idolatry

The ruins of the Temple of Pluto, the lord of the underworld in Eleusis. In this small temple pilgrims mimicked Persephone and were symbolically taken to the underworld. At some point the initiates were given a drink containing alcohol, opium, and a substance that was akin to LSD. Small wonder people were later unable to describe what they experienced. Photo by John Buckner

The Sanctuary at Eleusis   

October 9, 2024
The Sanctuary at Eleusis    “After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;” (Acts 18:1) Acts tells us that the idols of Athens grieved Paul’s soul, prompting him...
The ruins of Succoth/Tell Deir Alla looking west toward the plains of Jordan, the river valley, and the river itself. In the distance are the hills of Samaria. Photo by John Buckner

Deir Alla and Balaam’s Curse  

September 6, 2024
Deir Alla and Balaam’s Curse   “And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up...
Theatre of Ephesus

Diana of the Ephesians

March 7, 2024
“For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like...
Ancient Shechem, with the mountains Ebal and Gerizim in the background, as well as modern Nablus in the West Bank. Photo by author.

The Graveyard of the Old Gods in Shechem 

January 3, 2024
The Graveyard of the Old Gods in Shechem “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which...
Arched Milky Way over the mountain dirt road in summer. Beautiful night landscape with starry sky, milky way arch, trail in mountain village, hills, green grass and purple flowers. Space and galaxy

We Don’t Need A Hero!

March 11, 2014
On Friday, January 24, 2014 the USA Today ran an article on a Texas politician.  It opened with these words: "We don't need a hero." Perhaps.  But there is something...