#Megiddo Mosaic

[dramoor]

Oldest Statement of Christian Faith (Jesus is God) Found In Israeli Prison

" 'Jesus is God.' An inscription declaring this to be a reality, the earliest and oldest written expression of the Christian faith, has been deemed 'the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls' by at least one religious scholar.

Dated to 1,800 years ago, the inscription was uncovered by an inmate at Megiddo prison in Israel, when he was digging beneath his cell floor (there is no word as to whether this was an escape attempt)." 

(Images via AncientOrigins.net. Video and audio article here)

[dertaglichedan]

Earliest 'Jesus is God' inscription found in Israel deemed 'greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls'

The earliest inscription declaring Jesus as God - deemed 'the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls' - was uncovered beneath the floor of an Israeli prison and is now on display in America. 

The 1,800-year-old mosaic, discovered by an inmate of the Megiddo prison, features the ancient Greek writing: 'The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.'

The 581-square-foot mosaic decorated the world's first prayer hall in 230 AD, confirming Christians believed Jesus was the son of God from the very beginning.

The Megiddo Mosaic also included some of the earliest images of fish, which experts believe reference the story in Luke 9:16 when Jesus multiplied two fish to feed a crowd of 5,000 people. 

The floor has been hidden under the prison since it was discovered in 2005, but has now been lent to a museum in Washington, DC, until July 2025.

Carlos Campo, CEO of the museum, hailed the mosaic as ' the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls,' while his colleagues noted it was 'the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church.'

'We truly are among the first people to ever see this, to experience what almost 2,000 years ago was put together by a man named Brutius, the incredible craftsman who laid the flooring here,' Campo said at the opening of the exhibition. 

[ebelal56-blog]

Faith Traditions Expert Reveals Ancient Churches' Best Kept Secrets!

Imagine stepping into the echoes of history, where faith and architecture intertwine. Picture the Dura-Europos Church in Syria, a humble house transformed into one of the earliest Christian worship spaces. Its walls whisper stories of secret gatherings, a testament to the resilience of early believers before Christianity emerged from the shadows of the Roman Empire. Fast forward to Jerusalem, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands as a pilgrimage beacon, marking the very spot of Jesus’ crucifixion. Each stone there is a chapter of devotion, a reminder of centuries of faith. Then there’s the Megiddo Church in Israel, adorned with a mosaic that speaks of love and remembrance, showcasing a vibrant community long before Constantine’s decree. And let’s not forget the Monastery of Saint Anthony in Egypt, where monasticism took root, preserving teachings that shaped Christianity. These ancient churches are not just relics; they are living narratives, connecting us to a time when faith forged paths across continents.

[biblenewsprophecy]

Claimed to be the ‘Greatest discovery since Dead Sea Scrolls,’ Megiddo mosaic says, ‘God Jesus Christ’

COGwriter

Israel365News posted the following:

‘Greatest discovery since Dead Sea Scrolls,’ Megiddo mosaic goes on view at Bible Museum in DC

For hundreds of years, a mosaic lay hidden in Megiddo in northern Israel until, in 2005, it was found and preserved as a local prison sought to expand. The mosaic recently made the trip—in nearly a dozen pieces—across the ocean to Washington, D.C., where it is on exhibit at the Museum of the Bible.

At an opening reception for the exhibit on Sunday afternoon, Carlos Campo, CEO of the museum, said that the mosaic, which dates to around the year 230, like an Impressionist show that opened recently at the nearby National Gallery of Art, requires stepping back to take in the broader, unifying picture.

“Frankly, I’m still stepping back, because as I step back, I learn more about the power of this object and what it’s trying to say to me about ancient history, about the history of Christianity, about the place in Israel and so much more,” Campo said.

