Forest Music Since 1973,
Simple Bamboo Meditation Flutes
and Peaceful Relaxing Music CD
by John Niemi, Osaka, Japan
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O eternal Life and Light,
O infinite Wisdom,
O radiant Mercy,
as clear and unlimited as air.
You give sight to the blind
and show mercy to all.
O light imparting Light,
bountiful and generous,
your peace encompasses us
like the sea, and immerses us in infinity.
- Shinran Shonin (1175-1265 )
Japanese Buddhist Reformer
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Writings by John Niemi, Osaka, Japa
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And from a more modern scientific view, we realize that our physical body is the product of the physical universe, an extremely complex, truely miraculous biological vehicle developed by Nature over billions of years of evolution. We each have been blessed with the most advanced creation in the universe, but most of us are almost totally unaware of this. Read "The Machinery of Life" by David S. Goodsell and we may begin to glimpse the infinitely complex yet harmonious universe that is the body with which we have been entrusted. It is a sad fact that our religious institutions have historically belittled the nature of biological life and existence, be it Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Islamic - all have viewed the body and physical life from a very negative, even violent and destructive POV. Once we begin to see what life is really about and how mindboggling complex our bodies and the vast array of beings which inhabit this planet are, it is clear that we are being extremely neglegent in their care. To intentionally hurt or damage or destroy the human body is very wrong. Hedonistic gluttonous self-indulgent lifestyles are wrong. Women proclaim, "my body is my business" (when actually our bodies are the product of bilions of years of exremely hard work on the Universe's behalf. Our bodies are a gift of infinite value) to justify aborting their own unborn babies because they have chosen a sexually promiscuous lifestyle, and likewise men abandon their unborn children to this fate, seeing them as something to be disposed of rather than loved and cared for.
We need practical, safe forms of birth control. Yet again our religious institutions have historically stood in the way of the developement or use safe, practical forms of birth control.
And we need to stop glorifying a hedonistic promiscuous lifestyle which only makes people and society increasingly sick and deluded. How many songs today even mention marriage ? How many movies are made without scenes of promiscuous sex, drug abuse, or gun violence - very, very few. Our "entertainment industry" manufactures these fantasies which people consume in order to find joy and meaning in their lives. How many people appreciate Life itself ?
JNiemi, Osaka, 1-2012
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Nuclear Waste may alter the future of humankind permanantly -
Compared to the danger posed by nuclear waste, global warming is inconsequential...
Well, maybe not - if global warming triggers a runaway greenhouse effect as it did on our sister planet Venus, then the earth could be rendered permanently uninhabitable as is Venus with its 460C surface temperature hot enough to melt lead water can only exist as vapor high in the atmosphere and it rains sulfuric acid with an atmospheric preasure equivalent to a depth of 900 meters under the sea... The reason being that as the atmospheric content of CO2 increases it keeps reflecting more heat back to the surface... Currently the Earth's atmosphere relflects 88% of the suns heat back to the surface, so its a very delicate balance, a small change could upset this balance leading to rapid increases of gases in the atmosphere and we could end up like Venus with an atmosphere that is much more massive and relfects hundreds of times more heat energy back to the surface...
So it appears the only responsible solution is safe renewable energies - remember even in an enlightened peaceful society which employed IFRs which are 99% more effecient than our obsolete dirty fission reactors, the supply of Uranium would still run out in one or two centuries. as it is, it will be much sooner than that, maybe 50 years, at which time we will have to resort to renewable energy sources...
Unless Fuison power is realized, but I do not think that is realistic or will ever be economically feasible.
So in the case of the nuclear wastes that are being strune all over the surface of our planet and in the oceans perhaps as the Earth's tectonic plates slowly cycle back into the depths of the mantle these materials will finally be safely deposited deep within the earth and some new species could evolve in a few hundred million years, which in Earthtime is not so long, whereas the runaway greenhouse effect could permanently change Earth in to an hellish oven as it did Venus.
Nuclear waste, once introduced into the environment/ecosystem does not go away, it is not biodegradable, it will continue destroying whatever living things it contacts for hundreds of thousands, even millions of years. Once it is introduced into the environment there is no way to remove it. The deed is done. Furthermore, currently there are no safe, long lasting ways to dispose of the world's nuclear wastes. Nulcear wastes are mankinds greatest sin. People who should know better, power industry executives, government officials, scientists, the media, all seem to be ignoring these facts, chosing instead to pass on this utterly horrendous problem to future generations.
From wikipedia "The amount of High Level Nuclear Waste worldwide is currently increasing by about 12,000 metric tons every year... A 1000-MWe nuclear power plant produces about 27 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel (unreprocessed) every year."
Currently there are more than 400 reactors operating worldwide, and the number is increasing. One pound of pure plutonium is enough to kill the population of a large city. And many tons of high level nuclear wastes are currently being stored in holding tanks and various temporary facilities. Managing these wastes properly is expensive and energy intensive. Are we to assume that future generations for the next few hundred thousand years will devote their resources to manage these horrendous things we have left them ? I garuntee you they will look back upon the people of our time with intense anger and be utterly sickened (perhaps literally) by our arrogance and irresponsibility. The amount of nuclear wastes currently in numerous shoddy storage facilities is vast, and this is going to increase. Can we expect countries like China (with 10 of the 11 most polluted cities in the world, or India, or Iran, or Russia (which dumped many spent reactor cores into the ocean) to invest huge sums in proper nuclear waste management ? This is insanity.
If these wastes are allowed to enter the environment they could permanantly change the earth, making it unsuitable for life as we know it. I say "permanantly" from a practical POV, unless the Nuclear Power Industry considers several million years of death and mutation is a worthwhile price to pay for our brightly lit cities and extravagant consumerism. Of course people who support the nuclear status quo will say such statements are "alarmist", but ask anyone knowledgable in the area of nuclear physics and see what they say regarding safe longterm disposal of nuclear wastes and the current situation worldwide.
This is not something that is going to go away, and unless we act to permanantly sequester these huge amounts of nuclear wastes deep underground in geologically inactive formations it will impossible to clean up the mess once they enter the ecosystem, and that could spell a long, slow, horrendous armagedon for future generations. If we cannot produce nuclear energy safely, then we should not do it at all. The present course is totally irresponsible. Nuclear wastes are truely evil, unlike anything else man has done before. They have the very real potential for permanant and irrevocable damage to all future people and living things on the earth. It would be much better to use coal and suffer the consequences of global warming than to suffer the consequences of nuclear wastes released into the ecosystem. IF we create a global disaster and 90% of the people on earth die as a result, the earth will still be ableto heal itself and humankind would survive and thrive again. Nuclear wastes present the opposite scenario, in which people die out slowly, grostesquely, horribly, and never return...
Wake up and stop Nuclear Power, and its proliferation. We need to start living ecologically responsible lifestyles. Our way of life is destroying the earth, not just for our children, but for all future inhabitants of this planet. We have been given an Eden and we are raping, despoiling, and with the advent of nuclear wastes, turning it into a hell. Take an honest look at the world now compared to 100 years ago... "Civilization" is a disease, and if we continue to pursue our current course, the disease will be terminal.
We need to develope safe renewable sources of energy, and live with our means, rather than ruining the earth for future generations. We should make the earth a better place, not destroy it, and this means living in harmony with nature and each other.
written by John Niemi, 11-2011
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Why I think Nuclear Fusion Power is not economically feasible -
I think physicists are more skillful at selling ideas than producing useful, beneficial products. Hyping an idea (faster than light neutrinos turns out to be a loose cable) garners publicity which equates with funding, i.e. money. I also think many physicists are enamoured of big powerful machines and playing with huge amounts of energy, regardless of any moral or ethical implications. In the case of fusion power, the machinery is most impressive and most expensive, but they are not going to create a "star in a bottle" as is often stated. Hopefully a sustainable fusion reaction, but it is not a star by any means. Stars are huge massive entities and by the simple nature of their gigantic size produce astronomical preasures and temperatures in their cores with no machinery whatsoever, without having to "do anything" - they are just very massive and have alot of gravity associated with themselves. It is totally impossible to produce similar conditions on earth, so instead of using gravity as the means for generating the high temperatures and preasures required for fusion, extremely powerful lasers are focused on a tiny point and zap a target element which is heated to temperatures 10 or 20 times greater than in the core of a star. This produces a brief fusion, but its extremely high (un-natural ?) 200 million degree temperature also require greater energy to contain it. The analogy of starting a fire and then throwing fuel on it is not appropriate because a fire burns freely on earth whereas this artificially produced fusion cannot exist anywhere in the natural universe. To say this sort of fusion reaction is indentical to what is happening inside a star is misleading. But that is the skill of fundraising at which modern physicists excell. Even if a sustainable reaction is achieved, it is not clean and free of radioactive wastes as some would have us believe. The reactor must be shielded and this shielding will become radioactive waste after a certain length of time, and will have to be replaced - a very expensive maintainance cost. Add the initial cost of the gigantic extremely complex reactor and its maintanance and periodic servicing and repare, and I doubt that it could ever produce power in an economical manner. Its just like back in the 50s when we were told atomic energy would provide limitless cheap electricity...
Conservation of energy, redesign of buildings and communities, community and homebased energy production should be the focus, but our power companies do not want us to be energy independent, and huge expensive centrally corporate controlled fusion reactor would suit the corporate desire to monopolize and control power distribution.
As it is, these extremely big, complex, powerful and prestigous machines provide the means by which many physicists can advance their careers and gain fame in the physics community.
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Fukushima one year later -
Not only was this a demonstration of poor (yet common) power plant design, but an even more important demonstration of why our current economic and political institutions combined with nuclear power could be a disasterous combination. For example, very little news about what actually is happening at Fukushima has gotten out to date. Recently it was learned that TEPCO did not want ot squirt seawater on its reactor because they were affraid it would be damaged ! Such is the mentality of these people - one of the most densely populated areas in the world is directly downwind and they are worried about damaging their equipment ! This went on for days... While the reactor got hotter and hotter.... They were more worried about their equipment than the millions of people living in Tokyo and nearby areas... This is a clear demonstration of the nature of our corporate world in which government agencies are controlled by corporations and the only concern seems to be corporate profit.
If the world were a place in which people of various nations lived in peace and harmony, maybe nuclear power could be produced responsibly, but under our current international conditions the spread of nuclear power may spell disaster for all the world's inhabitants someday. Nuclear power should be regulated by a non-political international agency. Check Wikipedia for nuclear waste disposal and accidents and its clear that there will be more in the future.
There have already been two major disasters, and with the spread of nuclear reactors it is only a matter of time until a major earthquake damages a powerplant near an urban area. We have only been building them for 50 years, and at an increasing rate since the oil shock and global warming. There will always be earthquakes, its just that one hasn't hit a major nuclear plant yet. The Fukushima disaster should be a wake-up call. It was a miracle that Tokyo wasn't wiped out by a radioactive cloud from the Fukushima plant considering the extreme ineptitude and laxity with which the melt down was handled. Only one supervisor who disobeyed orders and started sqirting seawater into the damaged reactors may be the reason why it wasn't much worse.
See my ideas farther down concerning construction of safer nuclear power plants.
Check Wikipedia, IFR Integral Fusion Reactor, for some interesting information.
Our current fission plants are extremely wasteful, less than 1 percent of the fuel (0.6) is turned into energy, and huge amounts of deadly long term wastes are produced. IFR reactors would be much safer in a Fukushima scenario, as they are self-cooling in the event of a power loss, they are more than 99 times more effecient than our old style fission plants, turning almost all fuel into energy, and the wastes they produce remain dangerously radioactive for about 200 years, instead of 200,000 to 2,000,000 years as is the case with fission reactors... And, they can even use our current nuclear wastes and weapons materials as fuel ! So why aren't we using them instead ? They produce plutonium in the process, which is then used as fuel, but it could also be used for weapons. So, because we cannot live in a civil manner, because countries continue to war with each other, we choose to build more dangerous and ineffecient reactors.
However, there is no such thing as a perfect technology, accidents will happen, so what would be the nature of an accident in an IFR system and its impact on the world ? Is it worth the risk of one such accident ?
IFRs are "cooled" by molten sodium (which will burn if exposed to air) however extreme this may seem, it is actually similar to the natural process which occurs within the earth - radioactive elements are surrounded by molten iron, or rock, and heat it. So the earth is a giant nuclear powered electric dynamo. IFRs are mimicing this process.
Another thought - radioactive elements "power" the earth's core, if they are depleted, would the earth's core cool and die over millenia of such depletion ? I doubt it, as it takes many millions of years for the earth's crust to be recycled and new fresh materials to emerge form within, and by then we will either have mastered fusion or some other form of energy, or destroyed ourselves, or become a post-technological species, or moved on to other planets, or .....
Another important point is, these ores are in limited supply, and we are wasting them, as we are wasting all the earth's resources. We should wait until we have learned to live in peace and harmony and then utilize these ores in IFRs. As it is, we are wasting 99.4 % of these resources, turning them into extremely dangerous extremely long term nuclear wastes, so electric power corporations can make money. This is wrong, these corporations are pillaging the future of humankind for their tiny, insignificant short term monetary gain. Here is a resource that could produce vast amounts of energy in IFRs for centuries, being wasted in obsolete, extremely ineffieient, dirty, and dangerous fission reactors.
(For example, petroleum would be much more valuable as a source of plastics to future generations, but we are burning it all up.)
The thing is, after all these resources have been consumed, we will still have to switch to renewable energies, so why not do that now, and save these resources for future generations ? Because the corporate world is only concerned with its monetary profit and has no concern for its long term impact upon the earth or its peoples. It is a global disease which is destroying the earth and the future of humankind.
Imagine what the people of the future will think - we stole all their resources and left them huge amounts of deadly wastes which will have to be dealt with for many thousands of years... They can not help but view us as criminals, a totally self-centered irresponsible generation that steals from future generations and leaves them our garbage and problems as a legacy. The amount of energy and money it will cost to process and dispose of these wastes far exceeds the amount of profit the corporations garnered by several orders of magnitude, and the world's resources, which should be viewed as the property of humankind, will have been squandered in a most inefficient manner... With nothing useful to show, nothing of benefit to pass on, only waste, debt, crumbling infrastructure, polllution, global warming, etc. All so we can live our extravagant wasteful lifestyles.
World peace (along with safe birth control and family planning) should be the foremost issue, then we could make real progress in science, space exploration. But the world is going down the tube as populations spiral out-of-control and people despoil the planet to support themselves, or corporations despoil the planet to reap momentary monetary profits. We should get our houses in order first. Start living right, in a responsible manner, restore the earth to a healthy condition, make it a better place for future generations. This should be the fundamental ethic, to make the world a better place for our children. But our current economic and political institutions are doing just the opposite - the world is despoiled, the people of the future are robbed of their birthright - a clean and healthy planet, so this generation can live in an exorbitant, indulgent, irresponsible manner. And what for ? So we can grow fat, and sick, and spend our lives like zombies staring at scenes of vicarious virtual cyber-life on the screens we carry and surround ourselves with ?
One more idea on safer nuclear power plants. Better to construct the buildings housing the reactors with pop-top lids, so in an explosion they will simply pop open, but the building structure will remain intact. Hinged panels on the roof (or chimneys with one way damper-valves) would fly open, and then shut, releasing explosive gases. I realize this would also release radioactivity, but thats going to happen anyway if the building explodes, and this way there would not be a bunch of debris falling into the reactor and all over the place hampering repair efforts...
And as mentioned below, a reservoir of water positioned on a hill above the reactor, or a large tank above it, which would automatically flow into the reactor in the event of a power loss - there would be no need for pumps. The building should function as a watertight tank which simply could be filled with water in the event of such an emergency.
Of course IFR reactors would not require any of this...
Also, I think IFRs do not require water for cooling, so they would not need to be located by the ocean, but could be built in geographically and geologically safe locations, and they would not be dumping alot of hot water into rivers and bays and upsetting ecosystems.
However safe, renewable energies, wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, etc. would not endanger millions and the future of the earth itself...
Although IFRs may be a big improvement over our fission plants,
the best solution may be to live in communities that are energy self-sufficient, rather than relying of corporations,
or some combination thereof...
How about using IFRs, or better yet, solar and wind energy to produce hydrogen, which is totally clean, to replace fossil fuels ?
However, if we are going to have nuclear power, preferably IFRs -
but this is not feasible in the world today, and will not be unless we learn to end wars and convert the arms industries into the manufacture of peaceful technologies, such as renewable energy and nuclear waste disposal -
- reactors should be standardized international designs with easy to install modular components which could be stockpiled around the world, ready to replace faulty units before things got out-of-control.
We need an international nuclear emergency response team that could jump into action immediately. Any country that has nuclear power should be required to conform to these international guidelines. Any nuclear accident is an international disaster, we can not allow jaded corporate officials and their government stooges, or political leaders who may have little science educcation, to risk the lives of millions !
The NRC should not allow corporate profit to influence decisions and allow industry to take risks for the sake of "business".
Why does the NRC assume power companies have the right to generate power using nuclear fission in order to make a profit ? Because they are rich and politically powerful. That should not be the driving force in the world, but it is. Decisions should be made based on what is right and wrong. No one has the right to endanger millions and jeapordize the very future of the earth so they can make a brief monetary gain and enrich themselves. But that is exactly what is happening.
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The very real and long lasting legacy of nuclear waste, our legacy to future generations - lingering death and extreme suffering - by John Niemi, Osaka
Even if nuclear power plants were totally safe the fact that they produce unimaginably deadly waste products that will remain deadly for thousands of years should be reason enough to ban nuclear power altogether. We have no right to pass huge amounts of these wastes onto future generations. This material will have a huge impact upon the global environment and the massive quantities we are producing will most likely spell doom for future generations unless they are properly disposed of, and there is no effective worldwide disposal program. Such a program would be extremely costly and its doubtful all nations would adopt such disposal programs. The assumption upon which nuclear power is being marketed is that in the future people will learn how to dispose of these wastes. But this may not be the case at all. What if there is no way to safely dispose of them? How can anyone know what will happen hundreds of years from now, let alone hundreds thousand of years from now. .. some of these materials will remain deadly for millions of years. We should not be making these materials. There is no moral justification. And the really insane aspect of it all is we will run out of nuclear fuel in 50 or 100 years, at which time we will have to develope renewable enrgy sources anyway, but we will have left these horrendous materials all over the earth. We should stop now, dispose of them properly, and develope clean, sane energy sources and live less wasteful lifestyles. We are poisoning the earth for all future peoples so we can live extravagant lives of luxury and gluttony.
Imagine if some ancient civilization existed on earth 10,000 years ago and buried huge amounts of extremely deadly long lived nuclear wastes around the planet and then that civilization disappeared... Imagine if there had been containers of nuclear wastes buried under the pyramids. What would the effect have been on later generations ? How do we know that our technological way of life will endure for thousands of years, and that future people will be able to clean up our deadly heritage ? We have absolutely no right to make this assumption, to do so is totally immoral and irresponsible.
The fact is, even if nuclear energy were totally safe we would still run out of nuclear fuel and have to resort to solar, geothermal and wind energy. Everyone talks about meeting "our energy needs", like a drug addict who demands ever increasing amounts of drugs and will do anything to get them. Our culture will be remembered for its wastefulness, gluttony, selfcenteredness, and disregard for others. What if there is a worldwide economic collapse and people return to a simpler agrarian way of life incorporating solar and wind energy but have no means whatsoever to deal with the nuclear waste we have deposited all around the world? We may very well have already planted the seeds of the earth's destruction, leaving future generations to die miserable deaths by radiation poisoning and mutation.
In our corporate culture governments are the puppets of corporations. The USA is not a democracy. Politicians have no innate ability to manage nuclear power issues, and they are guided by corporate interests. A government authority may be totally ignorant in the area of nuclear science, yet make decisions regarding construction of power plants, safety guidelines, etc. The power industry hires lobbiests to sway government officials. This illustrates the failure of our system of government.
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We have 1975 technology nuclear power plants near major cities designed to withstand magnitude 6 earthquakes... Who makes these decisions? Why magnitude 6 ? Magnitude 6 is nothing... There will always be earthquakes and periodically some of them will exceed magnitudes 7 and 8... These earthquakes may be hundreds of times more powerful than magnitude 6...
An aside -
The richter scale is very misleading. a magnitude 7.0 produces movement that is ten times stronger than a magnitude 6.0, but 32 times more energy is released by a magnitude 7.0 than a magnitude 6.0 and this will on the average produce a movement that is 10 times stronger. But, depending on the depth, nature of the plates involved this can vary alot. For example, a magnitude 6.0 on the east coast feels much strong than a magnitude 6.0 in California or Japan because the plate under the east coast is much larger so energy radiates rapidly across a much larger area. But to most people magnitude 7.0 sounds like "one step greater than" a magnitude 6. 0. Maybe we need a new verbal classification system. Like a "home wrecker", "city smasher", or "massive widespread superdestructor".
The Richter scale tries to measure the amount of ground shaking, the movement of the ground beneath our feet. Imagine the ground shaking 10 times harder in a magnitude 6.9 than it did during the 8-2011 east coast 5.9,.. This would require 32X more energy, so a magnittude 6.9 is 32X more powerful than a magnitude 5.9... or imagine 100x greater earth movement and shaking in a magnitude 7.9, or 1000x greater movement and shaking in a 8.9 magnitude earthquake such as occured of the coast of Japan on 3-11-2011. A 6.9 quake is strong, but there are much, much stronger earthquakes that alsowill occur less frequently, but they will occur. Why are east coast nuclear power plants only designed to withstand magnitude 6.2 ?
The most powerful earthquake every measured is an 8.9, as was the recent earthquake off the Pacific coast of northern Japan, yet the Japanese earthquake warning system used the same televised graphics and messages that people had seen many times, following which there may have been tiny 50cm or 1m tsunami, so the warning system actually had the effect of making people oblivious to, and ignorant of, the actual magnitude of the quake that had occured and the subsequent immediate danger they were in. People would often go out to watch the Tsunami, or generally ignore the annoying graphics which were interfering with their TV viewing, as had happened so many times before, in places there were people with video cameras waiting for its arrival... This is the effect of a poorly concieved warning system.
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There will always be earthquakes and periodically some of them will exceed magnitudes 7 and 8... This will never change. So why have nuclear power plants with inadequate safety provisions been constructed ? Because all the power corporations care about is money, and building better plants is very expensive. These people only care about the immediate future, i.e. relative to themselves and their personal enrichment. They will say anything. They are willing to gamble it will not happen while they are around. The problem is people accept these lies and tolerate this corrupt system.
A major earthquake could level New York City because buildings have been built with little or no regard for earhtquakes.. No one remembers an earthquake on the east coast so they ignore their future inevitability. There will always be major earthquakes in most areas, maybe not very often, but they will occur sooner or later. So we are gambling that there will not be a major earthquake in our time... But there may very well be and all the structures that have not been properly constructed will collapse, including nuclear power plants. The radiation that escapes into the air and water from failed nuclear power plants and nuclear waste storage facilities will have great and long lasting consequences.
There are over 400 nulcear reactors operating worldwide. Sooner of later this result in inconceivable harm, possibly leading to serious consequences for all the earth's inhabitants.
There is no good reason why communities could not provide their own power, but in our world corporations control power distribution, like drug pushers. We could make our own if we were not forced to support this immoral and corrupt system. There is no Godgiven right that people should be able to hop in cars and drive all over the place whenever they want. We assume this way of living is the only way, but it is not. We could live easily without cars and brightly lit cities, and casinos, and many of the trappings of "modern life."
This is a fact. The earth is being destroyed, rapidly. The nuclear wastes spread around the world may in fact be the seeds of future catastrophies. It is a fact that nuclear wastes are unimaginably toxic and remain deadly for hundreds of thousands of years, some for millions of years. We are making thousnads of tons of this waste annually and leaving it all over the world. Unless future people figure out how to clean up these monstrous poisons we have heaped upon them, they will enter the environment, which may result in horrible mass epidemics and slow painful deaths by radiation poisoning worldwide...
This is the legacy of our arrogance. Wake up and stop supporting this system. Drop out. Live a sane life and help to expose this system of corporate contolled government for what it in truth is.
Even if we stopped all nuclear reactors right now, the amount of wastes that currently exist will more than likely have horrendous effects on future peoples. Unless they were buried in massive tunnel complexes deep in bedrock ( see the exceelent Finnish Film, "Into Eternity" about the Onkalo Nuclear Waste Depository ) which is highly unlikely seeing how difficult and expensive this is to do. However, with China and India going nuclear and the shortage of oil and the unwillingness to develope renewable energy sources because the power corporations do not want us to be independent of them, for all of these reasons it is important to understand that we are currently in the process of destroying the earth in a most horrendous manner which will result in unimaginable suffering and disease among future peoples.
We have no moral choice other than to stop creating these ultradangerous wastes and to spend billions of their proper and hopefully safe desposal. The damage has already been done - these wastes have been created and they will remain deadly for more than 100,000 years ! This is the most flagrantly arrogant, irresponsible and inconsiderate act any people has ever committed.
This is our legacy to the future - not art or beauty or knowledge or wisdom, but hundreds of thousands of tons of the most dangerous substance in the universe. People in government are ignorant of its dangers and implications. We have absolutely no right to be doing this and to dump these substances upon future generations for a hundred thousand years. Even if we could garuntee their safe desposal deep underground, our lasting legacy will be these immense undergound city-size tunnel complexes filled with radioactive death. It is a nightmare, it is ugly, it is insane to leave such a mark upon the earth and the future of humanity, yet this would be the bright side. It is doubtful enough of these wastes will be properly disposed of.
Why should people in the future have to live with this deadly substance below their feet buried in the earth for 100,000 years ? Or, most probably, given the extremely high expense and difficulty of proper disposal, leaking into the environment 50 or 100 years from now... This extravagance and environmental immorality must stop. We need laws right now to protect the people and earth of the future. The amount of nuclear waste that has been created worldwide is a very real threat to the future wellbeing of all inhabitants of the earth. The damage has already be done and we are making it much worse by continuing to produce even greater quantities of these wastes each year.
We have no right to poison the earth for future generations. We need laws to protect future people, laws which require us to leave the earth clean and healthy for future generations. We have no right to destroy the earth in order to enrich ourselves. As a Buddhist saying goes, "I will commit no negative action, even at the cost of my own life."
We need to do what is right, not what is the most profitable in the short term. We need to replace wasteful lifestyles and corporate profit with sanity, we need to replace gluttony with self-control, and we need to place the wellbeing of others ahead of our own selfish interests.
The the current amount of nuclear wastes in enough to destroy all life on earth many times over. This is what will happen if we do not act to stop creating these substances and properly despose of the huge amounts that have already been created. If we continue along our present course future people may die horrible deaths from radiation poisoning and the earth will become unihabitable.
Our leaders and corporate official are either ignorant of the nature of these wastes, or have chosen to look the other way and ignore the impact upon the earth's inhabitants in the future.
Our lasting legacy for eternity, our gift to all future people - city-size complexes filled with containers of deadly radioactive waste. Dark places of horrible lingering death and disease. This is our legacy, nothing of beauty, nothing good, nothing to be proud of. This is the result of our chosen way of life. This is the result of arrogance, ignorace and giving into peer preasure. This is the legacy of our civilization to the future.
Perhaps if by some miraculous means we were to change course and embark on a sane and responsible way of living, then these repositories might be seen as testimony to a dark time of ignorance from which we had extricated ourselves. But this is not the current reality. We must change the way we live now, its wrong, and we must begin living in a wise and harmonious manner if we are to save the future.
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This section is copied from Wikipedia -
"Legacy waste - Due to historic activities typically related to radium industry, uranium mining, and military programs, there are numerous sites that contain or are contaminated with radioactivity. In the United States alone, the Department of Energy states there are "millions of gallons of radioactive waste" as well as "thousands of tons of spent nuclear fuel and material" and also "huge quantities of contaminated soil and water." Despite copious quantities of waste, the DOE has stated a goal of cleaning all presently contaminated sites successfully by 2025. The Fernald, Ohio site for example had "31 million pounds of uranium product", "2.5 billion pounds of waste", "2.75 million cubic yards of contaminated soil and debris", and a "223 acre portion of the underlying Great Miami Aquifer had uranium levels above drinking standards." The United States has at least 108 sites designated as areas that are contaminated and unusable, sometimes many thousands of acres. DOE wishes to clean or mitigate many or all by 2025, however the task can be difficult and it acknowledges that some may never be completely remediated. In just one of these 108 larger designations, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, there were for example at least "167 known contaminant release sites" in one of the three subdivisions of the 37,000-acre (150 km2) site. Some of the U.S. sites were smaller in nature, however, cleanup issues were simpler to address, and DOE has successfully completed cleanup, or at least closure, of several sites.
High-level waste - High-level waste (HLW) is produced by nuclear reactors. It contains fission products and transuranic elements generated in the reactor core. It is highly radioactive and often thermally hot. HLW accounts for over 95 percent of the total radioactivity produced in the process of nuclear electricity generation.
The amount of HLW worldwide is currently increasing by about 12,000 metric tons every year, which is the equivalent to about 100 double-decker buses or a two-story structure with a footprint the size of a basketball court.[21] A 1000-MWe nuclear power plant produces about 27 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel (unreprocessed) every year.
(currently there are more than 400 reactors operating worldwide, and the number is increasing - JN)
Management of waste - Of particular concern in nuclear waste management are two long-lived fission products, Tc-99 (half-life 220,000 years) and I-129 (half-life 17 million years), which dominate spent fuel radioactivity after a few thousand years. The most troublesome transuranic elements in spent fuel are Np-237 (half-life two million years) and Pu-239 (half-life 24,000 years). Nuclear waste requires sophisticated treatment and management to successfully isolate it from interacting with the biosphere. This usually necessitates treatment, followed by a long-term management strategy involving storage, disposal or transformation of the waste into a non-toxic form. Governments around the world are considering a range of waste management and disposal options, though there has been limited progress toward long-term waste management solutions.
"Governments around the world are considering a range of waste management and disposal options"
(so even though we are producing many thousands of metric tons per year, which is being stored in various temporary, at times rather insecure, arrangements little is actually being done worldwide to deal with this problem in a safe and effective manner. - JN)
Long term management of waste - The time frame in question when dealing with radioactive waste ranges from 10,000 to 1,000,000 years, according to studies based on the effect of estimated radiation doses. Researchers suggest that forecasts of health detriment for such periods should be examined critically. Practical studies only consider up to 100 years as far as effective planning and cost evaluations are concerned.
(this is a real world scenario and the likely future impact of nuclear wastes in many areas - JN)
Accidents involving radioactive waste - A number of incidents have occurred when radioactive material was disposed of improperly, shielding during transport was defective, or when it was simply abandoned or even stolen from a waste store. In the Soviet Union, waste stored in Lake Karachay was blown over the area during a dust storm after the lake had partly dried out. At Maxey Flat, a low-level radioactive waste facility located in Kentucky, containment trenches covered with dirt, instead of steel or cement, collapsed under heavy rainfall into the trenches and filled with water. The water that invaded the trenches became radioactive and had to be disposed of at the Maxey Flat facility itself. In other cases of radioactive waste accidents, lakes or ponds with radioactive waste accidentally overflowed into the rivers during exceptional storms.[citation needed] In Italy, several radioactive waste deposits let material flow into river water, thus contaminating water for domestic use. In France, in the summer of 2008 numerous incidents happened;[76] in one, at the Areva plant in Tricastin, it was reported that during a draining operation, liquid containing untreated uranium overflowed out of a faulty tank and about 75 kg of the radioactive material seeped into the ground and, from there, into two rivers nearby; in another case, over 100 staff were contaminated with low doses of radiation.
Scavenging of abandoned radioactive material has been the cause of several other cases of radiation exposure, mostly in developing nations, which may have less regulation of dangerous substances (and sometimes less general education about radioactivity and its hazards) and a market for scavenged goods and scrap metal. The scavengers and those who buy the material are almost always unaware that the material is radioactive and it is selected for its aesthetics or scrap value. Irresponsibility on the part of the radioactive material's owners, usually a hospital, university or military, and the absence of regulation concerning radioactive waste, or a lack of enforcement of such regulations, have been significant factors in radiation exposures. For an example of an accident involving radioactive scrap originating from a hospital see the Goiania accident.
A commonly cited quote by Ralph Nader, states that a pound of plutonium dust spread into the atmosphere would be enough to kill 8 billion people. However, the math shows that one pound of plutonium could kill no more than 2 million people by inhalation. This makes the toxicity of plutonium roughly equivalent with that of nerve gas." - from Wikipedia
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The media as terrorist, death by government - -
From a modern POV, how do we respond to acts of terrorism ? By even greater acts of violence ? I think it would be much more effective to simply label religions that support terrorists as terrorist groups themselves, rather than granting them religious freedom and tolerance and welcoming them into democratic societies. People seem to be afraid of violating the rights" of immigrants from countries and religions that support terrorism. It has become hip and PC to blame ourselves for thier hatred and acts, looking for faults within our institutions that have aroused their hatred and violence. Consider that this might more likely be an actual plan of attack, well thought out and implemented worldwide. And in our impotence we go right along with it.
But we should understand that these things do not originate in a vacuum. Fro example, the 9-11 attacks may have been a response to other attacks in the past, during the first Gulf War, US forces shot down an airliner filled with passengers and blew up an underground shelter filled with hundreds of women and children. How would anyone who lived in those countries feel ? We cannot pretend innocence in these matters. All parties have committed their share of atrocities, but it is in the interests of all parties to work together. The Holy Land should be a mecca of tourism and spiritual exhange. Instead of a war zone it shouldbe a place of timeless beauty and wonder. We are all destroying our future by a continuing chain reaction going back thousands of years.
Every time some terrorist leader or group makes a video or an announcement the worldwide media gives them billions of dollars worth of free publicity and doing just what the terrorists want - get publicity, which is the main motivation for terrorists. It would be much better to ignore them and let special A-team style international anti-terrorist units deal with them. We are too worried about offending other governments which tolerate terrorists and give them sanctuary. The media will do anything for money, because that is their main motivation, hence the terrorists and media support each other. Terrorist leaders are made into internationally infamous figures by media corporations. Its an easy and lucrative source of "news". Anything to grab viewers and their increasingly limited attention spans. People who are afraid are easy to manipulate... And that is what the advertising and media industry is about, manipulating people by any means available.
I think the only way these terrorist attacks are going to stop is if the leaders of Islam condemn them. Period. These people are totally dedicated to their cause and will gladly die for it. If all the terrorist leaders were killed there would be plenty of people to take their place. Its really a war of attrition - economics, which the USA has already lost in a big way. The 14 trillion dollar debt is like a crack in the Ross Ice Shelf, its getting bigger and soon the whole thing could break off. I believe this has been the aim of the terrorista all along - the draw the USA into extremely costly and basically unwinable wars (Us troops are protecting opium growers in Afganistan)... It costs astronomical amounts of tax money to pay for these "wars", and unless the USA plans on a permanent occupation, as soon as US forces leave the terrorists will move back in. They can maintain forces for practically nothing, it cost the USA trillions - this is the motivation of the war and theUSA has been "played like a fiddle". Incompetent agencies pursue old strategies that cannot succeed in doing anything except bankrupting the US treasury.
The wars in Iraq and Afganistan actually serve the terrorist cause as well as the interests of the arms industry - which may be the actual driving force behind most of these 'wars'.
