The trip started in Istanbul (I write from Izmir fka Smyrna). We saw the spectacular Aya Sophia, the former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum. The patron of the current building was Justinian I, the last emperor to speak Latin. Though churches were on the site from the late fourth century, the current Byzantine design was a product of builders’ efforts between 532 and 537.
One feature that stood out in the tour guide’s comments, reinforced by the architecture, was that this was a church for the emperor. He had a grand door to enter the sanctuary and he alone of the laity went into the sacred space. The empress had a view of the proceedings from the balcony. And the rest of the city’s Christians had to stand outside in the narthex.
To a citizen of the United States and a Reformed Protestant to boot, the idea of a facility like this being reserved for the worship needs of one man seems a tad excessive. I understand emperors were big kahunas and needed special care and feeding. But this?
And then I remembered a comparable dome in the United States where the father of a certain country is deified. That got me to thinking that we moderns are not that more skeptical about rank and privilege that the ancients were. And when you remember that Justinian was not depicted as a god the way that George Washington is, you wonder just how much the modern nation-state has abandoned the pieties of ancient kingdoms.
Old Life 
Wait a minute, Darryl! George Washington depicted as a god? When was that? We wuz boys together: I was born in 1728 and he in 1732! We grew up together, dared to obey God rather than men (King George III), served 1775-1881, I was at his side til he passed on (to Heaven, I believe) in 1799. Depicted by some as a god? NO! Darryl, ya gotta get it right between the most radical poles available today—Extreme Theonomists v. those who love the hymn, “This World is Not My Home”! Matt Tuininga (sp?) has it right. Listen to him and others like him at Hillsdale. Have a safe visit in the lands where many would behead guys like us if we don’t leave our correct views (and George W’s) of Church and State. Love, Old Bob
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Darryl, You think that Scripture doesn’t give a strong push toward Christian schools, Good Home schooling—-saving me, wife, kids, their mates, 25 grands and 4 great grands, and away from the mostly horrid environments of Public Education, NYTimes, Obamanation? —–How about Deut. 6? Seems to many of us that this is a very strong addition and endorsement of the repeat of the Law in chap.5. No? Love, Old Bob
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I’ve been inside the Hagia Sophia myself when I was in Turkey for 8 weeks in 2006 – quite the experience. I’m glad you got to go to Istanbul, Dr. Hart – it’s truly a fascinating city right on the divide between East and West.
One thing to correct – Justinian was NOT the last Roman Emperor to speak Latin. Latin was the official language of the Roman (Byzantine) Empire until after the time of Emperor Maurice (ruled 582-602). Heraclius (ruled 610-641) was the Emperor responsible for making Greek the official language which remained that way afterwards. That was a very interesting time period, and sorely in need of recovery to the public eye, in my opinion.
Your point about how we tend to lift up our heroes on a pedestal perhaps even to the point of “deification” is well taken. Human nature in rebellion against God never changes, even when “religion” is ostensibly taken away from the drawing board. Having read Douglas S. Freeman’s biography of Washington all the way through, I respect Washington very much yet recognize that he was just a man like any of us – albeit a man full of intelligence, fortitude, and strength. It is easy to overlook the flaws and concentrate only on the strengths – and thus hagiography continues to prevail, even within the bounds of our Church.
Thanks again for your insight and timely critiques, Dr. Hart. I’ve followed this blog for quite a while and am finishing up “A Secular Faith” – some good food for thought in that volume. Hope the rest of your trip in Turkey goes well!
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Upon a second look, I see that Justinian was indeed the last Emperor to speak Latin as his FIRST language. Perhaps too much of a quibble here on my side, but I did want to get the record straight – thanks for bearing with me.
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Bob, I was not the one to paint the image of Washington in the Capital Building nor was I the one to call it the Apotheosis of Washington.
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Bob, the Bible says lots about education. It says very little about the method of delivery, except that parents are responsible.
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Hail the Gregorian Revolution!
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