This Day in Christian History

 

September 23

     1122: The Concordat of Worms was reached between Pope Callistus II and Holy Roman Emperor Henry V. It settled the Investiture Controversy over who had the right -- bishop or emperor -- to choose replacement clergy for vacant positions.

     1595: Spain launched an intensive missionary campaign in the American Southeast. During the next two years, about 1,500 American Indians were converted to the Catholic faith.

     1667: In Williamsburg, Virginia, a law was passed, barring slaves from obtaining their freedom by converting to Christianity.

     1888: Birth of Gerhard Kittel, German Lutheran Bible scholar. He was first editor of a 10-volume Greek lexicon which took 43 years to complete (1933-76). In its English edition (1964-76), the work is entitled, "Theological Dictionary of the New Testament" -- or "TDNT" for short.

     1960: While mourning the recent death of his wife Joy Davidman, English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'My great recent discovery is that when I mourn Joy least I feel nearest to her. Passionate sorrow cuts us off from the dead.'

    Source: William D. Blake. Almanac of the Christian Church, Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987. Additional information supplied by the author. Contact via E-mail: William D. Blake. (pilgrimwb@aol.com)

Copyright ©1987 by William D. Blake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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