#earlychristian

[whencyclopedia]

This map illustrates the journeys of Paul the Apostle (aka Saul of Tarsus, or Saint Paul, generally regarded as one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age) in the middle of the 1st century CE. The map depicts the spread of early Christianity and the extensive cultural interactions within the Roman Empire. These travels, documented in the New Testament's Acts of the Apostles and Paul's...

[azspot]

In fact, I’m convinced that if any politician advocated for an economy that reflected the early Church’s economy, they would quickly be accused of socialism, communism, and Marxism.

Were the Early Christians Socialists?

[tmarshconnors]

"The truth is like a lion; you don't have to defend it Let it loose; it will defend itself."

Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine, was a theologian and philosopher of Berber origin and the bishop of Hippo Regius in Numidia, Roman North Africa. 

Born: 13 November 354 AD, Thagaste

Died: 28 August 430 AD (age 75 years), Ruins of Hippo (Hippo Regius), Annaba, Algeria.

Early Life and Conversion: Augustine, born in 354 AD in North Africa (modern-day Algeria), led a life of worldly pursuits until his conversion to Christianity in 386. His spiritual journey is detailed in his famous autobiography, "Confessions."

Bishop of Hippo: Augustine served as the Bishop of Hippo (in present-day Annaba, Algeria) from 395 until his death in 430. During his episcopacy, he played a crucial role in defending orthodox Christian doctrine against various heresies.

Major Works: Augustine's writings have had a profound impact on Christian theology. His notable works include "Confessions," an introspective autobiographical work, and "The City of God," a monumental treatise on theology, philosophy, and the destiny of humanity.

Doctrine of Original Sin: Augustine developed the influential theological concept of Original Sin, which posits that humanity inherits a sinful nature from the fall of Adam and Eve. This idea has had a lasting impact on Christian theology and soteriology.

Influence on Western Christianity: Augustine's teachings have left an indelible mark on Western Christianity. His views on grace, predestination, and the relationship between faith and reason have shaped theological discussions for centuries, influencing both Catholic and Protestant traditions.

[theradicalscholar]

🔮✨ Welcome back, fellow knowledge seekers, to another captivating chapter of The Radical Scholar’s exploration into ancient texts and hidden wisdom. Today, we embark on a transformative journey, peering into the depths of the enigmatic Book of Enoch. Within its sacred pages lie profound revelations and timeless wisdom. Join us as we unveil 10 fascinating facts that shed light on its ancient origins, heavenly journeys, apocalyptic themes, and the profound influence it has wielded on early Christianity and contemporary spirituality. 📚🌌

[saramackenzie1982]

The character of Miranda is frustrated. Tradition demands one thing and a higher power orders another. She is isolating allies. Women are not taken seriously. Get yourself wrapped up in the war preparations. Nobody wants it, yet isn't expecting the depths. It doesn't seem to end... #MilitaryCampaign #WorldWar #LordGeneral #MeetingOfTheGenerals #MilitaryTradition #MilitaryParade #GoodSoldiers #OldSoldiersNeverDie #TheyJustFadeAway #Klenard #FantasySeries #MotherChurch #WarOnIdeas #EarlyChristianity #WarOnCommunism #ActionAdventure #IndieAuthor #NewBritain https://www.instagram.com/p/CoFkJEqrOYc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[universal-truths777]

A few Shocking, Controversial, and Unusual Bible Vereses from the Gospel of Thomas. Number 114 is Mind numbing.....The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, discovered in the mid-20th century near Nag Hammadi, Egypt. Unlike the canonical Gospels, it is not a narrative but a compilation of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing direct spiritual knowledge and the inner kingdom of God. Some scholars view it as an early Christian text that reflects a Gnostic perspective, focusing on personal enlightenment rather than orthodox doctrines. The sayings often encourage introspection and reveal a mystical understanding of Jesus' message.

