Weekend Stories
I enjoy going exploring on weekends (mostly). Here is a collection of stories and photos I gather along the way. All posts are CC BY-NC-SA licensed unless otherwise stated. Feel free to share, remix, and adapt the content as long as you give appropriate credit and distribute your contributions under the same license.
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The destruction of the Serapeum in Alexandria in 391 CE: Christianity’s shift from persecuted to persecutor
The destruction of the Serapeum in Alexandria in 391 CE stands as one of the most emblematic events of Late Antiquity, symbolizing the dramatic transformation of Christianity from a persecuted minority to an institution wielding the power of the Roman state. This episode not only marked the decline of pagan religious practices in Alexandria but also reflected the broader social, political, and theological shifts that had accompanied the rise of Christianity as the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. The destruction of this magnificent temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian deity Serapis offers profound insights into the dynamics of religious conflict, the role of Church authorities, and the consequences of imperial policies aimed at religious consolidation.
The Constantinian Turn: Myth, reality, and its implications for Christianity
The ‘Constantinian Turn’ refers to the moment when Emperor Constantine the Great supposedly converted to Christianity and ushered in a new era of state-sponsored Christian dominance. This event is often portrayed as the turning point when Christianity transitioned from a persecuted minority religion to the dominant faith of the Roman Empire. However, the historicity of Constantine’s dramatic conversion story — centered on the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (312) and his subsequent vision of the cross — has been increasingly scrutinized by modern scholars. In this post, we examine the current state of research regarding the alleged Constantinian Turn, highlighting discrepancies between archaeological evidence and church chronicles. We also explore what this event, whether historically accurate or not, reveals about the Church’s evolution, particularly its association with imperial power, violence, and values that contradict the very core teachings of Christianity.
Is Christianity the most engineered religion in history?
The question in the title of this post is of course ironic. Every religion is a construct that evolves over time, adapting to the cultural, social, and political circumstances of its adherents. Religions are shaped by their historical contexts, assimilating ideas and practices to remain relevant. However, Christianity stands out for its systematic appropriation of Greco-Roman philosophical concepts and Jewish traditions to form a comprehensive theological framework. In this post, we (provocatively) explore how Christianity, often perceived as a divine revelation, is deeply rooted in Greco-Roman philosophy and Jewish apocalyptic ideas. We further examine which elements of Christian theology are uniquely Jewish or Christian, contrasting them with their Greco-Roman counterparts.
From YHWH to God: How Greek philosophy shaped Jewish and Christian perception of the Absolute
The transformation of the concept of God in both Judaism and Christianity is one of the most profound developments in religious history. From the anthropomorphic and personal YHWH of the Hebrew Bible to the abstract, infinite, and ineffable deity central to Christian theology and later Rabbinic Judaism, this evolution was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. Particularly during the Hellenistic period and beyond, ideas from Platonism, Stoicism, and Neoplatonism provided a conceptual framework that reshaped the understanding of divinity in both traditions. In this post, we explore how Greek philosophical thought transformed the perception of God in Judaism and Christianity, with emphasis on their shared roots and divergent developments.
Theosis: An alternative view of hell, evil, and salvation in Eastern Orthodoxy
Eastern Orthodox Christianity presents a unique theological perspective that diverges in significant ways from Western Christian traditions. Among these differences are the understanding of hell, evil, and the ultimate purpose of human life. While the Western Church often conceptualizes hell as a place of punitive suffering and views salvation as a juridical resolution to sin, Eastern Orthodoxy frames these ideas within a more relational and mystical context, emphasizing theosis — the union of humanity with the divine. In this post, we explore these theological differences by focusing on the Orthodox views of hell, evil, and the concept of theosis as an transformative process.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world, with roots that trace back to the early centuries of Christianity. As the largest of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, it has played a pivotal role in the religious, cultural, and political life of Ethiopia. Its rich liturgical traditions, distinctive theological perspectives, and unique history reflect a deeply embedded Christian heritage shaped by both local and global influences. When I recently visited Frankfurt, I had the opportunity to explore an exhibition in the Icon Museum showcasing the artistic and spiritual treasures of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. I thought, therefore, it would be fitting to write about the history and significance of this ancient Christian tradition, also as an example of the vast diversity within early Christianity.
Shestodnev icons: The six-day work of God
The Shestodnev (Six-Day) icon emerged in the late 15th century, embodying a theological synthesis of the biblical narrative of creation and the liturgical rhythms of Christian worship. Its development coincided with the eschatological concerns of the era, particularly as the year 1492 – believed to mark 7,000 years since the creation of the world – drew near. At this time, many Christians sought to comprehend not only their personal salvation but also the divine economy guiding humanity and the Church’s role within it. The Shestodnev icon became a visual testament to these inquiries, combining symbolic representations of Genesis, sacred history, and the liturgical week.
Isaak Demetrakes’ Heavenly and Earthly Jerusalem: A masterpiece of orthodox iconography
The Heavenly and Earthly Jerusalem Icon, attributed to Isaak Demetrakes and housed in the Ikonenmuseum Frankfurt, is a remarkable and intricate representation of Christian eschatology and salvation history. With its detailed visual theology, it stands for the the power of iconography in Orthodox Christianity to convey complex narratives. In this post, we will take a detailed look at the icon’s structure and try to understand its theological and artistic significance.
The role of icons in Orthodox believes
Orthodox icons, derived from the Greek word eikṓn meaning ‘image’ or ‘likeness’, play a foundational role in the faith, theology, and worship of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Far from being decorative objects, icons are viewed as sacred tools of devotion, offering believers a tangible connection to the divine. Often described as ‘windows to heaven’, icons serve as both theological affirmations and personal aids in spiritual practice. Their rich history, theological significance, and symbolic artistry distinguish them from other forms of Christian art, underscoring their profound role in Orthodox beliefs. I recently visited the Icon Museum in Frankfurt, where I had the opportunity to explore and appreciate original Orthodox icons.
Desert Fathers and the beginnings of Christian monasticism
The Desert Fathers were early Christian hermits and ascetics who sought to withdraw from society to live a life devoted to prayer, contemplation, and spiritual discipline. Emerging in the 3rd century CE, primarily in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, these individuals laid the foundations for Christian monasticism. Their pursuit of a deeper spiritual connection through solitude and meditation mirrors practices found in Buddhist monastic traditions, which also emphasize inner transformation through disciplined contemplation.