M. David Litwa’s book describes how early Christians adapted imagery from Jewish and pagan art in order to depict the deity of Jesus. You can read a summary and a review at the link below. Review of Biblical Literature.
How Islamic Scientists Read Up on Science
National Geographic recently posted an article by Book Talk editor, Simon Worrall. I was struck by this paragraph:
There is a tendency on the part of some Muslim scholars to exaggerate the accomplishments of Islamic science. And they don’t need to be exaggerated. During the golden age of Islamic science, which ended somewhere between A.D. 1100 and 1200, Muslim scientists were way ahead of their contemporaries in Christian Europe.
Although it is true that the Muslim scientists were ahead of the Christian Europeans at this point, the article might have mentioned how Muslim tribesmen learned scientific method. They read Arabic translations of scientific works, which were translated by Syriac Christians from the pagan, ancient Greeks. So ironically, Christians were responsible for those medieval Arabs knowing their scientific texts, which had been lost to the Christians in Europe (though not likely lost to the Christians in Byzantium).
Bedlam and British Church Life
This article describes a large London cemetery that included Christians who could not afford to be buried in the church yard and Levellers who advocated for religious tolerance.
http://a.msn.com/01/en-us/AA9AMDV
Shakespeare, Jews, and Christians
Shakespeare’s portrayal of the Jew Shylock in the Merchant of Venice, who converts from Judaism to Christianity, receives a new application in modern Palestine. The article discusses religious persecution and racism.
Hath not a Palestinian eyes? – Al Jazeera English.
Delhi Facebook Page for Christians
Vandals defaced a school in Dehli and the police are responding with support for the Christian minority there by giving them a means of reporting incidents. The Dehli region was home to the Dehli Sultanate during the medieval period.
Delhi Police launches dedicated Facebook page for Christians | Siasat.
Benedict XV and the Sinking of the Lusitania
This article explores the Vatican archives, which reveals the in-house discussion of how Pope Benedict XV and his advisors responded to the sinking of the Lusitania at the beginning of WWI.
Exit from Evangelicalism, Call to Sacraments
Evangelical author converts to Episcopal Church. Interesting interview about the power of liturgical worship and grounding in the creed, although the Episcopal Church is theologically liberal or progressive.
Auction of Rare Bible Texts
Gordon College will release some biblical manuscripts or valuable copies of the Bible for sale, a controversial move since the items were donated. Representatives explain that they are unable to care of the manuscripts.
Christian College Will Auction Rare Bibles To Preserve Others… | Gleanings | ChristianityToday.com.
Preacher Fred Craddock Dies
Below is a link to an article about well known Disciples of Christ preacher, Fred Craddock, author of numerous books on preaching. However, the news site page is overloaded with junk and loads poorly.
http://www.inquisitr.com/1907714/fred-craddock/
church history review 