Merry Christmas 2017

Merry Christmas to our Wonders of the Bible followers -- as we rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May you and yours be blessed today and everyday throughout the upcoming year. We hope you enjoyed WOTB this past year. Shown: Master transparency from the View-Master series "The Birth of Christ", circa 1940's. From the Wonders of the Bible Collection. Love to all ... and to all, a good night!

Frank DeFreitas Fall 2017 Lecture Tour

Just a few photos from my 10-week lecture tour of Fall 2017. I have a lot of great new material planned for 2018-19, so I hope to see you at one of my events. Stayed tuned for previews of what is planned. -- Frank DeFreitas

P.S. If you would like an exhibit / presentation for your church, group or organization, you can call: (484) 387-5320. Ask for Frank or Debi DeFreitas.

I am now retired, and plan to travel ONLY in the spring and fall months (Spring: March, April and May / Fall: September, October and November). I may set my maximum presentations at 2 per month. So that would be six events in the spring, and six events in the fall).

View-Master MARY and JOSEPH Travel to Bethlehem

MARY and JOSEPH Travel to Bethlehem: This 1948 Kodak Ektachrome 4x5-inch (101x127mm) transparency is an original master production image from the 3D View-Master reel "The Birth of Jesus". These scenes were produced and directed by the world-famous Cecil B. DeMille (director of the now classic movie "The Ten Commandments"). It is part of my Wonders of the Bible collection. God Bless You … Today and Every Day!
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Luke 2:1-5 -- "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

Journey of the Magi Engraving 1856

Matthew 2:1-2 "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
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1856: JOURNEY OF THE MAGI. "The Star in the East." Steel engraving, 19th century, by Robert Brandard, after a painting by Henry Warren (1794-1879). Part of the Wonders of the Bible collection. God Bless You Today … and Every Day!

Tower of Babel 1370

TOWER OF BABEL: 1898 Chromolithograph of a medieval print from the year 1370 showing construction of the tower. In the collection of Wonders of the Bible.
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GENESIS 11:1-9 -- "And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth."
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God Bless You Today and Every Day.

View-Master "Birth of the Savior" 1947

Mary with Baby Jesus: This image is from the 1947 3D View-Master reel "The Birth of the Savior". I own several of the master Kodachrome transparencies from this production, including the script for the reels, CMYK color separations for the packaging art work, and legal documents. I took this photo with the camera looking through an eye piece of a view-master. Did you ever have a 3D view-master viewer? God Bless You -- Today and Every Day!

Adoration of the Shepherds

My collection exhibit for 2018-19 will focus on "The Beauty of God's Word". Here we have "The Adoration of the Shepherds" by Jusepe de Ribera in 1650, as we approach Christmas. This piece is a rare 1876 Woodburytype gravure print, a now obsolete photo process patented in 1864 by Walter B. Woodbury. Isn't it beautiful?

American Bible Society Astronaut Stamp

This stamp from the 1960s was issued by the American Bible Society. The astronaut shows how the Holy Bible is relevant for every age … even the space age! As we move to, and work in, future orbiting space colonies, will the Word of God come along with us? We must continue to develop the communication technologies that will make the Gospel of Jesus Christ a reality in any future in space: lasers, optics, photonics and holograms. God Bless You … Today and Every Day.

Christian engravings and etchings for 2018

My ten week fall lecture tour and exhibits have come to an end. I look forward to spring 2018. In addition to Christian based scientific and technological exhibit items, I will add scripture, engravings and etchings to the mix. This new addition will be titled "The Beauty of God's Word". Look for many examples here at Wonders of the Bible. God Bless You Today and Every Day.

Sunday School Stereoview

From the year 1876! Here is an antique stereograph made by Chicago photographer L.M. Melander. It is called "Sunday School is Out". When the card is placed in an antique stereoscope, the entire scene becomes 3-D. Before television and radio. Before the telephone and the internet. Before the first automobile, airplane and first motorcycle. This was the "entertainment" of its day. God Bless You Today and Every Day!

