The Genevan Foundation

How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

Category: Blog (Page 2 of 7)

C. H. Spurgeon on Divine Election

February 3, 2024 /
Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” Rom. 8:33

It would be hard for me to improve on these words about divine election from the incomparable pastor-evangelist, Charles H. Spurgeon; and so I won’t even try! I hope you enjoy and delight in his comments on divine election.

“The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We are chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of the divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation. The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us, was of infinite antiquity, and runs aside by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always described as everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, has His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship long ere the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and His elect which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more.”

Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, 67

The Covenant that Spurgeon refers to is none other than the “Covenant of Grace.” Spurgeon was intimately familiar with the Westminster Larger Catechism which addresses the question of “Who actually are the parties of the Covenant of Grace?” The parties are: (1) God the Father, (2) God the Son, and by God’s mercy and grace (3) all of the the elect. Consider how the Larger Catechism describes the parties of the Covenant of Grace:

Q. 30: Doth God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? 

A.: God doth not leave all men to perish in the estate of sin and misery (#1), into which they fell by breach of the first covenant, commonly called the covenant of works (#2); but of his mere love and mercy delivereth his elect out of it, and bringeth them into an estate of salvation by the second covenant, commonly called the covenant of grace (#3). 

Scripture Proofs:

(#1) 1 Thes. 5:9 

(#2) Gen. 3:17; Rom. 5:12, 15; Gal. 3:10, 12

(#3) Titus 3:4-7; Gal. 3:21; Rom. 3:20-22; 1 These. 2:13-14; See Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4-5

——————–

Q. 31: With whom was the covenant of grace made? 

A.: The covenant of grace was made with Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect as his seed (#1).

Scripture Proofs: (#1) Gal. 3:16; Rom. 5:15, See verses 16-21; Isa. 53:10-11; Isa. 59:20-21

Westminster Larger Catechism (1648)

Let us give thanks to God for his magnificent gift of free grace and mercy!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Schaeffer’s Critique of Modern Culture

January 31, 2024 /
Edith and Francis Schaeffer (c. 1972)

“For it is time for judgement to begin at the household of God.” 1 Peter 4:17a

Dr. Francis Schaeffer gave us an insightful critique of modern culture over fifty years ago in his blockbuster book, How Should We Then Live? Who would have thought that his analysis from the past would be as true today as it was in 1976 when his book was first published? The relentless pursuit of peace, prosperity, and personal gain in America appears to have reached its apex in our current society! But the question posed by Schaeffer remains–How Should We Then Live? In particular, how should we live as disciples of Jesus Christ in this self-centered age? Consider Schaeffer’s challenging words,

“As the more Christian-dominated consensus weakened, the majority of people adopted two impoverished values: personal peace and affluence. Personal peace means just to be left alone, not to be troubled with the troubles of other people, whether across the world or across the city–to live one’s life with minimal possibilities of being personally disturbed. Personal peace means wanting to have my personal life pattern undisturbed in my lifetime, regardless of what the result will be in the lifetimes of my children and grandchildren. Affluence means an overwhelming and ever-increasing prosperity–a life made up of things, things, and more things–a success judged by an ever-higher level of material abundance.”

Francis Schaeffer, How Should We Now Live? 205

It is my belief that Christians everywhere should respond to this indictment of modern culture. We cannot ignore it. Perhaps as a first response, personal repentance should be manifested throughout the life of individual Christians. Rather than living only for the acquisition of personal possessions, property, and prestige, Christians should live as those who “seek first his kingdom.” (Matt. 6:33) Possessions, property, and prestige are secondary. The Apostle Peter instructs Christians that “judgement [begins] at the household of God.” (1 Pet. 4:17) These sobering words should move us to sincere repentance from the pursuit of selfish gain. Only by cleansing ourselves from our own quest after personal peace and affluence can future generations be preserved from the same malady.

