DOCSLIB.ORG

The Youth's Instructor for 1855

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Youth's Instructor for 1855 Ss X ST "I LOVE THOSE THAT LOVE ME: AND THOSE THAT SEEK ME EARLY SHALL FIND ME." PROV. VIII, 17. VoL.III. ROCHESTER, SEPTEMBER, 18 55. No. 9. GOD OUR FATHER. stir in some quarters, and well-nigh overturned the pope's authority. The archbishop of Treves A HYMN FOR CHILDREN. did not like to play that game over. ' Ah, I'll Blest are children who have taken show the holy coat, and cause. the people to come God to be their God and guide; and confess their sins to that and get healed,' said They shall never be forsaken, In his keeping they abide. he; ' yes, and pay for the sight too.' "The holy coat, the Romanists declare, is the He will be their God forever, Watching o'er them all the day ; seamless robe which Jesus Christ wore when he Nothing from his love can sever, lived upon the earth, and which the soldiers cast None can turn his love away. lots for at his crucifixion. You remember about "Come to me," the invitation it, do you not? The archbishop of Treves said Free, he offers to us all ; he had that very coat sacredly stowed away in " Come, partake my full salvation, the church. So he caused it to be published, far Hear your heavenly Father's call." and wide, that in the Summer of 1844, the holy God of mercy, take us to thee, coat was to be exhibited over the high altar of Guide our hearts to seek thy grace ; the great church, and that whoever desired to be May we as our Father view thee, Grant us all the children's place. blessed by looking at it, or cured by touching it, must come ready to pay for so great a privilege. Through this world while here we wander, It seems strange to us that people could believe Till we reach our home and thee, In the world of glory yonder, in such things even from the mouth of a bishop. Our eternal Father be .—London leis. Rep. But they did, because their minds were blinded by idle stories, instead of being enlightened by The Moly Coat. true Bible knowledge. As soon as the news pass- ed from village to village, the men could think of " Children, have you heard about the holy nothing else; they began to leave their farms and coat ?" work-shops, the women their houses and babies, "Holy coat.' you will exclaim. "I know and scraping together all the money they could, about coats, but not holy ones; we don't call coats flocked towards Treves. The roads in all direc- holy." tions, east, west, north and south, were crowded "I mean the holy coat which, the Romanists with pilgrims—some sick, some lame, some in- say, cures lame, and blind, and sick people." firm—all eagerly longing to behold the holy coat, "No, indeed! a coat turned doctor? a new and all expecting to be made better by the sight. thing indeed! a coat cure sick folks! what can The city was filled. At certain hours the great you mean ? There is no such coat really, I am doors of the church were thrown open, and the sure; is there!" people marched in solemn procession up to the "Let me tell you about this coat, said to be so altar, where the robe in a glass frame was hung wonderful. There is a Doman-catholic city in up in broad view. On casting their eyes upon Germany called Treves—perhaps you had better it, ' Holy coat, hear us,' holy coat, save us,' ho- find it on the map; it contains a large Roman- ly coat,' issued from their lips: they stop a mo- catholic church many hundreds of years old, with ment, look anxiously at it, then fling down their an archbishop at the head of it. A few years money to a priest who stands near to receive it, ago the bishop was out of money, and how he pass around and go out. So great was the press should get some was a very important question. that the church was open from morning to mid- I suppose he was in the same plight pope Leo night, and every day there was an enormous heap was, three hundred years before. The pope was of money collected, which showed that the coat poor, and wanted money. Do you know what plan was a very profitable one at least. It was calcu- he hit upon to fill his purse ? ' I will make peo- lated that more than a million of men, women, ple pay me for pardoning their sins,' said he; a and children, paid a visit to this relic, and a great pardon for small sins, I will sell cheap—large sins many stories were told of the wonderful cures must cost more.' Now the Bible was a very wrought by touching it; but I believe it was al- scarce book; so the poor people were ignorant, ways very difficult to hunt up the cured people: t and believed the pope