No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition

El Brocense defended his critique in writing, which became a part of the official Inquisition records. As a result, the files of the Spanish Inquisition contain one of the earliest historical/exegetical arguments contradicting the traditional nativity story. Read More …

The Protevangelium of James

We can trace the origins of many of the traditions found in nativity plays to what are known as the infancy gospels, pseudepigraphal works written much later than what we now refer to as the canonical gospels. The oldest and most Read More …

The Ester Gate

When the Roman General Pompey annexed Syria, the Romans entirely redesigned Damascus as a Roman city. Still today, “Old Town” Damascus retains its rectangular Roman design and seven extant ancient gates. The name “Ester Gate” predates the Romans, so it Read More …