Beyond that, individual churches should give a hard look at their philosophy of ministry–is it all about the growth and prosperity of the church, or is it all about the growth of Christ’s kingdom here on earth? As a church, our priorities should be in alignment with the kingdom ethics of our Lord. (cf. Matt. 5:13-16; Matt. 28:18-19; Mk. 8:34; 2 Cor. 10:3-6; 1 Tim. 5:1-25)

Moreover, we should find a strategy for living in this fallen world that is consistent with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. What should that strategy be? Here are some historic approaches: (1) We should remove ourselves into cloistered enclaves where all worldly influences are kept at a safe distance [Monasticism]. (2) We should become political revolutionaries who forcefully impose our beliefs and morals upon this fallen world [Secular Marxism]. Or, (3) We should acquiesce to secular pressures and not impose our beliefs and values upon unbelievers, but live at peace with all [Cultural Relativism]. Let me just say that I do not think retreat, revolution, or acquiescence are the proper Biblical responses.

Instead, I believe that modern culture should be thoroughly engaged by those who have a God-given remedy to the self-centeredness and prideful arrogance of this fallen world. The Lord gives us a better way! This remedy is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ethics of God’s kingdom, therefore, should become the new standard for life in the 2020’s throughout the world. In short, God’s ways are better than man’s ways, and Christians must lead the way in bringing order to a disordered world. This is not accomplished by retreat, revolution, or acquiescence. It is accomplished by engaging the people and structures of this fallen world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. (cf. Jer. 29:4-7; Lk. 19:11-27; 1 Jn. 2:15-17)

Rev. Dr. Abraham Kuyper
Prof. Dr. Herman Bavinck

This approach of cultural engagement is traditionally called a “Reformed World and Life View.” In short, all aspects of human culture that are found in this fallen world are to be thoroughly engaged—not retreated from [in monasticism], not overthrown [in Marxism], nor acquiesced to [in relativism], but contended with [in a Reformed world and life view]. The theological world-view of Reformed Christianity seeks to boldly penetrate all spheres of human culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Historically, this view has been popularized by two dutchmen, Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) and Herman Bavinck (1854-1921), and in this current era by Henry Van Til (1906-1961), Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984), Chuck Colson (1931-2012), and David F. Wells (b. 1938). Other theologians–too numerous to be named–have taken-up this important theme as well. I will name some of the most helpful spokesmen in upcoming blog posts.

And so, how do we respond to Dr. Francis Schaeffer’s critique of modern culture? We respond in repentance (both personal and corporate) and by committing ourselves and our churches to thoroughly engaging the people and structures of this world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

J. I. Packer on “Prayer”

January 23, 2024 /

“Give us this day our daily bread” Matthew 6:11

Here are some wise words on the subject of “Prayer” from Dr. J. I. Packer:

Dr. J. I. Packer (1926-2020)

“The prayer of a Christian is not an attempt to force God’s hand, but a humble acknowledgement of helplessness and dependance. When we are on our knees, we know that it is not we who control the world; it is not in our power, therefore, to satisfy our needs by our own independent efforts; every good thing that we desire for ourselves and for others must be sought from God, and will come, if it comes at all, as a gift from His hands. If this is true even of our daily bread (and the Lord’s Prayer teaches us that it is), much more is it true of spiritual benefits. This is all luminously clear to us when we are actually praying, whatever we may be betrayed into saying in argument afterwards. In effect, therefore, what we do every time we pray is to confess our own impotence and God’s sovereignty. The very fact that a Christian prays is thus proof positive that he believes in the Lordship of his God.”

Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, 11-12

These are words I certainly agree with when it comes to prayer! Let us humble ourselves before God and trust that His ways are far better than our ways when it comes to answering our prayers.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Announcing: Redeemer Theological Academy

January 15, 2024 /

Our church elders have recently approved the development of a new ministry at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. It is called Redeemer Theological Academy. We will be offering college-level classes in Biblical studies, Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry skills. I will serve as the director of this endeavor. Other instructors will be added over time. Our plans for the winter months (2024) are twofold: 

  • “The Doctrine of Salvation” – This weekly class begins on Thursday, January 18th in Calvin Hall [Thursday mornings 9:30-11:30 AM, Room 208]. It will be taught by Pastor Marcus Serven. As part of the class we will read J. I. Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and John Murray’s Redemption: Accomplished and Applied. 
  • “Burning Theological Questions” – These occasional Friday evening seminars will focus on some of the key questions that many Christians have about the Christian faith—such as “Is there any hope for the future?” and “What evidences are there for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ?” [dates and locations to be determined]. Various speakers will be presenting these seminars. More information coming soon!  

Both classes and seminars are provided free-of-charge to all members and attendees of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. In addition, students will be able to take classes for “credit” towards a Certificate of Theological Studies, or to “audit” classes. A Certificate of Theological Studies gives each successful student a strong foundation in the study of the Bible and Christian theology so that they can better serve the church in appropriate ministries. Men and women are welcome, plus mature High School and College students.

Questions? Contact Pastor Marcus Serven (mserven@redeemerpres.org) 

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

The Church as a “Witnessing” Community

December 6, 2023 /

” Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Cor. 5:20a

Following the resurrection of Jesus, he boldly declared to his disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) By this, Jesus calls both individual Christians and the church at large to engage in “witnessing.” But what does “witnessing” actually mean? Theologians, Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen, explain “witnessing” in this way,

“Witness characterizes the meaning of this time period in God’s story. Yet, this could easily be misinterpreted: one might reduce mission or witness to evangelism or cross-cultural missions. While these dimensions are important to the church’s mission, they are too limited. When we grasp that the salvation of the kingdom restores the creation, and all of it, we see that witness to God’s kingdom is as wide as creation. Witness will mean embodying God’s renewing power in politics and citizenship, economics and business, education and scholarship, family and neighborhood, media and art, leisure and play. It is not just that we carry out evangelism in these areas of life. Again, this is important but not enough. It means that the way we live as citizens, consumers, students, husbands, mothers, and friends witnesses to the restoring power of God. We may suffer as we encounter other equally comprehensive and competing religious stories trying to shape our culture. Nevertheless, a broad mission is central to our being.”

Bartholomew and Goheen, The Drama of Scripture, 218

Could it be that “witnessing” for Jesus Christ involves not only giving a Gospel presentation, but it also involves our faithful participation in all the normal aspects of life as “ambassadors” for Jesus Christ? This is the central argument that Bartholomew and Goheen are making–to not separate life into neat categories, such as the “sacred” and the “secular.” In other words, they speak against the idea that ordinary callings in life are somehow disconnected from a Christian witness. Instead, they maintain that one’s calling as an artist, a teacher, a plumber, a lawyer, a homemaker, a musician, a soldier, or a politician, can be just as “spiritual” of a calling as a missionary or a pastor. This type of thinking closely parallels the Reformation doctrine of “calling” and “vocation.” Calvin writes,

“The Lord bids each one of us in all life’s actions to look to his calling. For he knows with what great restlessness human nature flames, with what fickleness it is borne hither and thither, how its ambition longs to embrace various things at once. Therefore, lest through our stupidity and rashness everything be turned topsy-turvy, he has appointed duties for every man in his particular way of life. And that no one may thoughtlessly transgress his limits, he has named these various kinds of living “callings.” …From this will arise also a singular consolation: that no task will be so sordid and base, provided you obey your calling in it, that it will not shine and be reckoned very precious in God’s sight.”

