There are relics of many, if not most saints, but there are no relics of the Virgin Mary. John of Damascus or John Damascene (c.675 – c.750), a Christian Arab theologian wrote the following about a request for the relics of Mary to be sent: “St Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, at the Council of ChalcedonContinue reading “#2 No Bodily Relics of Mary”
Author Archives: clarevmerry
#1 The Assumption of Mary: Jerusalem or Ephesus?
Introduction The Assumption of Mary is a belief shared by Orthodox and Catholics, but not shared by Protestant Christians. The Assumption of Mary has been celebrated throughout the church since before the 5th century. The Feast of the Assumption was established in the eastern church on the 15th August by Emperor Maurice in about 600 AD. InContinue reading “#1 The Assumption of Mary: Jerusalem or Ephesus?”
#31 Apocryphal Books of Value and Not of Value
Apocryphal books not included in Catholic Bibles 3 and 4 Maccabees The books 3 and 4 Maccabees were written in Greek and conserved only in Constantinople by Orthodox Christians. They are not used or recognized by Catholics or Protestants. The theme of these two books follows the details of martyrdoms among Jewish Maccabean followers, especiallyContinue reading “#31 Apocryphal Books of Value and Not of Value”
#30 Apocrypha and the Dead Sea Scrolls
The Dead Sea Scrolls found in the Qumran Caves date from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD. The scrolls include entire books of the Hebrew Scriptures, Apocryphal books of the Bible and extra-biblical manuscripts some of which relate to the Essene community. They throw light on Rabbinic Judaism of the Second Temple era andContinue reading “#30 Apocrypha and the Dead Sea Scrolls”
#29 Discussion of ‘Lady Wisdom’
That Solomon was so wise and yet fell from grace is a cautionary tale. King Solomon asked God to give him wisdom rather than wealth. Solomon received this gift from God, as well as becoming fabulously rich. In his writings, Solomon personifies wisdom as ‘she’ and compares her to ‘Lady Foolishness’ (Proverbs 9:13) inviting theContinue reading “#29 Discussion of ‘Lady Wisdom’”
#28 Wisdom Literature of the Bible
The Israelites have a very ancient tradition of wisdom literature that goes back at least to the time of King Solomon who became king in 970 BC. In comparison Ancient Greece and Athens only started to rise to power after 478 BC. Greek philosophy only took root with Socrates (470-399 BC), Plato (428-348 BC) andContinue reading “#28 Wisdom Literature of the Bible”
#27 History Books of the Bible
The history books of the Bible were written by Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Baruch and Ezra – only five people. The period between the two Testaments has histories written by Judas and Simon Maccabeus, and by Yeshua ben Sira’s grandson. Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible known as the Torah starting with Genesis. Continue reading “#27 History Books of the Bible”
#26 The Shadowing of Kings
In exile it has happened time and again that Jews became administrators in the empires in which they were held captive. Jewish administrators used their gifts to help the rulers of empires enact just and wise decrees to the benefit of the diverse peoples of empires. They also used their influence to save their ownContinue reading “#26 The Shadowing of Kings”
#25 The Authors of the Bible were Prophets
It is certain that each of the authors of the Bible was a prophet or someone who had the gift of prophecy. It is through this gift that the Bible was inspired as a true revealing of God and His purposes. The Holy Spirit speaks through chosen people who are His prophets (and not throughContinue reading “#25 The Authors of the Bible were Prophets”
#24 Twenty Four Authors of Scripture
Hebrew Old Testament = 8 Old Testament writers Each prophet wrote his own book for the most part, but Jeremiah did not. The main prophets were Isaiah and Ezekiel apart from Jeremiah, but also Daniel. This adds 3 authors. The twelve minor prophets came from different eras and just wrote shorter books. This adds 11Continue reading “#24 Twenty Four Authors of Scripture”
Merry and True 