“This object really is a way for us to come together—a way for us to see that these tiny little tesserae, these tiny little chips, these beautiful pieces when placed together—they tell a remarkable story of unity,” he told those assembled. “We truly are among the first people to ever see this, to experience what almost 2,000 years ago was put together by a man named Brutius, the incredible craftsman who laid the flooring here.” …

The mosaic, which contains a very early mention of the name of Jesus and includes an illustration of two fish, as well as a variety of geometric patterns, is “the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls,” Campo said. (The exhibit “The Megiddo Mosaic: Foundations of Faith” is on view until July 6, 2025.)

Gil Lin, the head of the Megiddo Regional Council, agreed in his address at the reception.

“The Megiddo mosaic represents the most significant archaeological find since the Dead Sea Scrolls,” Lin said. “This mosaic, nearly 1,800 years old, is the earliest known house of prayer and the first physical proclamation of Jesus Christ as God. For billions worldwide, it’s not merely an artifact but a tangible link to shared history, tradition and faith.” …

He noted that the symbol of the fish in the center of the mosaic, which scholars think may refer to fish as symbols of Christianity, is on display in Washington as the High Holidays approach, and that the fish head is a Rosh Hashanah symbol for “a new beginning and a good start.”

“This definitely is time for this, too,” he said.

Also in line with the approaching Rosh Hashanah holiday, there was a recitation of the Shehechiyanu blessing at the ribbon cutting that opened the show. 09/17/24 https://israel365news.com/396234/greatest-discovery-since-dead-sea-scrolls-megiddo-mosaic-goes-on-view-at-bible-museum-in-dc/

In its press release about it, the Museum of the Bible had the following:

Megiddo mosaic (Museum of the Bible press release)

According to Alegre Savariego, curator of the exhibition on behalf of the IAA, “The mosaic presents groundbreaking physical evidence of the practices and beliefs of early Christians, including the first archaeological instance of the phrase, ‘God Jesus Christ.’ Also featured on the mosaic are one of the earliest examples of a fish being used as a Christian symbol and the names of several of the church’s patrons — a Roman centurion, an artist, and five women.” 08/19/24 https://www.museumofthebible.org/newsroom/museum-of-the-bible-to-premiere-megiddo-mosaic

Whether or not this mosaic was prepared by true or false Christians is not yet clear to me. The mosaic does not contain any clear crosses, however, as even the Greco-Roman professors of Jesus were not commonly using them as a symbol until after Emperor Constantine of the 4th century.

I asked Meta.ai for a translation of what is on the mosaic, and here is what it replied with:

The Megiddo Mosaic contains additional inscriptions beyond what I initially provided. Here is a more comprehensive translation:

Main Inscription: “The God-loving Akeptous has offered this table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.”

Donor Inscriptions:

“Akeptous, also called Justus, son of Publius, constructed [this].”

“[I,] Akeptous, made [this] for salvation.”

“Ektropos and Eutropos and Eusebios and Brennanios, presbyters, made [this].”

Other Inscriptions:

“In the year 292, the fourth indiction.”

“[This] is the tomb of the martyrs.”

Additional Fragments:

A partially preserved inscription mentioning “the bishop [or overseer] Theodoros.”

Another fragmentary inscription possibly referring to “the church.”

Keep in mind that:

Some parts of the mosaic are damaged or incomplete.

Translations may vary slightly depending on the source.

Different scholars might interpret certain words or phrases differently.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult academic publications or reputable archaeological sources.

Would you like more details on the historical context or significance of the Megiddo Mosaic?

I then asked, “Who was bishop Theodoros?” Meta.ai responded with:

Bishop Theodoros, mentioned in the Megiddo Mosaic, is not extensively documented in historical records, …

Historical Context:

Bishop Theodoros likely lived during the late 3rd or early 4th century AD, a period of significant Christian growth and development. The Megiddo Mosaic, dated to around 292 AD, provides valuable insight into the early Christian community in the region.

Early Church Hierarchy:

As a bishop, Theodoros would have played a crucial role in the early Christian church, overseeing local congregations and guiding the community.

Limited Information:

Unfortunately, the historical record provides limited information about Bishop Theodoros’ life, teachings, or accomplishments.

