolerance…perhaps even setting in motion the turmoil found in the Middle East today (Cothran, p. 61).
The Crusaders built Churches like St. Anne in Jerusalem perhaps forgetting or never really knowing portions of the scriptures such as when the Apostle Paul said in Acts 17:24-27:
“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place...he is actually not far from each one of us (Holy Bible, ESV).”
Furthermore, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (Holy Bible, ESV).”
As mentioned previously, “absolution from sin and eternal glory were promised to the Crusaders, who also hoped to gain land and wealth in the East.” In conclusion, the purpose of the Crusades was in reality a venture campaign to acquire Jerusalem or the Holy Land as property for the Roman Catholic Church of this period in history. The original purpose or intent of going to Jerusalem may have been to protect and evangelize; however, it may have become more of a real-estate acquisition outcome. In fact, the result of the fourth crusade was that “the Crusaders turned their siege upon Byzantium's capital, Constantinople, to collect an enormous sum of money that had been promised for their earlier support.” The original vision and mission which’s aim was to aid the Christians of the East and return to Christian control the Holy Sepulcher was lost because the West decided to settle and dwell. Jesus said: “love your neighbor, as yourself.” Jesus did not say only if they are followers of me It does not appear that loving ones neighbor was being practiced by the Crusaders when a declaration of war was made by the pope himself.
Another observation which can be made is that of seeking personal wealth. Why would a Christian be seeking earthly treasures? Mathew 6:19-21 says:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Holy Bible, ESV).
Questions come to mind which have answers. Indeed, seeking personal wealth instead of loving ones neighbor goes against the principals taught by Jesus himself while He was on earth. Moreover, in John 14:15, Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Based on this foregoing instruction by Jesus Christ, it does not appear that His commandments were being kept by the Crusaders or the pope who called for the Crusades. Furthermore, Jesus also said in John 15:10: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” It is quite obvious that Jesus himself would not condone the actions taken by the Crusaders; consequently, how could have they expected to be successful in their endeavor.
The Crusades ended more than seven hundred years ago, and in retrospect can it be said that these wrongs have been acknowledged by those institutions involved which still exist today? The answer to this question will subsequently be addressed.
On Sunday, 12th of March, 2000, in the HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER, Pope John Paul II declared a "DAY OF PARDON." Many have questioned if Pope John Paul II apologizes for the Crusades and many other sins; however, that depends on one interpretation of his holiness’s words. The following is an excerpt from the speech he gave:
"Let us forgive and ask forgiveness! While we praise God who, in his merciful love, has produced in the Church a wonderful harvest of holiness, missionary zeal, total dedication to Christ and neighbour, we cannot fail to recognize the infidelities to the Gospel committed by some of our brethren, especially during the second millennium. Let us ask pardon for the divisions which have occurred among Christians, for the violence some have used in the service of the truth and for the distrustful and hostile attitudes sometimes taken towards the followers of other religions (www. vatican.va)."
Pope John Paul II apologized for historical wrongs committed by Christians in the service of the Church. Many people have believed that the Pope did apologize for the Crusades, some however believe that technically he did not because no specific mention of the Crusades was made. Whether one takes sides on this issue or not, at least some form of apology was made that perhaps was long overdue. In spite, of apologies these wrong cannot be corrected, and only bring to mind that it was an age of much darkness and evil.
Jesus said: “"let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Holy Bible, ESV)." Unfortunately, the Crusades are known more for darkness than for light. If shining our light before men is equivalent to good works then good works were minimal and the ambience was very dark during this period of church history. Jesus said, as mentioned before in John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
It does not seem that His commandment of doing good works was being exercised by the Crusaders, especially, in the fourth crusade. Moreover, as mentioned before, Jesus said: “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” It is sad that the Crusaders became the thieves that broke in to steal.”
Finally, perhaps the Crusades were as suggested previously, an attempt to acquire real-estate, and to force into subjugation those that were not under the submission to the Western Pope. Unfortunately, these attempts ultimate were unsuccessful. Edmund Burke use to say: “our patience will achieve more than our force.” Perhaps Edmund Burke’s wisdom may have been useful to those in power during the dark period of the Crusades; however, they had the wisdom of Jesus in the very Holy Scriptures, and they neglected to apply it. The only option left for us that carry the baton of this Christian faith is to know that as the Apostle Paul said in Second Corinthians 10:3-6:
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh… For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete (Holy Bible, ESV).”
References:
Asbridge, Thomas. The Crusades the Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land. NY, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2010.
Cothran, Helen. The 1100s Headlines in History. San Diego, Ca: Green Haven Press, 2001.
Http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/crus/hd_crus.htm.
Http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/documents/.
Fergusson, Everett. Church History volume one from Christ to Pre-reformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005.