From the POV of fundamentalist Isalmic Jihadists they are inflicting a great deal of economic harm upon the US by luring it into a war in Afganistan. War is essentially a matter of economics and logisitics. It costs the US a huge amount to put a soldier in the field whereas the Jihadists can do it for next to nothing, and they have an endless supply of dedicated volunteers who believe in their cause and are wlling to die for it. In fact they believe it is very good to die for their cause so there will always be more people willing to take their places. They have a long term vision and commitment and the social and economic means to support their Holy War as long as is required. This is something the US does not seem to realize. Antiquated institutionalized ideas are a recipe for failure, which has already caused great damage to the world economy. These people are much more intelligent, enduring and resourceful than the US seems to realize.
Meanwhile the US government pursues a course of total economical irresponsibility, increasing an already astronomical defecit by trillions with no possible means of paying for it. The banks get rich of the equally astronomical interest paid to them by the US taxpayers each year
The USA is being played like the proverbial violin by allowing itself to be drawn into the curret wars in Afganistan and Iraq. This is exactly what the Jihadists desire. Afganistan is the spider's web. The only way the USA could maintain a 'victory' would be to 'establish a permanent military presence', which it cannot do. So the USA is being drained by two misguided wars which it cannot 'win' in any real long term sense. In fact the USA has already suffered such immense economic harm from these misguided ventures that it may not be possible to recover. Like a fracture in a glass that just keeps speading until suddenly the glass shatters, the damage has already been done and one incompetent administration after another just keeps glossing over problems, pouring more an more tax dollars down the drain, like the boy with his finger stuck in the dike, while trying to maintain a good public image. The US people seem content to go on being misled in this fashion, listening to the hype of the spin doctors like a nation of lemmings. A succession of presidents talk and go through the motions while the nation is dying, sold out to corporate interests, victims of their own governments obsolete agencies. Giant flags across athletic fields are sad attempts at creating images of grandeur while underneath there is nothing but astromical debts and problems passed on to future generations.
Now US troops are actually defending Afgan opium farmers and assisting them... Could there be any more fitting illustration as to the bureaucratic absurdity of the current US program in Afganistan ? Either way the US looses, it is a no win scenario costing astronomical amounts of US tax dollars. All of this amounts to a huge economic victory for the Jihadists. Of course they know this. This is their goal, which inept US administrations assist them in achieving.
Iraq did not attack the USA, had nothing to do with the 9-11 attacks, in fact Iraq was the enemy of Iran, so the USA has done Iran and the terrorists a service in eliminating a former adversary. The 'war' against Iraq was initiated under fasle pretense - there were no weapons of mass destruction, no terrorist bases - and against international law. The infrastructrue of the country was severly damaged, unknown numbers of innocent people have been killed as the presence of US forces attracts terrorists from other countries. The Iraqi people have been caught between these to forces and are suffering horribly as a result. How many Americans could endure life under such conditions ?
War is not a team sport. People are being killed daily. The US cannot pretend to be innocent in these matters. Furthermore, US forces have committed acts of torture and prisoner abuse in violation of the Geneva convention and international law and all concepts of human decency. By so doing they have damaged the character and honor of the US. The people of the US are paying for this and allowing it to continue. The world economy is being ruined as a result. We need to transform our arms industries into peaceful, creative industries. We need to break the age old cycles of violence and create a new future that benefits all people. This includes living responsibly and ending defecit spending, which in turn means living modestly, which means freeing ourselves from our addiction to mindless consumerism, gluttony, and the gods of corporate capitalism.
We could have been a multi-planet species by now, with bases on the moon and Mars. We should be exploring the solar system. Look at all the knowledge gain by a few small robotic probes. Imagine what we could have done if we had invested all of the money spent on misguided wars on space exploration. We could have undersea cities, clean renewable energy, intelligently designed modern cities... But look at the choices our governments have made and where they have led us. Why is this ? Could it be our governments are controlled by corporations which only care about making ever greater profits ? No matter how much money a corporation makes it will never be enough. So, masses of poor, suffering people provide an endless supply of cheap labor for corporations. The world does not have to be like this. We have made it what it is. Humanity is destroying the earth and the future looks dim. Ever increasing masses of poor people, there will be water shortages, epidemics, disasters or increasing magnitude... This is the future we are making for humanity. We need new forms of government. I propose a true internet based democracy - power to the people. Get rid of the old men and their power trips, the back rooms, the lobbyists, corporate bribes and let people vote and act directly instead via the internet. The USA is not a democracy - get rid of the electoral college and the crooked voting districts and all the ridiculous inefficient BS that has been instituted... Close down giant costly agencies. Get new minds and people. Get rid of politics. Let college students design new government agencies, etc...
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Totally Fracked -
Injecting poisons into the earth is immoral. The earth is being destroyed. The water table is being destroyed and polluted with deadly chemicals that are colorless, oderless, and tasteless... Yet the US government panel declared such practices to be safe and harmless. This is a lie construed by people who will do anything for money. A blatant deception fabricated people who have sold out morally, ethically, and humanly. These corporations and their government puppets do far more damage to the USA than a terrorist attack and they are supported by the government and the laws it creates on their behalf. Corporations can inject poisons into the water supply and are not even required to tell the people whose water they are polluting, so they drink it, their animals drink it, and they get sick and suffer miserably so some executives can get rich.
Modern societies are addicted to fossil fuels and cars and wasting lots of energy. We should be developong safe, clean solar, passive geothermal (the constant 13 C degree temperature 3 meters belowground) and wind energy, restructuring communities, housing, workplaces and lifestyles.
The various schemes to recover remaining fossil fuels by fracking, sidereal drilling multiwells, tar sands, etc. will destroy the environment, and when these sources are depleted future generations will inherit a sick, ravaged, destroyed land. Why ? So people can continue living in gluttonous irresponsible lifestyles today. We don't have to drive around in cars or live in communities scattered throughout the countryside in giant woodframe luxury structures. People did just fine 100 years ago without cars, for example. The world is this way today because of the choices we have made and the things we have bought into, the corporate/big government party line we have been blithly and blindly following. Now its patriotic to destroy the earth and poison people because it will allow us to be free from reliance on imported oil. That is the line that is being foisted on the American public to justify these immoral activities that are destroying the earth and the futures of many generations to come who will be born into a despoiled world. They will look back upon this generation with horror and disbelief... How could anyone have been so foolish, so greedy, so arrogant ?
Clean water and air are more valuable than fossil fuels in the long run. The earth is Holy and its pollution and destruction are immoral, unethical, and unconscienable. We have other alternatives, but they do not fit the corporate agenda. Corporations always require "growth" of profits, no matter how much money they make they will always try to cut corners, cheat, manipulate the government and public opinion, through lies and falsified data if needed. Their only criteria is money. Not human life, wellbeing... In fact, sick, insecure people are better for corporations to exploit. Healthy people do not required trillions in drugs and related products for example. "Increased longevity" may mean years incapacitated in hospitals running up huge bills are another very lucrative source of corporate income. People who are afraid will allow their governments to spend astronomical amounts on armaments and wars, also very lucraive for the industrial military complex President Eisenhower warned us about back in the 50s... It doesn't have to be like this, but if things are going to change the people are going to have to get control of their government and throw the corporate monkies off their backs.
The current government institions are not working. They are obsolete, inefficient, ineffectual and undemocratic. They need to be modernized, streamlined, made public and adapted to internet participation, including online voting.
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The UK as precursor of the future of human societies ?
With all its 5,000,000 cameras watching every move its citizens and visitors make the UK is not the secure, safe, ideal society the security industry is marketing. It is an errant pretense foisted upon on scared and frustrated populace. Once the system is installed the corporations operating it merely have to observe people and record their movements to earn their keep. They manufacture nothing other than insecurity, the very opposite of what they purport to do. Vast amounts of data are compiled and sold, affecting the future. Imagine a future in which corporations have vast amounts of data on all people and even predict their future activities, designing products to fit these patterns and even controlling the patterns-desires of consumers to fit their production... Adversizing is brainwashing. Giant TVs in cities bombard people with advertising "noise"... People are no longer capable of thinking for themselves. They fear silence and seek out the noise of the new digital world to mask their spiritual emptiness.
People in the past were much more intelligent, much more human. Security comes from healthy families, not people screwing around as much as possible, not the sort of hedonistic consumption and pursuit of various forms of selfish gratifications. In the past security came from the community, people knew and cared about their neighbors, people knew their doctors before the corporations destroyed the institution of the family doctor with the HMO - now all is done for money. Sick, scared people make much better consumers of corporate goods. People who cannot think for themselves, who have lost the ability to spend time quietly enjoying life, people who have accepted the false virtual life of the digital world... This is the work of the corporate institutions which control much of the world. Government candidates mouth sensationalistic yet empty rhetoric and people cheer wildly while behind the scenes nothing has changed for the better, in fact things are much worse. Yet the facade is maintained and people seem content to vegitate and spend their lives staring at the screens all around them.
Imagine a future in which security corporations operate drones and robots, a world in which there is no such thing as privacy, a world in which all people are data in a vast database, a world in which people are like aphids for the corporate ants. A world in which "food" is chemically designed to produce specific results upon the pallete, where food corporations design new flavors in concert with advertising aimed at various demographics... Its all a deception - the "food" is tasteless gray goop that has been chemically manipulated to give a sensation similar to that of real food, but more stimulating and desirable. This is wrong, its a lie, but it is happening and people go right along with it all. Are people really that easy to manipulate ?
I watched a show from BBC about an expedition of french scientists in 1735... It was totally amazing. Fopr example, one man, La Condamine, walked 2,000km through the rainforest, got lost, became deathly ill with fever, yet pushed on, subsisting on bananas, later he "discovered" rubber, i.e. he observed people collecting it, asked about it, made extremely detail report and sent seeds and samples back to France - the start of the worldwide rubber industry. Next he "discovered" the proper variety of quinine used for treating Malaria, (i.e. saw rain forest people collecting it and made another extremely detail report and sent samples back to France, resulting in millions of people being cured of Malaria. Then he are his two remaining companions = climbed the highest peaks in the Andies ! - taking measurements along the Equator - and accurately measured the earth, making modern maps accurate, and during spells of bad weather he invented the metric system ! This expedition was conducted with practically no funds, since one of its members spent most of their money on a gift for a woman he had fallen in love with... What a story ! This was in 1735, with almost no funding !
I doubt there is no one alive today who could accomplish such feats, yet these men did it on their own, with very little technology - they used their minds and bodies and spirits. Has our reliance upon modern technology turned us into stupid, weak, lazy whiners ? We expect others to solve our problems. We accept whatever the TV tells us is good. We are incapable of the sort of thought and endeavor with which people such as La Condamine addressed life.
The UK security systems are more than an invasion of privacy, they represent the destruction of privacy. Now with the rise of robotic warfare, "kids" in military uniform at computers playing wargames with real weapons, attacking digital enemies, replete with heavymetal soundtracks and cheering when a "hit" is made... This is the future we are allowing to transpire. Imagine a "security" robot peering in your window and recording every aspect of your life for the world corporate database. Any "subversive element" is imprisoned in a "corrective labor facility"... Is this too far fetched ? Our history warrants such fears... With millions of relatively cheap robotic drones a "government" could maintain strict control of a populace, with "armies" of "kids in uniform" in far off secret bases playing virtual wargames for real.
The ultimate Reaganomics (which Margret Thatcher bought into as well) whatever a corporation does to make money is good for the country, and anyone who disagrees is unpatriotic.
For a really good commentary on this problem and the need for a truely democratic government see "The Outer Limits", season one episode entitled "O.B.I.T." - its remarkably prescient. Also, the series, "The Lone Gunmen" is really excellent...
The heros of the future will be genius computer hackers and grassroots community organizers who can battle this system while enabling truely democratic systems. We need to develope healthy, sane communities, and free ourselves from out-of-control, self-perpetuating, obsolete, incapable, inefficient, big government institutions. Our powerbase needs to be reversed, from local level, to state, to federal. Federal government should be minimalized. The main form of government should be the state government, with individual states free to form different kinds of governments.
We should design communities with safe (not wood frame boxes) residential areas, healthy managed forests, clean water sources, clean air, which are not dependent upon automobiles and buses, but constructed so people can walk, bicycle, or ride a horse, communites which produce their own energy. We need to free ourselves from being dependent upon big energy corporations. We can make our own at the community level, using whatever combination of forms are most suitable for specific areas. We could do this now - it is mostly a question of re-organizing our society at the community level, investing in our communities instead of the federal government. Solving our own problems instead of expecting "the government" to do it. The only thing the govenment is good at is making things more complex, finding the slowest, most ineffecient and expensive way to do something (or give the impression of having done something when in fact it has not, or has actually made things worse). The American people need to establish a true democracy, then hopefully vote to restructure our society, shifting to a local and state powerbase, redirecting taxes to state governments and to drastically downsize the Federal government and its role in American society.
Think of the lone French scientist La Condamine wandering lost in the Peruvian rain forest in 1735, without GPS, without any high tech goods, with only the clothes on his back, his wits, intelligence and courage.
From Wikipedia - "La Condamine became a member of the expedition that was sent to Peru in 1735 to determine the length of a degree of the meridian arc in the neighborhood of the equator; this work laid the basis for the determination of the length of the meter. The group was led by Louis Godin and included Pierre Bouguer, Antonio de Ulloa, and Jorge Juan y Santacilia. His associations with his principals were unhappy; the expedition was beset by many difficulties, and finally La Condamine split from the rest and made his way to Quito, Ecuador separately, becoming the first Westerner to encounter rubber in the process. Insufficient funds prevented La Condamine from returning to France directly when he reached Quito. Thus he decided to take the trip down the Amazon, ultimately reaching Cayenne. His was the first scientific exploration of the Amazon. He returned to Paris in 1744 and published the results of his measurements and travels with a map of the Amazon in Mem. de l'Academie des Sciences, 1745 (English translation 1745?1747). This included the first descriptions by a European of the Casiquiare canal and the curare arrow poison prepared by the Amerindians. He also noted the correct use of quinine to fight malaria. The journal of his ten-year long voyage to South America was published in Paris in 1751. Later years - On a visit to Rome La Condamine made careful measurements of the ancient buildings with a view to a precise determination of the length of the Roman foot. He also wrote in favour of inoculation, and on various other subjects, mainly connected with his work in South America. In 1760 he was nominated to the Academie francaise. He died in Paris after a hernia operation."
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The anti-science views of many religious institutions are perpetuating ignorance. It is wrong to foist such ignorant propagand upon innocent children. The human body is the unimaginably complex product of 3.5 billion of years of evolution (maybe much longer if the panspermia theory is true) Each of its 100,000,000,000 - 50 to 100 Trillion Cells (thats equal to the number of stars in several hundred Milky Way size galaxies) is an example of extremely complex atomic scale nanotechnology. Each cell possess enough genetic information to fill 80 large books, yet each can make perfect copies of this inforamtion. Each cell can manufacture 30,000 different protiens, built from long chains of 20 essential amino acids, protiens are self-assembling nanomachine components, each performing different tasks... Each cell is a nanoscale chemical factory more complex than any in our marcrocasmic world (two good books - The Machinery of Life and Your Inner Fish - are essential reading) Clearly, the biological molecular/atomic scale universe within each of us is much more complex than the marco-cosmic universe surrounding us. Stars are relatively simple compared to cells, they are just really big and live a long time... But a cell can do much, much more. If people knew what their bodies really were, nobody could inflict harm on another. We are entrusted with a miraculous body, a veritable universe of cells more complex than stars, each and every one of us, and all the countless beings over billions of years of evolution that led to where we are. It has taken inconcievably vast stretches of time and work to get this far. Evolution of life is the central fact of the universe. Life finds a way to express itself. This is an undeniable fact. This is our inheritance, what are we doing with it ? - John Niemi, Osaka, Japan, 7-2011
We are intrusted with the care and upkeep of extremely mindbogglingly miraculous bodies. Actually, our bodies are not "our own" as many people proclaim - they are the product of immense effort over billions of years, and we have been gifted with these "bodies", which may more accurately be seen as bio-chemical-mechanical universes themselves.
It is so wrong to abuse these priceless, infinitely miraculous living vehicles, as I see people doing on so many "funniest video" shows where people do the most idiodic thngs to themselves, which result in damage that will appear later in their lives in the form of chronic backpain, etc. Looking at TV shows reveals the sorry state to which humanity has sunk.
Could it be that as our technology continues to develope we become correspondingly less civil, less human, less intelligent, and more dependent on our technology to think for us ? Attention span is a marker of intelligence, and modern people have an attention span that may not exceed a few minutes, or even a few seconds... People in the past were much more intelligent, we just have a more developed technological-data base, but are becoming increasingly incapable of actually thinking or perceiving, instead we relie on computers to do this for us and stare zombie-like at various screens of various sizes and absorb whatever images may happen to come across them.
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Modern "Science" seems to be turning into a "cult of ideas" on many fronts. People come up with a threory, which they describe in pseudoscientific jargon, acting as if their IDEAS are real things. People then find correlations between these ideas, fantasies may better describe them, and hail them as being new discoveries. Its like they are confusing science fiction with science. Selling ideas seems to be the main focus, and in this manner they spend careers as "scientists" and professors without ever dealing with any real, tangible, factual thing. They ague and debate eloquently as if they are talking about something real but in actuallity its just mindgames. Proficiency in these mathematical mindgames is misconstrued as science. When actually they are merely complex (and complex mathematics impresses many) manipulations of imaginary ideas... They say, assume this, consider, if we were to, or "if we were to create a two dimensional star", or "pass through a wormhole", etc. asif these are real things, when usually the fantasies they are describing in their eloquent sciencespeak have no basis in reality and have absolutly no experimentally verifiable basis at all. Yet many "scientists" devote themselves to this sort of mental gaming rather than actually doing anything real. We should be building things, exploring, learning from real experience, etc. Are the flights of fancy the people perpetuate in the name of science merely a facade behind which there is nothing of value, nothing that would justify their professional position, a means of generating an income without producing any tangible results ? Impressive mathematical manipulations and flashy ideas does not equal science.
Erastosthenes measured the circumference of the earth 2500 years ago using a stick, measuring the angle of the shadow it cast at noon on the summer solstice in Alexandria and Aswan, Egypt, then pacing off the distances between the two cities. 2500 years ago he proved the earth was round and determined its diameter within 5% accuracy. This information was lost until 2,000 years later Columbus discovered an old book describing Erastothenes discoveries, which he then appropriated and fudged some figures to make the distance to Asia seem much less so he could procure funding for his expedition. Luckiy he ran into the Americas by accident (lucky for him, maybe not for the people living there.) (see Cosmos by Carl Sagan).
Science should be about using our brains and skills to do real, physical things, to make real discoveries, to go places, to explore the universe, to make the world a better place, and it may not require the most advanced or impressive mathematics. Many modern "scientists" spend huge amounts of time in front of computer screens modeling theories, writng papers about their "discoveries" and attending conferences in which their fellows proffer their latest fantasies dubbed theories...
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There is no perfect book yet an author's spirit permeates his works, even though they may be mistaken in places, his/her spirit shines forth if we are not too biased to recognize it. If we latch onto the mistaken parts or the things we don't agree with we will never cross the threshold of our own limited self-centered world.
I believe the Bible also functions on this level of spiritual allegory. Which is what Jesus always taught. Jesus' parables were not literal accounts or histories, but rather purely allegorical teaching devices. I believe the Bible, while certain of its writings may have some historical basis and setting, is not so much what we call history in modern terms but more allegorical and spiritually instructional. Why? Becasue God is love, there is no hate, no wrath, no violence in God.
So with the bible, a war or conflict may be seen as metaphor for an internal spiritual war between our own inner forces of good and evil.
This is why it is essential to learn how to meditate from a Christain perspective and not be lost in intellectual arguments and doctrines - we need to EXPERIENCE Jesus in the most real, intimate, and personal manner. Having glimpsed God's true nature as presented to us in the very person of Jesus Christ we are then able to begin seeing the true underlying meaning of the various writings contained within the bible.
For example, as a young man we may be honest a pure, able to "slay Goliaths" with stones from a sling, whereas in our old age we may become corrupted by our lusts and greed, as was David. The young, valent warrior becomes the sense indulgent old king who remains at home and even though he has many wives, he still wants the wife of his loyal officer and servant, Uriah the Hittite, who he then has killed. This is a common theme in worldly life. How far David had fallen from the young man of his youth. So much for wealth and power... In this manner these ancient writings remain constant in their insight into human nature. Its "in our genes". And we need to understand this, this is who and what we are. Genetically and biologically we have some extremely powerful and violent drives, which need to be understood - not condemned or labeled as "evil"... But if we are to develope self-control and discipline we need to be able to observe these things within ourselves and not be blinded by them.
So when the bible talks about God slaying enemies, we must recognize that our only enemies are those things within us that separate us from God and God's Way of Life. Thus the various biblical personages and stories may be seen as metaphors for character traits or huamn tendencies which mislead and therefore need to be "slayed" by exposing them to God's Light. "For you are the fountain of Life, in your Light we see Light". The Truth will make you free, not wars, not nations, not any worldly thing... God is love. Jesus said true religion is loving God and our fellow inhabitants of this planet and universe. Until we free ourselves from these ancient delusions and violent tendencies we will not be able to move forward and become the people we are capable of becoming.
How precious is your steadfast love oh God,
all people can find shelter under the shadow of your wings.
We are nourished by the Earth's bountiful goodness.
You give us dring from rivers of living water.
For with you is the fountain of Life,
in your Light,
we see Light. - from the Psalms
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Re. NET Bible, by John Niemi, Osaka, Japan -
Luke 2:35 - 2:35, "...Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed ? and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!”
NET Bible annotation on Luke 2:35, " A sword refers to a very large, broad two-edged sword. The language is figurative, picturing great pain. Though it refers in part to the cross, it really includes the pain all of Jesus’ ministry will cause, including the next event in Luke 2:41-52 and extending to the opposition he faced throughout his ministry."
IMO - this comment in the NET bible re. Luke 2:35 is wrong and shallow. Sword is a metaphor for God's Word, which is manifest in the very person of Jesus, as well as in his spoken teachings, and in his healings, and in all of his actions. So what does it imply ? This is a double edged sword, it cuts both ways, up and down, it separates us from ignorance and sinful living and cuts the way through to the light of truth, it separates us from ignorance and reveals truth. Clearly it is not a manmade sword which is used to stab and cut and mame and kill. Clearly this cannot, IMO, be implied by this metaphor. To say Christ's "sword will pierce your own soul as well
(without the exclamation mark - God doesn't need to raise his/her voice to be heard) is more of a zen comment, here sword and truth are synonimous, and this sword heals and gives life, just the opposite of the swords made by men.
But the NET bible which like so many study bibles seeks to dictate "how it is" and "what this means" tells us -
"it really includes the pain all of Jesus’ ministry will cause"
With all its thousands of pages of tiny type notes, with all its assumed expertise, here we have these people authoritively stating, "...the pain all of Jesus' ministry will cause." What are they saying ? All of Jesus' ministry caused pain ?
"THE PAIN ALL OF JESUS' MINISTRY WILL CAUSE."
Jesus was/is first and foremost a healer of souls, of broken spirits, and secondly Jesus reveals Truth, the true nature of God, infinite, inconcievable love and compassions. Jesus' ministry did not cause pain, it may have resulted in pain for himself obviously, he chose to take the pains of humankind upon himself, and anyone who so chooses and avail themselves of his saving grace. His ministry did not cause pain, the deluded acts of ignorant men are the source of pain and suffering, now as then.
This is such poor wording ....
Could it be that the more someone pursues this sort of thinking and analysis and theologizing the farther they remove themselves from the childlike purity of the heart of Christ ?
another quote from the NET Bible 2 Samuel 12:15, "...The Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and the child became very ill."
NET Bible annotation on Samuel 12:15, Heb “and the Lord struck the child…and he was ill.” It is necessary to repeat “the child” in the translation to make clear who became ill, since “the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became very ill” could be understood to mean that David himself became ill.
IMO - re. 2 Samuel 12:15 - Now, if we read the Bible from a basis in Christ, if we see Christ as the revelation of God's true nature, then it is clear that the OT view of God is very wrong at times. Jesus incarnated to set the record straight in this regard and show us what God is truely like, but then people produce "study bibles" which attempt to re-instated the same errant OT POV. Jesus ould never, ever strike a child, and certainly neither would God. So, from a "Christ based POV" it should be clear that this passage had a different meaning originally and has been corrupted by ignorant men who soght to instill their views when they wrote these accounts. Also , people should use their own judgement and inner spiritual guidance when reading the bible.
I believe the writings in the bible to be symbolic, metaphors of deeper spiritual truths, which go much deeper than their superficial literal appearance.
In this case, if someone is touched by God, as Jesus demonstrated many times, it is always healing and leads to true life and spiritual wellbeing. This may manifest physically, as when the woman touched Jesus' cloak and was instantly healed, however it is wrong to think that all disease and suffering are caused by sin or bad karma, indeed Christ's suffering was the result of His Love and Compassion for others, it was something he took upon himself in order to "take the sins of humanity upon himself" from a Christian POV, or from a Hindu or Buddhist POV, he chose to take the bad karma of humankind upon himself and defeat the forces of evil so that we could once again enter into a proper relationship with God/Truth/Life... Healing is first and foremost spiritual, looking towards the Life To Come, and may or may not result in a partial or complete healing of the physical body, but we will be surrounded by Love and God's Eternal Spiritual Presence... which may manifest themselves in various forms/persons, as it says in the Epistles, suffering may be seen as an opportunity for meaningful spiritual practice...
And from a more modern scientific view, we realize that our physical body is the product of the physical universe, an extremely complex, truely miraculous biological vehicle developed by Nature over billions of years of evolution. We each have been blessed with the most advanced creation in the universe, but most of us are almost totally unaware of this. Read "The Machinery of Life" by David S. Goodsell and we may begin to glimpse the infinitely complex yet harmonious universe that is the body with which we have been entrusted. It is a sad fact that our religious institutions have historically belittled the nature of biological life and existence, be it Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Islamic - all have viewed the body and physical life from a very negative, even violent and destructive POV. Once we begin to see what life is really about and how mindboggling complex our bodies and the vast array of beings which inhabit this planet are, it is clear that we are being extremely neglegent in their care. To intentionally hurt or damage or destroy the human body is very wrong. Hedonistic gluttonous self-indulgent lifestyles are wrong. Women proclaim, "my body is my business" (when actually our bodies are the product of bilions of years of exremely hard work on the Universe's behalf. Our bodies are a gift of infinite value) to justify aborting their own unborn babies because they have chosen a sexually promiscuous lifestyle, and likewise men abandon their unborn children to this fate, seeing them as something to be disposed of rather than loved and cared for.
We need practical, safe forms of birth control. Yet again our religious institutions have historically stood in the way of the developement or use safe, practical forms of birth control.
And we need to stop glorifying a hedonistic promiscuous lifestyle which only makes people and society increasingly sick and deluded. How many songs today even mention marriage ? How many movies are made without scenes of promiscuous sex, drug abuse, or gun violence - very, very few. Our "entertainment industry" manufactures these fantasies which people consume in order to find joy and meaning in their lives. How many people appreciate Life itself ?
I believe 2 Samuel 12:15 should be seen as the poor innocent child was TOUCHED BY GOD (not STRUCK !) the Hebrew can be translated as such. God did not want this poor innocent child to suffer the bad karma of David's subsequent family and their trials and tragic lives. Rather God touched this child and brought it back to its spiritual "heavenly" home, sparing it the suffering which it would have been forced to endure if it had lived, due to the sinful and despicable actions of the child's father, King David, who had commited murder and adultery, which he and his family would suffer the consequences of in the furture. This suffering of the consequences of our actions is wrongly termed "the wrath of God" in the bible, when actually the opposite is true. When we do thngs that are so bad they separate us from God's guidance and healing power the result is our destruction, spiriual decline, and ultimately death if we persist in our sinful ways.
The NET Bible is 2500 pages, mostly notes, yet it is bound and marketed as a Bible, when in fact it is mainly people's notes, which are opinionated and at times misleading.
Better to think for ourselves and let the translation/text speak for itself. We are not mindless zombies who have to be told what it means - that is why we are given free will and intelligence. Better to form our own insights - you cannot dictate "insights" as some study bibles attempt to do.
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Martin Luther, father of the Reformation, on the treatment of Jews wrote in 1542 - or - How the father of the Protestant Reformation paved the way for Nazi genocide - in his actual words -
"What shall Christians do with this damned rejected race of Jews ? Since they live among us and we know about their lying and blasphemy and cursing, we cannot tolerate them if we do not wish to share in their lies, curses, and blasphemy... Their synogues should be set on fire, and whatever does not burn should be covered over with dirt so that no one may ever see a cinder or stone of it... Their homes should likewise be broken down and destroyed... They ought to be put in a stable, like gypsies, in order that they may realize that they are not masters in our land, but miserable captives... They should be deprived of their prayer books and Talmuds in which such lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught... Their rabbis must be forbidden under penalty of death to teach any more...
( Luther seems to ignore the fact that Jesus was a Jewish rabbi teaching from Jewish sources.)
Passports and traveling priviledges should be absolutely forbidden to the Jews... Let them stay at home.
(The same homes Luther said should be destroyed ?)
All their cash and valuables, silver, and gold ought to be taken from them... Let the young and strong Jews and Jewesses be given the flail, the ax, the hoe, the spade, and let them earn their bread by the sweat of their brow...
Dear Princes and Nobles who have Jews in your domains, if this advice of mine does not suit you, then find a better one so that you may all be free of this insufferable devilish burden, the Jews."
- Martin Luther, Gegen die Juden und ihre Lugen, 1542.
How could anyone who professed to follow Jesus say things so hateful and jaded, so antithetical to everything Jesus taught and lived ? And Luther was not alone in this regard. Many other fathers of the Reformation were quick to have anyone who opposed their views tortured, murdered, burned at the stake. So how could a "Christian" nation, with all its beautiful churches and Protestant history give birth to Hitler and the Nazis ? The facts are plain to see. Religion is perhaps the most powerful weapon in th devil's arsenal.
"Dear Princes and Nobles who have Jews in your domains, if this advice of mine does not suit you, then find a better one so that you may all be free of this insufferable devilish burden, the Jews."
And that is exactly what Hitler and the Nazis, with the support of the German people, tried to do. They were all following Luther's advice... So much for the pomp and arrogance of theology and man's perverted religious institutions. There is nothing more dangerous than a mob of humans who think "God is on their side". Numerous rulers have taken advantage of this delusion many times.
God's true nature is revealed in the person, life and teachings of Jesus, not in the doctrines of men. God is love. That which brings life, healing, and wellbeing is of God, that which doesn't isn't. God does not make wars, afflict people with plagues, send armies to exterminate populations, or strike children, as the bible says He does. The bible is manmade book. Jesus Christ is the Word of God, not the bible. The fathers of the reformation placed the bible at the head of the church and the center of Protestantism. This was a mistake. As Jesus says, "God is Spirit and shall be worshipped in Spirit".
-written by John Niemi, Osaka, 2011.
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Most religions have (in the past if not at present) depicted our sensual desires as being evil, and pitted the "material world" against the spiritual, heavenly realm. However, if Life is not a random accident but an innate propensity, then it is illogical to designate the very creation which is attributed to God as being evil. Why, if God chose to incarnate as a human being in order to experience the totality of human life in order to better understand, would a "virgin birth" be required, which not only is impossible but goes against the very means of creation that all living things share. Why should physical procreation be deemed evil if it is central to the universal creative process ? Why should it be viewed as being evil ? In the OT sexual procreation is seen as somethng Holy and is often spoken of, a man "goes into his wife" and a child is born, etc. How was this chnaged by the church into something sinful ? Religions such as Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism have often depicted sexual desires as being something sinful and evil. This has led to a great deal of unhealthy behavior and repression. Rather than teaching people that sex is evil and that sexual desires are ungodly and sinful, we should understand them. We are biological beings, products of billions of years of evolution, and one of the most powerful motivators is the drive to procreate. We are often blinded by these biological processes, phermones, very powerful drugs that have a very real and pronounced effect on any healthy organism. Rather than seeing our sexual lusts and drives as being evil, we should see them as a big part of what and who we are. We should understand them so that we might be able to have some modicum of self control instead of being blindly driven by them. Rather than seeing them as something sinful and evil that should be repressed, we should understand that they are signs of a healthy person. All healthy people have these feelings, its not bad. But our religious institutions have often taught things that are not true, proferring old, deluded, ignorant doctrines and beliefs. I also think that people should marry when they are ready, i.e. at an earlier age, rather than having a number of "relationships" or "casual sex" until they find "the right partner"... This is not how it works at all. People should form an intimate loving, supportive, psycological and spiritual bond with their lifemate. Casual, promiscuous sex distroys the ability to do so. There is always sexual attraction between healthy compatible people but this does not mean we should have sex whenever we "get the urge" with anyone who is willing, as has become the norm these days. People meet and right away they are having sex, then they forget about it the next day. Its unnatural and wrong. No wonder so many people seem to have lost the ability to form a loving relationship. Indeed, such is often seen as being unfashionable, unhip, and unneccesary... And if a child should happen to be produced by such a union it is usually disposed of... People should be responsible for their actions and if thy are not ready to be parents they should not make babies. And if they do they should think of the child rather than their own selfish interests. Parenthood is a blessing, but nowadays the idea of a nuclear family is equally unfashionable.
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When Yoga goes Bad -
It is commonly held that Yogis in India may go through a period of insanity in their development. Zen students may go through similar experiences. Meditative techniques may employ sleep deprivation, negating the natural circadian rythms, and a sort of waking dream state is fostered, producing visions, etc. I think such practices do not result in enlightenment, but rather sick minds. Yogic literature often uses phrases such as, "obliterate the ego" or "annihilate sense impressions." Zen speaks of realizing the great emptiness, that all thoughts, perceptions of self, feelings of love or hate, are illusory... I think this is all wrong.
There is a Zen story in which a monk used to kick a cat every time he saw it, and after enlightenment he kicked it even harder. Christianity is about transformation and change, about growth, becoming less self-centered and more caring. It is not about destroying our egos or perceptions, but learning to understand them and become fully alive functioning beings. Love is the reality which Christians cultivate. It is not an illusion.
Whereas a Yogi may seek to develope "powers" the Christian does just the opposite, and only seeks to live according to God's Law, to become a good person. I think many of the so-called powers Yogis may develope may be more of a curse than a blessing, the sign of a sick mind that has been damaged and is not working properly. People need regular, good restful sleep. Sleep deprivation is harmful and can cause lasting physical and mental damage. Christians do not seek to impress anyone, but rather to learn to listen to the inner direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
A related topic, I was reading a book which purportedly was about memory and how to improve it. However the actual techniques the author espoused were dangerous and I believe harmful. So let me tell you how to improve your memory in a healthy and natural manner. We remember things we enjoy and feel are of value. This book advocated "memory training" which would result in the ability to memorize decks of cards, long series of random numbers, etc. No healthy mind would do this. There is no reason to memorize random meaningless information. This is not even "memory" in its true sense. For a proper example of memory training look at a musician who has learned hours of complex music by heart. This is done by practice and repetition, because the artist loves what she is doing. Because there is beauty and meaning in it. Because it gives us joy and inspires joy in others... But the "memory technique" this book spoke of do just the opposite, tricking the mind to rewire itself and program meaningless, souless, random information. This is what these so-called "memory athletes" have trained their minds to do. The author tells us Michael Jackson had spent over $340,000 on an intensive "memory training" program with one of the persons at the center of this book shortly before his death... Although the author of this book is a "science journalist" he fails to make the obvious possible connection. Maybe the reason why Michael Jackson was trying such a dangerous drug therapy was because this "memory training" had damaged his mind. Indeed, in this book, the person with "the best memory in the world" was actually suffering from an abnormality which made it impossible for him to forget anything, he retained everything, and was seeking help from a doctor... Did this "memory training" rewire Michael Jackson's brain so he was suffering from a similar condition, so he sought a radical drug therapy to give him some rest and release from a bunch of unforgetable random junk that had been wired into his brain ? This book is popular. It is also very dangerous. This is not memory, but tricking the mind into functioning in a sick, and abnormal manner. Healthy people do not retain huge amounts random, useless "junk information" - this is not improving memory, it is dehumanizing and harmful.
