The remains of Caesaria Philippi...
Illustration
The remains of Caesaria Philippi are found in the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria, near the head waters of the Jordan Riven. The road leading up the mountain is still littered with the burned out remains of military vehicles from the heavy fighting during the Six Day War.
The religious history of the place is long and varied. Once it was called Balinas because it was a center for the worship of Baal. Legend held that the Greek god, Pan, was born near there. When Jesus visited, he may have walked past the marble temple dedicated to the Roman emperor, who was considered a god.
It was at this place where the choices among gods was great that Jesus chose to make this inquiry. At first he framed the question generally: "Who do people say I am?" He doesn't seem to pay much attention to the answers. Then he gets very specific: "Who do you say I am?"
The escalating diversity of this present age has forced many of us to ponder, debate and theologize on the exclusive claims of Christianity. What about Muslims, Jews, Hindus and others? In an attempt to push out the edges of inclusivity, some mainline leaders have advocated for notions of a universal salvation. In reaction, others have retreated into a very narrow interpretation.
Perhaps it should be kept in mind that Jesus seemed much more concerned with "what do you think of me?" than "what do other people think of me?"
-- Cueni
The religious history of the place is long and varied. Once it was called Balinas because it was a center for the worship of Baal. Legend held that the Greek god, Pan, was born near there. When Jesus visited, he may have walked past the marble temple dedicated to the Roman emperor, who was considered a god.
It was at this place where the choices among gods was great that Jesus chose to make this inquiry. At first he framed the question generally: "Who do people say I am?" He doesn't seem to pay much attention to the answers. Then he gets very specific: "Who do you say I am?"
The escalating diversity of this present age has forced many of us to ponder, debate and theologize on the exclusive claims of Christianity. What about Muslims, Jews, Hindus and others? In an attempt to push out the edges of inclusivity, some mainline leaders have advocated for notions of a universal salvation. In reaction, others have retreated into a very narrow interpretation.
Perhaps it should be kept in mind that Jesus seemed much more concerned with "what do you think of me?" than "what do other people think of me?"
-- Cueni
