Hi Caroline,
Caroline Tully <[log in to unmask]> forwards:
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask] On Behalf Of Jack Sasson
> Sent: Thursday, 2 October 2008 10:11 PM
> To: The Agade mailing list.
> From <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26972493/>:
> [Go there for inscribed bowl.]
> =======================================
>
> Earliest reference describes Christ as 'magician'
> Bowl dated between late 2nd century B.C. and the
> early 1st century A.D.
> By Jennifer Viegas
> Discovery Channel
> updated 9:23 a.m. CT, Wed., Oct. 1, 2008
<snip>
> If the word "Christ" refers to the Biblical Jesus Christ,
> as is speculated, then the discovery may provide evidence
> that Christianity and paganism at times intertwined in
> the ancient world.
I thought there was plenty of evidence of this. Fabre
seems to indicate the same in quotes within the article.
> The full engraving on the bowl reads, "DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS,"
> which has been interpreted by the excavation team to mean
> either, "by Christ the magician" or, "the magician by Christ."
>
> "It could very well be a reference to Jesus Christ, in that
> he was once the primary exponent of white magic," Goddio,
> co-founder of the Oxford Center of Maritime Archaeology, said.
<snip>
Perhaps there is a refinement of evidence being referred to
here, and what is being pointed out is archeological rather
than literary or textual in character? My favorite
examinations of the intersection of the themes of
Christianity and Jesus with magic are:
Christian magic:
Betz, The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation
Meyer/Smith, Ancient Christian Magic
Jesus as magician/magus:
Smith, Jesus the Magician
Conner, Jesus the Sorcerer
> Fabre concluded, "It should be remembered that in Alexandria,
> paganism, Judaism and Christianity never evolved in isolation. All of
> these forms of religion (evolved) magical practices that seduced both
> the humble members of the population and the most well-off classes."
Is the term 'seduced' here being used in a loaded way?
If so, why might that be?
> "It was in Alexandria where new religious constructions were made to
> propose solutions to the problem of man, of God's world," he added.
> "Cults of Isis, mysteries of Mithra, and early Christianity bear
> witness to this."
<snip>
Very interesting, Caroline, thanks for the forward.
Looking forward to additional reflections on this.
nagasiva yronwode
[log in to unmask]
Director, YIPPIE, www.yronwode.org
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