Calvin, Institutes 3:10:6

In addition to our individual callings, Bartholomew and Goheen remind Christians everywhere that the Lord seeks to restore the entire created order to righteousness. They cite Matthew 19:28; Romans 8:18-22; and Revelation 21:1-5a in support of the “renewal of all things” that is God’s overarching plan. Consider these three passages,

— “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, in the new world (i.e. Gk. “in the regeneration”), when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'” Matthew 19:28

— “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” Romans 8:18-22

— “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.'” Revelation 21:1-5a

Each one of these Bible passages gives us a vision of what life will be like in “the new heavens and the new earth.” They also imply that our Lord calls us to begin living out the truth right now of the “renewing of all things.” Therefore, everything that we do in life–whatever our personal calling might be–ought to reflect the new reality that God is bringing all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Doing all things unto the glory of God is our “witness” in this world. We not only accomplish this individually but also corporately. In this way, the Church of Jesus Christ is a “witnessing” community.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Fall Theology Class (2023)

November 14, 2023 /

“The New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New revealed.”

Several people have asked, “What exactly is the Theology Study Group all about?” In answer to this probing question, let me present a few photos. Recently one of our students surreptitiously took some pictures right in the middle of class, and I didn’t even notice! I guess I was preoccupied with the subject matter. Here are a few shots of our theology class in action:

This Fall we are studying Biblical Theology (i.e. the great themes of Scripture–Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation), and Hermeneutics (i.e. how to properly interpret the Bible). Our weekly format is to discuss the assigned reading in our textbook, The Drama of Scripture, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. We then take a ten minute break with coffee and donuts. Once we come back together we “shift gears” and begin working our way through a passage in the Bible following the method of interpretation that I have taught (10:40 AM-11:30 AM). On this particular week that the pictures were taken we were endeavoring to interpret Hebrews 8:1-13 on how Jesus Christ is our eternal High Priest, and how he has mediated a New Covenant on our behalf. It was a rich passage and the discussion was deep and meaningful.

Typically we have sixteen or seventeen students each Thursday morning. I always bring in beneficial books to “show and tell,” and besides studying we enjoy some sweet fellowship amongst one another. Indeed, a strong bond has been formed, and for that we are all most grateful. If you are in Austin, TX on a Thursday morning, then drop by Redeemer Presbyterian Church and visit our class. You would be most welcome to attend!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Why was the Reformation Necessary?

September 22, 2023 /

— Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

The central reason why the Reformation (1517-1688) was necessary was for the recovery of the gospel. Without it, the church had become a place of darkness. The motto for the city of Geneva, Switzerland during the Reformation explains this viewpoint well; it declared, Post Tenebras Lux (Lat. “after darkness, light!”).

The Monument to the Reformation in Geneva, Switzerland — featuring: the Reformers Guillaume Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox
USS Missouri (BB-63)

Moreover, consider this analogy: The Medieval church had become like a giant battleship whose hull had become so encrusted with barnacles and seaweed that it could barely move through the water. Instead of racing through the ocean at top speed, this ship (i.e. the church) had become so burdened with the excessive weight of the “traditions of men” that the gospel message was completely obscured. The only way for this situation to change for the better was for the “traditions of men” to be stripped away so that the gospel message in its simplicity could be known once again. To accomplish this goal the Lord raised-up godly men (i.e. the Reformers) who took the ship (the church) into a dry dock where they scraped its sides getting rid of all of the barnacles and seaweed that encumbered it. Once this was done, that ship (i.e. the church) was able to race through the oceans at top speed once again.

Dr. Roland Bainton

The famous Reformation scholar Roland Bainton echoes this sentiment by explaining, “The Reformation was above all else a revival of religion. So much is this the case that some have looked upon it as the last great flowering of the piety of the Middle Ages” (Bainton, The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, 3). A more recent Reformation scholar similarly notes, “The sixteenth-century reformation was one of the most dramatic and significant series of events in the history of Christianity. It sent shock waves through the western world and changed the face of Europe forever. Its impact upon the church has sometimes been likened to a second Day of Pentecost, a crucial turning point and a moment of crisis. To some, this cataclysmic rupture in the fabric of catholic Christendom was interpreted as the labour pains of Christianity reborn. As one historian has put it, ‘No other movement or religious protest or reform since antiquity has been so widespread or lasting in its effects, so deep and searching in its criticism of received wisdom, so destructive in what it abolished or so fertile in what it created’” (Andrew Atherstone, The Reformation: Faith and Flames, 6; Atherstone cites: Euan Cameron, The European Reformation, 1).