Scholarly Debates:

Some scholars debate:

Whether Theodoros was a prominent figure or a local bishop.

The accuracy of identifying him with known historical figures.

It is not clear if Theodoros was a faithful leader or not. Because donors were listed on the mosaic, it would suggest not.

Why? Because Jesus taught:

1 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (Matthew 6:1-4)

That said, one reason to mention the Megiddo mosaic was because of the statement, “God Jesus Christ.”

Furthermore, there is much earlier evidence outside of the Bible that Christians considered that Jesus was God.

Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and also God according to various Christian and professing Christian writers of the second century. And they also taught that He always had existed.

In “the oldest complete Christian sermon that has survived” (Holmes M.W. The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, 2nd ed. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 2004, p. 102)–outside those in the Bible–sometimes erroneously referred to as Second Letter of Clement, it seems to support binitarianism. It was given perhaps with a year or so of John’s death (thus may be towards the end of the first century A.D.), begins with the following:

Brothers, we ought so to think of Jesus Christ, as of God, as “Judge of the living and the dead” (An Ancient Christian Sermon (2 Clement), 1:1. In Holmes M.W. The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations, 2nd ed. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 2004, p. 107)

Ignatius, who was known by Polycarp (and praised in this same Polycarp epistle, which is known as Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians), wrote around 108-120 A.D.:

For our God, Jesus Christ, was conceived by Mary in accord with God’s plan: of the seed of David, it is true, but also of the Holy Spirit. He was born and baptized so that by His submission He might purify the water (Ignatius of Antioch, Letters to the Ephesians 18,2–note this is translated the same by at least three separate translations as done by Dr. Lightfoot, J.H. Srawley, and Roberts & Donaldson).

Polycarp of Smyrna, in the mid-second century, wrote:

But may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ Himself, who is the Son of God, and our everlasting High Priest, build you up in faith and truth, and in all meekness, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, forbearance, and purity; and may He bestow on you a lot and portion among His saints, and on us with you, and on all that are under heaven, who shall believe in our Lord and God Jesus Christ, and in His Father, who “raised Him from the dead (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Chapter 12 modified by R. Thiel to correct omission in translation).

For whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is antichrist (Polycarp, Chapter VII. Letter to the Philippians. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885).

Him who died for us, and for our sakes was raised again by God from the dead (Polycarp, Chapter IX. Letter to the Philippians. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885).

Melito of Sardis wrote:

For the deeds done by Christ after His baptism, and especially His miracles, gave indication and assurance to the world of the Deity hidden in His flesh. For, being at once both God and perfect man likewise…He concealed the signs of His Deity, although He was the true God existing before all ages (Melito. On the Nature of Christ. From Roberts and Donaldson).

These are the apparent positions of all groups that I am aware of that profess any form of Christianity, except those that are unitarian or affiliated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Thus, early Christians believed and taught that Jesus is God. Regarding Melito’s statement about the Deity hidden in Christ’s flesh after baptism, recall that Jesus taught that it was the Father in Him that did the works, and hence it was not Jesus’ deity that did them (John 14:10).

Even heretics in the second century, like Irenaeus, realized that Jesus was God. Notice excerpts from two of Irenaeus‘ writings:

…there is none other called God by the Scriptures except the Father of all, and the Son, and those who possess the adoption (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book IV, Preface, Verse 4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Thus then the Word of God in all things hath the pre-eminence; for that He is true man and Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God. Jesus the Anointed of God, showing Himself to be the One who was proclaimed beforehand by the prophets (Irenaeus, St., Bishop of Lyon. Translated from the Armenian by Armitage Robinson. The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching. Wells, Somerset, Oct. 1879. As published in SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN CO, 1920).

The fact that various ones in the second century taught that Jesus was God should help dispel the false unitarian position that He was not and that early professors of Christ did not accept Jesus’ deity.

Anyway, the Megiddo mosaic in the third century also supports the view that professors of Christ accepted the fact of Jesus’ divinity. Related Items:

Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning Is binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism or trinitarianism?

Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it? Here is a link to a related sermon: Unitarianism? How is God One?

Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.

Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus. Plus the links to two sermonettes: Luke’s census: Any historical evidence? and Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, but … These videos cover nearly all of the book, plus have some information not in the book. We also have the book translated in the Spanish PRUEBA de que JESÚS es el MESÍAS and French PREUVES QUE JÉSUS EST LE MESSIE languages.

Jesus is God, But Became Flesh Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what? Here is information in the Spanish language¿Es Jesucristo Dios?.

Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It? What does the Bible teach? What is claimed in The Da Vinci Code? Biblical Archaeology This is a website that has more information on biblical archeological as is sometimes known as the Bib Arch site.

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[loveforhispeopleinc]

A conservationist from the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) works on the “Jesus” mosaic found near a prison in Megiddo. Photo Credit: IAA 03-29-2022 CBN News Jerusalem Emily Jones JERUSALEM, Israel – It’s not every day that a prison is relocated to make room for an archaeological discovery. But according to the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA), that is exactly what’s happening in the…

[raven0276]

[urbanchristiannews]

Israel Prepares to Relocate Prison Sitting on Top of Earliest Mosaic Dedicated to Jesus

Israel Prepares to Relocate Prison Sitting on Top of Earliest Mosaic Dedicated to Jesus

JERUSALEM, Israel – It’s not every day that a prison is relocated to make room for an archaeological discovery. But according to the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA), that is exactly what’s happening in the ancient ruins of Megiddo. Between 2004-2008, excavators uncovered the earliest mosaic dedicated to Jesus beneath Megiddo Prison. Israeli archaeologist Dr. Yotam Tepper found the remains of…

[ashleybuchert]

Holy Land Tour: Day 5

Today was a super pretty day with cool breezes throughout the tour. Us ladies had to start off wearing pants or skirts because we were going to be visiting one of the oldest Judeo-Christian churches in the world. This place is located in Nazareth and is significant because this was the place where Mary, mother of Jesus would have lived and is the place where Gabriel gave her the news of her conceiving the Savior. Luke 1:26-38. We found “Christian graffiti” on one of the excavated ruins that was probably from a family member or friend of Mary and Joseph. It says: “The memory I made for the light. Christ the Lord, save your servant. O Jesus Christ, son of God help. The servants of Jesus.” Amazing!! Just up from Mary’s home is where Joseph lived (the earthly father of Jesus). Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:19-23. We learned that little excavations have been done in Nazareth which is such a shame. Who knows what they could find underneath the modern-day city! Megiddo was the next city we went to that was simply amazing! Revelations talks about Armageddon in the end times. Rev 16:12-16; Rev 19:11-12. This is literally the location where it will happen! Mind blowing for sure! It is strategically places and perfect for warfare. It overlooks the valley in every direction and simply breathtaking. Some interesting facts about Megiddo: 1) Megiddo is the 2nd most destroyed city in the world. 2) The Canaanites used to reside here and had built alters to sacrifice babies to their gods. 3) In Megiddo, there was a very early Christian church found near a modern day prison. There, on a mosaic floor was an inscription that says, “To the God, Jesus Christ.” Our final stop of the tour day was Caesarea by the Mediterranean. It was freaking beautiful there! We ate some lunch then walked around and talked about Herod the Great and his palace on the sea that he built. Herod constructed a man made sea port too and in this case the only one made so far! It is mostly under water now. Walking into the gate of Caesarea was heart warming because this was the area where the Gentiles were first converted! Act 10. As we walked through the city, we ended up where they used to race chariots. This place is called the Hippodrome and it is the same place where Paul had his trials. Many stories of Paul’s imprisonment and trials took place right where we were standing. I just couldn’t believe how much traveling was done back then with Paul. A step back in time: First Paul was taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea(that’s a hecka long drive), had his trial and imprisonment for a while there, then shipped off to Rome by boat! Lastly we checked out the Roman aqueduct that was built by Herod the Great during his reign. This aqueduct brought water from Mt Carmel to Caesarea. It was long and just phenomenal! Check out pictures following this post!

