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Shameless Popery

#134 PROOF That Early Christians Prayed to the Saints?? - Joe Heschmeyer

Jan 2, 2025
Joe Heschmeyer uncovers fascinating evidence of early Christians praying to saints, rooted in recent archaeological discoveries in Germany. A striking Christian amulet reveals practices that challenge our understanding of ancient faith. The significance of phylacteries is discussed, highlighting their role in invoking Saints like Titus. Additionally, artifacts from Roman catacombs provide insight into early Christian devotion and the struggles they faced before legalization. The podcast presents a compelling look at the origins of a tradition long thought to be influenced by paganism.
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Quick takeaways

  • Recent archaeological findings reveal that early Christians, despite persecution, actively prayed to saints, showing their deep commitment to faith.
  • The discovery of ancient inscriptions in Roman catacombs indicates that seeking intercession from saints was an established practice from the church's inception.

Deep dives

Discovery of the Earliest Christian Artifact

Recent archaeological findings indicate the existence of what is believed to be the earliest known Christian north of the Alps, as this individual was found wearing the oldest Christian artifact in the region. This artifact, which dates back to between 230 and 270 AD, is a small metal box that contained a Christian prayer. The discovery occurred in a Roman cemetery in Nida, Germany, where researchers unearthed a skeleton buried with the artifact, highlighting a significant early Christian presence at a time when Christianity was illegal. As such, the individual’s willingness to wear a Christian item signifies an admirable dedication to faith despite the risks involved.

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