This summer, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to continue my doctoral work in New Testament by visiting Greco-Roman and early Christian sites in modern Türkiye. I was mentally prepared to be “wowed” by the beauty of these ancient marble cities, unearthed with care and attention. I certainly have been wowed aesthetically. But I have also experienced a renewed spiritual awe for the way God has worked in the past and continues to work in the present. For example, the message about Jesus was proclaimed within a spiritual marketplace where many gods and goddesses bid for attention. Early followers of Jesus proclaiming this gospel didn’t have flashy images (like gorgeous statues or intricate figurines), towering temples, or the mighty promises and demands of Roman domination. Instead, they told of God coming down to earth, becoming one of us, willing to die the death of a Roman rebel to bring forgiveness, healing, hope, and resurrection. That is the message that took root and bore fruit in the lives and communities of ancient Asia Minor.
One of my most memorable moments was on a very hot day in June (they have all been hot!). I explored the stadium of ancient Kibyra. Stadiums were places of entertainment via the suffering and death of others — sadly, so many human and animal lives were lost there. I had walked the length of the stadium, thinking of these things, and found myself too far away from the main path. Rather than trying to make my way back, I explored behind the stadium and came upon the ruins of some kind of building. I wasn’t sure where I was, but with scratchy bushes all around me, the only way to get back to the path was to climb through the ruin. So, I hoisted myself through what must have once been a window. As I wandered around inside the ruin, I realized that it was an ancient Christian Basilica, built not long after 325 CE, when Christian worship became public. And I had climbed through the sacristy window, entering the nave the way that an ancient priest would have! I felt so connected to the Body of Christ throughout time and space. This is just one example of how our good God has been directing my path this summer.
I look forward to sharing more when I return to Wichita in August!
by the Rev. Deborah Hill
835 SW Polk St.