I’m wondering what ancient texts might reside in the Vatican Library, and how accessible they are to scholars. It would surprise me to find that there wasn’t at least something there, but I can imagine that the Roman Catholic Church might be a little protective. Now that I think about it, there must also be ancient texts in Greek Orthodox Churches, as well.
So I guess my question is: “to what extent have possible repositories of ancient documents relevant to the first four centuries of the common era been mined for new (old) documents?”
I don’t believe in Vatican conspiracies (not saying that is what you are talking about) or that they are hiding anything from scholars. I’m more curious about whether or not ISIS has destroyed anything in those Syriac churches that had not been re-discovered in modern times. That Syrian bishop (or was he Iraqi?) who was on 60 Minutes a couple of weeks ago was really upset about the destruction of their churches and manuscripts. He said he had manuscripts from the first century, but I think scholars would doubt they had anything quite that early. I’m also curious about what the Armenian churches might have although I don’t think they started writing anything until around 400?
gmatthews said
I don’t believe in Vatican conspiracies (not saying that is what you are talking about) or that they are hiding anything from scholars. I’m more curious about whether or not ISIS has destroyed anything in those Syriac churches that had not been re-discovered in modern times. That Syrian bishop (or was he Iraqi?) who was on 60 Minutes a couple of weeks ago was really upset about the destruction of their churches and manuscripts. He said he had manuscripts from the first century, but I think scholars would doubt they had anything quite that early. I’m also curious about what the Armenian churches might have although I don’t think they started writing anything until around 400?
Interesting point, I do think the Vatican and other religious groups distrust scholars, as such, and are very reluctant to allow them access. This is probably why one’s status as a believer weighs that much more than ones scholarly status.
Aren’t the Armenian churches part of the project to digitize such texts by taking high res photos?
Enquire within.
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According to its wiki a thousand scholars a year receive access to the Vatican Secret library which was open to scholars in 1881. I think the reputation of the Library is other than the reality. Dan Brown is full of shit. But then you all probably knew that already.
Stephen said
Enquire within.
** you do not have permission to see this link **
According to its wiki a thousand scholars a year receive access to the Vatican Secret library which was open to scholars in 1881. I think the reputation of the Library is other than the reality. Dan Brown is full of shit. But then you all probably knew that already.
Those scholars should scan everything.
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