Young Aimee Semple McPherson

Purportedly, a very early photo post card of a young Aimee Semple McPherson, circa 1918. She would have been touring the USA with her mother in an automobile during this period. Known as "Sister Aimee" she also began the first woman-owned Christian radio station when in Los Angeles. She would go on to be the most well-known evangelist of her era, surpassing the popularity of even the great Billy Sunday. I have a large collection of Aimee Semple McPherson memorabilia in my Wonders of the Bible collection. God Bless You Today ... and Every Day!

Christ on the Cross 3D Lenticular 1950s

1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" Here we have a 3D lenticular circa 1950's showing Jesus on the cross. This piece is approximately 27 x 35 cm in size. The real artistic appreciation should come from the amazing talent and work constructing the physical dioramas that were used as models for the stereo photography. Most were miniature sculptural scenes! For many around the world, religious based 3D lenticulars were always a source of wonder ... for their fascinating dimensional scenes depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God Bless You Today and Every Day ...

World's Smallest Bible in 1952

Known as "Das Kleinste Buch der Welt", this was the smallest book in the world in 1952. It is only 3.5 x 3.5 mm in size, letterpress printed, thread sewn, hand bound in leather and decorated with a 24k gold Christian cross on the cover. It contains the Lord's Prayer in seven different languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch and Swedish. It is from the Gutenberg museum in Germany, and is part of my Wonders of the Bible collection. God Bless You Today and Every Day!

There were giants in the earth in those days...

Genesis 6:4 “There were giants in the earth in those days...” This stereograph from the late 1800's shows two men standing next to a "giants grave". The card states: "Tomb of a prehistoric race known as the Giant's Grave. The size of the grave in this 3D view card can be fully appreciated only when viewed through a stereoscope. It was enjoyed by many people at my presentations in Texas. Did giants really walk the earth? God Bless You -- Today and Every Day!

Lunch with Carl Baugh in Texas

I'm in Glen Rose, Texas with the iconic Carl Baugh, legendary proponent of Biblical Creation science. I'll be presenting and exhibiting "Wonders of the Bible" this Saturday at the Creation Evidence Museum at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Here we're having a sit down lunch with "Texas size" chicken fried steak with all the trimmin's. In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth! God Bless You Today -- and Every Day.

#NYMF2017 New York Maker Faire 2017 Holograms

We spent the weekend in New York showing Wonders of the Bible @ the New York Hall of Science World Maker Faire 2017. We had a few of our own 3D laser holograms of Biblical artifacts, the "Face in the Shroud of Turin" hologram and lenticulars from Dutch Holographic Laboratories. With our microscopes we had the World's Smallest Art of the Nativity: a micro photograph from the 19th century, and my latest research: showing how the linen cloth of the Shroud could be recorded with lasers as holograms, duplicated, then sent around the world to research laboratories for visual examination under 3D stereoscopic microscopes. We were made to feel very welcome, the crowd (numbering in the tens of thousands) was very enthusiastic about our single-table display, and we look forward to visiting again. Next stop on the 2017 tour map: Glen Rose, Texas @ The Creation Evidence Museum on Saturday, October 7th. God Bless You Today and Every Day.

Shroud of Turin Laser Research

Laser Non-Destructive Testing of the Holy Shroud of Turin.

When I officially retired in January 2017, we moved out of our house / studio / laser-holography lab after 35 years. No longer having the lab that was so dear to my heart, I never thought I'd ever make another hologram again. Well, I was wrong. Tonight I successfully made a beautiful white light reflection hologram right in my retirement residence bedroom ... on my desk! My laser was placed on top of two equipment foot lockers that I am currently conducting a Fall 2017 lecture tour with. And the object and plate holder was located, separately, on the top of my desk.

The subject was my long-in-progress project of "Laser Non-Destructive Testing of the Holy Shroud of Turin". This proof-of-concept project is to show that 3D laser holograms can be made of the linen Shroud material -- without adversely affecting the Shroud in any way. The resulting master holograms can then be duplicated, and sent to lab around the world for further visual examination: not only by eye ... but via 3-D stereoscopic microscopes!