[revkidd]

Day 11: The walls (always) come tumbling down.

Today we left Jerusalem to head north to Galilee. But instead of going straight up, we took a little detour over to the coast to visit Caesarea Maritima.  Jesus never visited Caesarea as far as we know, but it was the seat of power for another character from the New Testament, Pontious Pilate.  Built by Herod to assist (and honor) his Roman benefactors, it was quite an engineering marvel. He built a manmade breakwater that created a deepwater port that could accommodate trade from all over the empire.  He built an opulent city to go along with it, complete with Roman bath houses and temples.  We toured the remains of this city which became the Roman Capitol of Palestine when they eventually imposed direct rule after Herod’s children proved ineffective.   

It is easy to see why one would want to build here, I mean in addition to the monetary and political games Herod was playing.  It is beautiful!  I put my feet in the Mediterranean Sea today for the first time.  The water was so blue and clear that you could see the ruins of this ancient roman city out in the distance.

After Herod and the Romans faded into history, the various Muslim and Crusader Kingdoms all controlled and fortified the port city. The remains of their battlements and walls still loom around the broken and faded columns and mosaics.  The remains of their theater and hippodrome sit adjacent to the beaches enjoyed by families and children. 

What struck me today though, was that each of these cultures and empires built grand cities and high walls, and none of them ultimately worked.  Each of them failed eventually.  The engineering savants of the Roman Empire that built an aqueduct to bring water from 20 miles away at Mount Carmel could not build big or strong enough walls to keep the rest of the world at bay.  The great crusader gates and battlements that dot the land along the sea could not save them.  At some point, all walls come tumbling down.

When we finished at the seashore we worked our way up the mountainside to Mount Carmel where we visited the monastery that looks out over the end of the world.  It is set at the place where the prophet Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). 

From the overlook on Mt. Carmel we can see in the distance many things, but among them is the ancient once fortified city of Meggido, and the valley that stretches out between them, Armageddon. (Har = Hill of, so Armageddon is Hill of Megiddo.) It is a beautiful place with this panoramic view, you can understand why it would capture the writer of Revelation’s imagination.

 We eventually took our bus the rest of the way to Nazareth where we will be staying for the next three days. I am excited to explore the region fo Galilee which was such a part of the story of Jesus.

Peace+

Stephen

[ibisegypttours]

magnificent Egypt Multi Centre Holidays

Unleash your inner with Ibis Egypt Tours Multi Centre Holidays, scout the best places in Egypt and Jordan, and amuse your eyes with the beauty of the natural Landscapes, and have the chance to visit many places in both countries to touch the greatness of the ancient history, try also our Holy Land Tours and embrace the glory of some of the best places in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel during your Multi Centre Holidays.

Prepare yourself for unforgettable tour with our Multi Centre Holidays, start with Cairo most important sightseeing, manage to relax after that on your Nile Cruise that will escort you to fascinate your eyes with the beauty of the Nile river view all the way while visiting Aswan, watch the great High Dam, then move towards Philae Temple, heading after that towards the unfinished Obelisk, continue sailing to Kom Ombo to discover the temple shared by Sobek and Horus, sail after that to Edfu to watch Horus temple, move then to the West Bank of Luxor to have amusing walk through the valley of kings, then head to see the temple of queen Hatshepsut, you can also pay a visit to Colossi of Memnon before going to the East Bank of Luxor to explore the biggest temple in the world Karnak temple, then head to stare at the greatness of Luxor Temple, fly to Amman after that to start your Tour in Jordan with visiting Madaba, move after that to scout the beauty of the Dead Sea which is considered  as the biggest Natural Spa in the world try a unique of kind experience of not being able to sink in the Dead Sea water, last point of your tour will the unique of the magnificent Petra City.

