history

Historical analysis of religious developments, events, and theological movements relevant to apologetics.

Filioque, Petrine & Roman Primacy Members Public

The following excerpt is taken from Francis Dvornik, Byzantine missions among the Slavs. SS. Constantine-Cyril and Methodius (F. Dvornik, Byzantine missions among the Slavs - 6), pp. 189-192. The citations deal with the letter of Pope St. Stephen (Latin – Stephanus V, died September 14, 891) where he mentions that the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
holy-spirithistorytheology

The Talmud: Jesus is Burning in Dung! Members Public

In this post I will be quoting from Peter Schäfer’s book Jesus in the Talmud, published by Princeton University Press in 2007. Here is what is written about him on Princeton University’s website: Peter Schäfer joined the faculty in 1998, appointed as the Ronald O. Perelman Professor of

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
jesusjudaismhistory

Eusebius on Origen Members Public

In this post I will be quoting excerpts from 4th century AD Church historian Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History the very controversial apologist and theologian Origen. Eusebius mentions the story of Origen castrating himself and also sought to refute the charge of Origen being a heretic. All emphasis will be mine. Chapter

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historyhistorychristianity

Synod of Laodicea on the Sabbath Day Members Public

The Synod of Laodicea has been dated by scholars anywhere between the years 343 and 381 AD, between the Sardican and the Second Ecumenical Council. I quote what this Synod wrote in respect to Sabbath keeping. Canon 16 The Gospels are to be read on the Sabbath [i.e. Saturday]

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
canonchurch-historygospel

Dead Sea Scrolls & Biblical Theology Members Public

With the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) in 1947, manuscripts were discovered which give us a window into the specific beliefs and practices of a certain Jewish group living around the area of Jerusalem. One such scroll is known as the Community Rule, and highlights some of the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
apocryphacanonbible

Justin’s Knowledge of Paul Members Public

The following is taken from the Biblical Criticism & History Forum. Justin Martyr and the apostle Paul. * Post by Ben C. Smith » Sun Oct 22, 2017 4:54 pm On the thread about the reception history of the NT books the question came up of whether or not Justin Martyr

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
biblechurch-historyhistory

Justin’s Knowledge of Paul Pt. 2 Members Public

This post is taken from the following blog articles: * The Letters of Paul in Justin Martyr (Part 1) * The Letters of Paul in Justin Martyr (Part 2) * Paul and Justin: Conclusions and Bibliography The Letters of Paul in Justin Martyr (Part 1) History, Theology This post is part of an

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
historytheologychristianity

PETRINE PRIMACY & ROMAN SUPREMACY Members Public

Here I cite snippets from two fourth century AD references affirming the primacy of Rome due to its relationship to Peter, the chief of the holy Apostles. All emphasis will be mine.   Athanasius Apologia Contra Arianos (Athanasius), Part I Chapter 2. Letter of Julius to the Eusebians at Antioch. Eusebius

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historycatholicismchurch
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