Wow!!! This has been simply incredible. We started out the day by visiting the Roman Coliseum and the Palatine Hill, where Roman emperors had their palaces. Then we went in to the Roman Forum and took two guided tours. This also included a visit to what is traditionally thought to have been the jail in which the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Then, we went to eat (fabulous!) followed by a walk to the Spanish Steps, where the Spanish embassy once stood but is now a "touristy" place with restaurants and shops.
I am attempting to assimilate everything that I have learned about the 1st Christians and the way they viewed Christianity. There are so many implications for the church's mission and purpose in today's world.
I found it to be quite interesting, for example, that the bloody, gladiatorial games held at the Coliseum gradually became less and less popular as the number of Christians increased in the city. The Roman emperors financed the games, which first opened with 100 days of gaming, but finally ended when so few people would come. It is nice to know that Christians actually stood up to the violence of Roman society and effected change. I know I've left out some of the details, but will give a more full account of the Christian reaction toward the Roman culture of the early centuries.
I'm looking forward to sharing more of what I'm learning in the near future. Until then...
continued Blessings and Prayers,
Don
No comments:
Post a Comment