Free?

Libertas is one of the buzzwords of Roman history. Loosely translating as freedom, or liberty, it is a concept whipped out by Roman emperors to promote their custodianship of the great city. One of my lecturers offered some handy advice: whenever you come across the term in the coinage, inscriptions or literature, stop. Consider what it really means. Don’t assume that the reference to the restoration of libertas in Rome is what you think it is.

A quick disclaimer: I tried and failed to make this a short, snappy post. It continues my thoughts from my previous post: Philippians 4: Meta. My time in the bible this evening prompted some thoughts about freedom. Basically, where I am going is something along the lines of Galatians 5:13:

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

For those noble in heart and strong in courage, and who haven’t succumbed to boredom already – the rest awaits.