Holy Bible, ESV
Madden, Thomas F. Crusades The Illustrated History. Ann Arbor, MI: The University of Michigan Press, 2004.
Siebold, Thomas. The 1200s Headlines in History. San Diego, Ca: Green Haven Press, 2001.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Noah’s Ark
The story of Noah is found in the Bible in the book of Genesis, it actually starts in Genesis 6:8 when the Bible reads:
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
I suppose most people have heard the story of Noah and the Ark, and the Flood.
How big was the ark?
Answer
According to Dr. Max D. Younce, who says by his calculations from Genesis 6:15 that the ark was 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet deep. He says this is equivalent to "522 standard stock cars or 8 freight trains of 65 cars each." By some divine calculation he figures that all the insect species and the worms could fit in 21 box cars (http://wiki.answers.com).
Answer
No divine calculations needed. The measurements are based on the cubit and there is some discussion over which cubit Noah used. The shortest ancient cubit was 445 millimetres which gives an ark of 433 feet. The longer Royal Cubit (the longest known ancient cubit) at 524 mm would give an ark of 488 feet (http://wiki.answers.com).
So, the Ark was big, 522 box cars big!
Where did the Ark land?
Genesis 8:4 says:
“And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.”
So, the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat!
Below are some photos from Ararat:
Satellite image of 'Ararat Anomaly,' taken by DigitalGlobe's QuickBird Satellite in 2003 and now made public for the first time (courtesy: DigitalGlobe)
The location of the anomaly on the northwest corner of Mt. Ararat in eastern Turkey has been under investigation from afar by ark hunters for years, but it has remained unexplored, with the government of Turkey not granting any scientific expedition permission to explore on site.
An image from the June 19, 1949 U.S. Air Force Mission that captured a panoramic
view of what is simply called "the Ararat Anomaly".
Ikonos captured this image of the alleged site of Noah's Ark on August 6, 2000.
The annotation show's how this find differs from the anomaly captured in 1949.
I just wanted to talk about this subject a little bit, and I hope I got you thinking about it. What do you think about the whole thing?
References:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_in_feet_was_Noah's_ark.
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/planetearth/noahs_ark_010823-1.html
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=35186.
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
I suppose most people have heard the story of Noah and the Ark, and the Flood.
How big was the ark?
Answer
According to Dr. Max D. Younce, who says by his calculations from Genesis 6:15 that the ark was 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet deep. He says this is equivalent to "522 standard stock cars or 8 freight trains of 65 cars each." By some divine calculation he figures that all the insect species and the worms could fit in 21 box cars (http://wiki.answers.com).
Answer
No divine calculations needed. The measurements are based on the cubit and there is some discussion over which cubit Noah used. The shortest ancient cubit was 445 millimetres which gives an ark of 433 feet. The longer Royal Cubit (the longest known ancient cubit) at 524 mm would give an ark of 488 feet (http://wiki.answers.com).
So, the Ark was big, 522 box cars big!
Where did the Ark land?
Genesis 8:4 says:
“And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.”
So, the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat!
Below are some photos from Ararat:
Satellite image of 'Ararat Anomaly,' taken by DigitalGlobe's QuickBird Satellite in 2003 and now made public for the first time (courtesy: DigitalGlobe)
The location of the anomaly on the northwest corner of Mt. Ararat in eastern Turkey has been under investigation from afar by ark hunters for years, but it has remained unexplored, with the government of Turkey not granting any scientific expedition permission to explore on site.
An image from the June 19, 1949 U.S. Air Force Mission that captured a panoramic
view of what is simply called "the Ararat Anomaly".
Ikonos captured this image of the alleged site of Noah's Ark on August 6, 2000.
The annotation show's how this find differs from the anomaly captured in 1949.
I just wanted to talk about this subject a little bit, and I hope I got you thinking about it. What do you think about the whole thing?
References:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_in_feet_was_Noah's_ark.
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/planetearth/noahs_ark_010823-1.html
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=35186.
Dr. Craig A. Evans
Dr. Craig A. Evans is a great theologian and author.
"New Testament scholar, Craig Evans, is the Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College, he received his M.Div. from Western Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Claremont Graduate University in southern California. He has also been awarded the D.Habil. by the Karoli Gaspard Reformed University in Budapest. A well-known evangelical scholar throughout the world, he is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies."
References:
http://www.craigaevans.com/
"New Testament scholar, Craig Evans, is the Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. A graduate of Claremont McKenna College, he received his M.Div. from Western Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Claremont Graduate University in southern California. He has also been awarded the D.Habil. by the Karoli Gaspard Reformed University in Budapest. A well-known evangelical scholar throughout the world, he is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies."
References:
http://www.craigaevans.com/