Such learned testimonies as these bear witness to the claim that the Reformation was absolutely necessary for the recovery of the Gospel. The Lord raised-up the Reformers to accomplish that important task; and they succeeded beyond all human expectations! Soli Deo Gloria!

Here are some of my most useful books for studying the Reformation

The Power of the Word of God

September 19, 2023 /

“Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29

Below you will find a memorable quotation from one of the most perceptive books on critiquing the modern culture that I have read in recent years–Above All Earthly Powr’s: Christ in a Postmodern World. Although this volume is almost twenty years old, it still delivers a timely evaluation of modern culture. Prof. David F. Wells, of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, writes about the power and authority of the Word of God, and, how the culture–both inside and outside the church–truly suffers when the Bible is neglected. He thoughtfully observes,

Prof. David F. Wells

“For it is certainly the case that the Word of God, read or preached, has the power to enter the innermost crevices of a person’s being, to shine light in unwanted places, to explode the myths and debits by which fallen life sustains itself, and to bring that person face to face with the eternal God. It is this biblical Word which God uses to bring repentance, to excite faith, to give new life, to sustain that life once given, to correct, nurture, and guide the Church (Jer. 23:29; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12; Jas. 1:18). The biblical Word is self-authenticating under the power of the Holy Spirit. This Word of God is the means by which God accomplishes his saving work in his people, and this is a work that no evangelist and no preacher can do. This is why the dearth of serious, sustained biblical preaching in the Church today is a serious matter. When the Church loses the Word of God it loses the very means by which God does his work. In its absence, therefore, a script is being written, however unwittingly, for the Church’s undoing, not in one cataclysmic moment, but in a slow, inexorable slide made up of piece by tiny piece of daily dereliction.”

David F. Wells, Above All Eartly Pow’rs, 8-9

You might think that taking the time to read this critique of modern culture is a colossal waste of your time! You might reason, instead, that as Christians we should just forcefully engage the culture with “both barrels blazing!” and forget analyzing what we know to be false! Now it is true that as Christians we should engage the culture. But let us not neglect to study the underlying assumptions of our enemy–(i.e.) the advocates of a Postmodern ideology–with its exaltation of the self and its rejection of all Christian revelation. And so, I would argue that it is well worth your time to read this significant book. Above All Earthly Pow’rs is the fourth volume in an ongoing series of theological tomes that David Wells has written over the past thirty years that document the demise of Western culture and how our lasting hope is only to be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Source: David F. Wells. Above All Earthly Pow’rs: Christ in a Postmodern World. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2005.

Biblical Theology (Fall, 2023)

August 16, 2023 /

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” John 5:39

Theology Study Group – A Course in Biblical Theology

Course Description:
Over the Fall semester (2023) the Theology Study Group at Redeemer Presbyterian Church here in Austin, TX will focus on two important questions in Biblical Theology:

(1) What are the principles for accurately interpreting the Bible? (Hermeneutics)
(2) What are the major themes that emerge from passages in the Bible? (Exegesis)

Each week we will explore a text from the Bible that deals with one of the central themes of Holy Scripture: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. By understanding the themes that knit everything together, we will then be better able to interpret and apply individual passages from the Bible.

Instructor:
Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven, MDiv, ThM, DMin
Pastor of Christian Discipleship at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA)
(email) mserven@redeemerpres.org

Textbooks:
— The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story, Craig Bartholomew, Michael Goheen, 2nd Edition, Baker Academic, 2014
— Redemption Accomplished and Applied, John Murray, Eerdmans, 2015
— Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J. I. Packer, Revised Edition, IVP, 2012

Who is welcome to attend? All men and women who have a desire to go deeper in theological studies than we can offer in our weekly School of Discipleship. Also, High School and College age students are welcome to attend as long as they are motivated to learn theology at a more advanced level.