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The unjustifyable (even immoral) risk of nuclear energy - by John Niemi, Osaka, Japan 4-21-20011
Even if nuclear plants were totally safe, the fact that they produce waste which will remain extremely deadly for many thousands of years should be grounds for banning all nuclear power plants. But who cares about future generations ? Our exorbitant energy consumptive lifestyle is all that matters. And the power industry certainly does not want to conserve energy, that would cut into their profits. So we run merrily towards the destruction of most of the living things on the earth. If you think this is an exaggeration, it is not. The earth does not change, there will always be earthquakes, and periodically they will be over magnitude 9. There will always be tsunami, and periodically they will be of the giant super destructive variety. This will never change. To construct cities near fault lines is creating a future disaster. Buildings and power plants may be designed to withstand magnitude 6 earthquakes, but that is not going to be sufficient in a much more powerful quake. There are over 400 nuclear energy plants worldwide, each with multiple reactors. It would only take disasters at a few of these plants to release enough radiation into the environment to have very long lasting and catastrophic effects. A few pounds of plutonium released into the atmosphere could spell doom for most living things on earth. Peolpe are not aware of just how dangerous these materials are. Government and industry officials may be ignorant and totally unsuited to deal with a nuclear crisis. And sooner or later we will run out of nuclear fuel, eventually we will be forced to develope solar energy and live less power consumptive lifestyles. I think it would be better to ban nuclear power ad skip the upcoming mega-disasters. Experts say our economy would suffer, well so be it. We are addicted to living irresponsibly and have to kick the habit. For the sake of future generations. We do not have the right to do this to the earth. So what if people have to live more primitive lives? Not only that, most modern people are, fat, unhealthy and dumbing down at an alarming rate, so whats the point of perpetuating this dehumanizing gluttonous lifestyle?
"A commonly cited quote by Ralph Nader, states that a pound of plutonium dust spread into the atmosphere would be enough to kill 8 billion people. However, the math shows that only up to 2 million people can be killed by inhaling (a pound of) plutonium. This makes the toxicity of plutonium roughly equivalent with that of nerve gas." - Wikipedia
One pound equals 400 grams, so thats 5,000 people per gram of inhaled plutonium dust, conservatively, or, .005 gram per person... even this conservative estimate is extremely lethal... A mass of one gram is approx. equal to that of one small paper clip. So a mass of Plutonium 239 equal to a box of 400 small paperclips is enough to kill 2,000,000 outright if they inhale it. A teaspoon holds about 5 grams, so a teaspoon of plutonium is enough to kill 25,000 people if they inhaled it. How many particles of dust does a teaspoon hold ? Divide that by 25,000 and thats how many particles of plutonium dust would kill you if you inhaled them... 1/25,000th of a teaspoon. Clearly nobody has the right to make such dangerous substances. Yet large quantities of it are being handled worldwide. This is insane. This is wrong. We do not have the right to take such risks.
Imagine how much of this is being produced as waste in the 400 nuclear power plants around the world. With a half-life of 24,000 years it is unconscienable to be making this stuff. There is no garunteed secure, safe means of disposing of wastes for such a long perion of time. But what will happen if the spent fuel in storage pools leaks out in the advent of a disaster such as in Fukushima ? Imagine if there are more earthquakes which destroy other nuclear plants as well, and large amounts of this waste are released into the environment. This is a potential catastrophe unlike any the earth has experienced within the last 65,000,000 years. It is too risky, irresponsible, and arrogant - because it is not a permanent energy source. After several hundred years, or sooner if we increase the number of nuclear power plants, it will run out too. So why risk probable future mega-disasters when someday we will have to develope solar energy anyway.
If cities are destroyed in earthquakes many people will die.
If a few of the world's nuclear power plants are destroyed and their nuclear fuel and waste leak into the environment it will effect all life on earth for (thousands of ?) years to come.
If we have a disaster every twenty years, or every fifty years, it will accumulate, these materials are unimaginably toxic and very long lived.
There is a huge difference between the destruction of a city, which is certainly a major disaster, and the radioactive pollution of lands, lakes, seas and atmosphere.
People do not seem to realize how dangerous this technology is when we factor in inevitable major earth quakes every 50 or so years...
Ban nukes, develope solar and other sane forms of energy, and reshape our communities along simpler, less energy consumptive lines.
People can walk and ride bicycles, houses can be smaller and subterranean, larger energy efficient community dwellings should replace single family dwellings. Wood frame construction should be replaced with stonger types of structures that can withstand storms, fire, earhtquakes, etc. And the idea of turning the countryside into suburbs should be reversed. We should live in urban areas which in turn should be designed to resemble the countryside, with trees, parks, waterways...
If we are not going to ban nuclear energy, then the whole field needs a major overhaul. It should be internationalized. There should be clear and specific protocalls and proceedures to be put in effect immediately in the advent of a nuclear emergency. There should be an international nuclear emergency response corp. A nuclear emergency is an international emergency and we cannot worry about offending local governments or corporations. We cannot allow local power companies and ineffectual government officials to handle such potentially catastrophic situations. People who are elected to government office or become executives at a power company may be ignorant of the nature of nuclear materials, etc. All nuclear plants should be internationally licensed and designed, with interchanable parts, state of the art modular digital technology (with replacable plug-in modules that any one could install) - does anyone use a 1975 phone ? - why the hell are we using 1975 technology in nuclear power plants ? If power plants cannot be designed to be 100% safe, then we should not use them.
Nuclear waste repositories are being constructed which will supposedly keep these wastes safe from humans for 100,000 years ! This is insane. It is impossible to construct anything that will last 100,000 years, and it is impossible to fortell how these wastes will impact future generations. We definitly cannot garuntee their safety. For this reason alone, nuclear power is immoral, irresponsible, and almost certain to have dire consequences for future inhabitants of the earth. There is no morally justifiable reason for doing this. We will run out of nuclear fuel anyway, at which time we will be even more reliant on non-renewable energy sources and it will be even more difficult to switch over to renewable sources such as solar and wind.
The only responsible, sane solution is to reduce energy consumption now by abandoning our wasteful modern practices and start living less energy consumptive lifestyles. This means designing better buildings, communities, and developiing various renewable energy sources at the community and individual household level, rather than being dependent upon energy corporations. It means communities in which people do not need to use cars. We are addicted to cars, we would be better without them. Same with brightly lit cities at night. We could also grow more of our own food, produce more goods locally, etc. High tech sailing ships, cut way back on air travel, learn to enjoy lives in our communities and their surrounding areas instead of jetsetting half-way around the world for a weeks vacation. Live more in keeping with the way people have lived in the past. It would be healthier, there would be less disease, the world would be a better place.
Also, birth control is essential. There are too many people in the world and the environment is being destroyed as a result. We need safe, modern forms of birth control (not abortion) available to all people, and religious institutions should start teaching responsible living and stop telling people birth conrol is wrong. Parents should set an example for their children by living sane, responsible lives rather than the sort of gluttonous, self-indulgent, promiscuity that has become the norm. People are brainwashed by media which bombard them with images of promiscuous sex, mindless consumerism, gluttonous eating habits, junk foods, gun violence, drug use, etc...
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My ideas of building safe nulcear power plants - by John Niemi, Osaka, Japan, 4-7-2011
Current nuclear reactors require power to lower and raise fuel rods and to pump cooling water through the system.
I propose a simple solution - have the reactor situated above a cooling tank, rather then below, and when in use the fuel rods would be raised into position then held in place by electro-magnets. In the event of a power failure the electro-magnets would release the fuel rods which would then sink down out of the reactor core into the cooling tank. In other words, the default setting should be safe, not requiring any energy to achieve.
Emergency cooling tanks should be situated so water flows automatically by force of gravity rather than requiring pumps. Again, in the event of a power failure, gates which are held closed by electro-magnets would simply open and water would flow through the system. Energy would be required to keep the system in operation, not to shut it down or cool it. Furthermore, a large volume of sand could be stored above the structure should it be necessary to dump it on the reactor core in a worst case senario.
I think we can learn from the military as to the proper way to construct safer structures - control rooms should be able to withstand being submerged, a terrorist attack, or any possible disaster, however unlikely it may appear to be. Better safe than irradiating vast areas and millions of people. Cost should not be a factor in safe nuclear powerplant design.
We can learn from how missle silos were constrcted, from the back-up systems in nuclear submarines, etc. The current powerplant design is no where near adequate in terms of safety.
I think there should be Internationally Standardized Reactor Designs with state-of -the-art (compact) modular digital systems. If a system failed the module could simply be unplugged from the control panel and another one inserted. In this manner any repairs would be simple and all parts would be the same so technicians from any country could repair a reactor in another country, and there would be a ready supply of these modular parts.
The Fukushima plant is an old General Electric design from the 1970s ! Does anyone use a 1975 telephone, refridgerator, car, or TV ? Surely nuclear reactors should be current state-of-the-art technology... But upgrading costs money and for-profit corporations will continue using a plant as long as they can. This has to change before its too late.
Since nuclear power has become a source of energy there have already been 2 major disasters. The earth is not going to change - there will alsway be occasional big earthquakes, there will always be occasional giant tsunamis, etc. But becasue there were none during the time these nuclear plants were being constructed, their builders claim "nobody could forsee such a disaster." Yet in 1964 there was another giant earthquake and tsunami in Alsaka. Several years ago there was a large tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Japan is one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world... clearly its current nulcear plants are all potential mega-disasters waiting to happen.
But - is nuclear power ever justifiable ? Is it right to bury nulcear waste which will remain deadly for thousands of years, passing our deadly wastes onto untold future generations ? Even if nuclear power was totally safe, this issue alone should be grounds for banning it.
The worldwide proliferation of this technology spells almost certain doom at some point.
Its simply not worth it. Better to learn to live with less energy and ban nuclear power worldwide, and also nuclear weapons should be dismantled, However, one justifiable use of nuclear power is to dispose of nuclear weapons fuel...
Nuclear power should not be the domain of private corporations. This is clearly an area in which the cheapest way to produce power should not be tolerated. We cannot risk the lives of billions of people and destroying the earth for future generations so corporations can make more profit.
Governments may be ineffectual in dealing with such crisis - any nuclear emergency should be dealt with by the military. The very slow response in dealing with this extreme emergency in Fukushima underscores the need for a special Nulcear Emergency Response Team that will take charge immediately. The fate of many millions of people cannot be entrusted to a private power company.
There is also need for much better safety systems, redundant non-electrical back-up systems, robots, emergency equipment on hand, back-up portable generators etc. - this is not something that can be left up to corporations - they are not going to spend alot of money on emergency equipment and systems they may never need...
Such a meltdown in such a densely populated area of the world would be a disaster unlike any the world has ever seen, yet inspite of this the Japanese government seems to have been reticent, or incapable of taking swift action, seemingly prefering a "wait and see" attitude. If it is possible to prevent a meltdown we will have dodged a bullet that could have spelled doom for many millions of people, not just in Japan's very populous cities, but in China, Korea, and other regions. A meltdown in multiple reactors will be much worse than Chernobal and have a global effect.
Faced with this unimaginably dangerous threat we cannot afford to play politics or cut corners to save money. Clearly it would be much better to turn of the lights at night and conserve power and do without nuclear energy all together. We should abandon this technology while we still have the chance and develope other safe and environmentally safe means for producing energy. Corporations are not interested in conservation - they want people to use as much electricity as possible.
Imagine what would happen if large cities such as Tokyo have to be evacuated, possibly abandoned, most people would not be able to escape as there is no way to move so many people in a short time. There are over 11 million people in the Tokyo area, and there are numerous other big cities, such an emergency could impact million s of people in Japan, plus people in equally large cities in other Asian countries... Clearly a private corporation should not be entrusted with Nulear technology for profit. Clearly this technology is not worth the risk to the earth and all its inhabitants. We should live responsibly and sanely.
Another idea - housing in coastal areas should be multifloor concrete condeminiums, capable of withstanding a tsunami, instead of wood frame single family dwellings, tall enough so people could escape to the roof in the event of a tsunami, and designed in such a manner that water and debris would flow around the structure. Survival lockers could be situated on the roofs stocked with materials. Normally these areas could be used for hanging laundry and/or recreation by the residents of the building. All new buildings in coastal areas should be of such design.
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I was watching a program about he oil sands in Canada... if this oil could be harvested without releasing poisons into the environment it would be one thing, but the process of removing this oil from the sands is very energy intensive and releases large amounts of arsenic and other deadly pollutants into the environment. Proponents of oil sand mining c.aim that without oil our economy would collapse. That is becasue our economy is built upon wasteful use of ever increasing amounts of energy produced by fossil fuels and unclear power. However even the Canadian supply of oil will run out and we will be in even worse shape because by that time we will require even greater amounts of energy to maintain our wasteful systems. Sooner or later we will be forced to conserve energy and live within our means, if the earth is not destroyed before than. It would be much more sensible to change the way our societies are designed. For example, people would not need cars if they lived near their place of employment, The idea of living in giant wood frame single family dwellings out in the country and commuting to work is a huge waste of time and energy - it is a luxury that is no longer practical, responsible, or intelligent. Wood frame single family housing is unsafe - fires, tornados, hurricanes - and wastes huge amounts of energy. We could build much better community structures, covered with earth and grass, with passive solar water heating systems. This requires no new technology, only a willingness to change "the way we do things." Industries develope standards, whether they are good or not, and then we just assume thats normal. Advertising companies trick people into buying things they don't need, eating things that are bad for them, and living in ways that are wrong. So now the Canadian economy is becoming dependent on sales of oil from oil sand to the USA and lo and behold, they are building new communities with tracts of big, wood frame single family dwellings - going in the opposite direction of what we should be doing. Corporations influence governments and spend huge amounts of money on advertising (propaganda)...
The nuclear power industry is no different. Corporations by their very nature will spend as little as possible, so old out-of-date reactors are kept in service until something like fukushima threatens the lives fo millions... It wrong, it has to change before its too late. Since nuclear power has become a source of energy there have already been 2 major disasters. The earth is not going to change - there will alsway be occasional big earthquakes, there will always be occasional giant tsunamis, etc. But becasue there were none during the time these nuclear plants were being constructed, their builders claim "nobody could forsee such a disaster." Yet in 1946 there was another giant earthquake and tsunami in Alsaka. Japan is one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world... clearly its current nulcear plants are all disasters waiting to happen.
And someday w will run out of nuclear fuel ! So whats the point ? Why risk the destruction of the human race, or disasters that could kill millions and sicken many millions more. Why commit the immoral act of "disposing" of our nuclear wastes, materials that will remain deadly for thousands of years, in nuclear waste dumps that are already leaking and unstable ? No one has the right to do this to the earth or future generations of its inhabitants ! Its just plain wrong. And why is this being done ? So we can construct obsene brightly lit gaudy cities and tool around the countryside in our wasteful cars, live in big luxurious homes, and stuff ourselves with fake "food", until we are fat, unhealthy... so healthcare and medical insurance costs skyrocket, thats big corporate business too... sick people are more profitable than healthy ones... This is the worldwide economic system we are perpetuating. Its out of control, and if we don't change it we will most assuredly suffer the consequences, or our children will. We have no right to destroy the futures of unborn billions with our wasteful and polluting lifestyle.
Sooner or later we will be forced to live within our means. Why not do it before the shit hits the fan, while we still have the chance, before its too late ?
Our corporate/governmantal institutions will fight any such changes that threaten their cashflow, this is the main problem, it is not a matter of developing new technology as much as new institutions.
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Why Bibleanity is wrong -
from Ezekiel, KJV - 9,4 -And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem... Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity... 6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women...
God's Word Translation - 9,5 - Then he said to the others as I was listening, “Follow him throughout the city and kill. Don’t have any compassion, and don’t feel sorry. 6 Kill old men, young men, old women, young women, and children. But don’t come near anyone who has a mark on him. Start with my holy place.” So they started with the old men in front of the temple. 7 He said to them, “Dishonor the temple! Fill its courtyards with dead people, and then leave.” So they went out and killed the people in the city.
This is crazy - however it was commonplace among ancient peoples to slaughter other people when a city was conquered, even the "enlightened" Greeks did it, the people in the bible were not unique in this regard. However the Greeks would kill men of military age and enslave the rest of the people. And in the bible other countries, such as Babylon, would take captives to serve as slaves, but in the case of the Babylonian captives many of them chose to remain there when given the chance to return home. Daniel was trained and given a very high position in his captive country, for example. In Egypt people from other cultures may have been welcomed, as in the case of numerous Hebrew refugees whose stories are told in the bible. The largest concentration of Jewish people was in Alexandria... So, according to the bible, in other countries people of other cultures were often seen as an asset. In ancient Rome slaves could earn their freedom and were often well treated, so perhaps the practice of killing entire populations was the result of the doctrine of "Holy War", of "Ban" as it says in the bible...
And modern warfare has slaughtered civilians in much greater numbers. A military officer who grew up in such a church with this belief may have been more inclined to order the fire bombing of a city, for example. I think this has happened many times over thousands of years, especially in WWII. Man is a sick, violent animal. The bible, rather than being the "Word of God" records this persistent unholy behavior and how men create religious institutions like the "Holy Bible" to justify their crazy actions, and how horrible, totally unChristian acts have been committed in the name of Christ many times throughout history.
There are many, many passages in the bible of this nature. To say this sort of thing isthe Word of God is sick, and dangerous. And adults are teaching this to children and giving children complete bibles containing all these horrible passages. What is a child to think. Bible "experts" make a living misleading people. Why doesn't the church speak out against this ? Why does the church support these horrible passages and say they are God's Word ? This has nothing to do with Jesus. It is the opposite of everything he did and said.
Men are quick to twist the truth the suit their deluded ends. This doctrine of a divine bible perpetuates wars and suffering and brutality in the world. The bible is the one of the most humorless books every conceived. It is important because it tells us about Jesus and the context of his incarnation, but I don't think he was so humorless and gloomy as the writings of the bible. Jesus showed us God's true nature - he never hurt anyone, he always went out of his way to heal people whenever he could, he lived and taught non-violence and unconditonal love. The doctrine of a divine and "Holy Bible" perpetuates the very things Jesus gave his life to cure us from. Much of what these bible experts are teaching people is the exact opposite of what Jesus says and does.
And the advocates of bibleanity, aside from attributing many non-existent doctrines to the bible, misrepresent the life, teachings, person, and spirit of Jesus. Why people who profess to be followers of Jesus persist in such activities is a testament to the pervasivness of man's delusions and his persistence in twisting God's truth to suit his unholy ends. For example, one tiny example among many in the bible, the author of Apocalypse (retitled Revelation) who is anonymous (but church says it was the Apostle John) says Jesus is going to kill the children of a certain church memeber, in the epistles other church members who fail to donate 100% of the money from the sale of their land to the church are struck dead, and the other church members are terrified... What we see here is the very same sort of false manmade religious doctrines which Jesus gave his life to cure us from.
Jesus always practiced non-violence -
the cleansing of the temple has been misinterpreted as well - Jesus fastened a whip out of rope, whichwas used for driving lifestock, not on people, and drove the animals which were being sold in the outer courtyard of the temple, the place that was supposed to be reserved for non-Jewish people to worship but had been turned into an animal market by greedy vendors, Jesus drove the animals out of the courtyard and in the process the animals knocked over the money-changers tables -
Jesus always healed people, Jesus told us to love our enemies, Jesus never ever said to kill or hurt anyone. Yet later authors of NT epistles altered Jesus' true teachings, life, and example... These writings were never intended as amendments to the Jewish bible. This was done by the church centuries later to legitimize their doctrines and political power.
Jesus always said we should discern that which is true from that which is not.
The love compass - that which brings peace, wellbeing, healing, life, and love is of God, that which doesn't isn't.
Its very simple.
The advocates of bibleanity, the theologians whose livlihood depends upon much useless, distracting verbage, the publishing companies who enrich themselves, and the gullible masses of churchgoers who willingly partake of their deluded offering, all of these people have alot onvested in maintaining the false institution of bibleanity.
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Why Jesus said we must learn to discriminate between whats true and false,
and why many "authorities-experts" should shut up and spend more time in prayer and mediatation -
for example, James 1,6 says
(words in parenthesis have been added to the bible text by translators, all of whom have specific doctrinal agenda) :
"But (let him) ask in faith with no doubting (diakrinomenos 1252) for the (one who) doubts (diakrinomenos 1252) (is) like a wave (of the) sea (that is) driven and tossed (by the wind). 1,7 For the person (anthropos) (must) not suppose that (he will) recieve anything form the Lord. (He is a) double-minded (dipsychos) man unstable in all his ways.
This is wrong.
We can chose to follow God's Way of Life even if we have doubts.
Everyone has doubts. "Blind faith" is immature. How could anyone live in this world and not have doubts at times ?
The word "diakrinomenos" does not mean "doubt" ! It means to be separated from, i.e. to willfully chose not to follow God's Way of Life, and to live in a manner that is opposed to God's Way of life. This is totally different from "doubting". It really pisses me off when some bible thumping "expert" gets on a high horse and professes his complete faith in the literal word of God, etc... Popular authors get rich touting this innane POV, like con artists. I think people 2,000 years ago were much more intelleigent. Jesus said we have to test all spirits, not blindly swallow whatever anyone who sports the label "Christian" tells us.
What this passage is saying is an accurate observation - when people chose to pursue unhealthy, unnatural, disharmonious, unpeaceful, selfish, hedonistic, gluttonous Ways of Living, if they continue in their pursuit of such a lifestyle the result is "dipsychos", literally a split psyche, which is very different from being "double-minded", or "wavering".
A split psyche is the result of separating from the true Way of Life, it is a very serious, tangible medical condition, a debilitating illness.
At times it may be the result of trauma, or at times from living in an unhealthy way which damages us.
Hence actions undertaken while in this very sick state will probably not bear good fruit, and everything we do in such a state is "unstable" because it is founded upon something false, impermanent, unhealthy, that does not benefit anyone.
I think it would be better to change " Ask without doubting" to "Ask from a basis in the Spirit, from the heart, with sincerity and compassion" or something like that. But that does not fit the agenda of many religious groups, who desire a more punitive, argumentative translation, in spite of what Jesus actually said, and lived, and demonstrated, and taught.
We live in a time when we are bombarded by lies, advertising companies try to trick us into buying and consuming things we do not need and that actually are harmful. Fake synthetic food containing hundreds of synthetic chemicals is packaged with pictures of real healthy food of the package. Corporations sole purpose for existing is to get you to buy their products or services, even if you do not need them, even if they are harmful, even if they will kill you... There is no morality, only the insatiable lust for more and more profits. Whole societies maybe suffering from this very condition. "If the Lord doesn't build the city, the watchman watches in vain."
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Bibleanity misrepresents the life, teachings, and person of Jesus Christ -
"Study Bibles" usually contain a good deal of text propagandizing certain doctrines, and interpret Jesus from an errant POV.
For example, the HCSB Study Bible has this annotation regarding Matthew 3,11 -
"Jesus would also baptise people with fire, a reference to divine judgement against unrepentant sinners... God's punishment is eternal."
Here is what the bible says, Matthew 3.11 - "I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to take off His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out."
Notice, "He himself will baptise YOU with the Holy Spirit AND fire." This is not talking about two different groups of people, but rather the process by which we are transformed into new beings in Christ. Our good attributes (wheat) are preserved and strenghtened, and our bad character traits (the chaff) are totally destroyed. This is a positive statement, those things which formerly led us to sin and the results they produced in us will be totally purged, burned up, no trace will remain.
This is not talking about divine punishement, because - that is not Jesus' nature, it never was and never will be, no matter what these "experts" may write in their books.
But these doctors with all their glorious degrees miss this very important fundamentally basic Christian point and instead advocate the errant OT view of a wrathful God which Jesus gave his life to correct.
Now, this is not what Jesus taught or lived. Jesus says we are supposed o love our enemies. Jesus said he came to save sinners. So how can anyone matter-of-factly proclaim that he is going to punish anyone who doesn't believe in him with fire. This is rediculous. These people should spend more time living the way Jesus told us to and less time
trying to conform Jesus to their mistaken ideas. This is a shallow interpretation, and not even in keeping with what the bible actually says. Its sad that many of these doctors and authorities often distort the very writings they profess to be the "Word of God".
Jesus taught in parables, he wants us to interpret his teachngs, as well as the bible, from a basis in His Living Spiritual Presence, Which is unconditional love (that means to love "unbelievers" as well, as he does) infinite compassion (which our limited human minds cannot concieve of, hence these "authorities" devote themselves to the very sort of deluded bickering Jesus denounces), and total faith (this does not mean unquestioning, nor free of doubt, but deciding to follow Jesus' instructions even if we don't feel like it).
To say Jesus is going to punish unbelievers wtih fire cannot be what this passage means. Such a statement is dangerous and presumptuous. In the bible fire is often seen as a manifestation of the divine. The bible says we will be purified by fire - this is not a literal statemet, but means we will be tested, strengthened, and gradually changed into new people, as steel is tempered or gold is purified. These analogies appear many times throughout the bible.
Now, given the fact that Jesus always taught forgiveness, compassion, non-judgementalness, non-violence, and humility, even to the point of accepting death on the cross - how can people make such untrue statements ? Becasue they believe in a divinely dictated, perfect and infallibe bible and put it before the person of Jesus Christ, and then write these ridiculous "authoritative" pronouncements from their ignorant POV.
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Martin Luther, father of the Reformation, on the treatment of Jews wrote in 1542 - or - How the father of the Protestant Reformation paved the way for Nazi genocide - in his actual words -
"What shall Christians do with this damned rejected race of Jews ? Since they live among us and we know about their lying and blasphemy and cursing, we cannot tolerate them if we do not wish to share in their lies, curses, and blasphemy... Their synogues should be set on fire, and whatever does not burn should be covered over with dirt so that no one may ever see a cinder or stone of it... Their homes should likewise be broken down and destroyed... They ought to be put in a stable, like gypsies, in order that they may realize that they are not masters in our land, but miserable captives... They should be deprived of their prayer books and Talmuds in which such lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught... Their rabbis must be forbidden under penalty of death to teach any more...
( Luther seems to ignore the fact that Jesus was a Jewish rabbi teaching from Jewish sources.)
Passports and traveling priviledges should be absolutely forbidden to the Jews... Let them stay at home.
(The same homes Luther said should be destroyed ?)
All their cash and valuables, silver, and gold ought to be taken from them... Let the young and strong Jews and Jewesses be given the flail, the ax, the hoe, the spade, and let them earn their bread by the sweat of their brow...
Dear Princes and Nobles who have Jews in your domains, if this advice of mine does not suit you, then find a better one so that you may all be free of this insufferable devilish burden, the Jews."
- Martin Luther, Gegen die Juden und ihre Lugen, 1542.
How could anyone who professed to follow Jesus say things so hateful and jaded, so antithetical to everything Jesus taught and lived ? And Luther was not alone in this regard. Many other fathers of the Reformation were quick to have anyone who opposed their views tortured, murdered, burned at the stake. So how could a "Christian" nation, with all its beautiful churches and Protestant history give birth to Hitler and the Nazis ? The facts are plain to see. Religion is perhaps the most powerful weapon in th devil's arsenal.
"Dear Princes and Nobles who have Jews in your domains, if this advice of mine does not suit you, then find a better one so that you may all be free of this insufferable devilish burden, the Jews."
And that is exactly what Hitler and the Nazis, with the support of the German people, tried to do. They were all following Luther's advice... So much for the pomp and arrogance of theology and man's perverted religious institutions. There is nothing more dangerous than a mob of humans who think "God is on their side". Numerous rulers have taken advantage of this delusion many times.
God's true nature is revealed in the person, life and teachings of Jesus, not in the doctrines of men. God is love. That which brings life, healing, and wellbeing is of God, that which doesn't isn't. God does not make wars, afflict people with plagues, send armies to exterminate populations, or strike children, as the bible says He does. The bible is manmade book. Jesus Christ is the Word of God, not the bible. The fathers of the reformation placed the bible at the head of the church and the center of Protestantism. This was a mistake. As Jesus says, "God is Spirit and shall be worshipped in Spirit".
-written by John Niemi, Osaka, 2011.
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The digitally addicted person -
addicted to a constant barrage of screen stimulae, the fodder of an out-of-control heartless corporate world economy, dumbing down, fattening up. We are victims of technology run amuck. Look at new TV shows if you can. Just a barrage of images, no depth, shallow stories if any, just fleeting impressions to cover the emptiness of the techno-soul. We need to develope the ability to observe, to be quiet, to listen, to ponder, to read and write - all of these talents are being abandoned in favor of technopablum spoonfed by an army of sceen devices. How can people be so foolish as to embrace this fad that is destroying their very being. The digitalmind is a fleeting semiconscious entity that has lost touch with its human roots. It has become blinded by a false digitized stream of images and sounds that has little coherence and no long term intent other than to provide ever increasing income for corporate entities that are equally illusory. None of these can ever be satisifed, they always want more. We will need to construct safe off-line communities, oasis of sanity and learning amid this exploding world of technology that is destroying young minds. People are forced to use computers if they are to work. Children in schools are forced to use computers if they are to get passing grades. The more humane skills are being abandoned and replaced by heartless psuedoskills. Manipulating data and information is the way to success in the digital world. An inhuman jungle of mostly useless and unneccesary information and products. We would be much better off without most of it The world's problems are caused by humankinds failure to live civil and compassionate lives. The technoworld will reduce people to a subhuman level, their minds rewired and their past skills and capabilities forgotten. Attention span is a sign of intelligence and the digital world destroys attention span. People 100 years ago were far more intelligent, far more capable, far more talented, we just have a larger database, and its snowballing. Children are being harmed by this. Its wrong. Its time to "turn off and drop out" for the sake of humanity, perhaps some people will be able to do this, to live apart from the web and the technoworld, a new type of survivalist. Read books, go to bookstores, watch classic films, listen to music, dance, meditate, excersize outdoors, grow food if you can, at least eat real food, a healthy balanced diet and no junkfood, sleep at night, appreciate quiet times... These are skills that need to be developed and nurtured. Perhaps there will be a new sort of community that rejects the technoworld with limited new ecologically beneficial technology... do not let technology blind you, reclaim your life before its too late.
From a religious POV, God speaks to us in the quiet times, we need to develope the ability to listen to God's spiritual voice within us. This is why it is essential to learn to meditate, from a Christian basis, and to control our minds, to lead disciplined lives. But now people are bombarded with information and a constant "noise" of mental business. When this happens they may loose touch with their inner being, the source of truth and their humanity, that part of them which is "created in God's image" - clearly, no technological advance is worth this price. So, this new technology must be used carefully and with proper perspective. Most of the information is just a diversion from life, an obession for people who are unable to be quiet, people who may be unable to concentrate for long periods of time, people who are addicted to a constant barrage of mental noise to cover-up the emptiness they feel if its absent. This is unhealthy and bad for humankind.
People need some solitude for reflection, to think about things, to get to know themselves. People need to become friends with themselves if they are to be truely friendly with another. This "new connectedness" that some people are praising is really a shallow substitute for actual personal interaction. There is no touch, no personal presence, people are reduced to digital images and messages. And because this sort of "connectedness" is not truely satisfying, people become more desparate and relie upon it more. Its a selfreinforcing addiction to digital images and messages delivered via screens. For example, kids go to summer camp and there is a blog so parents can see what their children are doing each day. Imagine if you were a kid at camp and in the back of your mind you knew images of you were being sent to your parents... there is no privacy. That time belongs to children. They should have memories and experiences of their own. Being a parent should include allowing children privacy and freedom to become independent individuals. We need to be separate in order to become fully human. We need times of separation so we can appreciate and enjoy being together. This so-called "new connectedness" robs people of this very important aspect of life. Without such times a separation, times of privacy, times when we do not know what others are doing and thinking, times when people can form their own views and become selfreliant, without this we will not be able to develope fully as human beings.
Advertising - its dishonest. It is a means of manipulating people into purchasing products, many of which are not good for them. It is deceptive and immoral. For example, Coca Cola, "the Real Thing" is unhealthy and bad for children, yet the soda companies have their machines in schools and children are targeted by their advertising. "Sex sells" so advertising is intentionally design to stimulate people sexually on a subliminal level and use that urge to motivate people to buy things. Amercia exports its unhealthy fast food obsession worldwide by means of such corporate propaganda.
The "entertainment industry" routinely depicts religious people as being idiots and people who use drugs and foul language and permiscuous sex as being cool and good. Then they have "academy awards" and give themselves awards.
The movie "Little Miss Sunshine" is a good example. The grandfather is a drug addict who uses profanity almost every time he speaks, he advises his grandson to "F alot of women, not just one, but alot of women", etc. pornograph, profanity and drugs, are shown as being hip and cool... And most movies are of this ilk these days, or else are like computerized video games, loud, noisey and violent.
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When we look at the night sky and glimpse a few of the billions of stars it is hard to fathom how we can be so vain and petty. We fight and kill for tiny areas of territory when we are surrounded by an infinity of space and other worlds. Yet we waste our skills and knowledge in the age old pursuits of warfare and destruction. Though we are all unquestionalbly a product of this same infinite universe we constantly strive to fabricate differences, nationalities, religions, races, we constantly dream up labels and then pretend they are what is real, when in actuality our labels are but feeble glmpses. We award ouselves degrees and titles and positions of power but in the end they are all essentially meaningless if taken apart from the whole of what we truely are. Our religions and sciences give us views and ideas, but they are imperfect at best and dangerously misguided at worst. Unless we can learn to temper our genetically encoded violent and aggressive predisposition whatever scientific, political, economic and religious institutions we create will fail in the long run. The most important thing we need to do, the true business at hand, should be learning to live in peace and harmony with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth. Then we can pool our resources and reach out into the solar system and beyond.
But is the dream of humans moving beyond the earth and developing long term colonies realistic or actually possible ? Unless humankind can learn to live in peace and harmony on the earth and harness their resources on a planetary scale I think not. Imagine living somewhere where there is no living thing. no air, extreme heat and cold, deadly radiation... Imagine what it would be like to live indoors and never walk outside free from the constraints of a massive and complex protective suit. New technologies will be required, and currently we waste almost all of our resources and energies supporting obsolete government and policital institutions. We have no choice in the matter, we are forced to support these institutions, even if we believe they are wrong. So until we become truely civil and rise to a new level of living I doubt such dreams are realistic. First things first. If we can't live peacably on this gorgeous Eden of a planet, how can we possibly expect to fair better on some lifeless world ? We do have the ability to do this, but our abilities have always been subverted by our political, religious, and economic institutions. We will need to develope facilities for manufacturing everything life requires. We can do this, we have the technology right now. but the problem is our resources have been diverted to the pursuit of deluded agenda, wars, corporate bailouts, perpetuating failed government bureaucracies, etc. The people in power work for the very same institutions which are at the heart of the problem... So we continue to repeat the same mistakes over and over. Technological advance does not change this, we continue to suffer from the same ills.
