Archaeological Evidence of Early Christianity: Excavations, Early Churches, and Ancient Pilgrims

Dr. Michael Pytlik, Guest Lecturer

Christianity is based on a historical figure, Jesus. But what evidence is there for Jesus and the very early Jewish-Christian communities? Dr. Michael Pytlik will present archaeological evidence for the early Christian communities, the life of Jesus, the house of Peter, and recent research at the site of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Early pilgrims give us a glimpse of the reality of these early times.

Dr. Pytlik is Oakland University’s Director of Judaic Studies and Anthropology. He teaches the Archaeology of Israel and a number of courses in Judaic Studies and Religious Studies. Since 2009 he has organized and led groups of OU students to Israel for a tour and excavation field school. He is interested in the formation of the Israelite state, the development of the synagogue, Jewish Theology, Hebrew, and the archaeology of Israel. He is very active in the Jewish community, and is involved in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish dialogue groups. Pytlik is also the current faculty adviser for the Jewish Student Organization on campus and the director of the Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community Engagement. He holds a Doctor of Science in Jewish Studies from Spertus College, as well as a masters in Jewish Studies and a bachelor’s degree in History.

You may also like the following events from Flint Institute of Arts:

• This Friday, 8th August, 05:00 pm, Patio Night at the FIA in Flint
• Next month, 12th September, 11:00 am, Baby Tours at the FIA in Flint