Pidyon HaBen: The Jewish Roots of Christian Godparents
The Original Godfather: How Pidyon HaBen Shaped a Christian Concept Explore the ancient Jewish ceremony of Pidyon HaBen—redeeming the firstborn son—and how its priestly origins inspired the Christian concept of godparents. The Hidden Roots of a Familiar Role The “godparent” is a well-known figure in Christian culture: a spiritual mentor or symbolic guardian. But few…