Posted on 05/28/2008 12:11:57 PM PDT by Gamecock
When one travels to a new culture it is all to common to be overwhelmed by a cacophony of smells, sounds, and sights. The Aegean provides just such a stimulus to many travelers.
Among some of the most interesting sights are those held in high esteem by Christians. The ruins of the city of Ephesus and the island of Patmos provide a direct connection to significant portions of Scripture.
Located in South-West Turkey, Ephesus has some of the most impressive ruins this traveler has seen.
Christians will be familiar with the accounts of the Riot At Ephesus that occurred in the theater, which is pictured above.
The Library, just down the street from the theater, is where Paul is said to have preached the Gospel to the Ephesians.
The Island of Patmos was where John was exiled and received the book we know as Revelation. The Greek Orthodox Church maintains the above building the guards the cave in which it is said John received the text. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside the volcanic cave, and a stern looking monk made sure the rules were followed. (And no, that's not me in the pic)
Lastly, just up the road from Ephesus one finds the house in which Rome has declared Mary lived out her life. Evidently a nun named Emmerich had a vision that Mary wound up in this house. The Vatican decided there was sufficient evidence to declare the site authentic. Photos were not allowed inside.
Just inside the entrance of the Mary House comples is a gift stand that sells the above trinkets. See the blue amulets dangling from the ribbon? That is what is know as a Nazar Boncugu (or Evil Eye). Having traveled to numerous developing areas it never ceases to amaze me how pagan symbols are incorporated into everyday indigenous Roman Catholic practice. Interestingly, just next to the Mary House there is a sign providing the visitor verses from the Koran than mention Mary. No such passages from the Bible are presented.
That's all for now FRiends. Hope you enjoyed seeing the above sights!
"Indigenous Roman Catholic practice"???? You're citing a trinket stand, no doubt run by a Turkish muslim, selling Greek Orthodox icons with some sort of Turkish charm on them as emblematic of "indigenous Roman Catholic practice"???
There are fewer than 30,000 Catholics in all of Turkey. The Turkish population is 71 million. You do the math. What kind of "indigenous Roman Catholic practice" do you think there is in Turkey?
Would you care to cite that authoritative Roman Catholic declaration that this house is authentic?
You're in a Muslim country, one that just barely tolerates any practice of Christianity at all. Did you miss that?
The house at Ephesus is not a shrine owned or run by the Catholic Church. Did you miss that, too?
The site is run by the the Catholic Church. Also, see the Priests and Nuns hanging around out front? What are they? Chopped liver?
You are nevertheless in a Muslim country with a long tradition of repressing Christian belief and practice. Our Greek Orthodox friends can tell you all about that.
Nor does the selection of junk offered by a trinket salesman reflect any sort of "indigenous Roman Catholic practice," which doesn't exist in Turkey.
But did you really have to spoil it with the obligatory dig at us "pagan" Catholics? Come on, give it rest for a day. You're on vacation.
Thanks for the post! I visited Ephesus in 1982 - not caring much for the things of God at that time. There was a man on the stage, reciting Shakespeare, and he could be heard at every “seat” in the house. I studied Architecture in college and such things interest me to this day.
Your report of the pagan influence in that Catholic joint is one of a thousand examples of what happens when a church tries to influence the culture by befriending it, rather than be satisfied with proclaiming the Gospel and trusting God.
a. The trinket sales are inside the boundaries of the site.
b. In post 3 you claim there are Catholics in Turkey. Now you claim there are no Catholics. If there are 30,000 Catholics, isn't it safe to assume they are practicing?
c. Western Catholics were there by the busload. Should they have been appealed by the practice? Are you appalled that this activity is happening inside the boundaries of a Catholic shrine?
Actually, the vacation is over. I didn’t touch a computer while traveling.
Firstly, it's not a "joint". Thanks.
It's an ancient stone house believed to be the former home of the Mother of Jesus. No need to believe that but there's also no need to be deliberately offensive if you don't.
Of all the interesting aspects and details about the Marian house at Ephesus, you choose to zero in on a Turkish souvenir salesman outside.
I'm beginning to think that you guys can't help yourselves.
A shame to drag what could have been a beautiful thread down the toilet over a friggin' souvenir salesman.
Are you trying to incite a riot?
I get it.
Nothing the Catholics do or condone that is even remotely quirky should be brought out in public.
“joint” is not pejorative term. It’s a generic descriptive and if the use of it offends you, that’s your choice.
“We” - meaning us Reformed Christians - indeed cannot help ourselves. God’s Spirit within us testifies of Truth and warns of errors. Ergo, we identify false doctrine as a “little leaven” and warn others to not accept such as Truth.
Good question
Three recent Popes have thought it important enough to visit..
As you wish....
I always loved ancient history and archaelogy in high school. One of my dreams was to go to Egypt on a dig. I will never do that or probably never visit these places, but enjoy seeing these lovely photos of those who can.
Correct. If you are caught doing so, you will be accused of being an "anti-Catholic bigot" by the inquisidores who still fight against the Reformation.
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