Monday, July 30, 2012

Today in History - July 30, 1619 - First Legislative Assembly in Early America

First Legislative Assembly in Early America - July 30, 1619

   Today in History, a group gathered in Jamestown, Virginia, as the first representative assembly in the American colonies. The laws that were enacted were laws against idleness, drunkenness, and gambling. This event took place as the 'House of Burgesses' in a choir in the town's church building.
Read more at: www.History.com

Saturday, July 28, 2012

The Olympics

This article came in my e-mail today and I thought it was pertinent to the events of the day. It goes into the origin of the Olympics and compares that to today's Olympics. It is a question asked by the people at Answers in Genesis (www.answersingenesis.org) followed by their answer. Did you know the first modern Olympics started in 1896 (my grandfather was six years old at the time!)? But Paul makes references to these games that were played by the Greeks. Here is the article on this:

Q: What do the Olympics have to do with God’s Word?

A: The modern version of the Olympic Games started in Athens in 1896, and although they have generated their share of controversy, the games were meant to foster cooperation, peace, and good sportsmanship. This is far different from the original Olympic Games, which started in 776 BC. These games began in Olympia, Greece, and were held in honor of Zeus. Rules were much different then, as many athletes competed in the nude, and in one event, pancratium, the goal was to box, kick, or wrestle one’s opponent until he submitted, fell unconscious, or died.
The Olympic Games grew rapidly in popularity, and before long similar competitions sprang up in ancient Greece: the games at Delphi in honor of Apollo (582 BC), the Isthmian Games near Corinth in honor of Poseidon (582 BC), and the games at Nemea to honor Zeus (573 BC). While these games were originally dedicated to pagan gods, Christians can use the Olympics as an opportunity to teach the truth.
As is true today, these contests were big business and a cultural phenomenon. So popular were these various competitions that the authors of the New Testament made several allusions to them as illustrations.

Here is the link to more of the article: London Olympics - Gospel at the games

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Today in History - July 11, 1656 - First Quaker Colonists Land at Boston

First Quaker Colonists Land at Boston - July 11, 1656

   Today in History, Two Englishwomen from Barbados, arrive at the Massachusetts Bay Colony to immigrate to the American colonies. Ann Austin and Mary Fisher came from a center in Barbados  where Quakers had established a missionary work.
  Quakers, who had their start in the early 1650s in England, was a Christian movement founded by George Fox. The Quakers were big on sexual equality, and were opposed to slavery.
    The two women mentioned above, came into difficulties with the Puritan community that surrounded them, and they were arrested for their liberal writings. They were in jail for five years, then were deported back to Barbados.
   In October of 1656, the Massachusetts colonial government put out their first ban on Quakers. Two years later, Quakers were ordered 'banished' from the colony 'under the penalty of death'. The Quakers found safety in Rhode Island, and some of the other colonies, where they weren't being banned. The Massachusetts anti-Quaker laws were later repealed.

Source: History.com - First Quakers Land at Boston

Today in History - July 10, 1925 - Monkey Trial Begins

Monkey Trial Begins - July 10, 1925

   Today in History, the famous 'Scope's Monkey Trial' begins. It started with a young, high school science teacher, John Thomas Scopes, being accused of teaching evolution, which was in violation of the laws of Tennessee.
  In March of that year, a law had been passed that made it a misdemeanor to 'teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine creation of man as taught in the Bible, and, to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals.'
  After eight minutes of deliberation, Scopes was fined $100, the minimum the law allowed.
Source: History.com - Scopes Monkey Trial Begins

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Today in History - July 8, 1994 - North Korea's 'Great Leader' Dies

North Korea's 'Great Leader' Dies - July 8, 1994

   Today in History, the 'Great Leader' of North Korea, Kim Sung II dies of a heart attack at the age of 82.
  Kim received his military training in the Soviet Union in the 1930's and as a result, he became Communist and fought in the Soviet Red Army in World War II. He became the first leader in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and since Korea was now divided, he wanted to unify his country. In order to do this, he launched an invasion of South Korea in 1950. But instead of unifying Korea, it ignited the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate in 1953.
   After his death, he was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong II, whose reign was equally repressive and Isolating. Under Kim Jong's reign, students in the schools were taught a philosophy called 'Juche' which basically indicated that Kim Jong was a 'god' and was to be respected like he were divine.

Source:History.com-North Korea's Great Leader dies

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Today in History - July 4, 1776 - America Declares Independence From Great Britian

America Declares Independence From Great Britain - July 4, 1776

   Today in History, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims the United Staes independence from Great Britain and its king. There were many tensions between England and the American colonies, which led to the American Revolution, which started 442 prior to this day. The American War for Independence would last another 5 years, and in 1783, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris with Britain, America finally became a fully independent and free nation.

Source: History.com


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Today in History - July 3, 1863 - Battle of Gettysburg Ends

Battle of Gettysburg Ends - July 3, 1863

   Today in History, the Battle of Gettysburg comes to an end. The Battle of Gettysburg was the most decisive battle in the Civil War. General Robert E. Lee mades several attempts to break the Union line, and this time, it ended up failing.
   On November 19, 1863, President Lincoln gave his famous 'Gettysburg Address' at which time he also dedicated a new national cemetery at the Gettysburg site.

  Source: History.com-Battle of Gettysburg

Sunday, July 1, 2012

True History will be on break

Will be taking a break due to heavy schoolwork/homework load. I may post periodically if I get a chance to, otherwise I will be back when I am finished with this class (or the next one!).