Release the adventurer in you with our Egypt and Jordan Tours included in our Multi Centre Holidays, starting with Cairo to scout the famous Pyramids of Giza named by the great kings Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, move after that to stare at the gigantic Sphinx, then move to the Egyptian museum that considered as one of the biggest museums in the world, continue your tour through Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel then head to Jordan, start with Wadi Rum to enjoy the fascinating view of the desert, amuse your eyes with the beautiful Lawrence’s spring, then move to scout the majestic mountains and watch a gorge with its drawings for ancient rock, move after that to the Red Rose City Petra that still one of the seven wonders of the world, also try entering the hidden city through a long narrow Siq to see the beauty of the l handmade carved buildings.

Have unforgettable Holiday with our Holy Land Tours that will escort you to discover a new type of culture in Egypt, moving after that to Jordan to explore Petra City, Madaba, and the Dead Sea as well, moving to Israel to scout the 4,000 years old Port City of Jaffa, enjoy your walk through the narrow passages of Old Jaffa, head after that to watch the excavations of this ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct, Continue your tour to Megiddo,  be ready after that for sailing in the Sea of Galilee as Jesus did with his disciples, then pay a visit to the surrounding area of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus began his early Ministry, starting from the Mount of Beatitudes, continuing to the Church of Multiplication with its 4th Century Mosaic floor, pass by St. Anne Church and the Pool of Bethesda as well, you can return after that to join the prayer at the Western Wall- Pray and leave a note in the crevices of the wall as many Christian pilgrims before you, manage to visit the Church of the Visitation at Ein Kareem then proceed to Bethlehem to watch the Church of the Nativity, then visit Shepherd’s Field as well where an angel appeared to announce the birth of Jesus.

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Red Sea Tours.

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Nawal Abd El Rahman

Ibis Egypt Tours

[talmidimblogging]

The Megiddo Mosaics and "Prayer Hall": The Preliminary Report

The Megiddo Mosaics and “Prayer Hall”: The Preliminary Report

[hisourart-blog]

