Seven Sleepers of Ephesus
A church legend about seven sleepers who sleep for generations and awake undecayed, unchanged – a revelation about bodily resurrection!
The Star of Bethlehem according to John Chrysostom
Even 1,500 years ago, John Chrysostom had a lot of questions about the star…
Seeing a Miracle, Guarding the Sacred: Corentin
A saint is fed by a magic fish, but when the king’s cook tries to steal it, the fish suffers.
Mary Magdalene is (Probably) Not Who You Think She Is
Mary Magdalene was not a fallen temptress. She witnessed the resurrection, was the apostle to the apostles, and likely continued in leadership in the early church.
Christmas Folklore in Iceland: The Yule Lads
An Icelandic child in the Middle Ages learned about mischievous trolls who arrive as Christmas draws near. However scary things get, you know that Christ is returning and all shall be well.
Role of Women in the History of the Church
Women had leadership roles in the early church, but then that power was taken away. Reformer John Knox railed against women’s leadership, as did men at a General Assembly meeting in America in 1811.
Tilling the Earth to Feed a Stranger: Walafrid
In the first thousand years of the church, monks sometimes planted gardens to share treats with visitors. Walafrid even wrote poetry about it!
History & Transmission of the Bible
The history of translation and transmission of the Bible was complex, contentious, and sometimes violent.
Missionaries to China Trying a Different Approach: Michele Ruggieri & Matteo Ricci
16th century missionaries to China Ruggieri & Ricci learned Chinese, wore Chinese robes, and did not insist that western cultural values were a part of learning the Gospel.
Sometimes God Knocks us Off our Feet: Norbert of Xanten
Norbert of Xanten was ordained for social necessity, but found his life changed along the way.