Before humankind is able to move out into the solar system we will have to correct this basic and most fundamental problem - to end wars and live in peace and harmony. We will need advanced robotic craft and tools to pave the way, robotic habitats and supply ships. Comfortable and durable and reliable suits. New food production technologies. Ships and habitats that are enjoyable and healthy to live in. If we are able to realize the first and most important step the others would follow easily. These are not complex things to do, and once we took the initial plunge and became a spacefairing species things would develope rapidly. We learn by doing. Perhaps our future may see vast domed cities on Mars where people strap on wings and fly free as birds. Perhaps we will be able to grow new living environments through longterm planetary engineering projects. Or perhaps we will just devolve into a sickly, polluted, hot, overpopulated world, our future lost due to our inablitiy to solve this elementary problem.
Furthermore, although scientists often deride religion and spiritual life, I think that a spiritual focus will be essential for future extraterrestrials. Perhaps yogis would make the best astronauts. Clearly such a life will require people who can see beyond this temporal existence and are content to serve something more lasting and meaningful than their own personal gratification. Such people will need to be truely disciplined and mature, free from petty concerns and annoyances. Why not train smaller size people as astronauts? I think free diving would be a useful training technique, as well as mediation and the ability to find peace and contentment within. It seeems to me astronauts should be chosen from among submariners and divers as well as pilots and scientists.
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My ideas regarding space suits, Mars settlement -
Every astronaut will tell you space suits are extremely difficult to work in and require huge expenditures of energy. So why not eliminate the current style big bulky suits? Why not use portable shields that can be carried about or positioned as needs be? Rather than trying to walk around on Mars - I mean whats the point - astronauts cannot touch or feel anything, their suits are a great liability. Instead, why not have vehicle/shelters with faceplates and gloved sleeves? Most work can be performed from within, using various tools incorporated in the vehicle. If an EVA is desirable, a lightweight suit with umbilical cord could be used. Protective canopies could extend from the vehicle. Lightweight tentlike or umbrella shields could be carried over longer distances if need be. The whole current concept of a spacesit with 4 arms and legs is an anthropocentric mistake. Why not simple inflatable bags with boots and gloves, easy to slip on with an airsupply that is simply refilled from the vehicle if freedom from umbilical is desired, essentially wearable tents? There is no good reason that better quality robots cannot be developed to eliminate the need for most EVA activities, other than supervisory. There is no good reason for humans to be clunking around in bulky suits hitting rocks with hammers ! Those are things for machines to be doing. This whole idea of astronauts carrying wrenches and fixing stuff may be called upon in some emergency but it should not be how things are usually done. If an astronaut needs to go EVA an external radiation/meteor shield would first be positioned robotically, or perhaps carried by the astronaut, who would then supervise robotic activities wearing a much lighter and more comfortable spacesuit with umbilical/tether. Future Martians could live in their vehicle/shelters while exploring the surface, operating under lightwieght portable shelters when working outside. You can't take off your suit and breath the fresh air, so why all the effort at maintaining the anthropocentric image ? How about pedal powered vehicles ? Mountain biking Mars, pedal power, excersize, efficiency, mechanical reliability... But, first there needs to be much more advanced robotic exploration and delivery of habitats and supplies for long term residence. Why not plan for ongoing, restocked, long term residence instead ? The return trip is the most difficult and dangerous part of any Mars expedition. Why come back at all ? Why not, after adequate preparation, make the committment for permanent residence ? That may be safer than trying to return to Earth.
How about a pedal powered cocoon/vehicle/suit in which the driver sits semi-reclined, or lays face down in a prone position, with flexible arm sleeves which the driver can insert her arms into if she needs to manipulating things outside, like rocks or tools... sort of like a small lightweight, lowtech submersible. It could have rechargeable batteries to assist when going uphill... Same technology as is used in rechargable electric bicycles in Japan.
But to be realistic, imagine living in artificial atmosphere habitats and ships for years on end - it may not be biologically possible or desirable. The next step should be development of advanced robotic landers and rovers. If we can develope healthy, comfortable, enjoyable places for humans to live and work in space, then we can set forth. Right now its premature, dangerous, and even cruel to subject people to such a journey. Who could stand living inside a cramped craft for years ? It would be very dangerous and unhealthy.
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On the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster - In 1969 men walked the moon, but 40 years later we cannot even go one mile beneath the sea. Why was permission given to drill such a deep well if we do not have the technology to work at that depth ? Why was such a poorly designed failsafe system approved ? This disaster is the result of inadequate engineering, irresponsible managenment, and incompetent government. This is not just about fishermen and hotels along the Gulf Coast loosing income. This could become the biggest environmental disaster ever, affecting the world's oceans for a very long time. There is even the possibility of permanent damage to the world's oceans. This is major damage to the earth affecting the futures of millions. No one has the right to take such risks. This is what happens when corporations control governments. I have not heard anything said about how this is going to affect other countries. This is a failed system, a system incapable of doing anything other than talking and arguing and doing studies to collect data and assigning blame and engaging in retribution through lawsuits. Instead of wasting trillions of dollars bailing out failed corporations and funding wars we should have put those funds to use at home developing new technologies. We could be an energy independent country right now had our government leaders chosen to follow a different course, rather than becoming corporate lap dogs whose main concern was enriching themselves, had our government officials chosen to act with wisdom and common sense. We could be a multi-planet species right now, but our future has been stolen, and it be a long time until we are be able to recover it... Our government institutions are backwards - power should rest at the local and state levels, with each area enabled to find its own solutions and approaches instead of sending money to Washington where it is used to create the same kind of inefficient, ineffective, verbally posturing institutions. If the people are lucky a small amount of their taxes are actually put to use to their benefit, but the way it is now, government agencies actually interfere with local response to emergencies. People are actually disabled by the federal government from solving problems at home. Instead of sending tax dollars to Washington they should be utilized at the state and local levels. The current system is extremely inefficient and ineffective. It should be totally reconstructed. Even if oil could be safely drilled from deep wells, it is a temporary measure, not a solution. Far better the develope renewable environmentally sound energy sources now. Also, oil is a fossil fuel and burning it causes global warming. Oil resources should be conserved for use in plastics manufacturing in the future.
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Cosmological wake up call -
While various groups continue in their age old paths of animosity and violence mankind approaches a test which it seems likely to fail. We should have been a space faring multi-planet species by now, if, instead of devoting most of our time and resources to wars and destruction, we had been investing them in creative enterprises. And while governments and religious groups continue blithly along in their unwitting courses other astronomical bodies pursue their age old courses... In particular an asteroid appropriately namend Apophis after the Egyptian God of death ("big enough to fill the rosebowl like an egg in an eggcup"- see Death by Black Hole by Neil deGrasse Tyson)) which stands a good chance of paying us a visit in 26 years. In 2029 it will pass by the earth at a distance below that of our communications satellites, and if the earth's gravity influences it then it will return 7 years later, splashing down in the Pacific ocean and wiping out the west coast, Hawaii, and all the coastal plains of all Pacific rim countries. Imagine detonating 50,000 A bombs in the ocean off California... Surfs up dude ! Further effects such as earthquakes and fires are unknown. Right now the world's nations should be working on a crash program to develope systems to divert such asteroids, yet we continue to waste ever increasing astronomically large amounts of resources supporting failed businesses, wars, governments which exist to serve themselves, etc... "This is nature's way of telling us"... that our clock is about to be cleaned, that the shit may be going to hit the fan like it never has before in the history of our species. 26 years, 2010 minus 26 equals 1984... what were you doing in 1984 ? What are you doing now ? What will your kids be doing in 2026 ? What we should be doing, and when I say "we" I mean humankind, Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist, whatever... we should be pooling our resources and developing systems to deflect earth crossing asteroids. The USSR made some humongous hydrogen bombs during the cold era. These devices were much too big to be carried by a rocket or plane, but such a device could be delivered in sections and assembled on an asteroid. Or nuclear engines could be attached to alter its speed, only a very small change in speed would be sufficient, so as it loops around the solar system for the next 7 years it would slowly gain speed and thereby alter its orbit. Will humankind amend its ways and pass this test ? We shall see... This is how nature works, purely survival of the fittest. We have been blessed with intelligence, the knowledge, and technological means to pass this test, but will our predeliction to bickering and violence be our downfall ? It may be, in which case our species may be erased from the blotter of existence. Maybe this is why SETI has not heard any other signals from ET civilizations... maybe most of them fail this test. Its a sad and sobering thought, but will it make any difference at all ? Will it even serve to give us pause ? Greenpeace - think of all the whales and dolphins this will wipe out...
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In 1969, the first human set foot on the moon. It only took 7 years to accomplish this. Imagine what we could do now if we were to utilize our current technology. But this is not the case at all. Our future has been waylaid... stolen by a political system which has prostituted itself to coorporate interests. Our elected officials primary concerns seem to be their own careers and enrichment. The trillions of dollars that have been wasted on counterproductive welfare programs, wars that make things much worse, and the support of rich coorporate executives in the form of bailouts...
We should be a multiplanet species by now, but instead we a spiraling out-of-control into oblivion. Far from being the solution to our problems, gigantic multilayered ineffecient bureaucracies are the actual cause. Yet everything is controlled by these same institutions. Government should be re-organized, simplified, streamlined, and moderned at all levels. Complexity in government equals ineffeciency, waste, and counterproductivity. Government's primary function should be serving the people, not lobbiests and corporate interests. One person, one vote with direct access to all informaiton. No secrets, no hidden agenda... And why not create a system of internet voting to allow people direct access and participation in their government ?
The simplest, most effective way to fix the US economic system would be to end all forms of insurance, return to a cash only system, no credit, scrap the current tax system and have a simple across the board flat tax, with no tax shelters, etc. There should be no lobbying - the current US government is not democratic. If everyone had to pay cash for medical care prices would come way down, the main cause of high prices is insurance. We need to return to a simple, basic system. All the government interference in the economy, attempts at regulation, all the bail outs of bad businesses, etc. has only served to worsen the problem while wasting astronomical amounts of money that should be put to useful, real purposes, such as infrastructure and education. The current welfare system has served to perpetuate poverty more than eleviate it. Perhaps a work program like the WPA which focuses on rebuilding and maintaining infrastructure would be a better investment. Turn the government over to the people, let them vote on issues via the internet. And of course the USA should become energy independent, which means building energy effecient and ecologically sound buildings and communities.
What running the government on a defecit actually means is selling out future generations who will have to pay for our mess. To bail out incompetent corporations and increase the national debt to even more astronomical amounts. At the end of the Bush administration a famous Nobel Prize winning economist said it ould take 50 years to recoup the money that had been spent on the war in Iraq. And that was long before the Obama debt escalations. This is more than fiscal irresponsibility, it is a violation of the rights of future generations. Nobody has the right to force the people of the future to pay for their wanton excess. But for decades now this has been the only "solution" our government has been able to institute - spiraling debt, hocking the futures of future generations, spending trillions of interest on the national debt instead of using the money for good, real purposes. Scientific advancement and planetary colonization hae been gutted while obsolete and counterproductive agencies continue to divert needed resources in order to perpetuate themselves.
In 1969 Americans walked on the moon... think what we could do if our government hadn't sold out our future... There could be, there should be, colonies on the Moon and Mars by now... but instead we have nothing, just a big mess, and a minority of rich corporate executives with swiss bank acounts who seem to have no conscience or sense of right and wrong. Our futures, and those of how many future generations have been hocked, that an inept, ineffecient, obsolete government institutions might be perpetuated for a few more years. Its just like a drug addict who will do anything for another fix.
For an excellent illustration of the path America needs to follow, watch the film "Doc Hollywood" staring Michael J. Fox. America needs to return to its small town roots, move away from an economy centralized in sprawling urban centers, away from impersonal mall fast food corporate culture, back to a country of people, neighbors and dignity.
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The USA as a coal mine - by John Niemi
The recent coal mine disaster may be seen as a microcosm of the nature of our current government bureaucracies. Following the disaster the president said we would be sending more inspectors dow into the mines. But lack of inspectors is not the problem ! Inspectors submitted hundreds of violations at that mine that were not acted upon ! The problem is BS loop holes that undermine safety inspectors, namely when an inspector reports a dangerous condition companies can file appeals ! Therefore hundreds of safety violations have simply been appealed rather than acted upon. Its much cheaper for the company to do this. This appeals process is an example of how government BS creates totally ineffectual facades of agencies that are by their very nature incapable of success. They way it works is, there is a problem, people want their government reps in congress to fix it, so they begin a lengthy and costly bureaucratic process to inact a law. During this process in order to get the law past corporate lobbiest controlled politicians they tack on this appeals process, which basically guts the law, but it makes everybody look good to their constituents and gets them re-elected. So the appeals system works against mine safety in that it delays implementation of corrective safety measures as noted by the inspectors. Anyone who has every worked in a factory knows that safety comes first. Any sane person knows this. If the safety inspector sees a safety violation it is corrected immediately. There are no appeals. What the safety inspector says goes. This is just common sense. In this most recent example there were more than 400 appeals on file, totally blocking the system, and making the inspectors job virtually impossible. Once these agencies are installed they usually get bigger and more powerful and more ineffecient and more protective of their collective livelihoods. And these various agencies function to protect each other, the federal government pours money into obsolete ineffectual failed systems rather than scrapping them and creating new, smaller, more effecient ones. So, the president says more inspectors will be sent into the mines. That is no solution, its just the typical sort of response of any government functionary. There is a problem, people want the government to fix it, so the government makes laws, bureaus, agencies, buildings, with many workers employed, which are all funded by increased taxes, a small percentage of which may actually be used to correct the problem, but most is used in perpetuating the agency itself. The problem becomes secondary, and exactly this sort of ineffectual facade and respnse is usually the result. The solution is to simplify - if the safety inspector submits a violation claim the company acts on it immediately. You cannot appeal safety !
Now the Gulf Coast oil spill disaster really points out how ineffective our government agencies have become in actually doing anything useful. A month and a half after the disaster there is still no concerted clean-up effort. The state governments have to wait for the fereral government to deal with the problem, which is the worst way to solve any problem. We need to change this and return primary governmental power to the states. Instead of sending tax money to Washington to be wasted supporting huge agencies it should be spent at home and controlled by the people who actually live there. As soon as this spill occured why wasn't there a massive mobilization to dump hay, or municiple grass and leaf collection materials, corn stalks, etc. to absorb oil. The governments main activity seems to be saying stupid things like, "we're going to keep our heels to the oil company's throat", etc, i.e. trying to cover their asses and place the blame on others. This seems to be all our government agencies can do - use flambouyant verbage and prepare for "future litigation". This seems to be their only means of action - punishing someone after a disaster has occured. The US feferal government gave BP permission to drill there. Now the government wants to "distance themselves" from the oil company. Why weren't government resources mobilized to combat the spill immediately ? Instead the way it works is the government simply assigns blame and then punishes them later. This is a system that has failed. It is incapable of functioning by its very nature. It needs to be totally overhauled. The United States was never intended to be one big federal monoculture. State governments and the people of the USA are inhibited by a huge and ineffective federal conglomerate that takes most of their money and wastes it perpetuating obsolete ineffecient agencies. Had the states along the Gulf Coast not been held back by the federal government, had they not been saddled with this horribly slow and wasteful and ineffective federal system they could have responded immediatley. If states had the tax revenues that are sent to Washington to use at home they could handle problems at the local level in a much more efficient manner. Also different states could try different approaches. There could be variety in government agencies, some creativity and growth. What we have now is a system that has gone beyond stagnation and become a hindrance to any effective course of action. Government officials spout empty rhetoric while hocking the future to perpetuate failed institutions.
6 weeks after the disaster the NOAA is mobilizing 2 ships to take waater samples which must then undergo extensive laboratory testing to determine if theres oil in the water. Then BP may face fines. This is the inept legalistic punitive mentality of the federal government. A single drop of oil pollutes how many gallons of water? Why is BP using chemical dispersants ? Could it be to make the oil that is leaking less visible, to produce a smaller slick at the surface, so the damage appears to less than it is? But this means the oil is being dispersed throughout the Gulf of Mexico, possibly into the Atlantic and Caribbean via undersea currents - this means long term damage to the oceans and the earth on a scale that will far supercede any previous disaster, affecting not just the USA but Mexico, Cuba, and many other countires. This disaster highlights the nature of the corporate capitalism that has taken over the world. We live in a world controlled by corporations that only care about making a profit and will do anything to do so. This disaster highlights the arrogance of corporate and government officials who think they can undertake ventures which endanger the world's oceans and ecosystems far into the future. The damage these people do will outlive them and harm millions of people and untold billions of sea creatures. It could lead to a long term deadening of the Gulf of Mexico and eventually impact the world's oceans as the "dispersed oil" ciruclates in undersea currents. A large portion of the earth's oxygen is produced by ocean organisms, if they are killed it could lead to a depletion of oxygen in the atmosphere. Government and corporate officials rely on the legal system to protect them, they say there can be no proof of this and they can afford to hire huge legal staffs to argue their case for years to come. Furthermore, why are we not developing alternative energy? Oil is a limited resource. Could it be because the oil industry is politically powerful? This system of corporate capitalism is literally destroying the earth. Its wrong. Its a perfect storm of corporate greed combined with a system of government that has grown into a monstrousity of ineptness and incompetence, siphoning off people's livelihoods and those of future generations to perpetuate an obsolete system of agencies whose primary function is to provide incomes for government employees. Listen to how these people speak, they use many, many technical and legalistic sounding words to say very little, to cover their asses, and to create a facade of activity that in fact rarely accomplishes anything. It is a system that needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.
In 1969 men walked the moon, but 40 years later we cannot even go one mile beneath the sea. Why was permission given to drill such a deep well if we do not have the technology to work at that depth ? Why was such a poorly designed failsafe system approved ? This disaster is the result of inadequate engineering, irresponsible managenment, and incompetent government. This is not just about fishermen and hotels along the Gulf Coast loosing income. This could become the biggest environmental disaster ever, affecting the world's oceans for a very long time. There is even the possibility of permanent damage to the world's oceans. This is major damage to the earth affecting the futures of millions. No one has the right to take such risks. This is what happens when corporations control governments. I have not heard anything said about how this is going to affect other countries. Mexico and Cuba should sue the USA and BP. This is a failed system, a system incapable of doing anything other than talking and arguing and assigning blame and engaging in retribution through lawsuits. Instead of wasting trillions of dollars bailing out failed corporations and funding wars we should have put those funds to use at home developing new technologies. We could be an energy independent country right now had our government leaders chosen to follow a different course, rather than becoming corporate lap dogs whose main concern was enriching themselves, had our government officials chosen to act with wisdom and common sense. We could be a multi-planet species right now, but our future has been stolen, and it looks doubtful if we will be able to recover it...
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My ideas on how to fix the government -
Instead of pouring huge amounts of money we don't have into old obsolete super wasteful ineffecient institutions, scrap them make new ones, if needed. This re-design of US government agencies would be done by various universities, i.e. assign one agency to Harvard, another to MIT, another to Caltech, etc... And whatever they come up with will be instituted. The problem is the old institutions. And the obsene practice of defecit spending and pouring huge amounts of the GNP into non-productive interest on the debt, money which enriches a banking system which is a big part of the problem. These entrenched, antiquated, ineffectual institutions need to be scrapped and replaced with new ones that are much smaller and more effecient.
The current administration's practice of pouring huge amounts of future people's resources into these old decrepit institutions is not a solution, but a temporary shoring up of a system which has failed. If we were to simply eliminate many of these agencies it would have a much more positive effect. For example, the reason why health care costs are so high is they are covered by insurance. A simple visit to the doctor's office costs hundreds of dollars. This is not realistic or justified, it is a direct result of our insurance system which pays these high prices. But the current administration's healthcare proposal does not aim at any effective reduction is costs. Once again their 'solution' is to pour huge amounts of money into the same old wasteful system, money nobody has, money stolen from future generations. This is absurd, it is not a solution, it is a stopgap measure perhaps, but it is also another giant handout to the corporations that control the 'health care industry'. Simply eliminating all medical insurance and returning to a cash system would be much more effective. And the savings in time and money wasted on paperwork, and the processing thereof, would be astronomical. If there is no insurance there will be no insurance fraud, no regulatory agencies, etc. The problem is that things are way too complex and entrenched. Actual solutions may be very simple in nature. If our economy was decentralized and organized around smaller community centers, instead of giant cities, issues of transporation, fuel costs, etc. would resolve simply because they wouldno longer be needed. If people worked in their communities instead of commuting, they could simply ride bicycles. Homes could be smaller and more energy effecient, passive solar systems could become commonplace instead of heating oil, etc... The new homes would be within mounds of earth, which would keep them warm in winter and cool in summer, covered by foliage which would also contribute to cooling, etc. Such designs are simple and easy to build, but they run against the established housing industry's way of doing things. It is not a problem caused by lack of ideas or technology, these are all problems caused by obsolete institutions which control the government and economic practices of the country.
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Here is a simple solution which will most likely never happen because its too easy, pracitcle, and effective - simply choose all government positions by a random lottery - this would be a true deomcracy. The so-called elections we invest so much time and money in mainly serve to place people with vested interests in positions where they can accumulate power and wealth. Our current system does not represent the interests of the people - it serves corporate interests.
The current administrations 'solution' of pouring astronomical amounts of money into the same old institutions, money we do not have, money which is stolen from future generations, will only serve to compound the numerous problems our country is suffering from.
Another simple solution would be to eliminate much of the banking system and return to a purely cash economy. Ditto with all insurance companies. And pass laws which protect homeowners and small farmers and the people who actually live and work in the houses and on the land. The way it is now, banks foreclose on homes and farms, then resells them, each time they make a commision, new long term loans for which they garner interest - they control everything and reap profits form all transactions without actually making anything of value. Banks merely dish out money that does not belong to them and then force people to pay high interest rates for their entire lives. We would be much better off without them. Aside from simple savings banks which would only seve as safe repositories for people's money. People could save money to purchase items like in the old days. Home sales, etc. would be done via contracts between buyer and seller. The role of realtors would be to facilitate these agreements. Period. Real estate speculation should be illegal. Only people who were going to live in a home or on a farm would be allowed to buy it. Foreclosure would be a matter to be resolved between buyer and seller. Simple contracts would clearly state the terms of the sales agreement. This would bring prices down and serve the intersts of working people instead of rich investors whose only interest is making money.
The entire tax system should be scrapped and replaced by a flat tax system. The numerous huge government agencies whose main purposeos to provide jobs for govenment employees should be streamlined, scrapped, or replaced by newer more effecient systems.
Our current government is purusing the most economically irresponsible course of action possible. Pouring a trillion dollars into a failed healthcare system is, once again, rewarding the hierarchy which has caused this mess. The only real solution is a national health care system. Socialized medicine. Health care should not be a for profit industry. But the current administration is not working to overhaul this horrible system, rather it is going to give the very same people huge amounts of money, money which is to be stolen from future generations. We do not have the right to make the children of the future pay for our wanton excess and irresponsibility.
Again, if we were to totally scrap all health care insurance and return to a cash system, prices would come down and doctors wouldnot waste more than 50% of their time and resources on paperwork.
All these huge, inefficient, local, state, and federal agencies should be combined into smaller, more efficient agencies. The bulk of governmental work should be handled at the state level. States should be allowed to become more autonomous and develope different forms of government and economic institutions. There shouldbe more variety from state to state, instead of the current federalized monoculture. This would allow for innovation instead of stagnation, participation instead of exploitation. Government should be something people do at the community level.
Serious gun control is essential. Until this happens the level of violence and its astronomical economic toll will continue unabated. There is no reason for people in any civilized country to own guns, other than people who live in the country and use them for hunting. Handguns should be eliminated worldwide. The number of guns an individual can own should be limited to what he can actually use while hunting. All guns should be banned from urban and suburban communities. Gun clubs in the country could provide storage services for city dwellers.
The USA is addicted to many things that are wrong: overeating, rampant materialism, too much TV, lack of excersize, junk food, violence, economic exploitation of children, sexual promiscuity, the lack of effective birth control for men and women which results in thousands of abortions, an apathetic attitude among many students, college education that is beyond the reach of many, drug abuse, an extremely expensive welfare system which causes poverty, the failure of many people to take responsibility for their actions, lack of civility, profanity, etc...
The USA is a sick society and pouring more and more money into obsolete institutions will not cure its ills. All these things do much more damage than any terrorist attack ever could, yet this goes on every day, year after year... We have to start at home. We have to get our home in order. That is essential before we can attempt to bring about any positive changes in the world community.
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On wasting the Earth's resources and man's predilection to violence -
If civilization survives, people of the future will look back upon our time in disbelief, "how could they have been so wasteful?". For we are throwing their future down the drain in our unbridled consumption of the Earth's limited resources. Oil is much more valuable as a source for plastics than a fuel, and in the future people will bemoan our burning of oil which will have deprived them of the main source of plastics. Uranium - the current fission reactors are extremely wasteful, and the world' supply of uranium willbe gone in 46 years at the current level of use (info from "The Space Elevator" by Edwards and Westling), but if we used the much more effecient breeder reactors , it would last 9,400 years at current usage, or 2,300 years if used to replace all hydrocarbons... The Earth has this energy supply, enough for several thousand years, certainly long enough until we develope fussion or something even better. But, it is being wasted, and very rapidly. Why are we using old style reactors when we have the technology now, have had for years, to make reactors that are 47 times more effecient. The answer is, such reactors produce plutonium, which can be used for weapons, so the old style wasteful reactors are politically correct. The problem is not fuel supply - we have it on hand and we have the technology, the problem is man's inability to live peacably, man's constant predeliction to war... So really the real solution is for people to learn to live in peace and harmony. It is not a matter of developing new technologies as much as it is solving the age old sickness that pervades our species. We have been givien this perfect planet, with everything we need to prosper and evolve, but we are mismanaging it and jeapordizing the very future of humankind in our stupid, cyclical, wasteful wars... If men could stop fighting, we could move ahead by leaps and bounds, quality of life would improve, we would head out to our neighboring planets... But, that may not ever happen, given the downward course mankind has been traveling throughout its history. We could produce clean, cheap power, if we did not have to worry about people using the fuel for weapons. We could also design more energy effecient homes, towns, and lifestyles. And if we did not waste most of our time making weapons and war, we could use it to do some really productive things. So, the Earth's uranium supply, which could replace fossil fuels for at least a thousand years even if we were to use twice as much energy as we currently do if we switched over to breeder reactors, this supply is being rapidly depleted in old fashioned extremely ineffecient fission reactors because men cannot live peacable with each other. This supply of Uranium should be an intermediate power source utilized while we develope fusion or some other form of energy production, and oil should have been saved as a source of plastics for future generations. But men seem to lack any long term feeling of stewardship, chosing instead to enrich themselves as much as possible and the heck with future generations.
However nuclear power generation via breeder reactors presents the problem of disposing of nuclear waste in a safe manner so it will not effect future people. For example, the USSR used to just dump old reactor cores in the ocean... If this is not possible to do, then we should not use it until we can solve the waste disposal problem. We cannot pass such a dangerous problem and health risk onto furture generations. The way things are currently going, people in the future may look back and view us as monsters who ruined the planet. My point is, the most important thing we need to learn to do is to live in peace and harmony.
Some scientists say we need to develope space colonies in case we destroy the earth. I think that is premature. It will be a long time before we have the ability to survive elsewhere in the solar system, and we never will unless we change our violent ways. If we were not such a violent and irresponsible species, there would be no energy shortage - we have been blessed with all the resources we need for thousands of years, if they were utilized properly. Its like a ship is wrecked on a desert island and the people on board have abundant supplies for more than 10 years. They figure they will be rescued long before their supplies run out, so they make no effort to conserve them or use them wisely, but their rescue ship takes longer than expected to arrive, and by the time it does they have all died... We could replace fossil fuels with nuclear power right now and have enough fuel for several thousand years if we used the much more effecient breeder reactors... By then we would be an interplanetary civilization with access to the asteroid belt and its vast resources... The next step, the next supply cache that has been positioned for our use is the Oort cloud, which contains the materials needed for interstellar expansion... Its all laid out waiting for us, if we can learn to behave ourselves, stop killing each other, and start creating instead of destroying.
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On medical insurance, costs of medical care, etc. -
No one seems to be mentioning the obvious, if people are healthy they do not need any medical care. But perhaps the powers that be do not want too many healthy people, since the health care/pharmaceuticals industry is the most profitable in the USA and hence wields alot of political clout... At any rate, if people simply ate properly, it would have an immense impact upon this problem. Eliminating junk foods, overeating, overdrinking and other forms of glutony would have a much greater effect on the overall health of Americans than any program for taking care of sick people. Americans eat way too much food - look at the average Japanese person, most people in Japan weigh about 40% less than their American counterparts. Eat a good healthy breakfast of real food. Eliminate sugary foods and refined flours, eat more vegetables and less meat, eat more fish and chicken and less red meat, if you are hungry eat a healthy, small snack, do not stuff yourself, allow your stomach to shrink back to its natural size. Its ok, even good, to feel hungry sometimes. The idea of being satiated all the time is totally unnatural. Stop eating before you feel full. And - this is very important, chew your food well, as this aids in digestion which means your food requires less energy to process while releasing more energy. Processing excessive amounts of food into fat requires alot of energy (hence people feel sleepy after overeating). So you can actually have more energy and be much healthier by eating less. The idea of excersizing to loose weight is misguided. We should excersize to keep our body and mind in good working order, healthy, and we should eat less junk food and sugary foods - and drinks - drinks are very fattening, and salad dressings which actually are high calorie, etc... i.e. eat simple real foods, fruit, whole grain breads, and do not eat at night. This is a key point. EAt a good healthy substantial breakfast, healthy snacks, a good lunch, and a smaller lighter supper. After supper do not eat anything. Do not drink anything other than water after supper. So when you go to bed your stomach is not full of food. Its good to feel hungry. Usually I feel hungry for about an hour around 9-10PM then it goes away. After awhile you get used o it and don't even notice. We must have discipline and self-control. Eating should not be an obsessive disorder. As far as medical care goes, if we simply returned to the system we had "in the old days" it would be much better. Better to have no insurance for anyone, just a straight cash system... Then the costs would naturally come down. There would be no cheating, no time wasted on paperwork, etc. etc. Watch the movie "Doc Hollywood", thats how America should be.
When you think about it, insurance has the effect of making things more expensive, and to perpetuate problems, such as people building houses in places prone to hurricanes and forest fires... If there was no homeowners insurance people would have to build in safer locations, build better, stronger, smaller homes, etc... Could it be that we'd be better off without insurance altogether ?
Sugary foods and drinks are one of the main causes of obesity.
In Japan most drinks do not contain sugar, and cakes, etc. are not nearly as sweet as those in the USA. Even fruit juice contains alot of sugar - its much better to eat fruit than drink juice. Sweets are an aquired taste which often is addicting, requiring higher levels of sugar. But sugary "foods" cause a sugar high followed by a low, so people eat more to regain the sugar high... and they are very fattening, they are not balanced and should be eliminated from the diet as much as possible. The bad habit of munching potato chips and sweets and junk food while watching TV, at sporting events, etc. should be eliminated as well. If you are hungry, eat healthy food.
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Regarding unemployment, poverty, gun deaths, etc.
I think we must adopt an attitude that we are all responsible for our actions and state-of-being, rather than placing blame on others. The way to overcome poverty is to live according to God's way of life, rather than getting a gun and pursuing a lifestyle of crime and violence. Men must feel responsible for their actions, which includes loving and caring for the children they father. One can live in poverty with dignity. There are times we need to just do our best and step-by-step move ahead. Trying to get rich quick with a gun and selling drugs can never have any good result, but only cause more suffering and even worse conditions.
On the other hand, a society which promotes guns and makes them easily available is immoral. Many guns are made to kill people, not for hunting. People who live in the country should be allowed to own rifles and shotguns, but many of the guns that are sold should be banned. Guns have no place in our cities. Gun dealers traffic in death. There are even Christian ministers who advocate gun ownership. Our society glorifies guns and violence as a means of dealing with problems. Look at how many movies and TV shows portray shooting and violence. We are often exposed to these violent fantasies if we go to the movies or watch TV. Its gotten so bad that some movies even portray getting shot as funny, or even a sort of male bonding ritual between friends. This is very sick and perverted. Video games teach children that shooting others is fun and earns points, etc. All this is done to line the pockets of greedy people in the "entertainment industry" who will do anything for money. Gun violence has become a major facet of life in the USA.
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On the feasibility of non-violent response to violence, i.e. a possible way to end wars -
The history of humanity is largely a succession of violent encounters, much like two rival groups of sea urchins or colonies of bacteria, such has been the overall behavior of mankind. We still appear to be driven by the same forces as were our microscopic ancestors. Could this be a case of cellular momory gone awry ?
Wars do not occur in a vacuum, but are the results of chains of events which may extend back many years, even centuries. There can never be any just, equitable resolution of past injustices, somebody has to break the cycle of violence. This is what Jesus lived, taught, and demonstarted on the cross, "forgive them father for they know not what they do."
As Christians we have a responsibility to follow Jesus first. War is not a team sport. We need to transform our arms industries into peaceful, creative industries. We need to break the age old cycles of violence and create a new future that benefits all people. This includes living responsibly and ending defecit spending, which in turn means living modestly, which means freeing ourselves from our addiction to mindless consumerism, gluttony, and the gods of corporate capitalism.
Socialized medicine is a neccesity, as is a true free enterprise system. Not all areas should be open to exploitation for profit, and companies that do poorly should be allowed to die instead of being rewarded for their ineptitude with huge bailouts from the taxpayers.
Our current system, medical care for profit, denies care to the very people who need it most. People who are sick are denied insurance, or have thier insurance canceled. Only healthy people can get insurance. This is a crazy, sick system which sells care and denies care to anyone who does not have the money to pay for it. This is wrong. This is a perfect illustration of the nature of the current corporate capitalist system. More than 44 million people with no insurance, and many of the people who do have insurance still have to pay a huge amount of money if they get sick.
I spent a week in the hospital in Japan, where we have national healthcare insurance, had surgery (a 3 hour operation), received excellent care from wonderfully kind doctors and nurses, and it cost about $100 a day., total. Food for was less than $10 a day - very good, healthy 3 meals a day with very kind service and staff... If ever I neeeded anything someone would always come quickly and with a smile. (Prior to this I had a (major) fear of going to the hospital, but actually it was an amazing experience. Lying in bed with various tubes going in and out of my body freed me from having to go to the bathroom or eat, while hooked upon to a plethora of computerized monitors (was good for zen meditation, I could watch by heart rate, blood oxygen level, etc) was a very interesting and productive, even luxurious, experience... go figure.
Another thing about the hospital in Japan is that they do not hide death from people. Some people were obviously auffering and dying, but no one complained. During the week I was there several people died. There would be family memebers in black clothes in the hallway. I could hear a man in a nearby room struggling for breath, his alarms would sound, nurses would come running, doctors would be called, then he would be quiet for awhile, and the cycle would repeat. This lasted several days. Then early one morning it was quiet and I heard the sound of a woman crying, possibly his daughter. He was gone, but he had lived a good life, as his weeping daughter atested to. This is life, and death is not glossed over here as it may be in the USA. One morning I saw nurses wrapping the body or another patient, mummy-like in white cloth, as the the custom, before it is taken away. Other patients walked by quietly. This too is life.
By trying to insulate us from such experiences we loose something very important and meaningful. Instead we turn on the TV, eat alot of junk food, and try to forget about it... But that is not real life, that is the facade that is being sold to Americans these days.