could pardon their sins. they were not to be seen, as those were whom the A great many pardons were sold, and the pope Saviour cured in so sudden and wonderful a man- became very rich. But the affair made a great ner. If you asked, ' Where are they ? I want to I I II 11r.111 . I S134V<---• 66 YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR. talk with somebody whom the holy coat has heal- been sold and re-sold at great prices. It is said ed,' you would be told, Away off somewhere; that wood enough has been sold as the cross of could not say certainly just where.' Christ, to build a great seventy-four gun ship of "' How did it look, the holy coat?' some one war. These relics are foolishly supposed to heal may ask. It was of a reddish brown color, the sick, and preserve their possessor from all the stretched over a piece of white silk in the form of ills of life. Men and women believe these things; the letter T. It seemed to have been made of and yet, in a country where the Bible is read and flax, with no collar, and a hole for the head to studied, there is not a child in the Sabbath-school pass through, and the whole was cased in glass, but knows enough to laugh at such idle stories: as I just told you. they know it is only God in Jesus Christ who can " Thus this vast body of people were led to pardon sins, who can raise the sick, and defend us forsake their farms and families, and in the Sum- from harm—not an old coat, or a piece of wood, mer also when the fields and flocks needed their or saint's toes. Thank God, children, for the Bi- care, and take a long and tedious journey, a great ble, for it brushes away all such cobwebs from the number of them on foot, to Treves, to be pardon- mind, and points to the blessed Lamb of God, ed and blessed by the sight of an old coat. Par- who taketh away the sins of the world." don and blessing can only come throngh the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the influence of THE TWO BOORS. the Holy Spirit; an old coat can have noth- "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES." JOHN V, 39. ing to do with it. But such, children, is the ig- TILE great and good God has given us a book norance and folly in which Romanists are brought to teach us his will, and how we may learn to up. How much we ought to pity them, and how please him and lead good and holy lives, so that anxious ought you and I to be to give them the we may finally be with him in heaven. ow ev- word of God, and not the word of priests and ery child knows what God's book is—that it is the bishops, in order to make them truly wise. Holy Bible; and all of you have seen it, and most " But how came the holy coat at Treves? what of you have a copy of it for your • own, that you story do they tell about that ?' some one may may read and study it when you please. And ask still. ought you not to be thankful to have God's "I will tell you, if my story is not already too book ? How many peopl3 in other countries long. More than three hundred years after Jesus have never seen this blessed book, to show them Christ died, when a Christian empress named the way to heaven. Now let us consider this Helena began to think the forms of religion more book. important than piety in the heart, she paid a vis- It is the oldest book in the world, for parts of it to Jerusalem for the purpose of hunting up rel- it were written long ages before Christ came into ics of Jesus. It was pretended that among other the world. Other book not near as old, are now things, his cross and coat came to light. Jerusa- lost, or very scarce and hard to find ; but God lem, after his death, was totally destroyed and has caused his book to be kept safely all this trodden under foot by the Roman soldiery. How time, and its numbers to be more and more in- these, for so long a period, and through such creased for our benefit.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe: Achievements and Perspectives
    Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe: Achievements and Perspectives 6th International symposium 25th July, 2020 Vienna 2020 «Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe: Achievements and Perspectives». Proceedings of the 6th International symposium (July 25, 2020). Premier Publishing s.r.o. Vienna. 2020. 76 p. ISBN–13 978-3-903197-25-1 ISBN–10 3-903197-25-4 The recommended citation for this publication is: Koenig L. (Ed.) (2020). Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe: Achievements and Perspectives. The th6 International symposium proceedings (July 25, 2020), Premier Publishing s.r.o. Vienna. 2020. Pp. 112–117. Editor-in-chief Busch Petra, Austria, Doctor of Economics Melnichuk Marina Vladimirovna, Russia Meymanov Bakyt Kattoevich, Kazakhstan International editorial board Moldabek Kulakhmet, Kazakhstan Abdulkasimov Ali, Uzbekistan Morozova Natalay Ivanovna, Russia Adieva Aynura Abduzhalalovna, Kyrgyzstan Moskvin Victor Anatolevich, Russia Akhmedova Raziyat Abdullayevna, Russia Navruzzoda Bakhtiyor, Tajikistan Atayev Zagir Vagitovich, Russia Novikov Alexei, Russia Balabiev Kairat Rahimovich, Kazakhstan Petrov Vasily Borisovich, Russia Barlybaeva Saule Hatiyatovna, Kazakhstan Salaev Sanatbek Komiljanovich, Uzbekistan Bogolib Tatiana Maksimovna, Ukraine Salamatovna Ibraeva Alua, Kazakhstan Bolshakov Andrey Georgievich, Russia Shadiev Rizamat Davranovich, Uzbekistan Bondarenko Natalia Grigorievna, Russia Shhahutova Zarema Zorievna, Russia Bulatbaeva Aygul Abdimazhitovna, Kazakhstan Soltanova Nazilya Bagir, Azerbaijan Chiladze George Bidzinovich,
    [Show full text]
  • Sola Ecclesia: a Rejoinder to Philip Blosser by Steve Hays
    Sola Ecclesia: A Rejoinder to Philip Blosser By Steve Hays Late last year, I wrote a response to an attack on sola Scriptura by Philip Blosser. In early January, he wrote a reply. 1 Due to other demands on my time, I haven’t had the time to respond until now. So let’s run through his reply, hitting the highlights. I’ll quote myself in red. I’ll quote him in blue. The color-coded quotes are for context. If you’d rather cut to the chase, the new stuff is in black print. The other reason I did not respond to Mathison was that I had lost some of my initial interest in these sorts of arguments. It often happens, I think, that arguments of this kind serve a purpose on the journey of those en route to the Catholic Church, but subsequent to their conversion these concerns are supplanted by others as they become habituated to their new environs within the Church. Up to a point, this makes perfect sense. But, by the same token, it also makes perfect sense for Blosser to take stock of his original reasons for converting to Catholicism in light of his subsequent experience. He knows more about it now than he did then. So the original reasons we had for a decision we made may not be the same reasons we have 10 or 20 years later. Before plunging into the thick of things, I’d simply note that, as is so often the case, Blosser is a layman who comes to the defense of the Magisterium.
    [Show full text]
  • February 2020 Magazine 2
    PARISH of MOSSLEY February 2020 Growing, Nurturing, Serving 50p www.mossleyparishchurch.org.uk Rose Queen Shannon & Brownie Queen Tamsin Invite you to their “At Home” to be held on Saturday 14th March 2020 at St George’s Church At 2pm We look forward to seeing you there! Did you know Bank’s are advising their Customers to make sure they quote the year 2020 in full on cheques as 20 can be altered very easily – sound advice! 27 Parish Information St John’s Vicarage, Carrhill Vicar of Mossley Fr David Warner Road, Mossley OL5 0SA Phone: 01457 237667 or 07506 723946 Email: [email protected] www.mossleyparishchurch.org.uk @mossleyparish @mossleyparish For all enquiries (eg baptisms, weddings and funerals), and in an emergency at ANY time, please contact the Vicar Ian McConnell Veterinary Practice Limited Associate Priest 07742 558236 Mr T I McConnell BSc (Hons), BVM&S, MRCVS (Sunday, Tuesday – Fr Ian Brocklehurst [email protected] Thursday only) The Old Mossley Library, Wyre Street, Mossley OL5 0EU Telephone 01457 837900 also at 5 Saddleworth House, Tame Street, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6BD “Local, independent, value for money, common-sense approach to pet care” From our modern premises in either Mossley or Uppermill, we offer the complete A-Z fear-free small animal veterinary service. Our fully qualified and trained team of veterinary surgeons use the most advanced in-house diagnostic facilities in the area and combine them with a personal client/pet-centred attention second to none. www.mcconnellvets.co.uk or follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/imcvets Twitter@imcvets 3 Mossley Cancer Committee Events 2020 Saturday 15th Feb Coffee Morning at Mossley Band Club 10.30am to 12.30pm Saturday 14th Mar Coffee Morning at Mossley Band Club 10.30am to 12.30pm Monday 16th Mar Trip – further details to follow Kathryn & Debbie would like to thank everyone who attended the Murder Mystery, Murder on the Dance Floor on 25th January, especially our chef Jimmy and our wonderful actors who gave sterling performances.