#GospelOfThomas #JesusTeachings #GnosticGospels #SpiritualWisdom #MysticalChristianity #NagHammadi #AncientTexts #ChristianMysticism #HiddenGospels #InnerKingdom #EsotericChristianity #GnosticWisdom #LostGospels #EarlyChristianity #SpiritualEnlightenment #SacredTexts #ApocryphalGospels #JesusSayings #SpiritualJourney #InnerTruths

#BibleVerses #GospelWisdom #ScripturalInsights #BiblicalTeachings #SpiritualVerses #SacredScripture #HolySayings #DivineTeachings #AncientWisdom #BiblicalTruths #ScriptureStudy #JesusWords #BibleReflections #BibleVerseOfTheDay #HolyScriptures #spiritualawakening #religiousbeliefs #religiousviews #understandinggod #understandingtheuniverse #jesusteachings

[artist-edward-burne-jones]

St Paul, 1862, Edward Burne-Jones

Medium: indianink,paper,chalk,pencil

[oceankingworrior]

These things were created by a Japanese early Christian during their persecution and banned era approximately 450 years ago. The statue of saint Francisco of Assisi was also created by unknown Christian at those era. #stfrancisofassisi #franciscanos #franciscan #earlychristian #christian #catholic #catholicfaith #persecution #マリア観音 #キリシタン #キリシタン弾圧 #カトリック #戦国時代 (at Tsu Catholic Church) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDTx0e8n4jO/?igshid=13b45qwukwjdg

[denisemarsh]

More Colours of early Corfu from the Old City. #thetravellinghat #thatsmyhat #hatcouture #hatcouturecreations #corfu #oldcorfutown #coloursofcorfu #byzantine #earlychristian #11thcentury #iconicart #roseumber #terracotta #mosaics #colourinspiration (at Corfu, Kerkira, Greece) https://www.instagram.com/hatcouturecreations/p/BwmZpF4g5ua/?igshid=q3zgg5c95umz

[thewasteland2]

Bologna (Emilia). Basilica of Saint Bartolomeo (5th century). It is located just behind the two towers, in the square of Porta dei ravennati (ravegnana). It was built on the foundations of an early Christian church, from the 13th century. In the sixteenth century the front porch was built. In the seventeenth century, the order of the Teatini family transformed the church according to its current form and also dedicated it to San Gaetano, who had just been canonized. The interior is decorated in a Baroque style. Happy Easter! #twotowers #basilica #sanbartolomeo #portaravegnana #earlychristian #bologna #emilia #porch #teatini #sangaetano #baroque #porticato #happyeaster #paleocristiano #instatravel #instagood #travelling #tourism #tourist #alterart #instatraveling #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #estremisti #ilmiolibro #sovversivi #massimopistis #alettieditore Information for the purchase of my new book: the book at a cost of 12.00 euros (120 pages), can be ordered in bookstores (ISBN 978-88-591-5719-9 - Publisher Aletti) or online on the page http: //www.alettieditore.it/emersi/2019/pistis.html from the link below. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwf7KD_lK3N/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=a0zz1rf1lvnn

[whencyclopedia]

Melito of Sardis and his Apology for Christianity

Melito of Sardis (d. c. 180 CE) was a bishop in the city of Sardis (near modern-day Sart, Turkey) who was regarded as one of the greatest Christian thinkers, writers, and apologists of his time. In the modern age, he is best known for his Apology for Christianity sent to emperor Marcus Aurelius regarding the persecution of Christians.

He is also, however, recognized for his lists of Old Testament works, commentary on scripture, and advocacy of celebrating Easter at the same time as the Jewish Passover in order to maintain the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. His work Peri Pascha (On the Pascha or On the Passover), only discovered in the past 100 years, focuses on the validity of the practice of those known as Quartodecimans who maintained that Easter needed to be celebrated on the 14th of the month Nisan (March-April) in keeping with the Jewish tradition of Passover and, because of this and other details in his works, it is believed he was a convert from Judaism.

Continue reading...

[azspot]

Reading the stories of many of the early Christians, I find that they were surprisingly like us. They were influenced by the surrounding culture in their thinking about finances, food, marriage and sexuality, patriotism and nationalism, and so on. More than anything, it is convicting how many of them, like our actor friend whose story we just learned, went to church on Sunday, but spent the rest of the week compartmentalizing their faith—just like so many Christians do today, often inadvertently, without meaning to. And it is convicting, furthermore, to see that at times, cultural sin did not flow from a rebellious heart, but simply resulted from a lack of better options. How well do we today support those in our own churches who seem deeply sinful, but perhaps are more similar to this actor convert than to someone rebelliously fighting against God?

