The Sensational Ancient gods

 In Ancient Greece, even through the first few centuries after the birth of Christianity, the major cities of the day were filled with temples dedicated to gods. The greater the god, the greater the temple, the greater the temple, the greater the miraculous manifestations within. Inventors and engineers worked hand in hand with the temple priests to produce special effects that would generate interest, excitement and awe amongst the attending worshipers.  Since the ancient world was not monotheistic, the gods competed for worshipers. The temples with the greatest miracles would have the greatest attendance, and therefore, the greatest income. This dynamic was part of the drama in Ephesus when Paul’s delivery of the gospel threatened the religious industry surrounding the temple of Diana. The priests wanted Paul stoned because of his impact on the selling of their idols and soothsaying efforts.

    Archaeologists have uncovered evidence and documentation of temples that housed ingenious mechanical devices created to produce special effects that would draw great crowds and leave them spellbound. The worship-inducing machines included; multi-breasted mother gods that would lactate milk, gods that would weep blood, and chariots that would levitate and fly across the temple courtyard. Temple doors would open automatically, thunder would roar above the gods during the sacrifice, lightning would strike the top of the temple, statues would move, dance, drink the blood offering, moan and speak!  The engineers would use physics, chemistry, hydraulics, mechanics and magnetics to entertain and enthrall the masses.  The most successful engineer was Haran, whose machines are still being studied today.

    In the cosmopolitan city of Alexandria, the Egyptian and Greek gods co-existed as their priests engaged in fierce competition for worshipers. Each temple struggled to out-do the other temples and produce the better show. Into this scenario came the early church with the message of salvation.  The message took hold and the church began to grow. In one ancient document a pagan priest lamented, “We definitely need some striking miracle to advertise our temple.  People are flocking like sheep to this new Galilean heresy.” 

     I find this particularly fascinating. In a culture addicted to sex, entertainment and extravaganza, the church of Jesus Christ competed for souls with powerful preaching, not through innovative and dazzling presentations and programs.  It wasn’t the medium that drew the people, it was the message. The church left the theatrics to the pagans.

     I believe the same holds true today … or at least, it should. The distinguishing characteristic of the church should not be the level of its talent, the extravagance of its programs, or the innovation of its facilities. All these attributes are wonderful, but when overemphasized they can tend to drown out the message. In many churches, they actually replace the message. Inherent to Christianity is the most awe-inspiring miracle of all. One that no pagan priest, and no ancient engineer could ever duplicate -- The resurrection of a dead man. The Bible reveals that as the early church went from town to town and nation to nation preaching the gospel, they emphasized the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the spectacle, this was the sensational event, this was what inspired faith. 

     When Christ’s followers came to His tomb in mourning, they found the stone rolled away, the angel seated on its top, and they heard a message that exposed the Egyptian gods as impotent, and the Greek geniuses as charlatans.  The angel said, Why do you seek the living among the dead.  He is not here.  He is risen just as He said.  Come see the place where the Lord lay.  

    The Ancient Las Vegas could not compete.  Its pleasures, riches, and shows could not out-do the God of Heaven.  May we learn something from those humble early believers who chose not to entertain, but to enlighten.

Acts 7:48-50

The Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the Lord, Or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?”