    [Show full text]
  • Science, Theology and the Holy Shroud
    Science, Theology and the Holy Shroud Edited Papers from the 2019 International Conference on the Turin Shroud Hosted by: The Arthur Custance Centre for Science and Christianity R. Gary Chiang and Evelyn M. White Editors Science, Theology and the Holy Shroud: Edited Papers from the 2019 International Conference on the Turin Shroud R. Gary Chiang and Evelyn M. White, Editors Copyright © 2020 Doorway Publications, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved. No part of this pdf-ebook may be reproduced in any form without written permission from Doorway Publications, 346 Southcote Road, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, L9G 2W2. Email: [email protected] Website: www.custance.org Doorway Publications is the publishing division of the Arthur Custance Centre for Science and Christianity, a Christian organization which seeks to preserve, promote, and re-publish the written works of Arthur C. Custance and to stimulate study of the Bible in the light it receives from, and contributes to, the whole field of knowledge by means of publications, electronic media, and education. ISBN: 978-0919857-95-7 National Library of Canada Holy Face under Microscope: R. Gary Chiang’s modification of Arthur C. Custance’s stylistic drawing of a microscope which appears in A.C. Custance, Seed of the Woman, 3rd Edition, Doorway Publications, 2014. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks to three individuals who made the conference a wonderful experience. Prof. Jennifer Chiang (above left), as conference coordinator, ensured each day went well, and the two moderators, Vanessa Chiang (middle) and Nichole Rosenberg (right), expertly facilitated the sessions helping with lecture room technology and keeping speakers comfortable and on time.
    [Show full text]
  • Joy in Jehovah
    A monthly magazine issued the first of the month by UNITY SCHOOL OF CHRISTIANITY, (Inc.) Tenth and Tracy, Kansas City, Mo. C harles and Myrtle F illmore, Editors Entered as second-class matter, July 15, 1891, at the post office at Kansas City, Missouri, under the act of March 3, 1879. Accepted for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, act of October 3, 1917, authorized October 28, 1922. V ol. 58 KANSAS CITY, MO., FEBRUARY, 1923 No. 2 JOY IN JEHOVAH The king shall joy in thy strength, O Jehovah; And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart’s desire. And hast not withholden the request of his lips. For thou meetest him with the blessings of goodness: Thou settest a crown of fine gold on his head. He asked life of thee, thou gavest it him, Even length of days for ever and ever. His glory is great in thy salvation: Honor and majesty dost thou lay upon him. For thou makest him most blessed for ever: Thou makest him glad with joy in thy presence. — The Psalmist. FIRE OF DIVINE LOVE Thy flame of love touched my garment. I was startled and affrighted Lest all my possessions and cherished hopes Be burned to nothingness. I fled for fear of life, but Thy unquench­ able fire Ever followed me. With troubled heart and misgiving I opened my eyes only to find That thy bright and blazing flame W as not of destruction. It burned, yet destroyed it naught.
    [Show full text]
  • The Passion of Jesus in John's Gospel
    The Passion of Jesus in John’s Gospel Patrick Rogers c.p. Preface When asked to prepare an input for this conference on I opted for a relatively simple paper, without footnotes or the customary apparatus required in a scholarly journal. My purpose is to highlight ele- ments within the text of that are specific to the fourth Gospel, so as remind myself (and you) of both the richness and strangeness of this inspired account of how Jesus was taken from this earth, to return to the Father. To help focus my thoughts on John’s specific theology I’ve re-read some authors I used to consult while I was still teaching New Testament to students in Dublin. The main works consulted for this paper are these: • Brown, Raymond: The Death of the Messiah (Anchor Bible, 1998) • Collins, Raymond: Studies in the Fourth Gospel (Louvain, 1990) • Culpepper, Alan: The theology of the Johannine passion narrative (Neotestamentica, 1997) • Dodd, Charles H.: The interpretation of the 4th Gospel (Cambridge 1953; online 2003) • Fortna, Robert, Jesus in the Johannine Tradition (Louisville, 2001) • Just, Felix: The Passion and Death of Jesus (online, 2015) • Senior, Don: The Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of John (Collegeville, 1991) What I have to say will follow these three headings: 1. The Paschal Mystery (of suffering followed by glory) as John’s principal message 2. Elements of John’s style and concern, in the Passion story (Jn 18-19) 3. The historicity question: Is John’s account literally true? If not, what is it? First, perhaps, we should remind ourselves that all four of our Gospels are impressionistic, literary works of art, inspired theological interpretations of the impact made on his followers by the life and teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they revered as their mediator with the living God.