Americans are being grossly misled by their corporate/government leaders. They should look to the examples of other civilized countries for solutions. The system of corporate capitalism that has taken over America does not serve the people's best interests, rather it exploits them ruthlessly. Healthcare should be affordably given to all people. If so much money wasn't wasted on wars and paying interest of the national debt and corporate bailouts there would be funds for programs that help the Amercian people. People should enter the healthcare professions because they want to help people, not as a means of becoming rich. This system is wrong, it is unchristian, it is unfair, it is heartless and cold. Making huge profits should not be seen as the purpose of life, certainly not the main purpose of any healthcare system.
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Humans are violent creatures. Our history is one in which the most violent groups exterminate weaker groups. Groups whose societies were gentle and non-warlike were exterminated by warlike groups. This violence may even be genetic. Its purely survival of the fittest. We are animals with a strong drive towards violence. This is our lower nature. Jesus incarnated to demonstrate our potential as God's children, the need to embrace the way of non-violence and love. This requires much discipline and effort. It goes against our genetic programing. The story of Cain and Abel is a commentary on this fact, an insight into the sickness of violence that haunts humanity. But men are quick to adapt even the life and teachings of Jesus to their violent ends. Numerous denominations of the Christian church have engaged in horrendous acts in the name of Christ. Jesus' death on the cross has been turned into a sort of human sacrifice in which the wrathful god of the bible punishes him instead of us. Thus the non-violent, pacifist nature of his death, and his demonstration of total compassion and forgiveness is subverted. Now he is viewed as the scapegoat for sinful men. Paul's teaching emphasized this over his life's example and his actual teachings. Jesus was turned into an OT style sacrifice to placate the wrathful OT god. The Christian church then proceeded upon millenia of wars and massacres and imprisonments and tortures and executions of many thousands of innocent people, all in the name of God. This is how our violent nature takes over and perverts the teachings of Jesus. We see this same thing happening today among the advocates of bibleanity.
From 2 Samuel 22,35 "He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them. And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not. Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad. "
By proclaiming the bible to be the word of God, men attempt to skirt Jesus' teachings of non-violence and perpetuate the very things which Jesus says we are not supposed to do. The fact that this book with its many warlike passages has held such a paramount position in so many societies has certainly contributed to the predominance of warfare in their histories. This being a direct expression of our violent, natural disposition resulting from our genetic heritage. Thus the idea of original sin may be seen from this perpsective, that is we are indeed animals with very violent tendencies due to the nature of the process of evolution. These violent drives have been engrained over inconceivably vast stretches of time. Hence we need to make concerted effort to counter these inate drives. True religious practice can be a means of doing this. We can take refuge in Jesus and be guided by the Holy Spirit. We cannot do it on our own, but it is a simple matter to commit ourselves to making this change. This is the next step in our evolution, but rather than arising from the process of genetic mutation and survival of the fittest, it must be consciously imposed from without. This is the meaning of Jesus' incarnation. This leads to the birth of a new sort of human animal, one who consciously choses a course of non-violence and humility - the very opposite of our billions of years of genetic programing. We can, by the grace of God, make this change. But men are very adept at fabricating new institutions to perpetuate the ancient ways of violence and cruelty. Jesus says we should test all spirits and judge a tree by its fruit... Jesus says the Holy Spirit shall be our guide - not theologians nor people for whom religion is a means of monetary enrichment. Jesus says we are to store up treasure in heaven, not live lives of worldly extravagance and indulgence.
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On the future of the space program -
how about a TV network, The Mars Channel, which would enable live broadcasts with viewer participation, between audience and astronauts ? Subscriptions would help fund the mission, as well as advertising... As Robert Zubrin points out in his excellent series of books, the is not much point in going back to the moon right now, its a dead rock with no atmosphere to block deadly radiation and even out extreme temperature changes lacking in the materials needed to support human colonization. Mars, however is a Planet, with a hot core which means geo-thermal energy, most of the basic minerals and chemicals needed to manufacture fuels, metals, plastics, ceramics, gases, possibly abundant supplies of subsurface water ice, with a protective atmosphere capable of terraforming, and a habital land area equal to the Earth's since there are no oceans (yet)... And, it takes less energy to go to Mars than to the moon, the only drawback is it takes much longer to get there...
but we could design spacecraft with rotating habitat rings to provide artificial gravity, or - one that is launched in two stages then once on the way to Mars, separates and is rejoined, tethered together, side-by-side with an interconnecting flex-tunnel-passageway, then the two units are set to revolve around their common center-of-mass and, viola, simple artificial gravity, then upon arrival at Mars they are separated and land individually... Plus there could be a large inflatable "recreation balloon" , which would enable the astronauts to "stretch their legs" during the trip, extending out from each craft which would be jettisoned before landing.
Think of what we could have done if the money that has been wasted on economically debilitating wars would have been invested in establishing a Martian colony. The billions and trillions of dollars that are wasted on corporate bail-outs, over priced health care, a welfare system which actually perpetuates the very conditions it purports to alieviate... If we could turn the arms industry into a space exploration industry, develope interplanetary technology instead of weapons...
On colonizing the solar system and beyond -
if one observes the universe with an open mind, the mind being a direct reflection of God, then our natural curiosity and drive to learn and improve our lot is likewise an expression of divine nature. If we look at the layout of the solar system, we can see it as a perfect, step-by-step evolutionary process leading to the stars. There are evolutionary safeguards, in order for a civilization to reach interplanetary status they will first have to learn to live properly, in peace and harmony, on their home planet. Currently humanity is failing this test, devoting most of its resources to such things as wars and the greedy pursuits of power hungry, exploitive people. We now have the means (via the internet) to free ourselves, to throw off the yoke that has enslaved humankind and establish truely democratic forms of government. However, unless we pass the first stage, we will not have the resources or long term focus of activities neccesary to enable interplanetary colonization. (Mars could be terraformed in a thousand years, possibly several hundred if there was a concerted effort on behalf of the Earth's peoples) But, lets say by some wonderous good fortune, the leaders of Islam were to condemn terrorism and the leaders of the USA were to end their corporate prostitution and turn the government over to the people, etc... If some things like this were to occur, we might find ourselves moving forward... Anyway, it turns out that Mars would be a much better interplanetary hub (see the excellent series of books by Robert Zubrin) than earth, and hence a likely candidate for a future "capital of the solar system" due to its proximity to the asteroid belt, an enormous storehouse of resources which will enable us to move on to the outer planets, as well as provide numerous mini-worlds for future colonization... It is interesting that the asteroid belt is positioned perfectly in this sequnce... between the inner and outer planets... the capital of the outer solar system will likely be Saturn's moon Titan, since the Jupiter system is enshrouded by super deadly radiation for the most part and will require future technological advances before we can access its massive abundance of resources... Then, interestingly, there is the Oort cloud, trillions of bodies containing all kinds of materials including frozen fuels, an almost infinite supply of resources... lying between the solar system and the stars... the fuel for humankind's next step outward. But such civilizations will have to be peaceful, altruistic, and benevolent in order to achieve these future stages in our evolution. As we reach each new stage, an increasingly higher degree of "enlightenment" will be required in order to reach the next... Some party poopers can say its just as random accident, a coincedence, but I think such thinking is a form of bias, a sort of anti-mental block mental block, an anti-religious religion... The names and labels are superfluous, but there is a very obvious organization and evolutionary path laid out - if we can pass the various tests along the way. Unfortunately, we are failing miserably so far. Will humankind be able to throw off its "institutions of delusion" and learn to live in peace and harmony, or will we destroy ourselves and piss on the bright future that has been laid out for us ? Will we learn humility, compassion, and responsibility and move forward ? We are entering a new era in which we will have the ability to create new forms of life. We can make plants and high protein fungi that will thrive on Mars (plants will love the high CO2 content of the Martian atmosphere) as well as lifeforms to terraform Mars. We can create microscopic anti-cancer organizms which will simply be injected into the blood stream, destroying tumors without surgery, pain, or medication... We are entering an era in which our knowledge could grow exponentially, but will this growth be hindered by devious people exploiting our fears rather than our potential ? Or will new technologies be used unchecked, without wisdom, and cause irrepairable harm to the environment ? Will our future be destroyed so some people can live lives of wanton excess ? Will we continue plodding along this same miserable downward course to oblivion ? Now, more than ever we need spiritual guidance.
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Mars - a long term commitment
Here are my ideas for colonizing Mars: Send robotic rovers to locate lava tube systems and ice reservoirs. Send robotic supply ships which land in a suitable location carrying enough supplies and equipment for several years. Send volunteers to live there for an extended period, perhaps several years, or even longer. Read "How to Live on Mars" by Robert Zubrin for some excellent ideas. With proper preparation and supplies a colony of humans should have a good chance of eventually becoming self-sufficient. With periodic resupply and technological advances their chances of success will increase. Perhaps only men should be sent first, or only women, and then when stage one is complete, i.e. a self-sustaining base is established, mates could be sent and they could have children. The first primary foods could be protein-rich mushrooms and possibly algae. You are not going to make corporate profits off Mars for a long time, so there has to be long term vision and motivation and resources. But we are talking about settling a new planet, a new frontier and challenge for humankind, something to fire the imagination and inspire new discoveries and technologies, instead of our current downward spiral of wars and destruction.
The moon is a dead rock. Mars is a planet with rich resources and a hot core. With long term commitment its atmosphere could be enriched, its temperatures raised, and liquid waters could flow across its surface again. With our creativity, ingenuity, and hard work Mars can become a living planet. Humans could be living there someday. We could have a base there now for much less expense than the various wars, military expenditures, and corporate bailouts our government has pursued. We could have a bright future had we chosen a different course. Furthermore, due to its location and lower gravity, Mars is much more suitable as a future hub of solar system developement than is earth. Centuries from now it could be the main planet in the solar system and earth could be the "old world".
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From "Astronomy Picture of the Day website : D. rad Bacteria: Candidate Astronauts. These bacteria could survive on another planet. In an Earth lab, Deinococcus radiodurans (D. rad) survive extreme levels of radiation, extreme temperatures, dehydration, and exposure to genotoxic chemicals. Amazingly, they even have the ability to repair their own DNA, usually with 48 hours. Known as an extremophile, bacteria such as D. rad are of interest to NASA partly because they might be adaptable to help human astronauts survive on other worlds. A recent map of D. rad's DNA might allow biologists to augment their survival skills with the ability to produce medicine, clean water, and oxygen. Already they have been genetically engineered to help clean up spills of toxic mercury. Likely one of the oldest surviving life forms, D. rad was discovered by accident in the 1950s when scientists investigating food preservation techniques could not easily kill it."
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On the mindset of modern science -
In some respects contemporary science is becoming a cult, separate from the real world, existing in a world of peer review, publication and marketing of (flashy) ideas, increasingly polarized and inbred in its thinking. To me it seems a sterile world and a dangerous one in which people seem to have no qualms about selling their skills to weapons manufacturers or corporations whose sole regard is for profit. There appears to be a growing immorality and lack of ethics. This also holds true for our religious institutions. It is interesting how many of the writings in the bible hold up and offer relevant advice and insight into the dilemma of the modern mind, which, for all its increased database seems to be suffering from a correspondingly increased sense of isolation and futility. The scientist who rules out the world of spirit and mystery and the religionist who rules out the wonders and tools of science may suffer similar fates... Life, be it pursued from a scientific, religious, or mundane path must have a spiritual basis if it is to thrive and grow. The intellect is a powerful tool, yet when separated from its spiritual foundation it may become a tool for destruction rather than creation. The same holds true for religion, or any lifestyle.
Modern science needs to... instead of doing endless computer simulations, do some real work, quit the endless peer group conferences and paper writing and do something real, make some really impressive stuff, like go to Mars. Mars is real. The future of the universe will take care of itself. Science needs to set it sights on something real and do it. There are real adventures, and real experiences, and real, useful knowledge to be gained. Instead of looking for ever minute subastomic particles we could be building settlements on Mars, for example, which is much more relevant to the future of mankind than creating theories about the fate of the universe, etc. If men could go top the moon in 1969, imagine what we could do today with our current technology. If we had not wasted all our resources on wars, which cause great suffering, and supporting the rich corporate elite even though they do a horrible job at their business, instead of hocking the future of humanity so a small minority can live their brief existence in wanton luxury... we could be a multi-planet species right now. We can do it with our current technology. And we will learn by doing, rather than postulating theories. Our technology will naturally grow if we put it to use. But growth requires challenge and risk. Our current governments have sold out, abandoned the future...
Science has become a domain of the intellect. Newton, Darwin, Einstein were all very religious people, for them science and religion were aspects of the same quest. Now such has become unfashionable. modern scientists seem content to religate themselves to an unhealthy purely intellectual polarity.
This except from "Saving Us from Darwin" by Frederick C. Crews illustrates this sad state of affairs:
"... the human soul, insofar as it can be said to exist, may be a mortal and broadly comprehensible product of material forces...
AND THAT OUR UNIVERSE MAY LACK ANY DISCERNABLE PURPOSE, MORAL CHARACTER, OR SPECIAL RELAION TO OURSELVES..."
Yet, we are here, parents love their children, most people care about their neighbors and try to do their best, we are stuggling to rise above our ignorance and making progress - this is not a random accident, things are as they are... it is not a dream or an illusion. Randomness is a flawed concept, shallow thinking, however things come to be, the fact is, they do. How can anyone who looks at a blade of grass not be amazed by the workings of nature, enthralled with life.
This detached, polarized attitude is a product of the modern scientific mindset... What this man does not see is his argument proves the very immanence of an underlying "spirit" within all matter, space, time, energy, that organizes into systems and evolved into us. Science has no name for it, but if matter, energy, space, and time are all versions of the same stuff, or whatever, the term "spirit" seems to be fitting. And it is very interesting that certain writings in the bible bear an uncanny resemblance to the most recent discoveries in the areas of cosmology... Just because scientists may not relate with the universe in the same way as religious people do, and vica versa (although I think there is a great deal in common) does not mean their way is the only way, combating religious "fundamentalism" with anti-religious bigotry accomplishes nothing. One cannot deny the universe's existence, all we can do is try to understand it, rather than fight over whose labels and descriptions are best. Whether you use religious terminology or not is not the point. People need to see the common ground, not create new delusions... Truth is universal...
Such scientists seem ignorant of the wonder and mystery that surrounds them, lost in a false universe of ideas and abstractions. The revelations of modern science, such as the unity of matter, space, energy, and time... which mysteriously burst forth and evolved into such mindboggling diversity of systems, our own infinitely miraculous mind and body (which Christ says is God's temple, not manmade church buildings)... how can anyone say there is no purpose or order or direction ? The universe is Life, and whatever name you choose to call it, it is undeniably diverse and well ordered.
Such anti-life attitudes among scientists is sad and shocking... and dangerous. Modern technology without moral/ethical basis could bring an end to the delicate balance of Life that has taken billions of years to evolve. Surely science should be a pursuit of wonder, with humility and respect for that which is being studied, but modern scientists often spends their time staring at data scrawled across computer screens - perhaps their science is an expression of their life...
Do they, in their disections, loose track of beauty and mystery ? Has science become another big business, a career dependent on selling ones ideas, like soda pop ? What is it they wish to say ? Life is without meaning and purpose because they have lost sight of it ? They spout the latest rhetoric but beneath there seems to be little actual thought or understanding or appreciation. What is the purpose of such science then ? To publish papers and get tenure and acquire status among ones peers ? It seems a sad life... Where is the joy and thankfulness ?
These scientists are doing the same thing as the religious fundementalists - they label everyone, lump all Christians into one group, then dispose of them using arguments derived from their own contrived systems. For me, the most important thing in Life is its spirituality, its mystery, the inner link with all creation, etc.... To me these people seem to be lost in an artificial self-perpetuating world of ideas and conceptualizations. I think such a polarized purely intellectual lifestyle is unhealthy and unproductive as to actually coming up with some original, meaningful, useful discoveries. Much of this science seems to be people making work for themselves, ideas become institutions which must then be defended and perpetuated because the academic standing and careers may depend on it.
Science should be linked with exploration. But it has become a matter of ideas, mindgames, fictions supported by elaborate mathematical manipulations incorporating various fudge factors and assumptions. Very little of it has any real, or actual scientific basis, i.e. there is no experimentally verifiable proof, no practical application. The sole purpose of this new psuedoscience seems to be to provide for the careers of its practicioners. Science should be about doing things in the real world, in the real universe, such as building interplanetary spacecraft in orbit, exploring the oceans, developing environmentally sound communities and economies, etc. We should learn from experience, not conjecture and fantasies. Much of what is termed as theoretical science currently has no real basis or application, and since a theory should be proven by experiment, these are psuedotheories. This is all the intellect can do on its own. this is the best the mind can do when it becomes polarized, separated from real life and living in an abastract dream world. Computer simulations are not living entities. This is dead science sinking to ever greater depths of complexity, seeking to justify itself with fictions and mindgames. This dead science has separated itself from life, from exploration. We learn from doing, from building, from adventure. Sitting in front of computers crunching data is a sterile existence. Knowledge flows from this sort of interaction, science needs to be implemented and put to use. Cosmology may be interesting but it is not going to put us on mars. Building gigantic machines to detect increasingly infintesimal particles will never lead to a resoloution, as ultimately one would have to construct a machine the size of the universe to 'discover' the ultimate particle... At each step inward there is a sort of geometric increase in power required... And each newly discovered particle points farther down the well towards an even smaller sibling... Better to get back to the basics - exploration, discovery, building things, going places. Science should be for the living.
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On bemoaning the death of science writing, and possibly science itself -
I have spent a small fortune of "science" books with catchy titles, yet again and again they turn out to be reiterations of basic science history - bulk filler - repackaged with impressive sounding titles, yet whatever new ideas, if any they may contain are often not very novel, deep, or well thought out. It reminds me of people debating the number of fairies that can fit on the head of a pin a few hundred years ago. Who cares what may have taken place in the extremely short interval following the big bang ? Yet numerous people devote careers pondering such irrelevant fantasies instead of making anything useful, concrete, real. Lifetimes are spent gazing upon computer simulations and pondering data... To what end ? The publish or perish institution churns out a constant stream of pretty much worthless publications in which old ideas or new suppositions are regarbed in fancy modern language. The quality of writing has plummeted. Look at an older science book, such as The River of Life by Rutherford Platt - people used to actually write... Books had coherence, elegance, the language was beautiful, and the author's thoughts insightful, relevant, inspiring... How many new science books are produced just to get someones name on them and make money for publishing companies ? Even big name scientists are falling prey to this trend toward irrelevance and premature publishing of mostly repackaged reiteration.
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Moving beyond Dumbing Down to the Digital Destruction of Humanity -
Back in the 60s filmmakers began popularizing a style which later became known as the MTV style in which people are bombarded by short sequences of images, sort of a mingling of 60s philosophy with modern art and rock music. I think this trend is spreading worldwide via the internet and media which have been fostering this mindset, or lack thereof, for half a century. Look at American news broadcasts, most recent movies, TV shows, even textbooks, and this is evident. A barrage of short sensational images with little content in rapid successsion. Movies are edited at ever faster paces, often lost on a sea of noisy sound effects, explosions, gunfire, and CGs. The result is that people have lost the ability to concentrate on anything for any extended length of time. People have lost touch with their inner self, as described in 'Gift From the Sea' by Anne Morrow Lindberg, what Buddhism refers to as our True Nature, what Christians refer to as the Still Quiet Voice Witnin Us, the voice of God counseling and directing us. Thus a great deal of this wonderous modern technology which has manifested in the form of the internet, computers, cell phones, the various broadcast media has come to function as a "delusive force" in Buddhsit terms, it actually separates people from their inner self, so they loose touch with the inner voice of God, unable to concentrate as humans have done for millions of years, flitting around
in an artificial virtual world of chatter and mental noise. Its dehumanizing. People have become addicted to electronic stream of noise in order to hide from their sick inner condition. They seek ever faster devices - to what end ? Are people better off now than 50 years ago ? I think not. 100 years ago an educated person read and spoke several languages, was capable of conversing with grace and civility. Read a recent book and compare it with a book from 50 years ago and 100 years ago... But, then again, many people do not read books now. Our language refelcts this loss of grace, civility, and elegance. We are each responsible for our actions, our thoughts, and the choices we make. Why let others have control of these areas of our lives ? Why not reclaim our humanity and use our Godgiven intelligence ? Why not open our eyes and see what is actually going on ?
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The first martyr for science, a brilliant, visionary man murdered by the church - Giordano Bruno - 400 years ago, he said - -
"In space there are countless constellations, suns and planets; we see only the suns because they give light, the planets remain invisible because they are small and dark. There are also numberless earths circling around their suns, no worse and no less than this globe of ours. For no reasonable mind can assume that heavenly bodies that may be far more magnificent than ours would not bear upon them creatures similar or even superior to those upon our human earth." - from "Just Six Numbers" by Martin Rees, page 22.
(From Wikipedia) "Giordano Bruno (1548, Nola, Italy - February 17, 1600, Rome) known for his mnemonic system based upon organized knowledge and as an early proponent of the idea of an infinite and homogeneous universe. Burnt at the stake as a heretic by the Roman Inquisition, Bruno is seen by some as the first 'martyr for science.'
Under this model, the Sun was simply one more star, and the stars all suns, each with its own planets. Bruno saw a solar system of a sun/star with planets as the fundamental unit of the universe. The Earth was just one more heavenly body, as was the Sun. God had no particular relation to one part of the infinite universe more than any other. God, according to Bruno, was as present on Earth as in the Heavens, an immanent God, the One subsuming in itself the multiplicity of existence, rather than a remote heavenly deity. Bruno also affirmed that the universe was homogeneous, made up everywhere of the four elements (water, earth, fire, and air), In particular Bruno held firm to his belief in the plurality of worlds, although he was admonished to abandon it.
His trial was overseen by the inquisitor Cardinal Bellarmine, who demanded a full recantation, which Bruno eventually refused. Instead he appealed in vain to Pope Clement VIII, hoping to save his life through a partial recantation. The Pope expressed himself in favor of a guilty verdict. Consequently, Bruno was declared a heretic, handed over to secular authorities on February 8, 1600. A month or so later he was brought to the Campo de' Fiori, a central Roman market square, his tongue in a gag, tied to a pole naked and burned at the stake, on February 17, 1600." (from Wikipedia)
Clearly, any institution that was truely based in Christ could not have committed this monstrous deed, as God is truth, and the purpose of science is to reveal the truths of the universe. How could any organization which bears the name of Christ commit such horribly violent and depraved acts ? Yet this sort of torture and execution was common practice among various "Christian" institutions for centuries.
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The Bible and Science -
It is very interesting that if one views the writings in the bible from a modern perspective, taking into account recent advances in science and our understanding of the universe, certain of these writings aquire an uncannily contemporary nature... for example, starting with the very first verso of the bible -
"In the beginning God created heaven and earth"
Beginning - Bersit : literally means Firstfruit... the bible was translated into English 500 years ago and of course people did so based upon their existent knowledge... but considered from a modern basis this verse, and many others, take on much deeper meaning. The idea of the universe as Firstfruit, implies a process of maturation, a flowering, a blossoming... which has in modern times been termed "the big bang"... but the universe as a blossoming flower is perhaps more appropriate.
Created - Bara : can mean created from nothing, as at the initial birth of the universe, as well as creating something by reforming existing material, as when stars, and later planets were formed. If the bible experts would study something real, science, instead of theology, these associations would be obvious. We now know that the primordial universe was an unimaginably hot soup of ions, it was not transparent, as it cooled these ions began to form the first hydrogen atoms, and the universe became transparent so light could travel through it... so light was created before stars - this is a recent discovery which is accurately depicted in this ancient creation account. Then through subsequent generations of star birth and death (in Genesis 2,4 we find the phrase, "these are the generations of the heavens" however this was translated as 'story' or 'account' in more modern translations, but the term as originally used in the bible is in reference to geneologies, i.e. generations, repeating cycles of starbirth and death, the generations of the heavens, exactly as modern science has discovered) the heavier atoms and elements from which everything is made (God formed Adam from dust and breathed life into him)...
Bara literally means to cut down, as when clearing timber, selecting, feeding, to make fat,
i.e. formative processes, such as the formation of planets by the accumulation of matter in vast discs surrounding new stars such as our sun.
Heaven - Shamayim : the realm of the stars, the region above the earth... first came heaven/space, the expanding, cooling, transparent universe, then stars and planets...
Earth - Erets : to be firm, and that is exactly what the process of planetary formation entails, the production of "firm" bodies by condensation of materials (produced when older generations of stars died and went super nova) in discs which surrounded stars like our sun when it was born. Gradually the Earth became firm. Evolution is one of the key themes of the bible, despite what the advocates of bibleanity may proclaim.
Generations - Towledowth : Descent, generations, everything entailed in a person's life (or the universe's life), chronological procession.
"These are the generations of the heavens and the Earth."
Such phrases are packed with layers of information, extremely concise, which are revealed as we learn more about life.
Unfortunately, some church doctrines are outdated, and many bible experts seem to be blinded by these archaic doctrines and perpetuate ignorance rather than new understanding.
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Genisis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
In this verse from the second creation story the former idyllic relationship between humans and nature has been upset by man's failure to live according to God's Way of Life. The new relationship becomes adversarial, even antagonistic, due to mankind having separated itself from the original harmonious order with which it was blessed.
It is also interesting the the word translated as "bruised" in the KJV, NAS and many others, actually is "shoof", an ancient hebrew word which literally means to gape, as when a snake opens its mouth to bite. The JPS has it as "strike" which is more accurate. So why would "bruised" become adopted as literal ? Prehaps because when one man stikes another it causes a bruise, and this second generation interpretation has been imposed upon the text. This sort of thing happens throughout the bible. Whatever wordplay or poetic qualities or deeper metaphorical meaning the original text may have has been lost. The image of a snake coiling to strike, acting on instinct, impulsively, like people without wisdom, like people who have separated from their original divine relationship, and simply attacking, injecting their poison into God's divine creation, acting out of ignorance, impulsively... This sort of meaning is possible if the original words and images are preserved. The original text employs many of literary devices, such as wordplay, metaphor, even puns and humor, which have been lost in subsequent attempts at translation.
In addition, it is a composite of various points of view, the work of many authors and editors. It should be approached much as a detective would a mystery, or an archeaologist an ancient find. Above all, from a Christian perspective, it should be veiwed from a basis in the teachings of Jesus. But the advocates of bibleanity do just the opposite and interpret Jesus to fit their notions of a divine and perfect bible as the "Word of God".
All of the violent acts attributed to God in the OT, and later in Revelation in the NT, are either propaganda designed to instill fear, the imaginings of deluded men, or misinterpretations of divine messages.
God is Love, exactly as Jesus lived and demonstarted and taught. God never harms anyone. God is incapable of harm. Jesus always healed people. We cause harm and suffering when we reject God's Way of Life as exemplified by Jesus.
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God does not harm anyone -
2 Samuel 12:9 (regarding David's adulterous taking of Uriah's wife Bathsheba, and David's guilt in Uriah's death) "thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon... 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. 14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme // the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. 15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick."
What is one to think of such a passage from a Christian POV? Clearly God does not strike children, or harm anyone. In the OT world it was believed that God caused diseases as punishment. But upon examining the actual words in Hebrew as compared to their English translations it is possible to interpret this verse differently, and I believe more appropriately. A great number of words are added to the bible text during translations, and meanings are chosen which support established doctrines. For example in verse 12:9 the Hebrew word "nakah" is translated as "struck" in the KJV, also as "killed" in other translations, and this is correct since this word means to strike, kill, slaughter. But... in verse 15 "the Lord struck the child..." the Hebrew word is "nega", which means to touch or lay a hand on. So what this really says is the Lord touched the child. Why is "nega" translated as "struck"? I believe this is purely a projection of doctrinal bias into the translation... there are other possible interpretations.
Looking at the verse literally as translated in the Interlinear Hebrew English Bible by Jay Green -
"and Nathan said to David, also YHWH has put away your sin, not you shall die, only because surely you have caused YHWH's enemies to scorn, by this thing"
I think this is a complete statement, period. And the next statement starts "Also" - this is a key point, rather than being connected to the first sentence, the word "also" here signifiies the start of a new and separate sentence, "Also the son who shall be born to you surely shall die. And Nathan went to his house. And struck (but I think this should read "touched" or "laid His hand upon") YHWH the boy, whom had born the wife of Uriah to David and he became sick.
"And the Lord laid His hand upon the child..." or "And the Lord touched the child."
Also, "and he became sick" is an errant translation, not literal, but made in order to communicate a false idea about God. What this phrase literally means is, "for he was feeble, weak, incurable." Hence a totally different interpretation is possible, i.e. the child born to David and Bathsheba was not going to live because it was too weak, feeble, unhealthy, so the Lord in His Mercy touched the poor dying child and took his soul back home to heaven.
God does not kill babies to punish their parents ! That is an abominable thing to say, yet such has been the case for thousands of years, and still today the advocates of bibleanity are perpetuating these false views. I believe much of the bible is mistranslated from a sick, violent deluded POV, this verse being one example of many.
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On man's preference for ignorance -
From the MacAthur Student Bible page 1 -
"Scientific theories, by their very definition, are subject to change and adjustment. Scripture remains as God's unchanging declaration of truth. The Bible was not written as a challenge to any particular scientific theory, but scientific theories have often been designed to challenge or undermine biblical statements. They either agree with scripture or are mistaken."
How can any educated person pronounce such totally false ideas as being true ? This is the same basic mindset which Jesus had to confront among religious authorities 2,000 years ago. Truth is of God, not ignorance.
"Scientific theories, by their very definition, are subject to change and adjustment. "
And if one studies the bible free of bias, one cannot help but notice that God does exactly the same thing. God is creative, always hopeful, always trying to make adjustments for the deluded actions of men, always hoping they will excersize some intelligence and use the mind they have been blessed with. The scientific method is in keeping with the theme of evolution and progress that runs throughout the bible. This process is a reflection of the divine nature.
"Scripture remains as God's unchanging declaration of truth."
This is false, Jesus Christ is the only unchanging declaration of truth in Christianity. God's Law is written in our hearts.
"scientific theories have often been designed to challenge or undermine biblical statements."
This is false, and misrepresents the scientific method and the nature of science. In fact, just the opposite is true, the church has often sought to undermine scientific discoveries because they exposed the falicy of errant doctrines. God is truth, the bible says everything will be exposed in the Light of God. The sole purpose of science is the revelation of truth... However, I think modern science is often lacking in wisdom, and an interaction between religion and science is beneficial for both. Jesus taught us to use discerment in reading the bible as well as in our daily lives. Hopefully science would also have a basis in wisdom, be more discernimg and oriented towards the benefit of all people, the earth and all its creatures, instead of doing anything for the sake of one's career. For example, proficiency in mathmatics or computers may evidence specific sorts of intelligence, but often such experts seem to be lost in an artificial world of abstractions. This is not a healthy state. There is a need for wisdom, which leads to true intelligence, a balanced life, compassion, and proper use of our intelligence.
"They either agree with scripture or are mistaken."
Here we see how the advocates of bibleanity reject any discoveries which, according to them, do not agree with the bible. There can be no progress or discovery unless it agrees with their interpretation of the bible. This attitude results in contorted statements such as the one found on page 4 of the MacArthur Student Bible -
"The first day - God completed creation in 7 days... each day in Genesis refers to a 24 hour period. The cycle of light and darkness means the earth was rotating on its axis, receiving light from a source on one side of the earth, even though the sun was not yet created."
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On population control - much is said about global warming and the destruction of the environment and the quest for new ways to "feed the world"... I just read an article where a scientist postulates new bioengineered crops and trees with black silicon leaves that are 10x more effecient than plants with green leaves which would enable us to sustain the world's booming population... Every time people talk about feeding the world, what they do not seem to realize is that every time our ability to produce food improves the population naturally grows to match the new supply... more food always means more people... The real solution is not creating new bioengineered crops, but new forms of birth control that are easy and safe to use... However, economies are based upon population growth, as are the ever growing tax demands of governments, and the world's major religions reject birth control... So, we have people living in dire poverty, living in dumps, starving, having large numbers of children. Natures response to such adverse conditions is to produce more offspring to insure the survival of the community/species. Its purely a matter of numbers from the natural point of view... Famine, disease, war - all are natural forms of population control. The only solution is to apply our knowledge and plan suitable population sizes, but this is unpopular on just about every front. So, we continue the cycles which lead to ever increasing disasters. If we do not manage the world with wisdom and knowledge then we are subject to natural forms of population control, which are always unpleasant, without heart, without any concern for individuals... While it is customary to glorify nature we should also be aware that nature will kill us without batting an eye if we get into a bad situation, like being caught in an undertow... Nature can be totally heartless and brutal, as can humans when they are driven to it. So we need intelligent management of populations, there cannot be unlimited growth, we are past the level the earth can sustain, the result will be an earth devoid of other creatures, forests, and masses of humans living in poverty. We must develope governments and economies based upon sustainable populations rather than endlessly increasing masses. And we need to launch a worldwide program of negative population growth to return to levels of about 30 years ago... We must concentrate on quality of life rather than numbers. Small healthy educated families rather than big, sick, uneducated groups in which men run around procreating irresponsibly, passing on diseases and bringing children into the world who they are unable to provide for, and who they may ignore, not accepting the responsiblity of fatherhood. This is especially true in our modern societies with their rampant sexual promiscuity.
Whether there are 1 billion people in the world or 10 billion, eventually we are going to have to draw the line, so really it might as well be at a much lower level, which would enable people to provide better lives for smaller numbers of children. Instead of destroying the Earth by over-population and subjecting humankind to ever greater disasters, epidemics, and deterioration of quality of life, it would be much better to plan our societies.
However the horrible practice of abortion should never be considered as a means of population control. What we need are safe, easy effective means, such as a pill or simple surgery. I wonder how many of the fundamentalists who tell people to abstain from sex did so themselves. The sex drive is one of the most powerful biological forces and to deny people effective birth control can only result in millions of unwanted births each year as well as millions of abortions. The unrealistic position of religious fundamentalists is a big part of the problem. The fact is billions of people are having sex and producing billions of babies. Many of these people do not want to be parents or cannot take care of another child. Many of them live in dire poverty. The only realistic solution is effective, safe birth control. But our religious institutions teach them its wrong so perpetuate and compound the problem. The end result is millions of children are innocent victims.
"Be fruitful and multiply" does not mean ravage and despoil the Earth. An orchard needs to be carefully tended in order to bear fruit. If left to the forces of nature it will become weed infested and its trees will produce less and less. Fruit trees need to be pruned, nurtured, and cared for, with knowledge, wisdom, and science.
Also, building cities in low lying coastal areas, in dry desert areas prone to yearly fires, etc. is a mistake. Such areas should not be major popoulation centers, as is currently the case. This is totally irresponsible and can only result in repeated disasters...
It is essential to understand the solution to the world's food problems, i.e. poverty and hunger, is not the production of more food. Increases in food supply are always accompanied by increases in population, more food begets more people. The only solution, short of migrating to another planet, is birth control and family planning. However since governments are operating on the principle of deficit spending they require ever increasing populations of taxpayers. All of this is heading towards ever greater disasters, epidemics - coupled with the prevailance and ease of air travel which distributes new viruses almost immediately around the world, and poor sanitary conditions due to ever increasing overpopulation... And, as the numbers of humans spiral upwards the number of extinct species also spirals upwards... This may have a huge impact on the balance of nature in the future. One organism, such as the lowly dung beatle, even a species of bacteria... all of these things are part of a delicate balance that has evolved over billions of years. Insects pollinate crops, animals maintain the balance of the insect population, microscopic organisms in the oceans produce a large part of our global oxygen supply, eliminate one link in the chain and it can have very far reaching consequences. Add to this the involvement of corporations in the hybridization of seeds, for example. Whereas a hundred years ago there was a vast panopoly of food crops being grown worldwide, that number is decreasing drastically, where there were once hundreds, or even thousands, of different varieties of plants being grown for food in a region, now there may ten or twenty... The new seeds are patented, hybridized and untested over long periods of time. A single blight could wipe out a large portion of a region's food supply. This coupled with spiraling overpopulation will have dire consequences. The solution is not producing hybridized supercrops that increase yields by factors of 2, 3, or 4, but planned population size. More food always equals more people. It will just keep snowballing... Our economic system, corporate capitalism, perpetuates the problems it claims it is solving. Responsible procreation is the only solution, otherwise nature will impose its own solutions in the forms of epidemics, disasters, wars, etc. If we do not manage our affairs, nature will, and nature has no compassion in these matters.