 

And here (above) is the resulting hologram, reconstructed utilizing an amber LED light source. It is photographed under 20x magnification through the right eye of a stereo microscope. The linen sample is not only magnified, but can be viewed in all of its 3D splendor ... AS IF THE ACTUAL PIECE OF LINEN WAS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. But the actual piece of linen is not under the microscope at all ... it is a 3D laser hologram.

I will be taking this project with me to the 2017 World Maker Faire being held at the New York Hall of Science the weekend of September 23 and 24.

Moses and the Split Rock that gave Water

Numbers 20:11 -- "And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also."
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LEARN: Here we have one of the earliest 3D stereo photographic recordings of the "split rock" of Moses, Sinai, Mount Horeb (rock on left). This rare albumen print was made sometime during the mid- 1800's. It is the right eye view of an antique stereograph view card. When placed in a stereoscope it provides a vast, 3D vista of the rock and its natural surroundings. The location of the rock was passed down for generations following the time of Moses. It is part of my Wonders of the Bible collection. God Bless You -- Today and Every Day. ** SEE US IN New York City -- September 23 and 24, 2017 -- at World Maker Faire, New York Hall of Science: Table #62912 **

Cooper Square Gutenberg Bible Page

DID YOU KNOW? In the 1450's, Johann Gutenberg created the first mass-produced Bible on his new printing press. It is claimed that only 49 complete copies survive today in 2017. At the time, the printing press was an innovation that gave birth to mass media communications, allowing a multitude of copies to be made more quickly, and with greater ease, than copying by hand. This particular page in my collection is from the famous Cooper Square Facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible (1961). It contains the text and illustrations to Genesis chapter 1: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth". They utilized a five-color, sheet-fed gravure (intaglio) printing process, printed on one hundred percent cotton rag paper. Each color sheet was fed through the intaglio press seven separate times to match the original work of Gutenberg. God Bless You -- Today and Every Day. Love, Pop-pop from Wonders of the Bible.

Praying Hands 3D Lenticular Post Card

Here is a 3-D "xograph" post card dating from the 1950's-1960's. It is called "Hands of Prayer: A universal symbol of Peace, Hope and Goodwill". This image is a 3D sculptural version of the famous "Study of the Hands of an Apostle", which is a pen and ink drawing by artist Albrecht Dürer. It is very dimensional, although this 2D photo will not appear 3D on your device. God Bless You … Today and Every Day.

Last Supper Kodachrome 3D Lenticular

Matthew 26:17-20 "Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve." Read More ...
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LEARN: Here we have a 1940's - 1950's era 3D photographic lenticular depicting the Last Supper. These early Christian lenticulars were shot onto Kodak Kodachrome glass plates, and still hold their color and sharp detail today in 2017! They were to be displayed as "transmission" lenticulars … that is, the illuminating light comes from *behind* the image. Traditionally, these have been illuminated with small, low-wattage standard light bulbs. But today I am utilizing a modern, 21st century, flat-panel LED tablet. The 3D depth (only 2D on your device) is stunning. To the eyes, the scene goes back many inches. These scenes had to be made from sculpted models before they were photographed with multi-lens, stereoscopic cameras in the studio. God Bless You Today and Every Day!

Xograph 3D Post Cards

 

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
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In the 1950's and 1960's, 3D "super xograph" post cards were very popular. They contained many different topical imagery such as travel, animals, religion, and even outer space. They were produced by Visual Panographics in Arlington, Texas (USA). People still collect them today, and they are easy to find online. Here we have one titled "Lord Bless This Home and All Who Enter". It also has the scripture of Matthew 18:20 written on the back. I hope you have been enjoying all of the various Christian-based 3D imaging, micro and nano scripture, laser holograms, and many of the many other communication technologies that God uses in proclaiming His Word. May God bless you today and every day.

