Women of faith have transformed our world in the most beneficial ways. Judith is one example of a woman who risked her life to save her people. According to Jewish history, when Holofernes, one of Nebuchadnezzar's captains, was besieging Bethulia, a Jewish widow named Judith gained access to his camp , entertained, and enchanted him with her beauty. At the time, Nebuchadnezzar's army was making plans to destroy the Jews, but she intervened and cut off the general's head during the night. She then displayed the head on the walls of the city, whereupon the Assyrian host took flight, pursued by the Jews. A second case occurs in the tenth century,when a young Czech princess persuaded her husband Mesco, a powerful chieftain, to become a Christian; and consequently, Adalbert, Bishop of Prague, persuaded large numbers of their people to accept the faith. Through the efforts of Mesco's son Boleshay (992-1058), much of Poland became Christian. A similar set of circumstances occurred in Russia at practically the same time. Emperor Basil II's daughter married Prince Vladimir of Russia who, through her influence, he abandoned paganism and accepted Christianity. Vladimir then worked with missionaries who converted the Russian nobles and commoners to accept the faith. The story does not end here, however. In the ninth century, a Viking leader named Rus led a band of invaders through England, Ireland, and Europe; crossed the Baltic, conquered the Slavic tribes, and established their capital at Kiev, where they were henceforth known as Russians. From Kiev they attacked the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople in 865. This same Rus adopted the Slavic language, and under the influence of Prince Vladimir, converted to Christianity. Thus, the faith of Mesco's wife led to the conversion of the Russian people. In essence, the faith of these three women not only saved their families, but also their race, and their nation!
Works Cited
Hayes, Carlton J. H. and Parker Thomas Moon. Ancient and Medieval History. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1935.
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Quest of the Spirit: From Suffering to Acceptance
Non-FictionGod's spirit works in the lives of men during times of separation, suffering, conflict, and despair to provide solace, self-awareness, and hope. Through Quest of the Spirit, one observes how notable writers learned the truth about themselves and...
