New Testament manuscripts ordered destroyed

[Christian2]

I read in one of my books that some time early in Christian history the texts of the NT were ordered destroyed. Now I can't find it.

The men went to various people's homes, churches, etc. and asked for the books and destroyed them.

This could have been done on the orders of an Emperor.

Do any of you remember this event?

Thanks.

[Ivellious]

The only major early-Christian book burning that I could find was by the order of Emperor Diocletian in year 303. As the story goes, St. Vincent was offered his life in exchange for taking part in the burnings, but ultimately refused. He became a martyred saint later.

There are numerous other major Christian book burnings in later times. Interestingly, most of them have to do with one denomination of Christianity banning the books of another denomination, often involving the pope ordering non-Catholic Bibles and so on to be destroyed.

[Christian2]

The only major early-Christian book burning that I could find was by the order of Emperor Diocletian in year 303. As the story goes, St. Vincent was offered his life in exchange for taking part in the burnings, but ultimately refused. He became a martyred saint later.

Thanks, that is the one I was looking for.

[Stu]

The only major early-Christian book burning that I could find was by the order of Emperor Diocletian in year 303. As the story goes, St. Vincent was offered his life in exchange for taking part in the burnings, but ultimately refused. He became a martyred saint later.

There are numerous other major Christian book burnings in later times. Interestingly, most of them have to do with one denomination of Christianity banning the books of another denomination, often involving the pope ordering non-Catholic Bibles and so on to be destroyed.

Seriously?
If true, it deserves nothing less..

[Ivellious]

Well, it's not like I've done an extensive search of every incident, but a couple hours of research found a handful of early Christian book burnings in Rome (like the one with St. Vincent). After about the year 500, the only major burnings of Christian books had to do with the various off-shoots of Christianity. They usually involved one denomination or another burning the books of another denomination in order to gain influence in a certain area. The Catholics had a handful of incidents involving destroying the books of a "rebellious" new denomination, to try and snuff out the new denomination. Most of these in-fighting incidents were back in medieval times, though a few happened much more recently (like colonial America-times).

I agree, it's pretty sad that what are in essence the same religion have a long history of battling each other over influence and power, but especially back in medieval times, it makes sense. Religion was typically the state as well, so having a large number of people following your version of Christianity meant you controlled that region. Power-hungry leaders have bastardized religion throughout history for the purpose of power and wealth.

[Canuckster1127]

Emo Philips used to tell this joke. I think it explains a lot about human nature.

Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, "Don't do it!" He said, "Nobody loves me." I said, "God loves you. Do you believe in God?"

He said, "Yes." I said, "Are you a Christian or a Jew?" He said, "A Christian." I said, "Me, too! Protestant or Catholic?" He said, "Protestant." I said, "Me, too! What franchise?" He said, "Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?" He said, "Northern Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?"

He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist." I said, "Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region." I said, "Me, too!"

Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?" He said, "Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912." I said, "Die, heretic!" And I pushed him over.

[Ivellious]

While it's not quite as overt and violent as it once was, religious rivalry and struggle are still present today. It is exceedingly obvious when it comes to the mistrust and borderline bigotry spewed between the Muslims/Jews/Christians. But even among Christians, there is little "brotherhood" among the various groups. It's part of why I chose a long time ago to stop attending church, because I no longer wanted to associate myself with one faction or another in a fruitless battle over nothing (when you get down to it). I find it really pathetic how much passive-aggressive banter is thrown between all the various churches in this country and elsewhere, and how little respect some people can have for fellow Christians only because of the name on their church. I know there are differences in how they interpret things and so on, but to me it's all the same basic religion, isn't it?

[RickD]

Bart, that's one of my all time favorite jokes, from one of my top 2 all time favorite comedians.http://discussions.godandscience.org/vi ... =4&t=36549

[Canuckster1127]

I knew there was a reason I liked you .....

[Kurieuo]

I'm too scared to say I dislike it incase I get pushed.

[RickD]

I'm too scared to say I dislike it incase I get pushed.

Kurieuo, I'll have to admit, it's a lot funnier when Emo says it, than when you read it.
Sorry about the subtitles. It's the best I could find.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDmeqSzv ... ata_player

[Kurieuo]

Geez, now I'm really scared!