Undeceptions with John Dickson 142. First Hymn
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Dec 15, 2024 Amand Diangor, a Classics professor at Oxford, Dr. Stephanie Bernstra, Egyptology expert, and Dr. Charles Cosgrove, a scholar of early Christian literature, dive into the ancient world of hymnody. They discuss the discovery of the oldest Christian hymn in Oxyrhynchus, shedding light on bold expressions of faith amidst persecution. Their journey uncovers the intertwining of pagan and Christian musical traditions and reflects on the historical evolution of hymns, emphasizing their profound cultural and spiritual significance.
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Singing in Oxyrhynchus
- John Dickson sang a 1,800-year-old hymn in a ruined Egyptian basilica.
- The hymn is the focus of an Undeceptions documentary.
Oldest Christian Hymn
- The hymn is the oldest Christian hymn with both lyrics and musical notation.
- It was discovered in Oxyrhynchus, Egypt, and provides insight into early Christian beliefs.
Discovery and Transport
- Grenfell and Hunt discovered the hymn among half a million papyrus fragments in Oxyrhynchus.
- The fragments were shipped to Oxford in biscuit tins.