The Impact of the Title “King of the Jews” on Herod the Great & Caesar Augustus
Only gentiles called Jesus “King of the Jews.” The Herods and the Caesars claimed many titles for themselves, but they perpetually felt their power threatened.
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.
Feeding the Hungry: Basil of Caesarea
In the 360s, Basil of Caesara, a bishop, spent his own money to buy food for the starving poor during a famine.
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 Lord’s Prayer
Catholics took their Lord’s Prayer from one preferred by Henry the VIII in 1545; Protestants, perhaps, from Martin Bucer from 1539.
Herod’s Drive for Power
Herod was ruthless and violent in his quest for power long before Jesus was born.
Domestic Violence as Idolatry
The ancient gods blamed humanity for their own failings and problems. If humanity didn’t soothe them, they were struck down. Abusers treat their victims the same way.
Sharing a Church in the Holy Land Gets Complicated
Six different denominations vie for space at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem – sometimes with violence.
Temple Tax: Context
The Temple tax was voluntary, an expression of faith and belonging – not part of a domination system.
Yosef, a Gentile, and the Sabbath: A Parable from the Talmud
When you honor the Sabbath with the best of what you have, the Sabbath will bless you abundantly.