Delk Dinosaur and Man Foot Prints

Genesis 1:24 "And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so."
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LEARN: Did dinosaurs, men, and women walk the earth together? Here I am with my latest completed project: a 3D-HD lenticular of a very famous -- and also very controversial -- fossil. This fossil contains a dinosaur footprint and also a human footprint at the same time. With future copies, it will allow many, many more investigators to visually examine the fossil in its true dimensional fidelity (rather than a flat 2D photograph). I also created digital 4k stereoscopic files that can be shown on large-format 3D monitors. For more information, google the term "The Delk Footprints in Stone". Some investigators conclude it is real and proves the Biblical Genesis account of Creation. Others conclude that it is a fake. One thing is certain however: it is difficult to get the full impact of the fossil by just looking at flat 3D photos on the web. The objective of this project was to eliminate that shortcoming. Credit: the master photos of the fossil were shot by David Lines at the Creation Evidence Museum in Glen Rose, Texas. It will be officially unveiled in October 2017. More to come in future posts.

Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting

Christian 3D: When people see this photo through a 3D stereoscope, the depth goes all the way back to the rear of the tent -- as if you were really looking out over the people. I have been working with early Christian-based 3D stereo view cards from the 1800's. I convert them from their original albumen photography to 3D 4k Ultra-HD digital files. Now they can be exhibited on auto stereoscopic monitors (no 3D glasses needed to see the 3D effect). It is my hope that these new digital files will help take our Christian heritage far into the future. In this photo people assemble under a tent to hear an evangelist on Martha's Vineyard (USA) in the 1800's.

Micro Scripture

Yes! God uses science and technology! At one time in the 1800's, this microphotograph was the smallest image ever created of a nativity scene. I am showing it here through an early 20th century instrument that projects microscopic images via focused beam of light. What was / is the purpose of making micro and nano Biblical scripture and art? To answer that question, I must refer to the famous saying: "The hand of God works in mysterious ways". From the mid-1800's through the mid 1900's, the Lord's Prayer was the reference standard for showing advancements in miniaturization. People stood in long lines at science and technology expositions to look through a microscope at it. The microphotographs of the 1800's eventually led to microfilm. Microfilm eventually led to micro-lithography. Micro-lithography led to printed circuits. Printed circuits led to the space age and the computers and smart phones that you are using right at this very moment. And it all traces back to the microscopic scripture of John Benjamin Dancer in the mid 1800's.

3D Jesus Lenticular from Rexall Drug Store (1960s)

3D Lenticulars: Since these "photos" from the 1940's, 50's and 60's were 3D, entire stage sets had to be designed and constructed to be photographed with stereo cameras. Studio artists turned to the Bible in order to accurately show the scene that the Bible was describing. From there, sculptures had to be made, landscapes created, right down to the expressions on people's faces. Remember, computer imaging had not yet become part of the production process. These 3D prints were very popular with the public. Still considered pop culture in their nature, they were sold throughout the United States and many parts of the world. This particular example in today's post was produced in Japan, and sold through then famous Rexall pharmacies. It is 11 x 14-inches in size (28 x 35cm), and is part of a large collection of Christian based historical lenticulars in the Wonders of the Bible archives.

Paul Cunningham Lenticular Diorama

Luke 10:38-42 " Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
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The image above was shot by a famous lenticular artist / technician, Victor Anderson. He made a series of lenticulars of Christian dioramas created by artist / sculptor Paul Cunningham. They were located at the Prince of Peace Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and the Prince of Peace Memorial in Silver Springs, FL (both long closed now). While there are scores of postcards commemorating both of these establishments, each has only a standard 2-dimensional photograph of the dioramas. With the lenticulars, the 3D dioramas live on, being as close to the "real thing" as one can get.

View-Master Noah's Ark

Genesis 8:11-12 "And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more."
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LEARN: View-Master was one of the most famous 3-D viewers in the world. Here we have a scene from one of its film reels -- Noahs' Ark -- showing the dove returning to Noah, as mentioned in the Holy Bible. During its history from 1939 onward, View-Master released many Christian-based 3D story packets. I was fortunate to be able to purchase many of the factory contracts, production files, scripts, master studio photography, and original art work for my "Wonders of the Bible" collection. How did I do it? It was easy … because no one else wanted it! I was the only person who bid on the auctions. Thank you Jesus! God Bless You, Today and Everyday. Love to all my Wonders of the Bible friends.