Sacred art

New Post has been published on https://hisour.com/art/sacred-art/

Sacred art

Religious art or Sacred art is artistic imagery using religious inspiration and motifs and is often intended to uplift the mind to the spiritual. Sacred art involves the ritual and cultic practices and practical and operative aspects of the path of the spiritual realization within the artist's religious tradition. The sacred arts are artistic productions or practices (such as painting, music, dance, etc.) aimed at the expression of the sacred. Religious buildings are, by definition, sacred art. Other examples that are part of world sacred art: stained glass and rosettes of cathedrals, Christian icons, Buddhist mandalas built on the circle and according to geometric shapes, Koranic calligraphy of mosques ... Sacred art is a denomination used for all those artistic productions that are aimed at a cult of the sacred or divine. During the course of the centuries, which recognizes the faith, we find that sacred art tries to determine each passage and divine aspects through paintings, sculptures and mosaics. The most frequent representations in Christianity, for example, show us the baptism, the judgment, the crucifixion, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they also show us the Virgin Mary or images of the Bible. Throughout the history of the world it has been difficult to differentiate between religious art and sacred art. Religious art shows us artistic works where love and faith in God are shown. However in sacred art we can contemplate the same as in the religious but also serves as a cult to the divine. By contrast, the word profane categorizes the arts that do not belong to the sacred. Christian art: Christian sacred art is produced in an attempt to illustrate, supplement and portray in tangible form the principles of Christianity, though other definitions are possible.It is to make imagery of the different beliefs in the world and what it looks like.Most Christian groups use or have used art to some extent, although some have had strong objections to some forms of religious image, and there have been major periods of iconoclasm within Christianity. Most Christian art is allusive, or built around themes familiar to the intended observer. One of the most common Christian themes is that of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. Another is that of Christ on the Cross. For the benefit of the illiterate, an elaborate iconographic system developed to conclusively identify scenes. For example, Saint Agnes depicted with a lamb, Saint Peter with keys, Saint Patrick with a shamrock. Each saint holds or is associated with attributes and symbols in sacred art. Early Christian art survives from dates near the origins of Christianity. The oldest surviving Christian paintings are from the site at Megiddo, dated to around the year 70, and the oldest Christian sculptures are from sarcophagi, dating to the beginning of the 2nd century. Until the adoption of Christianity by Constantine Christian art derived its style and much of its iconography from popular Roman art, but from this point grand Christian buildings built under imperial patronage brought a need for Christian versions of Roman elite and official art, of which mosaics in churches in Rome are the most prominent surviving examples. During the development of Christian art in the Byzantine empire (see Byzantine art), a more abstract aesthetic replaced the naturalism previously established in Hellenistic art. This new style was hieratic, meaning its primary purpose was to convey religious meaning rather than accurately render objects and people. Realistic perspective, proportions, light and colour were ignored in favour of geometric simplification of forms, reverse perspective and standardized conventions to portray individuals and events. The controversy over the use of graven images, the interpretation of the Second Commandment, and the crisis of Byzantine Iconoclasm led to a standardization of religious imagery within the Eastern Orthodoxy. The Renaissance saw an increase in monumental secular works, but until the Protestant Reformation Christian art continued to be produced in great quantities, both for churches and clergy and for the laity. During this time, Michelangelo Buonarroti painted the Sistine Chapel and carved the famous Pietà, Gianlorenzo Bernini created the massive columns in St. Peter's Basilica, and Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Last Supper. The Reformation had a huge effect on Christian art, rapidly bringing the production of public Christian art to a virtual halt in Protestant countries, and causing the destruction of most of the art that already existed. As a secular, non-sectarian, universal notion of art arose in 19th-century Western Europe, secular artists occasionally treated Christian themes (Bouguereau, Manet). Only rarely was a Christian artist included in the historical canon (such as Rouault or Stanley Spencer). However many modern artists such as Eric Gill, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Jacob Epstein, Elizabeth Frink and Graham Sutherland have produced well-known works of art for churches. Through a social interpretation of Christianity, Fritz von Uhde also Since the advent of printing, the sale of reproductions of pious works has been a major element of popular Christian culture. In the 19th century, this included genre painters such as Mihály Munkácsy. The invention of color lithography led to broad circulation of holy cards. In the modern era, companies specializing in modern commercial Christian artists such as Thomas Blackshear and Thomas Kinkade, although widely regarded in the fine art world as kitsch, have been very successful. The last part of the 20th and the first part of the 21st century have seen a focused effort by artists who claim faith in Christ to re-establish art with themes that revolve around faith, Christ, God, the Church, the Bible and other classic Christian themes as worthy of respect by the secular art world. Artists such as Makoto Fujimura have had significant influence both in sacred and secular arts. Other notable artists include Larry D. Alexander, Gary P. Bergel, Carlos Cazares, Bruce Herman, Deborah Sokolove, and John August Swanson. Buddhist art: Buddhist art