Ep. 167: The Caves of Cappadocia and Ancient Christianity – Turkey Series, Part IV

Today on In Good Faith, we're exploring–literally–ancient Christianity in Turkey. In fact, for this episode we scrunched down into tunnels in an underground city in the Kapadokya region and we toured churches in caves and contemplated mosaics that were almost two thousand years old. This ornamentation is done in the artistic style of Greek Orthodox churches that can later be seen throughout the East. We speak with Professors Mark Ellison and Matthew Grey about the architecture and sacred spaces of the Early Christians, and what it might have felt like to worship together in those early days of Christianity. Mark Ellison is a professor in early Christianity and holds a PhD from Vanderbilt University in early Christianity and early Christian art. He is the co-editor of the recently published anthology "Ancient Christians: an introduction for Latter-day Saints." Matthew Grey is a professor in ancient scripture and ancient Near Eastern studies. He holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with an emphasis in archeology and early Judaism. He's written a chapter in "Ancient Christians," entitled "Sacred Spaces and Places of Worship from House Churches to Monumental Basilicas." Join us in exploring the Crossroads of Faith!