Moses / Mount Sinai Stereoview Card

Exodus 31:18 "And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God."
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LEARN: Here we have an antique stereo view card containing a beautiful photograph showing where Moses received the Ten Commandments on "tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." Note the beautiful cross! The card actually contains *two* photos: a photo for the left eye, and a photo for the right eye (inset photo). When this card is inserted into a stereoscope, the entire scene becomes 3D. Looking through the stereoscope is like being there: everything has dimension and the mountains are actually off in the distance! These were very popular back in the 19th century (1800s). It was published by Underwood & Underwood company, and is part of the vast collection of Biblical and Christian-based stereo views of Wonders of the Bible: "Science, Technology and the Word of God".

Jesus in the Garden

Here we have an antique 3D lenticular of Jesus at Gethsemane, made in the 1950's by Vari-Vue of Mount Vernon, New York. Lenticulars combine two or more images via an overlay that sends one (or more) images to the right eye, and one (or more) images to the left eye. When viewed, these images form a 3D image for the viewer, and many show great depth (3D effect not shown here). Religious based lenticulars were very popular in the 1950's and 1960's. They could be found in many stores and in many homes. Today, lenticulars are making a return, with computer technology and home printing. Wonders of the Bible has a very large collection of Christian lenticulars -- from the earliest days, to the 21st century. Thanks for looking. God Bless You: Today and Everyday!

Shroud of Turin Hologram Research

In the past, I have demonstrated how 3D laser holographic images can be viewed in 3D with a stereo microscope -- and examined as if the object recorded were really there. Presently, I'm working to show how the Shroud of Turin cloth material can be visually examined under 3D microscope -- by anyone, anywhere in the world -- by recording it as a series of holograms. The Shroud can stay safely and securely where it is, and the *holograms* can be sent to labs around the world. To the researches, with a resolution of up to 10,000 lines per millimeter, it will appear as if a piece of the actual, physical Shroud is under their microscope. Even under very high magnification. But the Shroud material is not there at all, it is a hologram. This method is a form of laser holographic nondestructive testing. Stay tuned for more information. God Bless you today and everyday.

Braille Bibles

JOHN 14:6 -- "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
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Here is a unique piece of Bible history from the Wonders of the Bible ephemera collection: a scripture card containing an alphabet and John chapter 14, verse 6, printed in Braille. It was published by the American Bible Society in New York City, and is dated to the late 1940's.  The ABS began this service in 1835, and by the year 1948 it had distributed over 200,000 Braille Bibles in the USA, and over 21,000 overseas. Learn all about how God uses science and technology to communicate the Bible -- past, present and future -- by following Wonders of the Bible. God Bless You today and always!

St. John Fragment or Papyrus 52

John 18:31-33 " Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?" Read more ...
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LEARN: Here is a museum-quality reproduction of what is known as the "St. John Fragment" or "Papyrus 52" (University of Manchester Rylands Library). Written in Greek, the recto (front) contains parts of John 18:31-33, and the verso (back) contains verses 37-38. This fragment from a papyrus codex was found in Oxyrhynchus (Behnesa), Egypt, by Bernard Pyne Grenfell and Arthur Surridge Hunt. It is the earliest known fragment of the New Testament in any language (2nd century [early] 100-150 AD). Early Christian papyri from Egypt represent the earliest surviving indisputable physical evidence for Christianity and the Christian Gospel. This piece is part of the Wonders of the Bible collection.

Ecce Homo Micro Photograph

John 19:5 "Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!"

LEARN: Microscopic Christian Art ...
Antonio Allegri da Correggio (August 1489 – March 5, 1534),
"Ecce Homo", Latin for "Behold the Man" (1525–30) — Oil on canvas, National Gallery, London.

