Posted on 10/01/2005 4:17:14 PM PDT by Captain Rhino
Certainly, it's hard to know whether to trust the allegations in the writings of Tacitus. Yet, what about the explanation offered by Nero, that the Christians were to blame? At least one scholar believes Nero was on the mark. Professor Gerhard Baudy of the University of Konstanz in Germany has spent fifteen years studying ancient apocalyptic prophecies. His studies have shown that in the poor districts of Rome, Christians were circulating vengeful texts predicting that a raging inferno would to reduce the city to ashes. "In all of these oracles, the destruction of Rome by fire is prophesied," Baudy explains. "That is the constant theme: Rome must burn. This was the long-desired objective of all the people who felt subjugated by Rome."
Moreover, the Book of Revelations, written a mere 30 years later, seems to equate evil with Rome. The Whore of Babylon, the source of this evil according to Revelations, is described as having seven heads. "The seven heads are seven mountains," Revelations says. Rome, of course, is famously known as the city of seven hills. What's more, an ancient Egyptian prophesy that would have been well-known in the Christian quarters of Rome foretold the fall of the great evil city on the day that the dog star, Sirius, rises. In 64 AD, Sirius rose on July 19, the very day the great fire of Rome began. Baudy believes that, bearing this prophetic date in mind, some of the Christians, maltreated and embittered, may have started the fire -- or perhaps lit additional fires, adding fuel to the larger conflagration -- in hopes of realizing their prophesies.
Regardless, over two hundred years would pass before the Christians escaped the kind of persecution they endured under Nero.
(Excerpt) Read more at pbs.org ...
Pretty much par for the course at PBS, I'm afraid. But I agree that it will do no harm to complain. And it wouldn't hurt to protest to your congressperson and senators as well. Why should the taxpayers continue funding this kind of nonsensical left-wing propaganda?
"very slanted bit of anti-Christian propaganda."
Probably, given the source, but they may be right.
Of course, from what I've read of Roman history, I still believe it was that egotistial, sociopath Nero.
This episode has been around for years. I saw it at least four or five years ago. Had the same reaction as you. There was no evidence offered -- only a passage or two from Revelations that was suggested would furnish a rationale for Christians to commit arson. All the christian injunctions against murder, in the Gospels, were ignored -. I thought it was a scandalous anti-christian propaganda show at the time. And it certainly can't pass as a serious work of history, as it's speculation totally, from first to last. Sad to hear that some stations are still running it.
Based on what evidence? The "perfesser" who is cited offers none.
Given President Bush's somewhat patrician background, I'm sure the Democratic National Committee opposition research section is pouring through the ancient sources right now to see if they can establish a causal link.
Haliburtinus....
In all what oracles? If you accept a source-critical theory for production of Revelation which suggests it was made up of pre-existing fragments, then these may have been floating around somewhere. But I'd want to see the manuscript evidence first, and then to hear how the fragments got from Rome to Asia Minor.
Finally, of course, there is the matter of internal evidence. For example, Rev 17:16 has the Great Whore being eaten by the ten kings and then burned. Doesn't sound like the Christian ghetto at all.
Frutex fecerunt
The only episode of Secrets of the Dead that I watched in its entirety involved the Shroud of Turin, and I have to say, a fairly convincing case was made for its authenticity as Christ's burial shroud. So, at the very least, PBs seems inconsistent on that show when it comes to Christian bashing.
They are no worse IMO than A & E or The History Channel. Those networks have continually debunked Christianity for years with their "Secrets of the Bible" programs.
"Based on what evidence? The "perfesser" who is cited offers none"
No, he's only cited the equivalent of heresay.
But then, there's no real 'evidence' that Nero did it either. The entire thing is pure speculation at best, and isn't worth getting upset over either way, IMO.
Everyone knows he was not a Centurion but only served
in the Texitus Guardia Civil. Just ask D.Rathurus.
Gadzhuntite!
Actually the Democrat logic will go like thus: Rome was burned and FEMA did not respond quickly. Mayor Nagini Blamenotmeo and Govenor Mindis Blanko clamed they were told by Halucinatus Frarakani that someone used the Roman version of dynamite ona Jewis couple named Levy.
Son of Satirenus, you have done well.
He been watching BARABBAS with Anthony Quinn too many times.
I doubt it has anything to do with Christianity, pro or con. This program just likes to argue for the most sensational "findings" that it can.
I remember seeing that and thinking the same thing as you. I think this German guy is just an anti-Christian bigot and wants to smear Christians without basis. Christians of thee early centuries certainly expected the end times, but there is very little incident of purposely fomented violence, as opposed to the periodic violent persecution of Christians by the imperial regime.
The episode of Secrets of the Dead about the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was also quite respectful and interesting.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.