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Category Archives: History
Maria von Trapp, plus seven artists, on Jesus the refugee
Many of you know Maria von Trapp as the singing nun-turned-governess in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews immortalized the character in the 1965 film adaptation. Though the musical contains fictionalized details, Maria von Trapp (née Kutschera) … Continue reading
The Two Genealogies of Jesus, the Curse of Jeconiah, and the Royal Line of David
Several passages in the Hebrew Bible (which Christians refer to as the Old Testament) prophesy that David’s throne will be established forever: 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Psalm 89:3–4, 132:11; Isaiah 16:5; and Jeremiah 33:17. Jews, therefore, have taken that to mean … Continue reading
Instead of Santa, Christkindl
In many parts of Germany the secret delivery of gifts on Christmas Eve is attributed not to Santa Claus but to the Christkind (“Christ Child”)—or, in diminutive form, Christkindl. The idea that the baby Jesus is responsible for such a … Continue reading
Get dusty!
An ancient Jewish blessing supposedly goes, “May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi.” The idea is that a rabbi’s disciples—those who took on his yoke, his set of interpretations of scripture—were to follow so closely behind him … Continue reading
Why Jesus’s most incredible claim gained widespread acceptance
No major religion has a founder who claimed to be God, though some small short-lived cults have had them. While there have been self-deceived people in history who have made divine claims, they never were able to make their assertions … Continue reading
Posted in Apologetics, History, Theology
Tagged divinity of Jesus, origins of Christianity
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Who was Saint Patrick?
St. Patrick’s feast day is tomorrow, March 17. Here’s a short clip from the video curriculum Christian History Made Easy that explains why the church commemorates him every year. For more on St. Patrick’s outreach to the Irish, read the … Continue reading
Posted in History, Pop Culture
Tagged the real saint patrick, true meaning of st. patrick's day
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Book Review: Take Me to the Water, compiled by Jim Linderman and Steven Lance Ledbetter
Take Me to the Water: Immersion Baptism in Vintage Music and Photography 1890–1950 (Atlanta: Dust-to-Digital, 2009) is one of the most unique book products I’ve ever engaged. A collaboration between Americana collector Jim Linderman and Dust-to-Digital front man Steven Lance … Continue reading
Book Review: The Art of Conversion: Christian Visual Culture in the Kingdom of Kongo by Cécile Fromont
From the accession of Afonso I to the Kongo throne in 1509 to its final dissolution in 1914, the Kongo in central Africa was a Christian kingdom whose status was recognized throughout the early modern Atlantic world. Remarkably, Christianity developed … Continue reading
Posted in History, Non-Western Art, Politics
Tagged afonso's vision, christianity in africa, kongo crucifix
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Christmas Roundup: The Polar Express, the Magi in art, the historical “Santa,” and more
“Jesus, Jacob, and The Polar Express” by Greg Lucas: This dad reflects on his twenty-year-old autistic son’s emotional experience of Santa and wonders whether maybe the eager anticipation he feels waiting for Santa, and then the pure joy of finally … Continue reading
The Jesus Question 