Lower photo shows the 19th century microscope slide that contains the micro photographic image (micro photographer not yet known on this piece). Larger, upper photo shows the art work enlarged via Celestron digital LCD microscope. The actual art work / painting by Correggio is also shown on the computer monitor behind the microscope. The Wonders of the Bible collection contains many 19th century Christian based micro and nano technology recordings of Scripture and art work.

Bible Stories 3D by Stori-Views

Matthew 15:21-28: "Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." LEARN MORE...
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1960s: Jesus Answers a Prayer "in three dimensions and in lively color". A plastic stereo viewer and six color-film slides, all contained within a box. Made by Stori-Views, noted as "a modern version of grandma's stereoscope" on the box. I have many different kinds of stereoscopes in the Wonders of the Bible collection. They date from the mid 1800's through the end of the 20th century.

Ascension Stereo View Card

Luke 24:45-51 "Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."
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#ascensionday Here we have a 19th century (1898) stereo view card from Underwood & Underwood, publisher in New York, London, Toronto and Ottawa. It has both a right and left eye view on the card (right eye viewed shown here). When placed into a stereoscope viewer, the diorama scene opens up and become 3D to the viewer. It is very impressive to see! Stereo view cards were viewed by Christians around the world long before the arrival of radio, television and the internet. Families would have dinner, then retire to their parlors and view these scenes with oil or gas lamps. This particular scene is called the ascension, and it states: "The last appearance of Christ to human eyes; at Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of Mount of Olives. The apostles are seen grouped below, in attitudes of ecstasy, bewilderment, or grief." God Bless You!

Cross of the Creation

Cross of the Creation: This beautiful cross contains slivers of the famous Allende meteorite from outer space. Allende is considered to be made of the oldest-known material in the universe. It even contains material that is found nowhere on Earth. The Allende meteorite dates back to the time of God's Creation itself ... and its internal structure -- which is contained within the cross -- has remained frozen in time and untouched in space ever since.

This cross is part of the Wonders of the Bible collection, and will be shown during upcoming presentations. I made a laser hologram of it in my holography studio/lab ... as my final project before my retirement.

Warner Sallman: Young Mary

Luke 1:26-33: "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

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I thought of this beautiful, artistic rendition of Mary as Mother's Day approaches this weekend. Christian artist Warner Sallman (1892-1968) is most famous for his painting titled "Head of Christ", which has sold over 500 million copies. One of his lesser-known paintings is that of "Young Mary", shown here in this lithograph from the Wonders of the Bible art collection. Prayers and God's Blessings to You!

1950's Lenticular

Matthew 14:22-37: "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."

Read and Learn More ...
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1950's: 3D Lenticular prints were very popular in the 1950's. Here we see a famous one of Jesus walking on the water. Modeling artists would build and paint dioramas (little scenes), then the scenes would be photographed with stereo cameras. These cameras would capture one image for the right eye, and another image for the left eye. A special lenticular lens would be placed upon the print. This lens would send the right eye photograph to the right eye, and the left eye photograph to the left eye. Thus, the person would then see the diorama in total 3D again. These lenticulars of Jesus and his life would be found in many different types of stores back then. Not so today. This piece from the 1950's is in the Wonders of the Bible collection.

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Chalice of Antioch 3D Laser Hologram

1 Corinthians 11:23-26: "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." Read more...
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Great Chalice of Antioch Hologram, 2015. Silver halide emulsion on 8 x 10 inch glass plate. Laser / optical system: Frank DeFreitas. Laser exposure / darkroom processing: Deb DeFreitas. Photo is of 3D rendered Chalice in holographic recording set-up.