Will the Real Cultural Christians Please Stand Up?

[tmarshconnors]

The Gnostic Gospels

The Gnostic Gospels are a collection of ancient texts that were discovered in the mid-20th century, shedding light on the beliefs and practices of early Christian groups known as Gnostics. These texts are not part of the traditional New Testament canon found in mainstream Christianity but are considered important for understanding the diversity of early Christian thought.

The word "Gnostic" comes from the Greek word "gnosis," meaning "knowledge" or "insight." Gnosticism was a complex and diverse movement that emerged in the early centuries of Christianity and was influenced by various religious, philosophical, and mystical traditions of the time.

Key Characteristics of Gnosticism:

Esoteric Knowledge: Gnostics believed in the existence of secret knowledge or insights (gnosis) that could lead to salvation and a deeper understanding of the divine realm.

Dualism: Gnosticism often posited a dualistic view of the world, dividing reality into two realms: the material, imperfect world created by a lesser or ignorant deity (the Demiurge), and the spiritual, perfect realm of the supreme divine being.

Salvation through Knowledge: Gnostics taught that salvation involved liberating the divine spark trapped within the material world, and this could be achieved through the acquisition of secret knowledge.

Rejection of the Material World: Gnostics generally regarded the material world as inferior and often associated it with evil or ignorance.

Christology: Gnostic views of Jesus Christ varied, but many Gnostic texts presented Jesus as a divine being who imparted secret knowledge to his followers, helping them escape the material world and attain salvation.

The Nag Hammadi Library: The most significant collection of Gnostic texts was found in 1945 near the town of Nag Hammadi in Egypt. This discovery led to the unearthing of several ancient manuscripts, including the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Philip, and many others. These texts provide valuable insights into the diverse beliefs and practices of early Gnostic communities.

Importance and Controversy: The Gnostic Gospels have sparked significant scholarly interest and debate. Some scholars believe that elements of Gnostic thought influenced early Christianity, and the conflicts between orthodox Christian beliefs and Gnostic teachings may have contributed to the development of Christian orthodoxy. Others argue that Gnosticism should be seen as a distinct religious movement separate from mainstream Christianity.

It's important to note that the Gnostic Gospels do not represent a unified or coherent system of beliefs but rather a diverse range of ideas and perspectives. As with any historical and religious texts, interpreting the Gnostic Gospels requires careful analysis and consideration of their historical context and the beliefs of the communities that produced and preserved them.

[kristinareptilina]

Pteridacee of the Old World

[johnnyloueydelightsus]

Reposted from @stpaulse Blessed Memorial of St. Helena of Constantinople! . St. Helena was born circa 246 in what is now northern Turkey and married Roman general Constantius Chlorus circa 270. They had a son shortly thereafter and Constantius was made Caesar, or vice emperor, in 293. Constantius soon divorced Helena to marry the emperor's stepdaughter. . Her son, Constantine, became emperor in 312 and he appointed his mother as Augusta, or empress. She converted to Christianity and practiced great charity including construction of churches in Rome and the Holy Land. She established the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, and the Church on the Mount of Olives, sites of Christ's birth and ascension, respectively. Helena's faith led to conversion of her son and, ultimately, to the Edict of Milan which provided legal protection for Christians. . Helena went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to find relics from the time of Christ. She demolished a pagan temple that Emperor Hadrian built on Calvary and found three crosses there. Helena and Bishop Macarius brought a woman, near death, to the site. The woman touched the first two crosses and had no change in her health. The woman then touched the third cross and was instantly healed. Helena declared this to be the True Cross of Jesus Christ and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built there. (Source: "The Catholic Encyclopedia") . St. Helena of Constantinople, pray for us! . . . #sharethefaith #saintoftheday #helena #sthelena #sainthelena #constantine #constantinople #femalesaints #truecrossrelic #truecross #motheroftheking #healing #miraclehealing #findingofthetruecross #findingofthecross #catholic #christian #catholicsaint #churchhistory #earlychristianity #vatican #vaticancity #catholicimagery #augusta #queen #catholicroyalty #christianroyalty - #kofc12240 (at Rome, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEB7IX5Dg7J/?igshid=zwd1sqbccyk6