    [Show full text]
  • The Case of Hospitaller Rhodes (Ca
    Staging Holiness: The Case of Hospitaller Rhodes (ca. 1309–1522) Mediterranean Art Histories studies in visual cultures and artistic transfers from late antiquity to the modern period Series Editors Hannah Baader (Kunsthistorisches Institut, Florence) Michele Bacci (University of Fribourg) Gerhard Wolf (Kunsthistorisches Institut, Florence) volume 3 The titles published in this series are listed at brill.com/mah Staging Holiness: The Case of Hospitaller Rhodes (ca. 1309–1522) By Sofia Zoitou LEIDEN | BOSTON This is an open access title distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, which permits any non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided no alterations are made and the original author(s) and source are credited. Further information and the complete license text can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ The terms of the CC license apply only to the original material. The use of material from other sources (indicated by a reference) such as diagrams, illustrations, photos and text samples may require further permission from the respective copyright holder. The publication was financially supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Cover illustration: A Rhodian Judas coin, silver and silver gilt, Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, Mdina. Photo by Mario Gauci, courtesy of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina, Malta. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Zoitou, Sofia, author. Title: Staging holiness : the case of Hospitaller Rhodes (ca. 1309–1522) / by Sofia Zoitou. Description: Leiden ; Boston : Brill, [2021] | Series: Mediterranean art histories - studies in visual cultures and artistic transfers from late antiquity to the modern period, 2213–3399 ; volume 3 | Includes bibliographical references and index.
    [Show full text]
  • Preacher's Magazine Volume 73 Number 03 Randal E
    Olivet Nazarene University Digital Commons @ Olivet Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene 3-1-1998 Preacher's Magazine Volume 73 Number 03 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Denny, Randal E. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 73 Number 03" (1998). Preacher's Magazine. 646. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/646 This Journal Issue is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. MAGAZINE MARCH/ APRIL / MAY 1998 V o lu m e 73 • N u m b e r 3 2 A New Crisis Ensues A personal testimony to being filled with the Holy Spirit E . Stanley Jones 16 To follow Jesus, we must assume the posture of a servant Jerry McCant 20 T ie Wfu'ky World of Ministering to tie Unchurched The high cost of reaching people you never expected to see in church Karen Aaker Editor: Randal E. Denny Assistant Editor: Cindy Osso Highpoint Editor: David J. Felter Consulting Editors: Bill M. Sullivan, Director o f the Division of Church Growth, Church of the Nazarene • Wilbur W. Brannon, Di­ rector o f Pastoral Ministries, Church of the Nazarene • Norman G.
    [Show full text]
  • Downloaded License
    Scrinium 17 (2021) 1–27 brill.com/scri Hymnographic Complex by Meletios Syrigos Dedicated to the Kyivan Cave Saints and All Russian Saints in the Russian Tradition Tatiana Borisova Associate Professor, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract In this paper, topics regarding the glorification of the Kyivan Cave Saints and other Kyivan Saints of the 17th century are discussed, based on the hymnographic complex (complete feast service and paraklesis) to the Kyivan Cave Saints and All Russian Saints composed by Meletios Syrigos, prominent Cretan scholar and official legate of the Ecumenical Patriarch, during his stay in Kyiv in June 1643. The two manuscripts con- taining the Greek hymnographic text studied – including the autograph manuscript – reference the names of 55 Kyivan Cave Saints as well as 19 other Kyivan Saints, some of whom remain unknown. The Church Slavonic translation carried out directly after the composition of the Greek text was realized in two stages and is analyzed according to two manuscript sources. Only some parts of Meletios’ complex, namely the Paraklesis with the stichera and troparia, were translated into Slavonic. Several decades later (before 1677), the text of this translation was revised without consulting the original Greek text, resulting in the version kept in Church practice today. During the process of this revision, significant changes were made to the text, both regarding the com- memorated persons and their presentation. Therefore, the comparative analysis of the Greek text alongside the Church Slavonic texts reveals unknown aspects and stages of the recognition and acceptance of the Kyivan Cave Saints both in Peter Mohyla’s time and later on, as well as the role of Meletios Syrigos in this process.