When and Where: Beginning on September 14, 2023 we will meet every Thursday morning (except for Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 23) in Calvin Hall (Room 208) at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. This is an “in person” class and students are expected to regularly attend all classes.

For Serious Students: For those who desire to take the class “for credit” towards a certificate, extra assignments will be given: (1) Write a 10 page paper explaining how Jesus’ words in John 5:39-40 should be interpreted. And (2) pass an examination of 25 questions (short answers) on “How to Interpret the Bible” and the contents of the The Drama of Scripture.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

A Visit to Hadrian’s Wall

August 6, 2023 /

Just south of the border of Scotland is the narrowest part of England. This seventy-five mile stretch runs from Carlisle in the west to Newcastle upon Tyne in the east. Long ago a stout rock wall was constructed by three legions of Roman soldiers over this entire distance by order of the Roman Emperor, Hadrian (76-138 AD. Begun in 122 AD the wall was completed after six years of labor. What was its purpose? Some historians have suggested that it was built to “keep the Scots out,” and others have argued that it was built to “keep the English in.” Perhaps, it was built for both reasons. But in any case, it was a clear statement of Roman authority within the region. It marks the frontier between civilized Roman Britannia and the unconquered Scots of Caledonia.

Here is an outline of a mile-castle where 20-30 soldiers would be stationed. Note the space for a gate where merchants and travelers could pass through. Taxes were collected accordingly.

Here are some interesting features about the wall: It runs straight across this narrow part of northern England–up and down hills, across pristine farmland, from one side of England to the other. It is not as high as it was when initially envisioned. The plan was that it would be twelve feet high, but in some places it was only eight feet tall due to a shortage of rock. Remarkably, the mortar used to build the wall is still holding the stones together nearly 1900 years after it was built! Once the Romans left Britannia in the early 400’s, the local people started cannibalizing the stones for other purposes. The rocks were a perfect building material for roads, fences, houses, barns, and churches. Today, the wall is mostly a ruin that appears from time to time along its ancient path. Throughout the course of the wall large forts, mile-castles, and turrets were constructed. There are gates built in the wall for trade and taxation. Also for defensive purposes, ten foot deep ditches–called a Vallum–run parallel to the wall on both sides. Sharpened wooden spikes were placed in the ditches to slow down marauding barbarian armies. Roman soldiers often looked at this duty as a cold and dreary posting–far from family, friends, and decent food. They felt as if they were on the edge of the civilized world; and in many respects they were!

Here is “Sycamore Gap” made famous by the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991)

Besides the legions of Roman soldiers that were garrisoned along the wall, several small towns sprung up a few miles south of the wall. Who lived in them? There were Roman officials in charge of supplies, priests serving in the local temple, farmers growing food and caring for animals, plus a bevy of skilled workmen who constructed the buildings, cisterns, and roads. Moreover, the families of some of the older and more-experienced soldiers lived in these communities. These towns represented a small outpost of Roman culture and civilization in a foreign land. One such town was Vindolanda. Its ruins have provided a treasure trove of relics and information into ancient Roman culture. We visited the ongoing archeological excavation at Vindolanda and were astonished by the large number of items that were being found on this site. In particular, there are lots leather shoes–amazingly preserved in the clay-like soil of Northumbria. Excavators have also found wooden tablets with all the normal correspondence you might find in any Roman city–military reports, to do lists, letters to be sent home, grocery lists, invitations to parties, etc. There is an extensive collection of shoes and tablets on display in the museum.

The ruins of Vindolanda are yielding new treasures day by day and giving a glimpse into Roman culture

I highly recommend you visit Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda! Both sites give a fascinating picture of what life was like in ancient Roman culture. And for those who are stout in body and heart, hiking excursions can be arranged that follow the path of Hadrian’s Wall. We saw several groups making the trek while crossing the English countryside–its so very beautiful!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2024 The Genevan Foundation

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