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On medical care - a huge amount of disease could be eliminated for free, at no cost what-so-ever... But to do so would deprive one of the most powerful industries of much of its profit, and in our corporate controlled world, that is taboo... However, if people would simply eat modest amounts of real food and cut out all junk food and sweets there would be a huge increase in health and well-being. Its very simple, eat less fatty meat and more vegetables. Eat a good healthy balanced breakfast of fruit, yogurt, tea without sugar, one egg and a piece of whole grain toast, a similar good healthy lunch, a smaller size supper, and after supper do not eat anything. Cut out all the junk foods and sugary desserts. Eat healthy snacks - a piece of fruit or cream cheese on whole grain crackers... Excersize one hour a day. You can excersize while watching TV too, by doing simple calesthenics with light weights, the plastic water filled variety work nicely. Walk and ride a bicycle instead of driving. Live closer to your place of employment to avoid wasting time, energy, and money on stressful commuting which also pollutes the air.
Another reason medical care is so expensive is the practice of trying to prolong life as long as is physically possible, even if it means forcing elderly people near the end of their lives to undergo surgeries and painful proceedures with a small chance of success in the hopes of prolonging ones life for a sort period. I think it is important to realize we are all going to die and see this as an important part of our life. Death should be a conscious passing. I see no moral reason for forcing people to endure horrible suffering and degradation. If I was suffering from some horrible, debilitating disease, I could choose to "leave this mortal coil" with my mental faculties intact... I am sure the fact that many people fear such an ending results in numerous suicides. People should be allowed to live, and die, in freedom, with dignity, among caring and compassionate people. To be forced to vegetate for years while the mind slowly deteriorates is, I believe, cruel and inhuman. This suffering is prolonged by our health care industry when patients are forced to undergo very expensive surgeries, proceedures and tests even when it may only add a short time to this existence, often draining thier families resources.
I am not advocating suicide, but rather ending the practice of keeping people alive by any means possible. Death is the natural ending we all face and to try to avoid it when it is inevitable is also wrong and causes suffering. Prolonging life should not be equated with quality of life. There must be a balance, For example, people should be given the freedom to decide if they want to undergo surgeries, etc. It should not be forced upon them. If a person does not have the mental abiblity to make such a decision, then their previous wishes should be honored. Lack of mental awareness might be considered as grounds for allowing a person to die peacefully rather than forcing them to undergo surgeries, etc. to prolong the existence of their physical body while their mind deteriorates. I think this is very wrong and unnatural.
On government - The USA is not a democracy nor is it a capitalistic country. Rich executives and corporations receive huge rewards for doing horrible jobs. Honest competition is being prevented and the natural forces of the marketplace are subverted. Good companies like Honda are prevented from realizing their fair share of the market because corporate dinosaurs like GM are given massive "bailouts" which will only prolong their demise. For the cost of one such "bail out" of one of these massive corporate failures we could have a manned base on Mars. This is money that should be invested in the future, in new ideas, new companies, new more effecient forms of government, such as direct voting via the internet. We could dispense with much of our government and replace it with true democracy via the internet. Why should lobbiests and career politicians control the future of humanity ? We need a national referendum on changing the way our government is run, and putting it into the hands of the people. There is no good reason why the people should not be allow to vote directly on many issues. Get rid of the special interests which have taken the reigns of government from the people. Its itme to move ahead and realize the vision of our founding fathers, one person, one vote, freedom, liberty, and equality for all. If we are going to institute a true democracy each person's vote must be equal, and with the advent of the internet we can dispense with "politicain-middlemen" and a host of bureaucracies that drain our economy of its life blood. Actual government can be locally based, the Federal Government would be scaled down, its main role being to insure basic rights and fair play. The people should be allowed to decide on the course their future should take and how their taxes should be used. As it is now, one party argues with the other, blocks legislation, year after year, the same old ineffectual power struggles, huge amounts of money are wasted, it takes way too long to pass legislation, while problems and debt are continually passed on to future generations. We could just vote via a government website and bypass the whole mess. Have an actual democracy.
These huge, extremely ineffecient institutions are diverting the future of humankind. If we can rid ourselves of them and use the technology at hand we will be free to move ahead and act decisively and democratically. Create a congressional website and allow the people to create legislation and vote, without the interfence from lobbiests and politicians. The difficult part will be getting rid of the old, entrenched institutions.
And of course there should be a simple flat tax system and the old income tax system should be totally scrapped. In such a system there would be no need to waste money sending out refunds.
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message to NASA :
The Space Shuttle is a bad design and NASA's persistence in using it is an example a government agency that is more concerned with its own image and PR than crew safety. The original shuttle design was to be much smaller and positioned atop a booster - had this more sensible design been adhered to none of these disasters would have occured. Imagine, an multi-billion dollar craft that is damaged by pieces of foam insulation falling off a booster... Why did NASA choose to pursue such a gigantic, heavy, costly, and dangerous design - a spacecraft the size of a DC 7 ? A smaller shuttle positioned atop a booster would not be damaged by hot gases from faulty O-rings or pieces of foam insulation. This is so obvious, yet NASA persists in using this dangerous dinosaur of a spacecraft. It was a bad concept - who would make a spacecraft in which the crew could not escape in an emergency? Clearly, politics and economics took precedence over crew safety and practicality. NASA should end the current shuttle program now and return to safe, responsible spacecraft design. Crew safety should never be compramized due to economic or political concerns.
The shuttle's function should be to ferry personel into space and back, not carrying payloads. (The current shuttle is like a giant spacegoing cargo container). Payloads should be launched separately. Residential orbital habitats would enable crews to remain in space for exended periods. Sending people into space and returning them after a few days or weeks is wasteful and at present, dangerous. A shuttle designed for this purpose can be compact. Or if a simpler re-entry vehicle, such as a capsule, were used, spare heat shields could be stored in the orbital habitats in case one sustained damage. Such a vehicle should be of simple, modular, utilitarian design, capable of being repaired in orbit. Ideally it would be standardized internationally, so craft from various countries could be used interchangably, as well as repaired using the same orbiting spare parts inventory. It would be easy for our engineers to design such a system.
more on the space shuttle design problems... some ideas for solutions... design an insulating material for the fuel tank that doesn't fall off... mount a smaller sized shuttle atop the booster rockets instead of alongside... OR... mount the shuttle with the heat shield facing out, rather than towards the booster, with shock absorbing foam on the top of the shuttle facing the booster... design smaller modular spacecraft with spare parts supply depots in orbit so they could be repaired if need be... orbiting habitats (the old sci-fi revolving wheel kind so no zero gravity health problems) which astronauts could live in for extended periods so launches would be reduced and in case of a damaged craft its crew could live aboard the habitat until they could be picked up by another craft... a symetrically designed shuttle with heat shields on top and bottom which could flip over and re-enter using the top secondary heat shield if the primary bottom heat shield was damaged... rather than sticking with bad designs for political reasons we need a new approach which is more flexible and capable of moving ahead into better designs as they become available. and we need to stop wasting our resources on misguided wars and bailing out failed corporations. we reward mediocrity and force our best and most talented people to work within an ineffecient and flawed system... worse than that is we put them in danger, forcing them to risk their lives flying unsafe craft when we could do much better... astronauts should be part of the design process... no spacecraft should ever be built that does not have basic safety features... look at the number of people who have died flying the space shuttle... each time it launches we just cross our fingers and hope there is no serious damage to the heat shields... this is wrong, morally, ethically, and scientifically.... so why are we doing it ? is it possible that this is an example of the Ford Pinto design mentality applied to spacecraft ? our government has hocked our future to pay for misguided wars and corporate bailouts... congress will forkout trillions in free gifts to corporations that have failed but cuts funding for the space program... what is the greatest accomplishment of humankind ? possibly the Apollo program, yet even it was cut short by short-sighted politicians...
or, orbiting robotic lifeboat/re-entry vehicles built to international standards that could be used by any country's astronauts... which could respond to an emergency, locate and transport a crew to a habitat or back to earth...
how about a rotating "geodesic sphere" structure, with habitats constructed along the equator so people can live in a gravity environment... while at each of the poles there could be zero gravity observatories which would rotate in such a manner as to maintain a stationary relationship with the earth or stars, for astronomical and terrestrial observation. most of structure between the equator and the poles would be an open framework, with connecting tunnels to the poles from a central axis in the hub. of course there would be large solar arrays for power which would also function as sunshades...
also, we are going to have to start programs to eliminate orbiting space junk, or else by the time we have the technology that will enable spacetravel we will not be able to use it because the Earth will be surrounded by vast clouds of shrapnel that will instantly shred anything that attempts to penetrate them. The longer we put off doing this the more costly and difficult it will become in the future. Nuclear powered laser satellites could zap and vaporize orbiting debris, however since these could also function as an offensive weapons to destroy satellites, it is doubtful they could be deployed during the current state of international affairs, but such a satellite could track thousands of pieces of junk and destroy them easily and rapidly from a distance... or robotic collectors which would fill themselves then burn up in the atmosphere, but these would take much longer and be more costly... All satellites should be designed to eliminate space junk by re-entry after their period of service has ended, or by launching themselves into the sun along prescribed disposal trajectories... governments and corporations who clutter the sky with deadly debris should have to pay for its removal... once again corporations and governments are irresponsibly creating problems for future generations who will have to foot the bill for cleaning up their mess.
The international space stationis another bad design ... after spending extended periods in zero gravity people suffer physical deterioration... so how would lenghty spaceflights be possible ? remember those old big wheel space stations from sci-fi books in the 50s and 60s ? we should build such a revolving spacestation so there would be no damage to people from long duration zero gravity missions, and - the "spacestation" should actually be a spaceship... think about it... whats the point of building a low earth orbit space station ? we could just as well build a movable habitat ! isn't that obvious ? also, we should send modular habitats, equipment, and supplies to Mars, then send people, not send everything at once. an orbiting spaceship that never lands or needs to take off from earth would be capable of supporting Martian and Lunar excursions, a suitable long term habitat with artificial gravity would allow people to live in space for extended periods, years at a time, Robotic supply ships would bring needed materials and personel.
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Jesus' teachings 0n love (this should be the heart of Christianity) -
Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. 30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? ...35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
So, how was this, the true Way of God as presented to us in the very person of Christ, changed into a religion of war and terror by the church and numerous despotic rulers throughout Europe beginning with Constantine into the middle ages ? How is it possible the doctrine of Holy War is still being preached by many of Christian authorities today ?
Here is a quote from The MacArthur Study Bible, millions of copies in print, including student textbooks, one of the most popular study bibles, and there are other study bibles espousing the same doctrine, re. Numbers 31 -
"This battle with the Midianites modeled God's requirements for Holy War when Israel took vengence on His enemies... All the Midianites, except the virgin women, were to be put to death... The execution of all male children and women of child bearing age insured the extermination of the Midianites. "
The MacArthur Study Bible, re. Isaiah 11,4 -
" 'Breath of His lips' - this is another figure for the Messiah's means of inflicting physical harm."
The NCV Everyday Study Bible, printed in 1996:
"In light of the repeated commands against murder in the bible, it is difficult to make sense of the OT stories where God commands people to annihilate their enemies... in the conquest of Jericho and Ai where all people - women youth, and elderly - are slaughtered... it is confusing to read that God himself demands the killing of non-combatants... from the perspective of God's people, this was an execution of corporate punishment, a group death penalty for an evil people who acted against the God of Israel... every member of the family was involved in pagan worship... but more significantly, God wanted to remove every source of future corruption to his people..."
"The bible is full of the sights, sounds, and smells of warfare... Study of the Bible reveals that there is a theology of warfare that runs from Genesis to Revelation... The plunder includes material goods that are given to the treasury of the sanctuary... and also prisoners of war who are usually executed... This is the picture of Holy War in the OT. At the center stands God, the divine warrior."
"In the OT God graciously accepted the life of the sacrificial animal instead of taking the life of the person offering the sacrifice as punishment for sin... Jesus' life was the perfect sacrifice because it did away with the need for any more animal sacrifices... One day, Jesus will return to earth as a kingly warrior and subdue all those who oppose him. " - NCV Everyday Study Bible.
The NCV ESB, p.1141 - "...a Christian is one who has God as father. But cannot this be said of every person, Christian or not ? No ! The idea that all are children of God is not found in the Bible anywhere."
(Duh, the very first chapter of the bible says God created ALL PEOPLE IN HIS IMAGE. MAN AND WOMAN... These people are seriously screwed up.)
These are just a few examples of the type of comments found in many study bibles on the market. This is an afront to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit - the antithesis of the teachings, life and example of Jesus Christ.
How can people who purport to be followers of Jesus say this sort of thing ? The Christian Church has a history of this sort of deluded behavior which has, in the past, led to horrible atrocities and monstrous deeds committed in the name of Christ. Clearly this is not based in the example and teachings of Jesus, so why is it espoused and marketed under the guise of Christianity ? This has nothing to do with Christ, it is the opposite of what he taught.
There are many very violent, dark, wrathful passages in the bible that have nothing to do with God. It is the most violent book I have read. The doctrine of a divine and perfect bible serves to perpetuate wars and violence and has had a horrendous impact upon our history. Such sritings are not the world of God, but rather the beliefs of ignorant men. Christ incarnated to set things straight and reveal God's true nature.
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Jesus went into the mountains alone at night to pray, to commune with God spiritually... That which brings true peace, understanding, wellbeing, love and compassion is of God, the rest is not. Hence it is essential to interpret the bible from a basis in Christ rather than twisting Jesus' teachings to conform with the false doctrine of a perfect and divine bible. The men who wrote the many diverse writings in the bible did so from a basis in a different worldview. The incarnation of Christ and his subsequent work among us changed all that. But the advocates of bibleanity seek to re-instate the same old obsolete worldview. Whenever the bible talks abut the wrath of God, etc. it should be understood that this is how ancient men viewed God, not how God actually is. Such accounts might better be seen as what happens to people when they live selfish, hedonistic, unspiritual lives, i.e. the results of their actions. A morally corrupt society will naturally fall apart. Life requires harmony and fitness. Evolution is one of the main themes of the bible. Rather than a natural universe controlled by God, it is more like a machine that once set in motion follows certain (totally cold-hearted) laws. God's realm is spiritual. However if we live in accordance with God's law of love, compassion, respect for all life, we will become masters of the physical world to a certain extent, but never completely. The physical universe will never be perfect and without risk. Such is life. It is interesting that this is what the bible actually says, if it is read with an open mind, free of religious bias. We are presented with the universe and expected to become its caretakers, to manage utilize its resources wisely, not as gluttons but as good stewards. We have an obligation to think of future generations and how our actions will affect their lives. This is not being done. This is very wrong. We should leave the earth in better condition then when we inheritied it. We are doing just the opposite and at a rate that may be causing irreparable harm to the earth, its creatures, and future generations.
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What is bibleanity ?
Several centuries after Jesus' incarnation the Christian Church compiled what is now entitled the Holy Bible and declared it to be the Word of God, perfect and infallable, divinely dictated, even though in many places it contradicts the teachings of Jesus. Advocates of the divine bible have used this doctrine to justify the repression of Jesus' original teachings of unconditional love and non-violence. Advocates of bibleanity continue to teach that Jesus is a warrior who will return to destroy the earth and anyone who doesn't believe in him, they also teach that Jesus Christ is the author of the bible in its entirety, and the architect of numerous wars and conquests depicted in the Old Testament. They say everything that happens is an act of God, epidemics, disasters, disease... that such things are punishments from God. For modern people to perpetuate such ancient superstitions is mindboggling, and to mislead children in this manner is an offensive against God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit... Bibleanity represents a re-establishment of the very sorts of false manmade religious institutions which Jesus opposed even in the face of the cruelist torture and death.
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Did you know that there are bible colleges that actually are teaching people that dinosaurs are still alive in Africa, and have actually sent expeditions there to prove their "creationist" theories ? They totally discount evolution and the actual age of the earth, proclaiming authoritatively that the earth and all living organisms were created within a period of a few thousand years. And many people actually believe this... So there are many professors and Ph.Ds teaching totally false psuedo-science all on the "authority" of the bible. The bible says God made Adam and Eve therefore evolution is false... Such is the delusive nature of bibleanity, the belief in a divine bible. And it is becoming increasingly popular. People are actually seeking out and embracing ignorant beliefs... Perhaps it gives people a sense of security, but its a false sense of security because its based on a fiction. Which leads to more insecurity, so its a vicious circle. The solution is spiritual communion with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit instead of Bibleanity. Science is a reflection fo the divine nature. God is creative. God gives life, diversity, hope and wellbeing. Choosing to embrace superstitions and false doctrines does not bring us closer to the truth.
The bible says science is an essential aspect of God's divine plan -
On the very first page of the bible we read, Genesis 1,11 - " And God said, let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them. " This is something we take for granted, but how did ancient people, thousands of years ago, know this ? Through Science, through careful observation, study, accumulation of data, experimentation, and successful implementation of this new knowledge. And people used this knowledge to change the world, exactly as it says we should do in Genesis... This displays a very important understanding (these people seem to be more knowledgable in this area than many modern day people) - that Seeds contain the "masterplan" for each variety of plant and animal, something all living things have in-common... They also knew semen contained the seed for animal life and human life, thus all life having this in-common, and offspring, children, were called "seed"... And that gave birth to the idea that ideas were also seeds which gave birth to new ideas... Although for some strange reason many modern people who study the bible decry evolution, it is in fact, one of the main themes that runs throughout the bible. So, the basic fundamental biological process in which each lifeform produces its own unique seed containing the blueprint for all its unique charateristics as well as its basic structure, which we now know is infinitely complex and miraculous, was well known to these people in ancient times. This knowledge allowed people to change the world and move from hunter-gatherers to become farmers and herdsmen. People regarded knowledge as something Holy, something spoken to them by God, not a cold academic pursuit, but an interaction with the Creator of the universe in the most intimate manner. An interaction which brought forth new life.
But how did people in biblical times initially learn these things ? The answer is - Science. Science is an aspect of our very nature, Science is human in its deepest sense, and as the bible clearly states, is a reflection of the divine nature... God is a creator, an explorer, an optimist, a benevolent friend ... Yet, men have often rejected God's creative Way of Life and chosen instead the ways of destruction ad death. This verse attests to scientific studies, experiments, and successful applications of scientifically derived knowledge among "primitive peoples"... But, I have a feeling they were very much like you and me, perhaps even more intelligent, resourceful, and creative... We just inherited their "intellectual property". Can we recapture this sort of drive and motivation, to pursue knowledge as a Way to Life, rather than blindly doing anything to make money, regardless of the consequences ?
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On Christian Militia -
Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Luke 22:49 - 49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Jesus always tells us to look beneath the surface and discern the actual reality. In order to do this we need to learn to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This takes practice. But we should not be diverted and misled by bible experts and religious authorities with an agenda of their own, people who exploit the naive when given the opportunity. Jesus told us the Holy Spirit would be our teacher. Jesus' teachings and example of non-violence are clear. As is the primary neccesity of forgiving others when they wrong us.
But men often use religion as a facade behind which they hide and continue in the ways of violence, hatred, nonforgiveness... Jesus said, "forgive them father, they know not what they do." That is the example he set for us to follow. Love, compassion, forgiveness, respect for all life and the potential it embodies is the way of Christ. Jesus did not do around stockpiling weapons and training people to kill. He was a healer who brought spiritual salvation to all, and that is what Christians should be engaged in.
Jesus said, "take up your cross and follow me." He didn't say, "take up your gun and follow me." He also said those who take up the sword die by the sword.
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Science and religion - which is more important ?
Science is about, or at least it should be about, discovering experimentally verifiable truths about the universe. On the other hand religion is about, or at least it should be about experiencing truth within ourselves, our lives, our relationships with others. However the institutions we create, both scientific and religious oftentimes seem to conflict with these ends, becoming instead selfperpetuating means of employment, careers, a means of gaining power and prestige, etc. Truth is copyrighted, marketed, bought and sold... or so we are told. But much of the time we are being hustled, a faulty product is being foisted upon us, and we, being conditioned to respect the voices of authority, naively, or perhaps lazily, or perhaps out of fear, whatever... we choose to "believe" the glop they are feeding us. Religion is not about belief, it is about experience. We cannot understand infinity, the intellect cannot grasp spiritual truth, but we can experience it. Everything we see about us is an expression of infinity, infinity is at the core of our being, it is in a sense who and what we are, yet this cannot be explained, formulated, doctrinalized, packaged, labeled and sold... Science is the realm of the intellect, that too is who and what we are... both are an expression of the divine, both are born of timeless truth, both are expressions of the infinite, yet they are at the same time distinct and in a sense incompatible... Like a successful marriage, we have to learn to accept and live with our partners quirks, to try to change them would be a mistake, for it is those very quirks which define their unique character, and we are all created in God's image. Live and learn...
Science and religion have one thing in common - they have both been diverted from their original purpose and made to serve the forces of war and destruction on numerous occasions thoughout our history. It is this ancient (genetically ingrained ?) predeliction to violence, the survival of the fittest, the 'natural man', which must be reigned in and 'enlightened'. Hopefully this would be the function of our religious institutions, however for the most part that has not been the case. Hence the most important thing is for people to learn to live in peace and harmony, with each other and with the earth and with themselves. Unless we can accomplish this essential prerequisite, the results of 4 billion years of evolution may go down the tube, at least in the human form.
It took approximately one billion years for the sorts of complex cells which are the basic building blocks of all living things to evolve. Our most ancient pre-human ancestors date back about 2 million years. That means it took much longer for complex cells to evolve than the organisms which were later assembled from those cells. For most of the history of the earth life was microscopic. It can be scientifically proven by DNA analysis that all life forms on the earth are related and the product of evolutionary processes over billions of years. Advocates of bibleanity deny this truth, and insist the earth and all its creatures were made in 6 days, and thus betray the doctrine which they profer as being one of ignorance. Furthermore this belittles life and cheapens it. Each human body is composed of approx. 100 trillion - thats 100,000,000,000,000 cells (consider there are several billion stars in a galaxy, that means each human body is a veritable universe of life) all working in perfect harmony, with many specialized functions, brain cells, bone, nerve, blood, muscle, skin, eye, etc... and all of these grew from a mother's egg which was fertilized by a father's sperm. This is the only way a human being can be created. Each of these 100 trillion cells contains DNA consisting of approx. one billion nucleotides - which can make exact perfect copies of themselves. Each cell is a microscopic supercomputer. This is far more miraculous than anything religion can conceive of. Why do religious institutions repress this truth and adhere to obsolete beliefs ? In the past, even going so far as to murder anyone who contradicted them ? This is the true nature of the religious institutions we have constructed. And this same ignorant practice is still being embraced by growing numbers of people. God is truth. The goal of true science is to reveal truth.
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The idealogies of men may cause wars, violence, hatred, destruction.
God is love, always healing, unconditional, all embracing compassion,
beyond the ken of human understanding yet ever at hand...
Knowledge is the most valuable thing in the world. The ancient Greeks who constructed the city of Alexandria knew this. The invaders who later destroyed it and its wealth of amassed knowledge did not. So the human race had to re-learn musch of the knowledge that was lost. Imagine if we had not been set back 1500 years in our scientific developement because the church repressed and even eradicated such new knowledge as did not conform to its doctrines. Imagine what the world would be like if the church did not preach the doctrine of war and conquest, but the doctrine of peace and the aquisition of knowledge. The fact is, the church interfered with, repressed, and murdered many thousands of people because they refused to conform to their false doctrines. Later Protestant Christians followed in their footsteps, murdering people who did not agree with their doctrines..
If indeed Jesus is the incarnation of the Logos, the creative aspect of the universe, would it not follow that scientific understanding equates with deeper understanding of this same truth ? Thus the errant dicotomy of religion - men make religious institutions which are actually projections of their deluded, ignorant mind, and then insist they are of divine origin. Knowledge is Holy. Knowledge exposes falsehood, is that why it has been repressed on so many occasions throughout our ignoble and tragic and violent 'history' ? The history of mankind is one of wars and brutality - the opposite of which Jesus lived and taught. Yet here we are 2,000 years later and men are still pursuing the same old deluded ways of violence.
A human body consists of approximately 100 trillion cells (100,000,000,000,000) each a living entity working in harmony with the others, our body is a veritable universe... This is a fact, this is the truth. It took 4 billion years to reach this point... Yet our religious institutions deny such truths and cheapen the very creation which they purport to revere. In their countless wars how many have died, how much potential lost ? Still the mindsets of war and violence proliferate. Each of these 100 trillion cells carries DNA containing 10 billion nucleotides, the genetic code, each is capable of reproducing exact copies of itself... Such mechanisms are incomprehensible, clearly life is Holy and miraculous beyond our wildest dreams... Yet we persist is destroying this heritage. Our religious institutions have been a big part of the problem up to now.
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One of the most respected bible commentators, Matthew Henry, tells us (re.Luke 19, 27) -
" Whoever will not be ruled by the grace of Christ will inevitably be ruined by the wrath of Christ."
Here we see the flipflopping which results from bibleanity. This is totally contrary to the actual teachings and example of Jesus Christ. A few verses earlier Jesus says (Luke 19,10) " For the Son of Man is come to seek and save that which was lost." Jesus never says he is going to destroy anyone, yet many Christians insist on twisting his teachings in order to conform them to bibleanity. Such remarks are the result of spiritual ignorance. Bible study should not be equated with spiritual communion. This is why it is essential to base our religious practice upon prayer and meditation rather than the false doctrine of a divine and perfect bible. Anyone can open themselves to God and enter into spiritual communion. The Holy Spirit will guide us and teach us. Due to this spiritual ignorance resulting from the practice of bibleanity, it may be more beneficial to investigate other traditions such as Yoga and Buddhism and apply their methods to Christian spiritual practice.
The Gospels were written by authors who drew from writings representing the materials circulating amongst the early churches. They are stories about Jesus, not literal histories. At times Jesus is quoted as saying things he may never have said. Here is an example from Luke, whose author at times combined various stories, changed sequences, etc. The idea behind these writings was to communicate what they believed about Jesus, not to create a history. Luke chapter 19,11-27 tells a parable concerning servants given money to invest and ends with this verse, 19:26 "For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. " This is the acutal ending of this parable, but then the author of Luke" tacks another verse onto the end of the original story, it was not part of the original story, 19,27 which according to the NAB this is actually taken from a historical account that refers to Archelaus' appointment by Rome as administrator over Judea and Samaria... as to why the author of Luke chose to add this verse to the end of one of Jesus' parables is a mystery... but this points out a very important fact about these writings, they are composits and should never be taken literally, and they may be difficult to understand, even for the foremost experts, but this verse, Luke 19,27 is very inflamatory and contradicts the teachings, life and example of Jesus... "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Now clearly this is taken out of its original context , This was said by Archelaus, not Jesus ! As to why someone would tack this verse onto the end of this parable is a mystery... But, the point us, this verse and others like it have been used by numerous despots, such as Henry the 8th and the real Vlad Dracula, to justify the most horrible and evil acts, supposedly done according to God's will. Religion can be dangerous when used as political propaganda, and the church has a responsibility to prevent that sort of thing from happening.
Because this ancient author tacked this ending onto this story people have come to believe that for some unknown reason Jesus uttered these words, "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Matthew Henry gives this commentary on this verse, " Whoever will not be ruled by the grace of Christ will inevitably be ruined by the wrath of Christ." This is the result of bibleanity. This not at all in accordance with the revelation of God we find in the person of Christ. Hence the need for more prayer, meditation, and service to others and less bible study. We need more humble people actually living as Christ demonstrated and fewer bible doctors spouting rhetoric. Such interpretations of the bible twist the teachings of Jesus to further the delusions of men.
Many "study bibles" have comments on Luke 19,27 similar to this one from the NLT Living Faith Bible, "I believe those who hate the Lord face certain judgement if they do not repent." Such a response is not in keeping with the heart of Christ and illustrates how the teachings of bibleanity are often based on questionable interpretations of dubious bible passages, perverting the teachings and example of Jesus in the process. Actually Jesus never said this. This was tacked onto the end of the parable by the author of Luke (NAB) yet since bibleanity says the bible is perfect, they choose to accept this alteration as "gospel" rather than defend the actual teachings of Christ.
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Bibleanity substitutes the bible for God, from the Open Bible, page 13 -
"The Bible discovers sin and convicts us.
The Bible helps cleanse us.
The Bible imparts strength.
The Bible instructs us in what we are to do.
The Bible provides us with a sword for victory over sin.
The Bible makes our lives fruitful.
The Bible gives us power to pray."
All of the above are false. The bible is a manmade book. It is far from perfect and even farther from being divine and infallible. It is not God and a great deal of its content is the product of the deluded minds of men. God is love and never harms anyone. The pretense of bibleanity is false, God does not control history, nor cause wars, plagues, send armies to exterminate entire populations... To say such things are God's Word perverts the teachings of Christ, misrepresents the true nature of God, and perpetuates the violent ways of men. Much of the bible's content is antithetical to the teachings, example, and life of Jesus Christ. The kingdom of God is within us. Book based religions subvert our relationship with God and manipulate people. However, God responds to the sincere heart, so even though someone may be deluded by bibleanity, if their heart is pure, God will help them as much as possible, but bibleanity misdirects and interferes with this process. All spiritual power, the only worthwhile power, comes from God, it is God who makes our lives fruitful. Bibleanity has in fact contributed to, if not actually caused, wars, immense suffering, persecutions, tortures, murders, and abuse... The advocates of bibleanity are continuing this tradition of violence. Such is the nature of false book based religions, the very sort of thing Jesus opposes. Jesus brought us the Holy Spirit. Jesus never said to study the bible, rather his instructions as to the nature of true religion are very simple, love God, love our fellow inhabitants of this planet as does God, treat everyone and everything the same way we want them to treat us. to be honest, unselfish, non-violent, and non-materialistic. His teachings of unconditional love and non-violence obviously were not suitable for maintaning empires and the status quo so the church compiled the bible, said it was the Word of God, and set about perpetuating the same old deluded, evil ways... in the name of Christ. This is not of God. Jesus defeated the forces of evil 2,000 years ago... He said on the cross, "Its finished." Just because people say they represent God, just because they have degrees in theology and posture as experts, does not mean it is true. The advocates of bibleanity would have you believe that your spiritual power is derived from the bible. This is not true. All spiritual power comes from God and the bible is not God. God is love, infinite, beyond the grasp of the human intellect, but we can know God's love within our hearts and lives.
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Here are a few short examples that illustrate how the advocates of Bibleanity mislead people -
From NCV Maximized Living Bible, 2006, 'Why the Bible is True' by Dr. Adrian Rogers, commenting on 1Peter 1,17-25 -
"You were conceived by the Word of God."
In the NT, the word of God refers to God's living communication through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and later through His disciples, not the bible.
"You were born again through God's living message, thats the Bible, that continues forever."
But this author says the Bible is the Word of God which is spoken of in the NT. This is wrong. The Bible to which the author refers did not exist at the time this letter was written.
Jesus never taught this, nor did his disciples. In the early church the "Word of God" means the Good News which they have recieved into their hearts, a living tranmission of the Holy Spirit. This did not come through bible study. The 'Holy Bible' was compiled centuries later ! And this cannot refer to the OT, because salvation comes through Christ, the person of God incarnate, to which certain passages in the OT may have pointed, but certainly all the writings of the OT, which was the only 'bible' in existence at that time, and these writings were not the source from which we are born again. This is so blatantly inaccurate, a machination resulting from the false notions of a divine and perfect bible. Jesus Christ is the Word of God of which the NT speaks, not the bible. The bible is not "God's living message that continues forever" as the author asserts.
"You are cleansed by the Word of God... Its the Word of God that gives you life... Its the Word of God that gives you purity and makes you clean. ..The Word of God completes you... How do you grow up in Jesus ? How do you come to maturity ? By feeding on the Word of God."
This is not what Jesus said. Jesus never said to study the bible. His instructions dealt with our relationships with others and with God. Teaching people that the Bible, with all its faults and misrepresentations and violence is God's Word may serve to lead them away from the reality of Christ and the spiritual relationship which he seeks to foster within us and among us, substituting instead a psuedo-religion in which people worship a manmade book as if its God. Jesus said to love God and love each other. Jesus was a healer, not a theologian, Jesus brought us the Holy Spirit, not the Holy Bible.
This should be clear from what the bible actually says: 1 Peter 1,17-25
"17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
It always amazes me how so many experts, people trained in the ways of bibleanity, will blatantly misinterpret the very bible of which they speak. There is no way this passage can be refering to the bible, as the authors claims. It is clearly talking about the Logos, Christ -
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."
Nowhere does this passage refer to the bible. I repeat, the only bible that existed at this time was the Torah - there was no Holy Bible until hundreds of years after this letter was written, so how could it possibly be saying the bible is the "Word of God that gives you life" as the author claims ? This is totally wrong. Yet many authors and experts say this sort of thing and Christians just lap it up. God gave us a brain for a reason.
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Bibleanity distorts the teachings of Jesus Christ,
Originally Christianity was about the direct spiritual experience of God though Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the best example of true Christianity is Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He was the arch enemy of Christ, a hunter and killer of Jesus' followers, but the moment he experienced Christ in the Spirit, he was instantly and totally transformed into "Paul"... He was blinded by the Light. He did not argue, he did not discuss theology... Having immediately recognized the Risen Christ as the Lord, he simply asked what he should do. "What do you want me to do ?" His old life vanished in an instant, it was not an intellectual decision, and he became one of the foremost advocates of Christ. But several centuries later the church had become a worldly power and its concerns were the concerns of men, and the same old deluded ways of being were grafted into church doctrines and actions. The Holy Bible was compiled, designated the Word of God, and the OT view of a wrathful destructor God was reinstated. Revelation, an anonymous apocalypse falsly attritbuted to Apostle John, was tacked on to the end of the new Holy Bible to counteract the view of Jesus presented in the Gospel of John. Revelation says Jesus is a divine warrior who will come in a future Day of the Lord and destroy the earth and all who oppose him.
( Saul/Paul's experience is very similar to the Zen experience of Satori.
Hence Christ based Zen practice may be beneficial for Christians... )
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To designate the bible as being the Word of God is misleading -
What is the true Word (Logos) of God ? If we look at the actual meanings of the term Logos (from Thayers Lexicon) we come across these definitions,
" a word, yet not in the gramatical sense... a word which, uttered by the living voice, embodies a conception of idea... discourse, the act of speaking, speech... what is communicated by instruction ... the attainment through Christ of salvation in the Kingdom of God... the personal wisdom and power in union with god, his minister in the creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world's life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man's salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah and shone forth conspicuously from his words and deeds... "
This does not mean the bible. When the church began teaching people the bible, instead of Jesus Christ, was the Word of God, it deviated from its original, true course, in the pursuit of "worldly" and deluded ends, the very things which Jesus seeks to counteract and correct are being perpetuated by the false doctrine of bibleanity.