The church at Antioch dates from 41 A.D. It was there that the followers of Jesus first became known as Christians, and for many years missionaries were sent to preach the gospel. With the fall of Jerusalem, Antioch became the main center of Christianity in the east. The inner bowl of the chalice may have been brought from Jerusalem, where it may have been the very vessel used in apostolic times by the infant church. The vessel is an open-work container of silver, bearing what is believed to be the earliest known portraits of Christ and his Disciples. It is 7.56 inches high, standing on a pedestal and holding a cup which would contain about two quarts of liquid. This cup, too, is of silver, and is a Jewish Passover bowl of great antiquity, identical with those used when Christ was alive. Several timelines suggest that in 30-47 A.D. Peter conceals the Passion relics in Jerusalem; 47 A.D. Peter brings the Passion relics to Antioch; 47-357 A.D. The Church of Antioch conceals the Passion relics; 1910 Archaeological discovery of the Great Chalice at the ruins of Antioch's ancient cathedral. Attempts to discredit began immediately upon its excavation at Antioch. Today it housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA, and is considered to be a "standing lamp" from the 6th century, despite previous authentication by world-renowned experts that place it in the time of Christ. The debate continues, but regardless of it, the Great Chalice of Antioch remains a treasured example of early Christianity and Byzantine artisan silver work that was once considered the true "Holy Grail" (exhibited as such at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair: A Century of Progress, and at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in 1936).

I will be displaying a full-size hologram at all of my Wonders of the Bible presentations in 2017.

Dr. Aaron Judkins and Frank DeFreitas

I was honored to have Dr. Aaron Judkins (left with hat) attend one of my recent laser and holography presentations at the Creation Evidence Museum in Glen Rose, Texas. Dr. Judkins -- also known as Maverick -- is a real-life Biblical world explorer, archaeologist, and researcher. You can find him as one of the explorers in the recent film, Finding Noah. It documents an incredible team trek to the summit of Mt. Ararat in search of remnants of Noah's Ark. His web site and FB page is Man vs. Archaeology in case you would like to see his Biblical adventures. I will be returning to Texas in October of 2017.

Domenico Mastroianni stereo photography

John 20:11-18: But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
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Our latest entry is by artist Domenico Mastroianni. He was born on January 1, 1876. Domenico was a contemporary of several very well-known artists, including impressionists Degas, Renoir, Pissarro and Manet. He was self-taught as a sculptor of clay dioramas. Because of limited money, he would often create his sculpture, photograph it, then tear it down in order to reuse the clay. His sculpture photographs appeared on many postcards. This entry, from the year 1910, is part of his "Life of Jesus" series, and is special because the entire series was shot in 3D stereo photography. You are viewing the right eye image of one of the stereograph cards. When placed in an antique stereoscope, the diorama comes alive in 3D. The entire series, which is considered quite scarce, is part of the Wonders of the Bible collection.
Thank you for looking and reading about today's selection. May God Bless You!

Microphotograph: Jesus and the Children

Luke 9:47-48: And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, and said unto them, whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
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My latest post shows what is known as a "microphotograph". They were very popular in the 19th century. In order to see what was recorded, one had to place the slide under a microscope. It was not visible to the unaided eye at all. The image was the size of a speck of dust! This particular piece, part of my Wonders of the Bible collection, shows Jesus with children in a painting titled "Suffer little children come unto me." The painting is by A. Hemings, and the engraving is by G. B. Every. The microphotograph was created by John Benjamin Dancer (England) -- using a single candle as a light source! It is important to know that these scriptural microphotographs eventually led to the microfilm of the 20th century. Microfilm then led to the micro circuits of modern day computers, cell phones and satellites in space. The scientific and technological / electronic - photonic world that we know today began as micro-scripture in the mid- 19th century. God Bless You!

Bible Study: 1870's Stereo View Card

2 Timothy 3:14-17: But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
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circa 1870's: Here we have a 19th century 3D stereo view card which is titled "Bible Study". It shows a grandmother reading the Holy Bible to her daughter and grand-daughter. The photo looks "flat" on your computer screen or phone, but when it is placed into a stereoscope, the scene opens up to the eyes and it becomes 3D ... as if you are in the room with them.

The Wonders of the Bible collection has one of the largest and most unique collections of Christian based 3D imaging history science and technology. Many of the pieces are rare and scarce, many others are one of a kind in the entire world, taken by independent stereo photographers in the 19th century of Christian church groups and events.

The collection also contains 3D laser holograms, lenticulars, film strips, stereoscopes, anaglyphs, vue-master and more.

