Patmos

We are on Patmos, which is the island where the apostle John experienced his Revelation.  It is a quiet island with an older crowd - it is a site of Christian pilgrimage.  It is interesting to get to know what that book is about, after all, it is such a strange part of the Bible.  The best explanation of the Book of Revelation around is that John was writing to early Christians to encourage/fortify their faith, but he was writing about places and events of his time- such as Nero whose name translates to the infamous 666 number in Hebrew, Rome being known as the city of 7 hills, etc.  Even more intereting is that we have been to several of the '7 cities in Asia' being the 7 cities in Asia minor (now Turkey).  Anyway, we're off to see the cave where John (who now seems like less of a madman) recieved his revelation, and there is a very famous monastary to go see, too.  Glad it it isnt too hot to 'dress modestly'. 

 

I have to say that the most interesting part of this year is the time in Turkey and Greece learning about early Christian history; it makes the bible more comprehensible and real from an academic and historical perspective, but no, we have not become 'believers', but you could call us better 'appreciaters', that is to say, we do appreciate the history of the bible, what the religion is about (and I do agree with it philosophically) and the politics of time time, it is fascinating.   I would have never have 'gotten it' if we hadnt been here to see it and have time to digest the history piece by piece.