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The NIV Study Bible tells us on page 2046 -
"Understanding the ministry of Jesus must begin with the Old Testament."
This is pure bibleanity, it is exactly the opposite of what Christians should do. Understanding Jesus must begin with Jesus, what he said and did. Then the OT should be interpreted from that basis, the person and teachings of Christ. Clearly there is much in the OT that is not in accord with the person and teachings of Christ. Jesus always taught love and healing and non-violence, but the doctrine of the divine bible perverts this truth and tells us Jesus is a divine warrior that led armies which slaughtered the populations of entire towns. This is an abomination being perpetuated in the name of Christ.
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The ESV Reformation Study Bible tells us on page 141 -
"What scripture says, God says; in a manner comparable only to the deeper mystery of the incarnation,
the bible is both fully human and divine. So all its manifold contents...
should be REVERED as God's authoritative instruction.
Christians should be grateful for the gift of His written Word,
and conscientious of BASING THEIR FAITH AND LIFE ENTIRELY UPON IT."
Jesus always taught us to use discernment and be guided by the Holy Spirit and follow in His footsteps. A great deal of the bible's content is extremely violent and the opposite of what Jesus lived and taught. This doctrine has served to perpetuate wars, suffering, and mislead people in the name of Christ. We are supposed to put God first, not the bible. And Jesus most certainly does not condone the many horribly violent acts described in the bible. God does not make wars, kill babies to punish their parents, etc, etc... Jesus brought us the Holy Spirit. A Living Spiritual relationship with God should be the basis of Christianity. When Jesus was questioned as to the nature of true religion, he said we are to love God first, and then love our neighbor as ourself... He did not even mention studying the bible. Bibleanity is a huge and lucrative business employing thousands, but its wrong.
The essay on Prayer in the ESV Reformation Study Bible (2nd edition) tells us that
"The bible teaches us how to pray"
and that Moses is a model we should follow when praying.
It does not even mention Jesus' instructions on prayer !
It barely mentions Jesus at all,
in fact, mainly stating he demonstrated proper faith in Gethsemane when he submitted himself to God's Divine Plan (i.e. the bible)...
Which makes me wonder, is this actually Christianity, or some perverted religion that grew out of some errant manmade doctrine ?
I think its the later.
Its amazing how many "Christian" authorities spout this sort of rhetoric, praising the bible and seemingly placing it before Jesus in importance. Some even say Jesus is the author of the bible, including all its violent passages, even though Jesus clearly teaches otherwise.
Why is this ? I think its because human beings are inherantly violent, its in our DNA, which, BTW, actually agrees with what the bible actually says. It is a sad paradox that the experts who derive their livelihoods touting the doctrines of bibleanity actually misinterpret the writngs in the bible to suit their own ignorant, and often seemingly cold hearted positions. Only the Love of Christ can transform our inate violent tendencies. However men often circumvent Jesus' teachings and reinstate old violent institutions.
The ESV Reformation Study Bible is a tangible example of the sort of cold "Calvinism" that poisoned the "reformation". This was a remake of Christainity in which the Living Presence of God within us was supplanted by the "Holy Bible". Look at the results... More wars, tortures, murders on a vast scale - committed in the name of Christ. Yet have any of the authorities repented or admitted their errors ? Instead they act as if they are God's mouthpiece and proceed to dictate ther ignorant views, and condemn anyone who does not agree with them.
There is a much better example of how to pray in the OT, and that is presented to us in the person of Hannah, in 1 Samuel chapter one -
She was praying sincerely from her heart in the temple, it was a private communion with God, her lips were moving but her voice could not be heard. The priest had obviously never seen someone engaged in this sort of true heartfelt prayer, for he insulted her and accused her of being drunk ! I guess back then people felt other people should be able to hear what they were praying, perhaps in order to impress others...
It is interesting that Hannah's example is in perfect accord with Jesus' instructions on prayer, that it should be a private communication with God, not something to make public, and that it should be honest and heartfelt. It is also interesting the the headpriest, Eli, was not aware of what she was doing.
Another point of interest, very important, is that the term "Lord of Hosts" is first used by Hannah in this prayer, and the Hebrew meaning is Lord of Multitudes, refering to God as creator of the universe and its untold countless numbers of beings -
(this is explained in the Penguin Talmud anthology, page 24 - very boring, look at it at a bookstore or library, I do not recommend buying this book, long winded discussions on fine points of mosaic law, how to sacrifice animals, etc... this was the only interesting thing I could find before I caved in and recycled it...)
- something all study bibles I have seen seem to have missed...
and later in 1 Samuel, David uses the same term but now it has been changed to mean Lord of the Israelite armies ! And this is the version that has been adopted by the church as well. Is there a more clear example of how men have perverted teachings in the bible to support their religion of war and conquest ?
The bible is in fact a record of this process to which the layers of alterations and rebuttals witness. Clearly everything in the bible is not the word of God, it may be present, but requires discernment, and is often not in accord with what the church and hoards of certified experts spout. No matter what they may say, God does not kill babies, harm anyone, cause epidemics, or start wars.
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"...we see the wrath of the Lamb that terrifies the earth."
- actual quote from a very popular bible expert, doctor of theology, author of many books.
This sort of thing is common among many bible experts, doctors of theology, and well published authors.
But it is totally wrong, a deluded view of Christ based upon errant manmade doctrines.
"the Lamb that terrifies the earth", you can't get much more twisted around than that.
Perhaps we should be wary of anyone sporting advanced degrees in theology...
In his commentary on the Book of Revelation, Dr. J. Vernon McGee writes,
" in the Gospels we find Him (Jesus) meek, lowly, humble... He is not like that in the Book of Revelation... we see the wrath of the Lamb that terrifies the earth."
This clearly exemplifies how even many of the foremost bible experts and clergy have altered their view of Jesus Christ in order to conform with the doctrine of a perfect and divinely dictated bible. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's love and compassion. God is love. God never has and never will terrify anyone. Jesus is a healer. The Book of Revelation was written by an unknown author several generations after Jesus was crucified. It expresses the author's views. It most certainly was not dictated by the risen Christ. When it was canonized and attached to the end of the bible under the church perverted the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in order to perpetuate the very things Jesus gave his life to change. Nothing he ever did of said in the Gospels can lead us to believe this book was dictated by him. It is accepted purely on the grounds of church authority, and many people blindly adopt these views because they are espoused by clergy, authors and famous experts...
The Apocalypse (Revelation) was written by an unknown author but was later added to the bible canon under the pretense of being written by the Apostle John.. So now Jesus is depicted in the last book of the bible as a divine warrior, as these verses from Revelation illustrate :
Rev. 6,16 "And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
"The wrath of the Lamb" ? Our loving Lord and Savior, the Prince of Peace, was turned into a wrathful destructor... by the Christian Church !
Rev. 19, 15 "... he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."
Jesus Christ, who taught us to love each other unconditionally, is going to rule the nations with a rod of iron ? Who rebuked his disciples when they wanted to call down fire on an unreceptive city ? Who told us always to repay evil with good ? How could anyone who read the gospels say such things ?
The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ (Revelation) expresses the views of an unknown author, or more likely authors, writing in the literary form of apocalypse. This book is not unique, there were many apocalypses dedicated/attributed to various biblical personages. The words "spoken" by Jesus in Revelation do not bear the same weight or veracity as those spoken in the Gospels. Although some bibles place them in red print to place them on equal footing with those in the Gospels, such is the mindset of bibleanity. In an apocalypse the author uses the main character to express his ideas, which may or may not be inspired. The author of Revelation chose to use the character of Jesus to express his views, then the church claimed it was written by the author of the fourth Gospel, which is prehaps the most spiritually inspired of all the Gospels. Why? Could it be Jesus' radical teachings of unconditional love, non-materialism, and non-violence were not suited to their agenda, nor that of the Roman Emporer Constantine ? Clearly much of this book runs counter to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Did the church abandon the true teachings of Jesus Christ when it compiled the Holy Bible under the auspices of Constantine and designated it "the Word of God" ?
Perhaps Revelation might better be approached from a more practical POV,
For example, this verse from Revelation 15,2 -
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass
mingled with fire:
and them that had gotten the victory over the beast,
and over his image...
stand on the sea of glass,
having the harps of God. "
This can be interpreted as a perfect description of enlightenment:
"sea of glass" - ocean of clarity, as in satori, samadni, etc.
"mingled with fire" - this could refer to God's presence, an ocean of clarity, limitless, mingled with God's presence... or fire may refer to the process of purification, tests which we are blessed with in order to lead us homeward, or spiritual warmth, the spark of life...
"and them that had gotten this victory over the beast" in Buddhist/Zen terms this would refer to those people who had successfully disciplined themselves and were no longer driven by the passions of the lower nature, biological drives, fears, deluded ideas, etc = "the beast",
"and over his image" all the projected objects of desire, all the cravings we imagine will bring fulfullment but only lead to more suffering, materialism, hatred, hedonism, etc.
those people who have realized victory, through God's grace and the salvation of Christ, not through any accumulated spiritual merit resulting from mechanistic practices, but those people who had reached the goal,
now stand upon an inifinte sea of clairy,
mingled with the spiritual presence of God,
"having the harps of God"
they may be likened to musical instruments tuned to God's spiritual vibrations,
music is harmonious, soothing, healing...
they now may sing this music through the various interactions of their lives...
Anyway, I think this sort of interpretation bears merit, moreso than the idea that this book its literally true.
For example, on page 1519 of the NCV Life Connecting Bible (this is a very nice little study bible, but there are some faulty comments - nobody is perfect)
"How should readers today interpret this book? First, we accept it as real. The book is fantastic, but it is not a fantasy. For example we can trust that Jesus appeared to John, just as the writer says."
If the author was the "beloved disciple", why would Jesus speak to him in strange Greek terms, "I am the Alpha and the Omega" ? They never spoke in Greek before. Now suddenly Jesus and John are speaking Greek ? Why ? And as I said previously, Jesus could never have said many of the things attributed to him in Revelation... 7 bowls of God's anger, plagues, etc, etc... there is no way this was dictated by Jesus, and no way this was written by the same person who wrote the fourth gospel. I think this is purely allegorical, metaphor, symbolism. A sort of secret essene manual of spiritual practice. But by attaching it to the end of the bible the church attributed different meaning to it which was never intended.
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In Matthew 4,4 Jesus says, " It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Not all words "proceed from the mouth of God, but those that do give us life, and sustain us. Those words in the bible which "proceed from the Mouth of God"- those which are in accord with the teachings, spirit, and revelation of God's true nature in the person of Jesus Christ - are spiritual food with the power to give us Life.
The Love Compass - its simple, that which inspires love, truth, peace, compassion - all the characteristics demonstrated by Christ during His time on earth - such things are of God. Things which inspire hatred, violence, suffering, and ignorance are not of God. Clearly a great deal of the writngs in the bible are not of God, such as the manmade religion of war and conquest, but we can learn from them as well, just as a scientist learns from all data. That which is false often clarifies that which is true.
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Jesus taught us to use discernment when studying the bible and listening to teachers. He tells us the most important thing is to love others and follow his example, "go and do ye likewise." The basis of Christianity is a spiritual relationship with God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, walking with Christ in our daily lives. Jesus said we are to love, help, and care for our fellow beings as God cares for us - this is true religion according to Jesus. An atheist with love in their heart is closer to God than someone who uses religion as a facade to further their own selfish interests, hatred and bigotry. The bible is not perfect, but rather a very complex collection of various kinds of writings that must be interpreted from a basis in Christ, not visa versa. The bible is a book made by men, Jesus Christ is the true Word of God. Men often formulate false religious doctrines to further their aims and subvert the actual teachings of Jesus.
(Jesus teaches us the true nature of God's love.)
GOD IS LOVE AND INFINITE COMPASSION.
GOD HARMS NO ONE.
THE BASIS OF CHRISTIANITY IS SPIRITUAL COMMUNION WITH GOD,
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On reading the bible with discernment
Jesus spoke in parables and demonstrated the need for discernment in reading the bible. Jesus often spent the night in spiritual communion with God, and while he mastered scriptural studies at a young age and often drew from scripture in his sermons, he did not conform to the image of a wrathful God presented therein. Rather he demonstrated God's true nature through his life, his relationships with other people, and his total faith in God. His life was based in his spiritual relationship with God. Jesus spent many hours in prayer and silent communion with God, often retreating to isolated places for this purpose, shouldn't this be a major part of Christian religious practice ? Yet little is said of this form of prayer life. Jesus' instructions on prayer are short and to the point...
Some people say the bible is divine, perfect, and infallible and interpret the life and teachings of Jesus according to this belief and in the process distort Jesus' radical teachings of unconditional love, non-materialism and non-violence. Jesus always worked with people, the healing and salvation of souls.
The fact that this collection of writings has been claimed to be the "Word of God" for millennia has had a huge impact upon our histroy. Its repetitive litanies of wrath, punishment, doom and gloom, wrought by a "God of History" who causes such events, is the product of an archaic mindset. An attempt by religious institutions to explain why bad things happen, to attribute wars, epidemics, earthquakes, etc. as punishments from God. There are even "holy wars" (ban) in which God supposedly orders the extermination of entire populations ! While such writings are important from an anthropological point of view, it is unconscienable to say such acts were of God. This belief has led to a acceptance of war and violence among people who believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. When read from a basis in Christ the writings in the Bible take on a new light - rather than punishment from God, these things can be seen as consequences of man's deluded and arrogant behavior. God punishes no one - God is infinite love and compassion. We punish ourselves when we do things that separate us from God, the source of life, truth, wellbeing and happiness..
If we accept Jesus as the revelation of God's true nature it is impossible to accept much of the bible as "the Word of God." Jesus shatters the image of the wrathful God found in the bible. Jesus said we are to love God and to love each other, he never said to love the bible, indeed on many occasions he corrected mistaken views found the OT. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach us and guide us. God is Spirit, the bible is a manmade book. We are told we should obey the bible - how can one obey the bible? What part of it? The bible says we should stone people who collect firewood on the sabbath day. Jesus says "let him who is without sin cast the first stone", Jesus refuted such cold hearted and brutal aspects of Mosaic law..
Original Christianity is essentially mystical, the revelation of God within us, working in our lives, transforming us, realizing our true potential, a spiritual, evolutionary process, intimate and direct. Through the Way of Life as presented to us by Jesus, God is revealed in our hearts and in our daily lives. Jesus always dealt directly with people and held the corrupt political and religious institutions of his time in disdain.
When people regard all the writings in the Bible as being literally true the results can be misleading, even devastating. For example, the antisemitic tone of certain parts of the NT has fueled persecutions of Jewish people for almost two millenia. During the middle ages thousands of people were tortured and burned alive by "Christians" who believed in the wrathful image of God as presented in the bible. If people believe God destroys whole cities with fire and brimstone they are more prone to commit such acts as bombing of civilian populations, massacres, ethnic cleansing, and other atrocities. Recently the war in Iraq has been hailed by many fundamentalist Christians as being a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. It is essential to see the difference between false manmade religion, such as Jesus opposed, and the Way of Life which Jesus taught. When christian publishing companies print study bibles espousing such things as "Holy War" and say Jesus is a "Divine Warrior" they are propagandizing against the true teachings and spirit of Jesus Christ. When people received God into their hearts and then someone hands them a bible and tells them its the Word of God, they are being misled and their original conversion experience is being co-opted, for profit, by some group, which then starts pumping them for money and time. "We love you so long as you believe and do what we say." God gave us a brain and expects us to use it. Blind acceptance of religious doctrines is not in keeping with Jesus' example and teachings.
Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan and upon meeting a Samaritan woman at a well blessed her and spent several days teaching the people of her village - this is how the Lord brings about change, not through acts of war. God is infinite love and never inflicts harm or causes suffering. The images of a wrathful God found in many places in the bible are a product of human ignorance.
Violence begets violence. Jesus teaches us to break the cycle of violence. When Jesus was being taken prisoner in the garden of Gethsemane and one of his disciples cut off a man's ear in an attempt to defend him. Jesus rebuked his disciple and healed the man's ear. God does not punish people, God is by nature totally compassionate, and always hopeful. We punish ourselves when we fail to live accoridng to the Way of Life and separate ourselves from God, the source of life, happiness, and truth.
The fact that people have used the OT accounts of wars to justify continued warfare for almost two thousand years after Jesus' incarnation is proof of the persistence of man's delusions, which are seemingly born anew with each generation.
In ancient times it was a common belief that all events were controlled by gods, or God. Natural disasters such as volcanos, tsunamis, tornados as well as epidemics and wars were all considered to be acts of God. The priestly class claimed these events were sent as punishment from a god which they alone spoke for, thus instilling fear and obedience. This ploy has been utilized by priestly classes in many cultures throughout history.
Jesus had total faith in God and total compassion for humankind, even the men who tortured and killed him, "Forgive them father, for they know not what they do," then he said , "it is finished."
Jesus Christ brings spiritual salvation to all humble people who seek to live in peace and harmony as he instructed. Jesus heals people, wherever he went people would flock to him. If someone simply touched his garment in faith healing energy would stream forth. This is the true nature of our Lord. God's truth does not change. The many violent acts depicted in the OT are symtomatic of a disease that has plagued humankind since its inception. The cure for this disease is the love of Christ.
If we are indeed, each man, woman and child, created in God's image then one can view our innate sense of wonder, our desire to learn about the universe and to improve our lives as reflections of the divine nature. Yet religious institutions have, throughout history and even to this day, opposed scientific inquirey and advancment. Children are being taught the Bible is literally true and the scientific view of the universe is false. There are millions of people who deny the reality of evolution. This belittles life. A universe that was created by God in six days is easier to dispose of than one in which life has taken billions of years to evolve. People who are taught to look forward to the destruction of the earth in the "day of the lord" have little incentive to live harmoniously or to be good stewards of God's creation. The universe is a creative process. As we become more aware of the extremely precise parameters required for the advent of life at the moment of the universe's inception it is clear that this is not a random/chaotic event but one of perfect balance and order. We are called upon to take care of our home planet and our fellow beings. Life is sacred and holy, we are put here as stewards, not gluttons, despoilers and exploiters.
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Jesus' teachings of unconditional love and non-violence are clear and unmistakable. They were so radical that he was crucified in an attempt to squelch them. Jesus knowingly took the path of the cross. Through his non-violent demonstration of faith and his total love, compassion and forgivness he thereby conquered the forces of evil and death which had enslaved humanity. He even had compassion for those people who were torturing him, and prayed, "forgive them father for they know not what they do," after which he said, "it is finished", and released his spirit to God. He did it. It was this final act of forgivness and total compassion which defeated the forces of evil in the world.
The truth is plainly visible if the bible is read with an open mind and heart... if we are not blinded by status quo religious doctrines but rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. People who claim to be authorities may in fact be wrong. God gave us a brain and a conscience for a purpose. Christianity is not about conforming to the group, its about conforming to Christ.
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The practice of prayer and meditation is conducive to quieting our mind and being, enabling us to be more open to God's spirit and "voice". This world is God's church, and everyday is holy. God is infintie love, compassion and caring. Meditiation may be very effective when approached from a Christian point of view. We can learn to quiet our minds, open ourselves to God and be filled with the Spirit of Life which Jesus brought us. This heals us, and we can participate in the process of Life which started when the universe was born. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of the logos, pre-existant, eternal, within and without time. He says it is important not to judge others, rather we should concentrate on removing the beam from our eye, while respecting our fellow students in this school of life.
Jesus often went off alone into the wilderness and spent the entire night in prayer with God. Shouldn't this type of spiritual communion/meditation be a major aspect of christian practice ? More emphasis should be placed on developing this ability and less on sermonizing and bible study.
The most important thing is Heart - if someone spends years in meditation and has a cold heart, their effort is wasted, even counterproductive. This may be especially true of certain "Zen" groups. Whereas a "fundamentalist Christian" who knows nothing of Zen and has zero capacity for clever verbal reparte', yet is simply caring person with love in their heart is much closer to God, as well as the original essence of Buddhism... So various meditative techniques may be beneficial for our health, wellbeing, and religious practice, but of course they must be rooted in Christ., or the compassionate heart of the Buddha... As far as I can tell, the heart of Christ and Buddha are complementary, if not identical, but the various institutions people have created and the manners in which they have augmented the original teachings differ considerably... I have seen some zen teachers who have a sort of smug arrogance which their followers adopt, in which case they were often much better off before they started their arduous meditative practice... Also, publishing books does not qualify one to be a spiritual teacher. Do not confuse the ability to pen books with spiritual presence. Many of these experts and authorities are selling water by the river. Such people excell in making things seem much more complex and difficult than the really are.
Its interesting that the basic teachings of the Buddha, the Dhammapada, are almost identical to those of Jesus. Buddhism is much closer in practice to the teachings of Jesus than numerous institutions that profess to be Christian. I have found Buddhism to be a much better vehicle when adapted to Christian practice than "churchianity"and "bibleanity." This body is God's temple, each day is holy, our life is a wonderful educational experience, and everyone we encounter is the body of Christ.
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From "Moon in a Dewdrop, the Writings of the Zen Master Dogen" -
Kind Speech means that when you see sentient beings you arouse the mind of compassion and offer words of loving care. It is contrary to cruel or violent speech... Praise those with virtue, pity those without it. If kind speech is offered little by little virtue will grow. Thus even kind speech which is not ordinarily known or seen comes into being. You should be will to practice it for the entire present life, do not give up. Kind speech is the basis for reconciling rulers and subduing enemies. Those who hear kind speech from you have a delighted expression and a joyful mind. Those whou hear your kind speech will be deeply touched - they will never forget it... Thus you should benefit friend and enemy equally. You should benefit self and others alike... in the human world the Tathagata took the form of a human being. From this we know that he did the same in other realms... With a gentle expression practice identity-action for all people...
Buddhism teaches us to speak with kindness and compassion, never to use harsh words, never to do anything that harms another. Harsh words cause harm and suffering. Kind speech with a gentle expression brings virtue, realization of the true Mind of Being, healing and salvation. There is a great deal of "violent speech" in the bible. Christ incarnated to correct this deluded manmade view of God.
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The fact is, men have changed Christianity into a religion of war on numerous occasions, using the doctrines of bibleanity to justify massacres and conquests. Buddhism however has never been compramized and remains true to the teachings of Jesus for the most part, much more so than the various so-called Christian churches. So if we want to experience the truth of God's presence and Living Spirit, In some respects, Buddhism is a much better vehicle than the various worldy religious institutions operating under the auspices of Christianity, but in fact practicing and perpetuating many things which are against the teachings of Jesus. (I am not refering to the sort of Buddhism that has become fashionable in the west, which distorts the teachings of the Buddha.) The teachings of Buddha and Christ are complementary.
The Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways, but God is also always with us, intimately, ready to guide us, help us, heal us, and fill us with "the peace which passes all understanding."
Anyone can ask God to come into their lives, its very simple and direct. All that is required is a sincere heart. Simply being a nice person, trying to care for and respect others is the most important thing. Theology is pretty much meaningless, a diversion... a contrived profession that employs many people but mainly serves to "muddy the waters". Such intellectual knowledge, conjecture and argument should not be construed as spiritual knowledge. There are many experts spouting their pet brands of christianity, growing rich of the the proceeds of their numerous authoritative publications... Religion is a huge lucrative business that employs thousands... Such people are selling water by the river, making things seem much more complex than they truely are. Anyone can have an intimate relationship with God here and now without the contrived trappings of such religious experts and professionals.
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Jesus told us to love others, follow his example, "go and do ye likewise." The basis of Christianity is a spiritual relationship with God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, walking with Christ in our daily lives. Jesus said we are to love, help, and care for our fellow beings as God cares for us - this is true religion according to Jesus.
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Did woman really come from man as the Bible says ?
The Bible says: (from Genesis 2) "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man"
Everyone has always known that all people are born of woman. Clearly this is patriarchal religious propaganda aimed at subjugating and exploiting women. This is from the second creation story, the first just says God created man and woman in God's image - God is equally man and woman. Modern science has proven that the brains of all humans are initially female, then then after several weeks in the womb sexual differentiation in the brain begins. So we all start out with a female brain ! Female is the foundation of humankind. This is a fact. Yet the above story has been claimed to be "the Word of God" for thousands of years by male religious institutions for the express purpose of empowering men and subjugating women. However the idea of a God that is equally male and female is not suitable for a warrior religion.
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I have studied various translations, numerous, and study bibles - IMO all study bibles and commentaries and dictionaries, etc. detract from our prayer-life. Jesus said the Holy Spirit is our guide. It does not matter what other people's opinions are, what matters is what things mean to you and whether or not this brings us closer to Truth, inner peace, wellbeing, etc. The only study bible I have kept is the Saint Joseph NAB - this is also the first one I bought many years ago.... It is the most concise, sprirtually relevant, and honest I have found, the Saint Joseph edition of the NAB has excellent yet concise, and honest, notes.
Many study bibles have too much information so you are swamped and the original text takes a backseat to some author's opinions... But often their comments are not very good, or really bad, any normal person could come up with better more relevant insights...
The best bibles I have found: The Good News Bible published by the American bible society, for about $10... having come back to it after about 25 years, I am amazed at how good it is compared to other modern translations (ESV, NLT, etc) Paying alot of money does not mean you are getting the best bible... IMO Cambridge bibles are practically useless, with horrible text layout, complex "pronunciation marks" that clutter the text in most of their KJV bibles making them very difficult to read, very thin translucent paper, the worst font selection I have seen...
BTW, the NAS is not "the most literal" bible translation, its a good modern translation, but a simple comparison with the KJV, which is actually a pirated Geneva bible minus the exellent notes.
I can't believe there is no good quality copy of the Geneva bible being published, the Hendrickson edition font is too small and the notes require a magnifying glass, we would have been much better off had we simply stuck with the original Geneva bible with its excellent marginal notations. But King James didn't like them, so we have this colder version called the KJV, but its almost identical to the Geneva Bible, so really it should be called the 1611 update of the Geneva bible.
Now numerous customized translations and editions are being churned out for the money.
Anyway, the ABS Good News bible is very good overall, much better than Cambridge bibles costing 10 or 15 times more, better design, better, larger font, totally clear evn printing... And the translation is for the most part excellent, much better than the more popular new translations, it also has very good, simple book introductions and footnotes, and I really like the many simple (zen) inspired line drawings which are unique to the Good News bible... The Penguin "Holy Bible" is the same text as the Cambridge new paragraph KJV bible with mistakes corrected, on more opaque readable paper with a better font, for around $10. Thomas Nelson also has a single column text KJV paperback for around $15... The large print NAS pew bible by Foundation Publications is also very good, well made, very good print quality, also around $10 ! Thats what I have learned.
Bible study may be useful, but it is not essential. Jesus always worked with people, healing, teaching, setting an example for us to follow. When asked what true religion is, he did not mention bible study, but simply said to love God, love each other, and to help others. I think he was talking more about living relationships than studying a book.
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"Grab him, he's out of his mind !" on the mistranslation of Mark 3,21 -
Many of the words we find in the bible have been added to the acutual text for various reasons, from various points of view, in order to uphold various conventions and doctrines. This short example from Mark, verse 3,21 (ESV), words in (parenthesis) have been added to the text by the translators -
ESV - And when (his family) heard (it they) went (out to) seize him, for (they were) saying (He) is (out of his mind.
Greek text - Kai hoi par autou akousantes exelthon kratesai auton gar elegon hoti exeste.
The key word here is "exeste", which according to Thayers Lexicon means to be dispalced, thrown out of position. Now, what is the context of this verse ? Jesus was teaching and healing in a house, and was literally mobbed by people, he and his disciples could not even eat.
It is possible that Jesus' family members sought to rescue him from being overwhelmed by the mob of people who were trying to touch him and be healed. This is the logical assumption. "He is being overwhelmed by an unruley mob"... yet we have this very strange rendition in which Jesus' family members accuse him of being nuts and seek to drag him away. I believe this is in accord with the anti-family trend that is found in the NT. Remember the NT Gospels were written several generations after Jesus was crucified. Pauls letters more clearly communicate the nature of early Christianity. The fact that they are placed after the Gospels in the bible may be misleading.
Literally what the greek text says here is something like, "and... close to him... heard... went... lay hold of... him... for... saying that... being displaced (thrown out of position)".
Now it is interesting that the term "exeste" - displaced - has been renedered as being "out of his mind". This may be due to its common usage by other greek writers to imply insanity. I believe what this actually shows is that the author of Mark was not a native speaker of greek, like a Japanese person trying to translate from English using a dictionary, they miss the actual colloquial expression and meaning because their dictionary does not include such contemporary usages. I think the author of Mark is doing the reverse, using a dictionary of sorts, hence he uses the literal meaning of exeste, "to be displaced", rather than the fashionable usage among more literate greeks.
It makes no sense at all to say Jesus' family thought he was crazy and sought to drag him off, but this does fit in with church doctrine and other anti-family passages in the NT.
Clearly, if Jesus is the Christ, then of course those close to him, especially his family, would have known him and felt his love and true nature. Taken in context, it is clear that "those close to him" - this may not refer to family memebers - were concerned for his safety and wellbeing and sought to extract him from a dangerous situation. However, his reply, rather than being an anti-family refusal, is rather, his faith in God allows him to master even such a situation and embrace even those unruley people as his family.
This passage must be seen as inclusive, rather than exclusive. But unfortunately the church had become an exclusive club of "believers" by the time the Gospels were written and it is from this mindset they were authored. This appears to be a sort of injection of the same mindset as recorded in John 10,20. This negative, argumentative tone which has been imposed upon the NT in many places is not in keeping with the true nature of Christ.
Clearly we must read the bible, especially the NT, from a basis in Christ and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than church doctrine and theological BS.
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There are many violent passages contained in the "Holy Bible" that cannot be reconciled with the teachings of Jesus Christ, here are a few examples:
From Jeremiah 25 (NIV) -This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: "Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them." So I took the cup from the LORD's hand and made all the nations to whom he sent me drink it:.... all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. "Then tell them, 'This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Drink, get drunk and vomit, and fall to rise no more because of the sword I will send among you.' ...for I am calling down a sword upon all who live on the earth, declares the LORD Almighty.'
( God does not make wars nor condone them. War is an abomination resulting from the failure to live according to God's true way of life. This is an ignorant view of God resulting from an archaic mindset. That people still espouse such views testifies to the enduring nature of the delusions of men. God cannot be known by intellectual study, but only through actual experience of God's Spirit, one moment of which instantly exposes the falicy of such writings. God is love, infinite and inconceivable, incapable of any acts of cruelty. The abominable doctrine of "Holy War" has been perpetuated for thousands of years... Even at this moment there are "study bibles" being churned out proclaiming this doctrine. How can anyone who purports to follow Christ accept this as "the Word of God". When the Messiah came he was not what anyone expected. Jesus Christ is the Word of God, not the bible. This is why direct spiritual communion with God through prayer and mediation should take precedence over bible study. A moment of God's spiritual presence instantaneously reveals more than a lifetime of intellectual studies ever could. The acts described in the bible are inconceivable from God's point of view. God never punishes anyone - we punish ourselves when we do things that separate us from God, the source of life, happiness, and wellbeing. It is a simple mater to correct the errant OT perspctive. Whenever some prophet speaks of the Lord's wrath, or of a punishment from God, it should be understood as being a consequence of man's deluded actions. Contrary to the Ot view in which all events are controlled by God, this is not the case. Life would have no meanig if that were so. The universe has certain natural laws which once set in motion will bring about certain chains of events. Most importantly, all people are originally created in the image of God. All people, men, women, children... And his means we have free will. We can chose to reject God's way. God never imposes upon anyone. When the church said the bible was the Word of God instead of Jesus, they re-instated the OT view of a violent and wrathful God which is more suitable for controlling people and maintaining empires. Religion has often been used as a form of propaganda to control people and trick them into doing things no sane person ever would - i.e. commit atrocities, acts of aggression, genocide, etc. A way of blinding them to their innate goodness with which we are each originally blessed. A way of creating an illusion of separateness, of one group being superior to another, or rulers being given their power by God, etc. Jesus totally blew away that image of God, yet it did not take long before men began to twist his teachings and fabricate new authoritative doctrines, thereby sidestepping his radical teaching of unconditional love and non-violence. Even today there are many "study bibles" being churned out which tell us God is a divine warrior and Jesus is going to return and destroy the earth and anyone who opposes him. This is sick and dangerous. Jesus Christ is the Word of God. God's word is living spirit written within our hearts. The bible is a manmade book. It is definitely important to study, but it should not be worshipped as being perfect and divine. There are numerous points of view represented in its writings, all of which are educational. We can learn about what is true from that which is not.. )
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From Judges 4 (KJV)-
"And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet... to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite... And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle. And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him... Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died... So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel." (KJV)
One of the most famous bible commentators, Matthew Henry, wrote in 1710 regarding this passage, "It is probable that Jael really intended kindness to Sisera; but by a divine impulse she was afterwards led to consider him as the determined enemy of the Lord and of his people, and to destroy him."
This is an example of how the dogma of a divine bible perverts the teachings of Jesus. What is particularly disturbing is the authors claim that Jael probably intended kindness toward Sisera, even though he was an enemy of Israel, but the Lord inspired her to drive a tent stake through his head while he slept. Such is an image that might be found in some grotesque horror movie, certainly not in the "scriptures" of the world's largest relgions. How can anyone who professes to follow Jesus accept such violence, let alone claim such acts are in accord with God's will ? This is bibleanity, the belief in a perfect and infallible bible. The doctrine of a divine and perfect bible has resulted in a very schizoid view of God. Surely in all the world's religious writings the bible is unique in this sort of extremely violent content. This is exactly the sort of thing Jesus sought to correct, yet the church that bears his name reinstitutes the same old delusions when they claim such writings to be the Word of God.
All people are prone to error at times. "Forgive us our tresspasses..." Matthew Henry makes some big errors, as shown in the above speculation, yet much of his commentary is inspired and insightful, especially his NT commentary, once he is free of the doctrines of bibleanity and based in Christ.
compare these excerpts from Matthew Henry's commentary on Luke 10, 25-37 : ... "We must wish well to all and ill to none, must do all the good we can in the world and no hurt... a certain Samaritan, of that nation which of all others the Jews most despised and detested and would have no dealings with... the priest had his heart hardened to one of his own people, but the Samaritan had his opened towards one of another people... when he saw him he had compassion on him, and never took into consideration what country he was of... his was not idle compassion... he went to the poor man, whom the priest and the Levite kept at a distance from... he did all he could to ease the pain, and prevent the peril, of his wounds, as one whose heart bled with him... now this parable does excellently set forth the kindness and love of God our Savior towards sinful man... the Law of Moses, like the priest and the Levite, the ministers of the Law, looks upon us but has no compassion on us, gives us no relief, passes by on the other side, as having neither pity nor power to help us; but then comes the blessed Jesus... he has compassion on us, he binds up our bleeding wounds... he takes care of us... 'and therefore go thou and do as the Samaritan did...' whenever the occasion offers: show mercy to those that need thy help, do it freely and with concern and compasion, though they be not of thy own nation and thine own profession, or of thine own opinion and communion in religion. " excerpts from Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible.
However, further on he makes the following comment on Luke 19, 27 - " Whoever will not be ruled by the grace of Christ will inevitably be ruined by the wrath of Christ." So here we see the flipflopping which results from bibleanity. This is totally contrary to the actual teachings and example of Jesus Christ. A few verses earlier Jesus says (Luke 19,10) " For the Son of Man is come to seek and save that which was lost." Jesus never says he is going to destroy anyone, yet many Christians insist on twisting his teachings in order to conform them to bibleanity. Such remarks are the result of spiritual ignorance. Bible study should not be equated with spiritual communion. This is why it is essential to base our religious practice upon prayer and meditation rather than the false doctrine of a divine and perfect bible. Anyone can open themselves to God and enter into spiritual communion. The Holy Spirit will guide us and teach us. Due to this spiritual ignorance resulting from the practice of bibleanity, it may be more beneficial to investigate other traditions such as Yoga and Buddhism and apply their methods to Christian spiritual practice.