originated on the Indian subcontinent following the historical life of Siddhartha Gautama, 6th to 5th century BC, and thereafter evolved by contact with other cultures as it spread throughout Asia and the world. Buddhist art followed believers as the dharma spread, adapted, and evolved in each new host country. It developed to the north through Central Asia and into Eastern Asia to form the Northern branch of Buddhist art, and to the east as far as Southeast Asia to form the Southern branch of Buddhist art. In India, Buddhist art flourished and even influenced the development of Hindu art, until Buddhism nearly disappeared in India around the 10th century due in part to the vigorous expansion of Islam alongside Hinduism. Most Tibetan Buddhist artforms are related to the practice of Vajrayana or Buddhist tantra. Tibetan art includes thangkas and mandalas, often including depictions of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Creation of Buddhist art is usually done as a meditation as well as creating an object as aid to meditation. An example of this is the creation of a sand mandala by monks; before and after the construction prayers are recited, and the form of the mandala represents the pure surroundings (palace) of a Buddha on which is meditated to train the mind. The work is rarely, if ever, signed by the artist. Other Tibetan Buddhist art includes metal ritual objects, such as the vajra and the phurba. Two places suggest more vividly than any others the vitality of Buddhist cave painting from about the 5th century AD. One is Ajanta, a site in India long forgotten until discovered in 1817. The other is Dunhuang, one of the great oasis staging posts on the Silk Road...The paintings range from calm devotional images of the Buddha to lively and crowded scenes, often featuring the seductively full-breasted and narrow-waisted women more familiar in Indian sculpture than in painting. Major art included mosques and a madonna (art of Mary and possibly her child) Islamic art: A prohibition against depicting representational images in religious art, as well as the naturally decorative nature of Arabic script, led to the use of calligraphic decorations, which usually involved repeating geometrical patterns that expressed ideals of order and nature. It was used on religious architecture, carpets, and handwritten documents. Islamic art has reflected this balanced, harmonious world-view. It focuses on spiritual essence rather than physical form. While there has been an aversion to potential idol worship through Islamic history, this is a distinctly modern Sunni view. Persian miniatures, along with medieval depictions of Muhammad and angels in Islam, stand as prominent examples contrary to the modern Sunni tradition. Also, Shi'a Muslims are much less averse to the depiction of figures, including the Prophet's as long as the depiction is respectful. The Islamic resistance to the representation of living beings ultimately stems from the belief that the creation of living forms is unique to God, and it is for this reason that the role of images and image makers has been controversial. The strongest statements on the subject of figural depiction are made in the Hadith (Traditions of the Prophet), where painters are challenged to "breathe life" into their creations and threatened with punishment on the Day of Judgment. The Qur'an is less specific but condemns idolatry and uses the Arabic term musawwir ("maker of forms," or artist) as an epithet for God. Partially as a result of this religious sentiment, figures in painting were often stylized and, in some cases, the destruction of figurative artworks occurred. Iconoclasm was previously known in the Byzantine period and aniconicism was a feature of the Judaic world, thus placing the Islamic objection to figurative representations within a larger context. As ornament, however, figures were largely devoid of any larger significance and perhaps therefore posed less challenge. As with other forms of Islamic ornamentation, artists freely adapted and stylized basic human and animal forms, giving rise to a great variety of figural-based designs. Calligraphy is the most highly regarded and most fundamental element of Islamic art. It is significant that the Qur'an, the book of God's revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, was transmitted in Arabic, and that inherent within the Arabic script is the potential for developing a variety of ornamental forms. The employment of calligraphy as ornament had a definite aesthetic appeal but often also included an underlying talismanic component. While most works of art had legible inscriptions, not all Muslims would have been able to read them. One should always keep in mind, however, that calligraphy is principally a means to transmit a text, albeit in a decorative form. From its simple and primitive early examples of the 5th and 6th century AD, the Arabic alphabet developed rapidly after the rise of Islam in the 7th century into a beautiful form of art. The main two families of calligraphic styles were the dry styles, called generally the Kufic, and the soft cursive styles, which include Naskhi, Thuluth, Nastaliq and many others. Geometric patterns make up one of the three nonfigural types of decoration in Islamic art, which also include calligraphy and vegetal patterns. Whether isolated or used in combination with nonfigural ornamentation or figural representation, geometric patterns are popularly associated with Islamic art, largely due to their aniconic quality. These abstract designs not only adorn the surfaces of monumental Islamic architecture but also function as the major decorative element on a vast array of objects of all types.

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Megiddo (Armageddon) - the Earliest Christian Church?

Megiddo (Armageddon) – the Earliest Christian Church?

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 15th November, 2005

 Last week I was privileged to join the ranks of the very few who have had the opportunity to actually see, first hand, the mosaic floor of what may well prove to be the ‘oldest known Christian Church’. For this I have to thank the VIP I was guiding and his well-connected hosts!!!

 Some months ago the high security prison at Megiddo began clearing the ground prior to…