But wait! There’s more. . .
When we last left Jesus and
his apostles in the first volume of this series of armchair safaris, “Snapshots
of Jesus through the Lens of History” (see the left column for this first book) we had traveled back into the first
century to explore some of the influences that surrounded the birth, childhood,
adolescence, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. His life
and death was the central axis around which we circled, dropping down into
recorded history with our trusty cameras to snap as many photos for our
personal albums as we could of the culture, the environment, the
philosophies and religious fervor all roiling around the area and times.
Together we tried to discover what modern scholars have unearthed about the
first century and this amazing individual.
Like Paul on the road to
Damascus, though, I began this odyssey trying to keep my own beliefs in check,
yet, like a blinding light my faith grew in new and surprising directions.
Though I tried to be just a cool and collected photo journalist, my personal
faith seemed to slip through and color a section or two that I wrote. You may
have noticed that, but oh well.
I don’t know about you, but
peeking through the layers of stories, traditions, myths and hopeful fantasies
to peer into the history, customs and natural challenges that faced Jesus and
his cohorts back in the day was an eye opener, to say the least.
Well, I just can’t leave it alone
now. I have become addicted to the chase, craving more and more insight into
the first century and this continuing saga. What happened to the apostles and
women who intimately and emotionally followed Jesus? How did they cope
with his death? What memories did they hold and share, and how did those
stories morph and spread like flood waters over decades into something called
Christianity and the New Testament?
The treasure hunt continues! So
grab those cameras and let’s go back once more. . .
. . .the first century awaits.
(As I research and write another section, I will post it here for you to gain your own insight, and I hope enjoyment.)
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