The Church & The Gates of Hell
The photo to the right was taken at the Gates of Hell. This was the ancient name of this massive cave at Caesarea Philippi where the Banias River began as a spring, flowing from its mouth. 3,000 years ago the ancient Canaanites believed this site to be mystical - a doorway into the afterlife. They worshipped the god Baal here, particularly for fertility rites. Their worship included depraved, sexual immorality, temple prostitution and child sacrifice. Babies were laid upon the super-heated outstretched arms of the bronze statues of Baal where they were literally roasted alive. And all of this was done to ensure a good harvest--the safety and security of the people. In the time of the ancient Greeks this same spot was considered holy and mystical and also a place where fertility was honored and prayed for fervently. It was also a place that was believed to be the gateway to Hades. Adherents engaged in sexual depravity, temple prostitution an...