“The Holy Trinity” possibly by Elias Moskos or Michael Damaskinos (1550-1593), Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece (PD)
Human beings seek after origins as part of a greater search for meaning. Not only paleontology, anthropology, and archaeology derive from the need to know where we came from (and how to make sense of the world around us), but philosophy and theology. What – or Who – was the First Cause, the Prime Mover? And why are we here?
Though our answers to those questions may differ, the questions, themselves, are wired into our genes, no less so than the drive to seek out new horizons. Read more…
“Christ Crucified” by Diego Velazquez (c. 1632),
Museo del Prado (Accession No. P01167), Spain,
Source https://www.museodelprado.es/coleccion/obra-de-arte/cristo-crucificado/72cbb57e-f622-4531-9b25-27ff0a9559d7 (PD)
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split…” (Matt. 27: 50-51).
We have already discussed Rick Larson’s conclusion that the Star of Bethlehem was, in fact, a triple conjunction of the planet Jupiter and the star Regulus [1][2].
The same analysis would place the date of Christ’s death on April 3, 33 AD of the Gregorian calendar. Larson sought external evidence for this conclusion, and found it in geological strata preserved in the Dead Sea.
Through a unique set of circumstances, the layers of sediment which accumulate in the Dead Sea go undisturbed. This provides a history of earthquakes in the region, most especially those in nearby Jerusalem.
A drop in water level in recent years has given us access to strata which were previously submerged [3]. Read more…
Nativity Scene at old parish church, Kiefersfelden, Germany,
Photographer Renardo la Vulpo
(CC BY-SA 4.0 International).
“…and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was” (Matt. 2: 9).
Many biblical scholars, amateur and professional astronomers over the centuries have attempted to identify the Star of Bethlehem which the Bible tells us led the Magi to the Christ child.
Some have proposed comets or meteors. Others have suggested supernovae or planets which the ancients termed “wandering stars”.
Based on Scripture, the lawyer and filmmaker Rick Larson identified 9 characteristics of the Bethlehem star [1][2]:
- The star signified birth.
- The star signified kingship.
- The star was related to the Jewish nation.
- The star rose in the East.
- The star was not known to King Herod the Great.
- The star appeared at a specific time.
- The star existed for a period of time.
- The star went before the Magi as they traveled south to Bethlehem from Jerusalem.
- The star stopped over the city of Bethlehem.
“Incarnation of Jesus” by Piero di Cosimo (1485-1522), Uffizi Gallery (Accession No. N. Inv. 506), Source/Photographer Spike (PD)
“The incarnation of Christ is the central Christian doctrine that God became flesh, assumed a human nature, and became a man in the form of Jesus, the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity. This foundational Christian position holds that the divine nature of the Son of God was perfectly united with human nature in one divine Person, Jesus, making him both truly God and truly human [1].”
“…the Word submitted to appear in a body, in order that He, as Man, might center their senses as Himself, and convince them through His human acts that He Himself is not man only but also God, the Word and Wisdom of the true God.”
— St. Athanasius of Alexandria, “On the Incarnation” [2]
As we approach Advent and the Christmas season, the miracle of the Incarnation comes into view.
That an infinite and immortal God should have taken on finite mortal form and nature is almost beyond comprehension — the more so because His act was prompted by love, with the ultimate purpose of redeeming us from our sins.
Little wonder that this is the season of joy.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1: 14).
—
[1] Wikipedia, “Incarnation”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incarnation.
[2] Wikipedia, “Athanasius of Alexandria”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasius_of_Alexandria.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Source Flickr, Author Ms. Jones of California (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic)
With divisiveness now endemic in the nation, anti-Semitism on the rise in the United States and across the globe, and women’s groups at the UN failing to acknowledge that rape and gender-based violence occurred during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the following post seems all the more timely [1][2][5].
The first Jews, it should be noted, reached America within 30 years of the Pilgrims [3]. They, too, fought in all the nation’s wars. Of course, Columbus, himself, may have been Jewish [4].
A foundation stone for democracy on this continent, the Mayflower Compact was the first document under which the Plymouth Colony was governed. The agreement, which established an elected authority all would obey, was signed in 1620 as the Mayflower rode at anchor in Cape Cod Harbor.
For the Sake of Freedom and Equality
The Pilgrims were actually comprised of two groups: Separatists and non-Separatists.
The Separatists sought religious liberty, specifically the right to separate from the Church of England. They had initially emigrated to the tolerant Netherlands, but found the Dutch culture at odds with their own.
The non-Separatists — like many to follow them — sought economic and social opportunity, and the chance for a better life in America.
In the broadest terms, all risked their lives for the sake of freedom and equality. Read more…
Actor Raymond Burr as fictional lawyer Perry Mason from cover of Look Magazine (October 1961), Author Cowles Communications Inc., Photographer Robert Vose (PD)
The media generally present a glamorous image of lawyers. LA Law, The Practice, Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, and the rest have shaped that image. But the original Law and Order is probably closer to the truth.
The “day to day” experience by the majority of lawyers is gritty. Rarely, if ever, does it include corner offices, expense accounts, or three hour lunches…let alone trysts with opponents or the judge. Impossible schedules, dictation on planes, staggering caseloads, depositions in airless rooms, traffic and more traffic, missing witnesses, and client meetings in dusty stairwells are more likely.
Add the responsibility for clients’ welfare, the strain of ongoing conflict, worries about money and limited resources, encounters with unethical adversaries, and the real disappointment of loss. Read more…
Mural of the Apocalypse, Osogovo Monastery, Macedonia, Author Edal Anton Lefterov (PD)
Another new word has entered our vocabulary. “Doomscrolling” involves repeatedly checking for negative news stories on a cell phone or computer [1].