    [Show full text]
  • Trier: Rom Des Nordens Brehan F. Brady Elementary German II Honors May 4, 2020
    Brady 1 Trier: Rom des Nordens Brehan F. Brady Elementary German II Honors May 4, 2020 Brady 2 Trier: Rom Des Nordens Situated on the banks of the Moselle River among the gently rolling hills of western Germany, Trier is a city that is situated at the intersection of history and faith. Today, the city of nearly 111,000 inhabitants draws visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at the diverse civic architecture, much of which are on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. These structures provide an outward indication of the unique history of this city that traces a line from the modern backwards into antiquity. Many of the buildings are part of the unique connection between this modern metropolitan center and the Roman Empire, a connection that extends beyond the cultural into the ecclesiastical. From its roots as an Imperial city, Trier’s history has become inexorably interwoven into the fabric of the Christian faith. Its unique place within the Roman Empire at the dawn of the Christian age in the 4th century CE has secured its paramount position as that faith has grown and evolved across nearly two millennia of European history. The area in which Trier is located was originally settled by Gallic Celts around the 4th century BCE. Little evidence remains of this original settlement as the Celts, resulting from the impermanent building methods of the tribesmen, although their legacy is preserved in the name of the modern city. Following the Roman conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar in 52 BCE, the area around the Moselle was incorporated into the empire.
    [Show full text]
  • The Letters of James and Peter
    THE LETTERS OF JAMES AND PETER Translated with an Introduction and Interpretation by WILLIAM BARCLAY CONTENTS JAMES Introduction to the Letter of James Greetings (Jas. 1:1) The Jews Throughout the World (Jas. 1:1) The Recipients of the Letter (Jas. 1:1) Tested and Triumphant (Jas. 1:2-4) The Result of Testing (Jas. 1:2-4) God's Giving and Man's Asking (Jas. 1:5-8) As Each Man Needs (Jas. 1:9-11) The Crown of Life (Jas. 1:12) Putting the Blame on God (Jas. 1:13-15) The Evasion of Responsibility (Jas. 1:13-15) God's Constancy for Good (Jas. 1:16-18) When to be Quick and When to be Slow (Jas. 1:19-20) The Teachable Spirit (Jas. 1:21) Hearing and Doing (Jas. 1:22-24) The True Law (Jas. 1:25) True Worship (Jas. 1:26-27) Respect of Persons (Jas. 2:1) The Peril of Snobbery within the Church (Jas. 2:2-4) The Riches of Poverty and the Poverty of Riches (Jas. 2:5-7) The Royal Law (Jas. 2:8-11) The Law of Liberty and the Law of Mercy (Jas. 2:12-13) Faith and Works (Jas. 2:14-26) Profession and Practice (Jas. 2:14-17) Not "Either Or", but "Both And" (Jas. 2:18-19) The Proof of Faith (Jas. 2:20-26) The Teacher's Peril (Jas. 3:1) The Universal Danger (Jas. 3:2) Little but Powerful (Jas. 3:3-5a) A Destructive Fire (Jas. 3:5b-6) The Corruption Within (Jas.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dark Side of Christian History
    This book is dedicated to freedom and human dignity. Contents Preface i Introduction 1 ONE Seeds of Tyranny 4 TWO Political Maneuvering: 14 Making Christianity Palatable to the Romans THREE Deciding Upon Doctrine: 30 Sex, Free Will, Reincarnation and the Use of Force FOUR The Church Takes Over: 41 The Dark Ages FIVE The Church Fights Change: 54 The Middle Ages SIX Controlling the Human Spirit: 76 The Inquisition and Slavery SEVEN The Reformation: 93 Converting the Populace EIGHT The Witch Hunts: 114 The End of Magic and Miracles NINE Alienation From Nature 139 TEN A World Without God 165 ELEVEN Conclusion 185 Notes 189 Bibliography 208 Index 213 Illustration Credits 220 Preface In June of 1995 the Chicago Tribune reported that Pope John Paul II had urged the Roman Catholic Church to seize the "particularly propitious" occasion of the new millennium to recognize "the dark side of its history." 1 In a 1994 confidential letter to cardinals which was later leaked to the Italian press, he asked, How can one remain silent about the many forms of violence perpetrated in the name of the faith—wars of religion, tribunals of the Inquisition and other forms of violations of the rights of persons? 2 Unfortunately, too many have remained silent. Several years ago I listened in amazement as an acquaintance spoke of how the Christian Church had embodied the best of Western civilization and how it had brought peace and understanding to the people it touched. He seemed entirely unaware of the Church's dark past. I decided to prepare a short presentation chronicling the dark side of Christian history—a presentation to help balance the perception that organized Christianity has historically lived up to its professed principles and ideals.
    [Show full text]