
The Arena Homily | The Triumph of Christianity Over Judaism and Pagans - Gospel of St. Luke 17
Jan 24, 2026
A sermon tracing Christianity's triumph over Judaism and pagan religions through Scripture and patristic history. It contrasts Old Covenant rites with Christ's fulfillment and the heavenly hope. Stories include Luke's healed Samaritan, Athanasius' bold evangelism and defenses of orthodoxy. The talk critiques Judeo-Christian rhetoric and reflects on modern religious alliances.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sermon Framed By Contemporary Debate
- Fr. Josiah Trenham frames the sermon as addressing Christianity's relationship to Judaism and paganism amid current cultural debates.
- He links contemporary questions about America and Israel to deeper theological concerns about covenant and identity.
Megachurch Menorah Moment
- Fr. Josiah recalls puzzlement at Reagan's Israel rhetoric given his Presbyterian background and lack of such teaching.
- He recounts attending a megachurch dinner with a giant menorah in the narthex that highlighted modern evangelical Judaizing tendencies.
Hebrews: Fulfillment, Not Continuation
- The Epistle to the Hebrews teaches that Old Testament types and institutions point to Christ and are fulfilled in him.
- Fr. Josiah emphasizes Hebrews' central claim: Jesus is superior to angels, prophets, priests, and rites.