Mental Health
Experts warn that doomscrolling can be harmful to mental health [2].
Doomscrolling increases worry, gives rise to fear, and can even cause panic. The habit may become a compulsion. For those reasons, it is likely to worsen existing mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
The time spent doomscrolling, also, correlates with increased feelings of helplessness, sleep disturbance, and stress-related physical symptoms.
The Apocalypse
We tend to think worry will ward off the cataclysmic events we so dread.
Unfortunately, doomscrolling will not stop the apocalypse. At some point, this world of ours will come to an end. The stars will be dissolved, the sky rolled up like a scroll, and the nations judged (Isa. 34: 4-6; Rev. 6: 13-17).
The best way for anyone to prepare for that Final Judgment is to accept Christ as Lord and Savior today. He offers peace, security, forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting.
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21: 28).
—
[1] Cambridge Dictionary, “doomscrolling”, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/doomscrolling.
[2] Caldwell Memorial Hospital/UNC Health, “Doom Scrolling And Its Effect On Your Mental Health”, 5/16/23, https://www.caldwellmemorial.org/wellness/wellbeing-with-caldwell/doom-scrolling-and-its-effect-on-your-mental-health/.
https://avoicereclaimed.com
Miniature of Pope Leo I the Great, Vatican Library, Author Wlbw68
(CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
The once powerful Roman Empire was coming to an end — its culture decadent, its institutions crumbling, its leadership corrupt, its borders breached [1]. Such was the world into which the future Pope Leo the Great was born [2][3][4][5][6].
A Servant of God’s People
Brilliant and well-educated, Pope Leo I was a Roman aristocrat and respected church deacon, unanimously elected to the papacy in 440 AD.
We know from the 143 letters and 96 sermons he left behind that Pope Leo I viewed himself as the servant of God’s people and privileged to fill the shoes of the Apostle Peter.
In the absence of social services, he used the papal treasury to feed the poor and care for the sick. With Roman infrastructure in disrepair, he contributed to the defense of Rome by repairing walls and roads.
A Courageous Leader
When in 452 AD Attila the Hun and his hoards approached Rome intent on pillaging the city, it was Pope Leo I who rode out to meet them unarmed. Without political authority or military support, Pope Leo I made a moral appeal to the barbarian.
Though few details are known, Pope Leo I is thought perhaps to have offered Attila money. An experienced negotiator, he may, also, have pointed out to Attila the nearby areas decimated by malaria or plague.
Legend has it that Attila saw a vision which filled him with fear. In any case, the “scourge of God” turned away from Rome [7]. Read more…
South facade and nave of Notre Dame Cathedral, two years before the fire, Source Flickr, Author Ali Sabbagh
(Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain)
Begun in 1163 on the Ile de la Cite in the heart of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral is an artistic and architectural masterpiece dating from the Gothic period [1]. The fire which occurred there on April 15, 2019 — though it, thankfully, claimed no lives — was a tragedy for the entire world [2][3]. The spire was totally destroyed, along with 2/3 of the roof.
Reconstruction
Reconstruction is underway with a commitment not only to restore the structure, but maintain its original integrity [4A]. This has required extensive research into medieval building methods. Rebuilding in the old style is necessary to assure that the new roof will behave the same way the old one did [4B].
Perfectly Straight
Some 13,000 wooden beams which supported the roof must be replaced. Oaks of the appropriate height and dimension have been sourced throughout France.
Because twisted fibers from damage during growth will weaken a tree, trees are inspected from every angle to identify defects before being harvested. The timber that is cut must be of top quality, and perfectly straight.
Highest Standards
“What I enjoy most is discovering the wood. Each tree is unique.”
-Francois Feillet, French sawmill owner [4C]
The forty five sawmills processing this timber adhere to extremely rigorous rules, the highest standards in carpentry.
The timber is first stripped of its outermost layer. Next, a slabber shreds away the remaining bark. Finally, a high speed bandsaw trims the lumber down to the beam specifications needed.
A House of Worship Defiled
Notre Dame Cathedral is today a house of worship, a symbol of French pride, and a tourist attraction. Its creation was an act of faith on the part of countless craftsmen — carpenters, stonemasons, blacksmiths, glassmakers — and the communities which supported them.
But during the French Revolution the cathedral was defiled and abandoned. Public worship was banned. The cathedral was looted and vandalized, its west facade torn down [5]. A prostitute was installed on the altar as the “goddess of reason” [6]. Read more…
JP Morgan Chase Tower, Author Krzykol (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
“I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved” (Ps. 16: 8).
Debanking is the closure by a bank of the accounts of an individual or organization based on the perception that the account holder poses increased legal, regulatory, financial, or reputational risk to the bank [1A].
Examples include the enforcement of anti-corruption and anti-money-laundering laws, and the closure of the bank accounts of so called “politically exposed persons”, i.e. those entrusted with a prominent public function and, therefore, potentially at risk for bribery [1B].
At first, all this seems above board. However, the process does not require the disclosure of a reason, and does not generally provide for an appeal [1C]. The practice is, for that reason, considered a threat to freedom of speech. It is now a growing threat to freedom of religion, as well.
JP Morgan Chase
Earlier this year, JP Morgan Chase summarily closed the checking account of the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), a legal 501(c)(4) non-profit led by former US Ambassador Sam Brownbeck [2A][3].
NCRF exists to defend religious freedom. Its board members include Michael Farris of the Alliance Defending Freedom, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, New York’s Roman Catholic Cardinal Timothy Nolan, Jewish/Muslim/Hindu religious activists, and former members of Congress [4][5]. Read more…
A Lawyer's Prayers 