INDIAN CHRISTIANS UNDER ATTACK IN ORISSA STATE

Tensions are rising in India as Christians are under attack from Hindu fundamentalists, particularly in the state of Orissa:

Attacks on nuns, churches and Christian refugees across India are stoking fears that Hindu extremists are planning to target minority communities as the country prepares for a general election.

The worst anti-Christian violence in India since independence 60 years ago came in Kandhamal district, in the state of Orissa, in recent weeks. Hindu fanatics attempted to poison water sources at relief camps holding at least 15,000 people displaced by mob violence, local activists alleged. Hundreds of Christian refugees in the region were told not to return to their homes unless they converted to Hinduism.

In Chattisgarh, central India, two nuns from the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Mother Teresa, were beaten by a mob when they took four orphans to an adoption centre.

Christians can be a convenient target of Hindu fundamentalists who may not want to risk a confrontation with Muslims. Christians are a relatively small and peaceful minority group. Some officials find it politically expedient to look the other way, as well. Still, as I have pointed out before, on my trips to India I have never felt in any immediate danger. But one hopes the authorities will not tolerate this sort of treatment, regardless of how localized it might be.

SCOTTISH BIBLES

I have long had an interest in printing and binding (even trying my hand at it in years past). Add that to old Bibles and you have my attention. I just discovered this slideshow of early Scottish binding, mostly of Bibles. It's beautiful work.

I wonder if I can get one of those in an ESV?

SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD WALL FOUND

Archaeologists have uncovered a Jerusalem wall dating to the Second Temple period:

The remains of the southern wall of Jerusalem that was built by the Hasmonean kings during the time of the Second Temple have been uncovered on Mount Zion, the Antiquities Authority announced Wednesday.

The 2,100-year-old wall, which was destroyed during the Great Revolt against the Romans that began in 66 CE, is located just outside the present-day walls of the Old City and abuts the Catholic cemetery built in the last century where Righteous Gentile Oskar Schindler is buried.

The sturdy wall, which is believed to have run 6 km. around Jerusalem, was previously exposed by an American archeologist at the end of the 19th century, the state run archeological body said.

The wall will be part of a new promenade open to tourists:

He voiced the hope that the First Temple wall would be uncovered next.

The excavation was initiated as part of a plan to build a promenade along the southern side of Mount Zion.

The promenade, which is expected to become a major tourist attraction when it is completed in the next few years, will run alongside parts of the newly exposed ancient wall.

It's amazing to think of all the great men and women--and the greatest Man of all--who would have walked past that wall without giving it a second thought.