"Like" and "Follow" Wonders of the Bible Facebook page to see many other examples throughout the upcoming year of 2017.

3D Shroud of Turin / Face of Christ

Matthew 28:1-8: In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
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circa 1940's: Here we have a short 10-second video showing an animated 3D lenticular changing from the Shroud of Turin to the Face of Christ. It is part of the Wonders of the Bible collection. The artist of the Face is Ariel Agemian. He received the degree of “Maestro d’Arte and a full professorship in art from the Academie of Fine Arts in Venice and a doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Padua, Italy. In 1937 he came to America. He received two Gold Medals in art, from the “Association Artistiques” in Venice and the “Artistes Critiques” in Paris.
To see more like this, "Like" Wonders of the Bible, the "virtual" online Bible museum. We exhibit Biblical-based visual arts and sciences: past, present and future.

3D Echmiadzin Lance

John 19:33-37 … But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

This is a 3D replica of the Echmiadzin Lance. It is part of my "Wonders of the Bible" collection, and is scheduled to be shot as a 3-dimensional laser hologram. It is 14 inches long x 4.5 inches wide. It is antique Silver in color to appear as the original lance would have looked at the time.

The real lance, currently on display in a monastery in Armenia, was discovered during the First Crusade. In 1098 the crusader Peter Bartholomew reported that he had a vision in which St. Andrew told him that the Holy Lance was buried in St. Peter's Cathedral in Antioch. After much digging in the cathedral, a lance was discovered.

The painting of Jesus is a print by artist Warner Sallman, titled "The Head of Christ". It is from the 1940's, and it hung over my bed throughout my childhood.

E. J. Pace Poster from 1920's

 

1920's: This striking pen and ink poster was created by Dr. E. J. Pace (born 1880), a Christian artist of many such illustrations. He and his wife Cornelia were missionaries to the Philippines in the early 1900's. He later became very well known for his work, which is still considered very collectible today in the 21st century. This particular poster is part of my Wonders of the Bible collection. It contains two Bible verses: (1) "Look unto Me, and be ye saves, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." from Isaiah 45:22; and (2) "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." from Acts 4:12. This poster is not as common as many of his others. Remember, even a simple pen was considered a "high-tech" instrument at one point in time. Not to mention the technology needed to put illustrations to print for mass reproduction. Then there is the actual physics behind the mechanics of a printing press. We take these things for granted today, but Jesus Christ has always called men and women of science and technology -- and will continue to call men and women of science and technology -- until his return.

King Hazael 3D Laser Hologram

Biblical Artifact: 3-D Laser Hologram of King Hazael.

2 Kings 8:7-15: And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the Lord by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die.

And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The Lord hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

** This laser hologram is of a 3-D printed Ivory inlay of (most likely) Hazael, King of Aram Damascus (King of Syria). He reined from approx. 842-805 BC. The original is held in the collection of the Louvre, Paris, France. The hologram was shot in my laser holography studio / laboratory. This was a proof of concept project to show how ancient Biblical artifacts can be recorded as 3-dimensional laser holograms, during archaeological field work. The completed holograms can then be used to exhibit the recorded artifacts anywhere at anytime. Since holography is the most realistic 3D recording method known today (up to 10,000 lines per millimeter resolution), the recorded objects cannot be distinguished from the real objects in many cases.

Christian 3D Imaging Research

Christian 3D Research: This 1st century Christian clay jar (lower right) was recorded using two technologies of the future: 3DHD digital auto- stereoscopic imaging (lower left; shot in my studio); and a 3-dimensional laser hologram recorded onto photopolymer emulsion on glass plate (upper center; shot in my laser holography laboratory). Both of these technologies will allow Biblical artifacts to be put on display -- with astonishing realism -- anywhere at anytime, as if the original object itself was really there. Thus, the traditional definition of what a "museum" is will one day be rewritten. My calling is to help develop technologies to take the good news of Jesus Christ into the future ... including humanity's future in orbiting space colonies, and beyond. Learn more here at Wonders of the Bible. Tell your friends and family. God Bless you.