Video from Doug Hamp & The Way Congregation
"Special guest Judd Burton takes us on an exciting journey of discovery based on his new book, The Van Helsing Way. You won't want to miss this!" from the video introduction.
Dr. Douglas Hamp graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with an M.A. in the Hebrew Bible and Its World where he specialized in ancient languages including Biblical Hebrew and Greek his PhD in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University. He served at Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa for six years, where he lectured and developed curriculum at the School of Ministry, Spanish School of Ministry and Calvary Chapel Bible College Graduate School. He is the author of numerous books, articles, & DVDs. His linguistic insights have made him a sought after speaker at conferences, national and international TV, radio, and internet programs in English and in Spanish. He is senior pastor of the Way Congregation in Denver, CO. Video Title: Judd Burton The Bible, Monsters, & the Van Helsing Way The Awakening Report Created by: Dr. Douglas Hump" from video introduction.
Dr. Judd Burton
"With heartfelt gratitude, welcome to Burton Beyond, where truth is the coin of the realm. If you are seeking information about the mysteries of existence, the adventure of living, the meaning of humanity, God, or anything in between, then you have come to the right place. My name is Dr. Judd H. Burton, and you could say I am an explorer, for I probe into the uncharted depths of existence, in search of truth. More importantly though, it is my duty to share the fruits of my research with you, which is the essence of Burton Beyond.
Burton Beyond is devoted to conducting sound research in the fields of archaeology, biblical studies, ethnology, folklore, history, mythology, paranormal studies, philosophy, and religion, which could collectively be described as paraethnology. As I am also an advocate of the vox populi (the voice of the people), research parameters also include social politics, economy, and wealth. That research is then disseminated to you the reader and scholar. I offer a number of services including speaking engagements, research, and instruction. There are also original articles and essays available for you to read at your liesure, so check back reguarly. Please visit the Burton Beyond store, offering original and edited works for sale. I invite you now to investigate the site on your own. For more information on me, please see my biography (About Me) and my resume. Let me encourage you to also read available essays. I am certain everyone will find something that interests them. Godspeed and thank you for stopping by..." from his website:
burtonbeyond.com (link)
What should be the Christian Response to Vampires?
"The Bible obviously does not mention vampires, and, therefore, there is no direct guidance to be found. We can use biblical truths, however, to inform what we should do.
History
The legend of vampires comes from several different directions at once. The Mesopotamians, Hebrews, Ancient Greeks, Indians, and Romans told of proto-vampires—grotesque demons. Vampires as we know them originated in southeastern Europe in the 18th century, and were believed to be undead suicide victims or witches, or demon-possessed corpses. Nearly every geographic area had tales of demons who drank the blood and ate the flesh of the living.
The image of the vampire coalesced in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. It began in Croatia when a dead peasant was said to have come back to life and started drinking people's blood. The legends travelled throughout Eastern Europe, particularly East Prussia and Serbia. Initially, vampirism did not spread through bites. Babies who were born with physical abnormalities were identified as potential vampires. When a tragedy beset a family or village, the graves of people born with birth defects who had recently died were dug up. If the body was preserved, for instance, if the person was buried in winter, or if intestinal gases gave the body a ruddy hue and a bloody mouth, the vampire was found. Often their heart was removed and burned so it couldn't escape the grave again.
Montague Summers described vampires in his 1928 story:
Throughout the whole vast shadowy world of ghosts and demons there is no figure so terrible, so dreaded and abhorred, yet endowed with such fearful fascination as the vampire; who is himself neither ghost nor demon but who partakes of the dark natures, and possesses the mysterious and terrible qualities of both…A pariah even among demons, foul are his ravages…
The Vampire: His Kith and Kin
So, the history of the vampire legend is a combination of demonic possession of corpses, prejudice against babies with birth defects, and ignorance of science. How did vampires become associated with romance?.." from the article: What should be the Christian response to vampires?