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Numbers 15,32 Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 34 They put him under guard, because it had not been explained what should be done to him. 35 Then the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” 36 So, as the LORD commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died.
(The barbaric practice of stoning was not instituted by God, but by deluded priests who falsly claimed to represent God's will. Stoning was obviously widespread, as it is referred to many times in the NT. Whenever Jesus angered people by violating their "law" they immediately picked up stones. This murderous practice turned common people into a murderous mob which executed anyone who did not obey the dictates of the priestly class. Jesus said the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. He exposed the fallicy of this aspect of "the law"in his teachings. 2,000 years later people are still being stoned in some Islamic countries for violations of religious "laws". The delusions of men are very deeply entrenched. Jesus was killed for his opposition to such attitudes.)
In John 1,17 we read, "For the law was given by Moses, by grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
This is an excerpt from Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse. "That which was given by Moses was purely terrifying and threatening, and bound with penalties, a law which could not give life... ; but that which is given by Jesus Christ is of another nature... for it is grace... The endearments of love are the genius of the gospel...."
(God is love. Jesus Christ embodies God's true nature, not the manmade OT view of a wrathful warrior God. God never imposes his will on anyone. All men are responsible for their actions. God respects the sanctity of all life.)
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Numbers 31,7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; andthey slew all the males. And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods. 10 And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire. 11 And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts. 12 And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near Jericho. 13 And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp. 14 And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host... 15 And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive? ..... 17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. 18 But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves..... 31 And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses. 32 And the booty, being the rest of the prey which the men of war had caught, 35 And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.
(Such passages depict the brutal realities of life in OT times, but that does not mean these acts were of God, rather, they illustrate the horrible things men may do when they do not live according to the Way of Life. God is infinite love and compassion. God never has and never will cause such things to happen nor condone such acts. Such acts are inconceivable from God's point of view.)
The Midianintes were the same people from whom Moses sought asylum and lived for many years, he was graceously accepted into their community married a Midianite woman and she bore his first children.. Moses dwelt among them for many years and was always treated well by them and he availed himself of their hospitality...
The Encounters with God Daily Bible, a study bible which chops up the text of the bible and rearranges it with the authors notes interspersed throughout the text, contains the following notes regarding the atrocities depicted in Numbers 31,
"The Israelites did not require their full fighting force for their battle against the Midianites. Selecting one thousand men from each tribe allowed each tribe to participate in God's activity."
The authors of this study bible are teaching people such atrocities were "God's activities."
The authors of this study bible are Doctors of Divinty and Christian ministers, yet they teach that "God's activity" includes the slaughter of unarmed men, women and children of all ages, that God sent an army of 12,000 men to slaughter an entire populace, put all them to the sword, babies, boys, old men, grandmothers, pregnant women, everyone except the virgin women who they were to "keep for themselves." ... such religious doctrines perpetuate the very things Jesus said we should not do.
These learned men, authors, Christian ministers, say massacres and extermination of unarmed populations are "God's activity." This is an affront to God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and any sane half way normal human being... Why does the so-called Christian church refuse to stand up and denounce such horrendous statements ? Why do millions of Christians sit back and blindly absorb such teachings which in fact blatantly violate the teachings of Jesus Christ ?
Bibleanity is big business, and once these authorities espouse a doctrine they are committed to it, even if its mistaken. Any normal person can admit their mistakes, religious institutions rarely do.
Statements such as these made by religious leaders throughout history have led to numerous wars, massacres, atrocities, murders, tortures, and acts of evil committed in the name of God. This is a betrayal of Jesus Christ and all he lived and died for. He said we are to love one another, to love our neighbors as God loves us, to turn the other cheek, never to repay evil for evil, but rather to repay good for evil, etc. the bible is not God. God is Love, eternal, unchanging, God never harms anyone, we do that to ourselves. Ignorant people try to attribute the acts of deluded men to God, as being part of God's plan. Such people are in essence saying all wars, disasters, diseases, etc. are part of God's plan. This is totally false. We are responsible for our actions and destiny. We were given free will. We are held accountable for what we say. If we make a mistake and admit it and repent we will be forgiven and learn from our mistakes, any normal person does this...
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Numbers 31 (NLT Bible) - 7 They attacked Midian as the Lord had commanded Moses, and they killed all the men... 9 Then the Israelite army captured the Midianite women and children and seized their cattle and flocks and all their wealth as plunder. 10 They burned all the towns and villages where the Midianites had lived...
31:14" But Moses was furious... "
We find this mind boggling response to this verse in the NLT Faith Bible note: 31:14 -
"I become angry when the leaders of God's people flagrantly disobey."
In other words, the authors of this study bible are saying Moses acted correctly and we should follow his example, which should be impossible for anyone who professes to follow Jesus Christ.
31:15 “Why have you let all the women live?” he demanded.
The NLT Faith Bible's response in this note on verse 31:15 -
"I obey the LORD completely."
Do these authors really think God, as represented in the person of Jesus Christ could ever order such a thing ? This is the insideous nature of bibleanity - it countermands the life, teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Numbers 31:16 “...They are the ones who caused the plague to strike the Lord’s people. 17 So kill all the boys and all the women who have had intercourse with a man. 18 Only the young girls who are virgins may live; you may keep them for yourselves."
It is incomprehensible that anyone who professes to follow Christ could say this is "God's Word". Clearly the bible is a manmade book and there is a great deal in it that is not inspired of God. Hence it must be read with discernment, and we should not allow ourselves to be misled. Following Jesus does not mean blindly accepting whatever the church, theologians, or experts dictate. And it means we should speak out agaisnt such doctrines.
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Proverbs 23, 13-14 "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."
Is there anything more offensive in the eyes of God than the abuse of an innocent child by a mean and ignorant adult ? And when the abuse comes from a parent it is all the worse, for parents are entrusted by God for the well-being of the children with whom they have been blessed. I shudder at the thought of how many children have been abused by parents who believed God writings such as this are "the Word of God". Clearly Jesus taught the need for discretion. Clearly he opposed and corrected such mistaken views. When his disciples rebuked the children he told them, "let the children come unto me, for the kindom of heaven is such as these.". The church's failure to address such issues, and the failure to place notations in bibles denouncing such passages is inexcusable. People who claim this is the "Word of God" are perpetuating child abuse. God is infinite love and kindness but has no tolerance for such behavior.
The rod is an instument of guidance, carried by the good shepherd, used to guide his flock. The shepherd never beats his sheep ! The shepherd's rod and staff are used to guide sheep along the way and keep them from wandering of the path. If a lamb should go astray and fall into a crevice the shepherd's staff has a special crook at the top which he uses to life the lamb to safety. "Thy rod and thy staff comfort me..." Like the good shepherd, parents are to give their children guidance - never to beat them and abuse them ! Parents should set an example for children to follow. This is a prime example of how God's true word, as exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ, has been perverted by men.
When some bible doctor, or church group, attempts to act as a councelor, the results can be dangerous. For example, this quote from the NIBC, Matthew, page 50, "Jesus extends the definition of neighbor to include enemies and those who persecute you" - this is false, Jesus says to pray for these people, and to forgive them (I think they have to repent and ask for our forgivness) but this does not mean they are the same as "neighbors", a neighbor is someone you can trust, a good person. Jesus is not telling us to naively open ourselves to dangerous people. This doctor of theology goes on to state, "Within the realm of everyday relationships there is no category that can be labeled as "enemy" - this is very bad advice, especially for children. This author goes on to proclaim, "Everyone we meet, even the one who would abuse us, is a friend and therefore one whom we are to love. " This is perhaps the worse "advice" I have ever heard, and I can only imagine how many abuse victims have been further victimized by such "bible councelors" giving horrible advice such as this. If you are a victim of abuse, know this - it is not your fault people do bad things. And, by all means, find a good, licensed counselor who has experience in this area. There are real councelors who can help you a great deal. This is not something to be entrusted to someone with a bible college education or church group. Also some church groups have a history of supporting abusers and blaming their victims, and can actually make things much worse...
"And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bore unto David, and it was very sick." (KJV, " 2 Samuel 12:15)
God never struck a child. God never punished a child for their parents sins. God never made a child sick... God never sent a plague to kill babies... This is the OT mindset of a wrathful God who punishes sinners and enemies. The child born out of David's adultery with the wife of Uriah, his loyal and honorable soldier whom David subsequently arranged to have killed, this poor child got sick and died... Thats it. The child was innocent. But in OT times sickness was often attributed as being punishment for sin, so in OT parlance God "struck the child" to punish the parents. Thankfully Jesus corrected this ignorant view of God's nature.
From the Barber commentary on 2 Samuel 12:13-14, page 192 -
"Most modern exponents of this passage believe that since David himself was not to die, the sin was transfered tot he child who, though innocent of all wrongdoing, was made o bear the sin of his parents. The fine evangelical biblical scholar, Dr. William Blaikie, explained it this way: "the Lord, in the excersize of his clemency, had been pleased to remit (David's sins). But a palpable proof of his displeasure was to be given in another way - the child of Bathsheba was to die. It was to become, as it were, the scapegoat for its father."
If we read the bible from a spiritual basis in Christ rather than the deluded doctrine of a divine and infallible bible, it is clear that God could never do such a thing.
Here is another take on this passage: perhaps David and Bathsheba's child was sick from natural causes and died. Period. But some people attach this a religious significance to the poor babies death. Or, from a religious POV, perhaps God called the child's spirit home, as being innocent of all wrongdoing, it should be spared the hardships it would have suffered if it had been born. From God's POV, this was an act of compassion for the child, not a "transfer of David's sin" to a poor innocent baby. What kind of God would do such a thing ? That is sick. David's sins affected the rest of his life, and attracted future negative events as well. How can anyone worship a god who would transfer a parent's sins to an innocent baby and kill the child so the father would not have to die for his crimes ? This is theology based in bibleanity, a double dose of delusion.
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A deadly mistranslation -
the subheading for 2 Samuel 12 in the KJV bible reads, "26 David taketh Rabbath and tortureth the people thereof."
The passage reads: "31 And he brought forth the people that were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick-kiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem."
The NASB agrees with the KJV: " 31 He also brought out the people who were in it, and set them under saws, sharp iron instruments, and iron axes, and made them pass through the brickkiln. And thus he did to all the cities of the sons of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem."
However the NKJV and other modern translations give us the correct version, this agrees with the JPS, NIV, NRSV, HCSB, YLT etc also :
"31 And he brought out the people who were in it, and put them to work with saws and iron picks and iron axes, and made them cross over to the brick works. So he did to all the cities of the people of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem."
In the 1 chronicles 20 version of this event,
NASB: "3 He brought out the people who were in it, and cut them with saws and with sharp instruments and with axes. And thus David did to all the cities of the sons of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem."
kjv-"3 And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem."
Again, the NKJV shows the correct (?) rendition, which agrees with other modern translations: "3 And he brought out the people who were in it, and put them to work with saws, with iron picks, and with axes. So David did to all the cities of the people of Ammon. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem."
ylt-"3 and the people who [are] in it he hath brought out, and setteth to the saw, and to cutting instruments of iron, and to axes; and thus doth David to all cities of the sons of Ammon, and David turneth back, and all the people, to Jerusalem. "
But JPS 1 Chronicles 20 says, "He hacked them with saws..." Why would the JPS have this different translation of the same account in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles ? Which translation is actually correct ? The NASB is supposed to be the most literal, but the YLT differs... Has this passage been changed to conform with modern sensibilities, or are the KJV and NASB wrong ?
Whatever the case, this sort of bible verse has led "Christian" tyrannts to commit acts of mass murders on numerous occasions during the middle ages.
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I am not saying God does not speak to people through the writings of the bible. My point is the bible is not perfect or of divine origin. It is a manmade book. Jesus never wrote anything. He deals with people, directly. The human mind is not capable of comprehending the mind of God, but we can experience God's presence and living spirit. If read with discernment from a basis in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, some of the writings in the bible may prove educational and helpful. Certainly millions of Christians have read the bible for the last 500 years and before that its writings were taught in churches for another 1500 years. However the doctrine of bibleanity undermines the teachings of Jesus Christ. If the bible is perfect and divine and God really does control history and sends armies to exterminate entire cities, etc. then Jesus' teachings of unconditional love and non-violence have to go... Some try to explain this dilemma by fabricating more doctrines, such as dispensationalism, which tells us that in the past God did these horrible things to bring about certain conditions in the world. This doctrine is an attempt to justify the horrible violent acts contained in much of the bible's writings with the later teachings of Jesus. But this is not biblical ! Jesus Christ, the logos, has been with God since before time began. God does not change. God is not at one moment a wrathful destructor and at another a kind father. God is incapable of such acts of brutality as were conceived by the writers of the bible. Yet the church seems unable to admit its mistakes and has backed itself into a corner, built itself upon the sands of bibleanity. So many people opt to stick their heads in this sand and to be blind to scientific truths as well as the heritage of biblical violence.
Furthermore, 'God' is no some old man with a beard floating around on the clouds up in heaven. God is our name for that Spirit, that source of Life, that Personality which underlies the fabric of the universe. People may speak of God using different terms, hence it should be understood that the only relevant condition is that of our 'heart'. Do we care for others ? Do we live responsibly ? Are we leaving the earth in a better condition for future generations ? Jesus says we tell a tree by its fruit. Actions matter more religious arguments. Our religious institutions have often worked to the furtherence of ignorance and suffering. Such things should be faced honestly. Jesus and Buddha are friends... We are supposed to follow their example, not kill anyone who does not agree with us.
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Isaiah 13,5" They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. 6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt... 8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. 9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it..... 15 Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword. 16Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished."
This is really horrible. This has nothing to do with God. This is the product of sick minds. This is not scripture nor is it holy. How many atrocities have been inspired by such language? To say ths is the Word of God is unconscienable and ouright dangerous because such a belief leads people to think such acts are in accordance with God's will. This is an abomination. This has definitely contributed to the exceedingly violent nature of much of our history. Violence begets violence. Jesus teaches us to break the cycle of violence with unconditional love. Jesus said those who take up the sword shall die by the sword. The sword of Christ is his word, which brings healing, salvation, and life, never destruction and death. . Jesus said those words which come from the mouth of God give us life, he did not say all of the bible's content was "from the mouth of God," rather he opposed and corrected erroneous aspects of the law, even thogh he also said it would be fulfilled in him. This is another mistaken doctrine, to fulfill something means to bring it to its conclusion, totally, not that it is perfect or even correct. The writings of the NT did not exist until one or two generations after Jesus' earthly incarnation.. But bibleanity and bible publishing are extremely luctrative enterprises, employing thousands ot relgious professionals.
This is why study in comparative religion is essential. Read the Dhammapada, the Buddhist Psalms of Shinran Shonin, the biography of Milarepa, etc...
Ideas lead to actions. And the many violent passages in the Holy Bible have led to many wars, atrocities, acts of genocide, brutality, torture...
Such things are inconcievable from a Buddhist standpoint.
From what I have seen, Buddhists live and practice the teachings of Jesus Christ better than many Christians.
It is morally wrong to teach people, especially children, such violent writings are 'the Word of God.'
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From Deut 13, "If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God..."
In OT times stoning was a widespread practice. Anyone who disagree with the relgious establishment was murdered by a mob. Jesus' teaching on the practice of stoning is clear, "let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
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Ezekiel 9,5 "And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women..."
God does not change, God is eternal and omnipresent. Jesus heals people, wherever he went people would flock to him. If someone simply touched his garment God's healing energy would stream forth. This is the true nature of our Lord and Savior. God's truth does not change. He is not at one time a slayer of women and children and at another a loving father. God's love is constant . The image of the wrathful warrior god of the OT was contrived by men. God's true nature is revealed in the person, life, and teachings of Jesus.
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God is love, unlimited compassion... Jesus Christ, our loving Lord and Savior, taught forgivness, compassion and non-violence. Jesus Christ is the Word of God. He said to love God and to love each other as He loves us. He opposed the biblical experts, priests and scribes of his time. He told us the Holy Spirit would be our guide. The bible must be read with discernment with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A literal interpretation is impossible since there are many conflicting passages and contradictions. This has the affect of requiring anyone who reads it to take a position, it challenges our beliefs. God sees into the hearts and minds of all people. He cares nothing for our religious dogma or rhetoric. A person with love in their heart and no understanding of the bible is much closer to God than a biblical expert who is lost in a world of argument and intellectual posturing.
If we are to enter the "Kingdom of God"
we must learn humility and become pure in heart,
"as one of these little children."
Jesus taught us to pray
"... forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."
He did not say to kill anyone who disagrees with our religion.
I sometimes see "christian" websites showing a sword laying across the bible. The sword is an instrument of death, brutality, and suffering. Jesus is life, humility, and salvation. Jesus Christ is the Word of God, eternal, beyond the scope of human understanding, within and without time, the alpha and he omega. Yet we can know God spiritually, intimately. We often try to limit God by our preconceived notions and ignorant beliefs rather than opening ourselves to the continual revelation of God's spirit within our day to day lives.
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On right sexuality and relationships
As fas as I am concerned, the most important thing we need to develope is nonselfish love. This does not mean the selfish sexual exploitation of others, as in "make love", which is actually based in our biological drive to reproduce and usually has nothing to do with love in the spiritual sense. Promiscuity is unhealthy, destroying the natural bonds people need in their relationships, turning what should be an act of intimacy and caring into one of exploitation. Hence such "casual sex" relationships leave people drained of their spiritual energies, and set them on a downward path... Sexual relations that are not based in a true loving bonded relationship are actually harmful and demeaning. The old fashioned ideal of boy meets girl, falls in love, they get married and raise a family, sticking together through the good times as well as the bad times is the proper relationship in God's Way of Life. The modern self centered approach of delaying marraige until middle age in order to play the field has the effect of destroying people's natural abiblity to form deep bonds, and the idea that we can find true happiness through sensual, yet spiritually shallow, relationships has led to the high rates of divorce, singlemother families, and irresponsible men who father children only as the accidental outcome of their sexaul promiscuity - such people should not be parents... Women often choose to abort unwanted children... this is a horrible form of birth control... what we need are better methods of birth control, yet the church opposes this and thereby contributes to the problem. Clearly it would be much better for people who do not want to be parents to have a safe means of birth control. The current situation makes the children victims, they are caught in the middle, either they are aborted or they are born into a family situation that may not be nurturing nor healthy. Children should be any sane society's number one treasure and concern, but in our modern capitalistic world which revolves around greedy self-indulgent adults children are pushed to the rear of the bus, and exploited as well. They will inherit astronomical debts and a severly damaged environment from the current crop of adults... In the future people will look back upon these times and regard its people as the ones who ruined the earth, people ruled by greed, selfishness, and lack of discipline in their excessive lifestyles.
Sex does not make people happy.
It may provide intimacy, hopefully, which brings happiness, but it is not lasting. And more often than not nowadays, with the blantant sexual promiscuity that is running rampant, sex lacks true intimacy and is often the selfish exploitation of another person. Many people seem to be fine with that. For such people sex is something akin to a drug addiction. An experince which must be repeated more and more often until one becomes totally bebased and dehumanized. The media bombards us with this blatant dehumanized sexuality, pop stars grab their genitals before thousands and they cheer madly, anything for a buck... Those things which the body craves, sensual gratification, overindulgence in food and drink, material goods, etc... none of it will make anyone happy. But in our capitalistic money is god world, this truth is hidden from people, instead they are bombaded with advertizing and malls and stores out the wazoo, people shop for fun, to relieve stress, to compensate for the loneliness in their lives, for whatever reason they feel compelled to buy more, always more, there is never enough... The truth is, we would be much happier without most of it. Within the context of marriage, or at least a committed relationship sex can be beautiful, but it can also be damaging and harmful when indulged inappropriately. Even within a marriage if sex becomes the focal point of the relationship it may become detrimental. Its a well known fact that sex drains spiritual energy which is why most yogis and monks and nuns are celibate. Tibetan yoga teaches that in order to cultivate tumo, spiritual body warmth, one must be celibate. Once one experiences a glimmer of God's grace and the life of the Spirit such worldy things are seen as diversions. A brief experience of God's peace exposes the falicy of such sensual pursuits. No one can concieve of the gifts God has in store for us once we start living according to God's way of life. But we can get glimpses of this reality occasionally and it is way beyond anything worldly sensual indulgence can offer. Spiritual relationship is the basis of true happiness, and often sex gets in the way of such true, loving relationship. Sex is not love, hopefully it is based in love, but I think such is rare. Whereas love does not require sex at all. Sex is such a strong driving force that it is easy for it to blind us to what is true and meaningful in life. Perhaps this is exactly what the powers of corporate capitalism seek, to blind people to the truth and keep them dependent on buying stuff in order to feel momentarily happy. True happiness comes from right living, and this means non-excessive, non-compulsive, simple, healthy living.
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From "The 100" by Michael Hart - "Buddhism, far more than Christianity or Islam, has a strong pacifist element. The orientation towards non-violence has played a significant role in the political history of Buddhist countries. It has often been said that if Christ were to return to earth he would be shocked at many of the things which have been done in his name, and horrified at the bloody fights between different sects of persons who call themselves his followers... But while there are many sects of Buddhism, and large differences between those sects, there is nothing in Buddhist history that remotely compares with the bloody religious wars that took place in Christian Europe. In this respect, at least, Buddha's teachings seem to have had far greater influence on his followers than Christ's had on his."
It may be helpful to read some other books, such as the Dhammapada (the translation by Eknath Easwaren is very good), which contains the basic teachings of the Buddha, in order to gain some perspective in understanding the teachings of Jesus, and the nature of daily spiritual practice. The Dhammapada is much closer in spirit to the teachings of Jesus than church dogma or much of the OT. Jesus often retired to a quiet secluded place and spent the night in prayer/meditation. If Jesus regularly spent hours in meditative communion with God why hasn't this become part of Christian Church practice? Are our religious institutions actually diversions to avoid the sacrifice and discipline true spiritual practice requires ? The church and bible provide little if any instruction in this area. Meditation is the cornerstone of Buddha's teaching, self-control, mental discipline, compassion and unselfishness as essential qualities we need to learn and develope. The idea that Truth is only found in the bible and the church is false. The teachings of Buddha and Jesus are complementary and based in actual spiritual experince rather than an intellectual approach which can never succeed.
If the Dharmapada, the basic teachings of Buddha from 500 years prior to Jesus' time and much closer to the teachings of Jesus than alot of church dogma and much of the bible, was the most published book in the world instead of the bible I believe the world would be a very different place and our history would not be nearly as violent and warlike.
Buddhhism is "eternally optismistic". Buddhism and Christianity are complementary, the living spiritual presence of God in the person of Jesus Christ, the guidance of the Holy Spirit in combination with the meditative practices and ethics of Buddhism would be much closer to Jesus' teachings and example than the practices and doctrines of the various religious institutions which bear his name. Look at history and judge the tree by its fruit. Men have once again erected false religions which block the true gospel of Christ and continue the deluded practices of men which lead to ever greater levels of suffering. The fact is religions have often been used as instruments of war and churches have a moral obligation to admit this, to face the truth of their violent and unholy history, instead of arrogantly posturing, lost in meaningless games of argument and "theology"... Religion has always been big business, politically powerful... lucrative. The Kingdom of God is within us, not in fancy buildings, clothes, and rhetoric. A church should be people pursuing spiritual growth and realization of Jesus' life and teachings here and now. Not men pompusly glorying in themselves behind a facade of argument and rhetoric. Hence the direct method of meditation, compassion, ethics and spiritual focus of Buddhism are essential to any true spiritual practice.
1 John 2,29 -
"... every one that doeth righteousness is born of him."
Re. Buddhism - I find the Dhammapada, the Buddhist Gospel, to be excellent. But other teachings, such as The Heart Sutra, which has become perhaps the core teaching of Buddhism, much as bibleanity has perverted the course of Christianity, is very misleading and even dangerous. It is very nihilistic, basically step by step denying the existence of everything... What kind of "salvation" is this ? It seems a self-induced spiritual death to me... Buddhism is the so-called realization of a man, and assuch represents, perhaps the limits of what the mind is capable of on its own... which is to dissolve into emptiness. The Buddha resolved to sit under the Bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment, and this is what he came up with, everything is empty... Modern physics has proven this, yet, there is still life. The heart sutra says feelings and emotions are empty and unreal. I say "emptiness" is just an abstract concept that is unreal. So, meditation is important from a Christian point of view, but as far as Buddhism goes, there is no God, no Spirit, no Life, no nothing - all is emptiness. I think this is absurd and shallow. This is what happens when a man tries to force truth to reveal itself. God does not respond to such a mentality...
However, it is important to read from a basis in Christ, for example, there is a Buddhist mediation practice of taking on the suffering of others. From a Christian point of view, Jesus has already done this, and we can give our suffering to God and be strengthened spiritually. Suffering can be a means of growth, but we should also visualize positive healing, loving images, and have a goal of wellness. Rather than taking on the suffering of others to heal the world the Christian realizes Jesus has already done this, so it is more a matter of focusing on whats truely important and allowing God's love and wellbeing to work in us. The idea of taking on the suffering of others (all beings) is dangerous and depressing I think, furthermore, this is Jesus' domain. Likewise the idea of praciticing meditation to escape from endless rounds of reincarnation is misleading. We should simply focus on the task ahead of us, i.e. getting well, and have a positive outlook.
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This is from the first chapter of the bible,
the first page,
this is how it actually starts,
but for some reason this is pretty much ignored -
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.
( notice, the earth has an inate ability to bring forth life, "let the earth bring forth life" this agrees with scientific truth )...
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. ..
( the Hebrew word for "man" used here is "Adama" which includes man and woman, hence "people" - this is very important, the very first chapter of the bible says men and women, all people, are created equally in God's image. )
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth...
(replenish the earth - not exploit and destroy it)
... And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
GOD IS LOVE AND INFINITE COMPASSION.
GOD HARMS NO ONE.
THE BASIS OF CHRISTIANITY IS SPIRITUAL COMMUNION WITH GOD,
THROUGH JESUS CHRIST,
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
God's true nature as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
It is essential to correct the false dogma of a divine and infallible Bible.
There are many layers of meaning in the bible.
Things which people chose to interpret literally
may in fact have originally been intended as allegory.
Jesus taught in parables,
his teachings often required spiritual interpretation,
and were not "literal".
Hence, a literal interpretation of the bible
is not in keeping with the example of Jesus
nor the literary and wisdom traditions
of the periods during which the writings of the bible were composed.
A literal interpretation is misleading
and may ignore deeper levels of
symbolism and allegory...
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The "Word of God" is living spirit,
life giving waters,
always growing and evolving
as are we...
Maybe you be blessed
with true insight,
happiness,
and well being.
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Holy War (Ban) in the Bible - by John Niemi
Here are a few excerpts from the articles in my NCV Everyday Study Bible (this is actually a very well made study bible, a real bargain, better than many much more expensive bibles, but some of the notes are wrong), printed in 1996 -:
"In light of the repeated commands against murder in the bible, it is difficult to make sense of the OT stories where God commands people to annihilate their enemies... in the conquest of Jericho and Ai where all people - women youth, and elderly - are slaughtered... it is confusing to read that God himself demands the killing of non-combatants... from the perspective of God's people, this was an execution of corporate punishment, a group death penalty for an evil people who acted against the God of Israel... every member of the family was involved in pagan worship... but more significantly, God wanted to remove every source of future corruption to his people..."
"The bible is full of the sights, sounds, and smells of warfare... Study of the Bible reveals that there is a theology of warfare that runs from Genesis to Revelation... The plunder includes material goods that are given to the treasury of the sanctuary... and also prisoners of war who are usually executed... This is the picture of Holy War in the OT. At the center stands God, the divine warrior."
"In the OT God graciously accepted the life of the sacrificial animal instead of taking the life of the person offering the sacrifice as punishment for sin... Jesus' life was the perfect sacrifice because it did away with the need for any more animal sacrifices... One day, Jesus will return to earth as a kingly warrior and subdue all those who oppose him. " - NCV Everyday Study Bible.
How can anyone who purports to follow the Way of Jesus Christ say such things? This is Bible-anity, interpreting the life and teachings of Jesus from their belief in a divine and infallible Holy Bible.This is totally against the teachings of Christ. He clearly set an example for us to follow and this just the opposite of what he taught. And there are numerous study bibles espousing such views. This sort of contrived religious dogma ignores the actual teachings and example of of Jesus. To these people his main purpose was to become a blood sacrifice to placate the wrath of the OT God. Writings such as this subvert the true message of the Gospels and perpetuate war, violence, and suffering.
Here is another quote from my NCV ESB, p.1141 -
"...a Christian is one who has God as father. But cannot this be said of every person, Christian or not ? No ! The idea that all are children of God is not found in the Bible anywhere."
This is totally mindboggling. What could these people possibly be thinking? How about the very first chapter in the bible? The very first chapter of the bible say God created ALL PEOPLE IN HIS IMAGE. MAN AND WOMAN. This is an example of "religious pride" - which is perhaps the worst kind, and the bible is very clear about how God feels about such pride. Jesus came to ALL PEOPLE.
-------------------------------------------
on page 1141 in the NCV ESB there is a section which begins,
"If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity..."
I thought Jesus taught us not to judge others, but ot concentrate on removing the beam from our own eye that we may better follow in his footsteps. Fortunately Jesus did not share our habit of making superficial judgements of others. Why not become a quiet agent of the Holy Spirit, a vehicle for God's love ?
and in the NCV ESB near the end, p 1141 -
"For God intends the lives of believers to be a reflection and reproduction of Jesus' own and fellowship with himself."
What if the person whose life best reflects "Jesus' own" life is NOT A CHRISTIAN ? What if a Buddhist or a Hindu reflects the life of Christ more perfectly than a Christian ? Words and labels are superfluous. God sees into the hearts and minds of all people. He cares nothing about theology...
Jesus is the Word of God, living spirit, not the bible.
He chose to incarnate in a human body
so that he might share our experiences,
heal us from our delusions,
establish a new relationship between humankind and God,
so that we might find the true
Way of Life..
It is essential to learn the way of meditation, prayer, respect for all beings,
and harmonious living.
from Psalm 36 -
How precious is your steadfast love, oh God.
All people may find shelter in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light
---------------------------------------------
The relentless barrage of dark violent negative imagry contained on the bible can literally make people sick. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, God is love, so why did the church attach the gospels to this collection of tales of war, wrath and destruction ? Jesus is the Word of God, living spirit, not the bible. It is essential to learn the way of meditation, prayer, respect for all beings, and harmonious living.
----------------------------
God cares nothing about theology, all that matters to God is the heart. .The Holy Spirit is very real and ever present to guide you. Do not be diverted by pretentious people. Do not try do explain yourself to people whose minds and hearts are rigid. If you can't find any truely spiritual friends its fine to go it alone. Your inner spiritual life should be kept secret. Jesus says we should judge a tree by its fruit... God always brings peace, happiness, and wellbeing. God never harms anyone. God never has and never will cause wars to happen or condone war as being inspired by God. War is an abomination. the result of man's failure to live according to God's true Way of Life as exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ. God created Eden and man turned it into battlefields, concentration camps, polluted waters and ravaged lands.
--------------------------------------------
We don't need prima dona preachers and theologians to impress us. The roll of a minister should be to guide people so they can enter into a relationship wth God and derive their own insights and understanding. One of the most basic rules on the spiritual path is we keep our relationship with God private, it is not something to parade around in front of others. Jesus said we should enter our room, close the door, and commune with God in privacy.
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There are many passages in the bible where even the foremost experts in the world are unable to ascertain their meaning. These writings were compiled over centuries from numerous sources from various periods and cultures, edited, adapted, altered and carefully arranged. The vast majority of these writings were not written by the "authors" to whom they are attributed, but rather attributed to some famous ancient person as a sign of respect and to give them credance and validity. Characters in the bible may be fictional, or augmented versions of historical characters. These writings often present various, even conflicting, points of view. They were never intended as literal histories in the modern sense, therfore interpreting them literally often results in errant or misleading views. Hence, from a Christian point of view, we need first and foremost to base our life in the actual spiritual presence of God, the experience of God's love and healing, rather than intellectualized arguments and doctrines. Theology is by its very nature presumptuous, a manmade profession which provides livelihoods for thousands of scholars, religious professionals, and book publishers.. Original Christianity is based upon the actual mystical experience of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and God... through prayer, meditation, and our relationships with others. Jesus often spent the entire night in prayer and mediation, not bible study (that is something he did as a young man), in the Garden of Gethsemane he asked his disciples to join him in prayer during his final night on earth, yet they were unable to grant his request, instead choosing to sleep and leave him alone. Has this situation changed much in the last 2,000 years ? How much time do Christians spend meditating in spiritual communion with God ? Its much easier to talk, and certainly much more lucrative to spout clever words and churn out numerous authoritative books for people addicted to such diversions, but the true realization of Christ must take place within the quietness of our hearts. Busy, noisey minds are incapable of this basic requirement, so like Jesus' disciples in the garden many Christians choose to sleep and believe that their intellectual distractions are "acceptable to God." But that is not what God wants, that is not what Jesus asked for, he came to us as a friend, seeking equality of love and friendship, but how many of us actually develope the ability to listen to the "still, quiet voice" of God within the temple of our lives and being ? Its so much easier to differ to experts, authorities, and professionals. So the very same conditions prevalent during Jesus' time are perpetuated by clever men in the name of Christ, which is perhaps even more painful to God. Jesus came, he did it, but then we persist in our same old deluded ways.
God does not make wars, send plagues, kill firstborn children, etc. The purpose of this record in the bible is to see the difference between false manmade religion and the true Way as manifest in the person of Jesus Christ, Yeshua the Messiah, Rabbi, Saviour, and friend. He is the Prince of Peace not a divine warrior. He fights ignorance and delusion with truth, light, healing, and love....
------------------------
Why hasn't the church denounced the numerous violent passages in the bible ? The bible attests to the tendency of men to create religious institutions that have nothing to do with the true nature of God. War stories are not "scripture." Jesus Christ incarnated to correct these false views of God, but the delusions of men are very persistent, so eventually they began contriving new doctrines to counter Jesus' true teachings and re-instate their unholy and violent ways. This same thing is happening now, as it did then.
---------------------------
Not very long ago people with psycological problems or mental illness or epilepsy were accused of being possessed by demons or evil spirits. Several hundred years ago such people may even have been burned alive by "Christians" who used religion as a vehicle of fear and brutality. Fortunately in modern times we know the true causes of many of these conditions, often resulting from chemical or hormonal imbalances, physical defects within the brain, etc. Yet there are still study bibles and fundementalists perpetuating this ignorant archaic belief.
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From Exodus 19, 9 -
And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD... 11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.
12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: 13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount... 16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. 18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
Setting aside encultured religious interpretations of this passage, we have - God speaks to Moses from an erupting volcano. Mt. Sinai is a holy mountain from which God speaks to people. God tells Moses to bring the people to the base of the mountain and, I think this is most important, sets a boundary beyond which they shall not cross. I think in the original story this was done as a warning, people should remain at a safe distance lest they be stuck by rocks ejected from the volcano. I think this is the original meaning of this verse:
19,12 "And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: 13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live",
in other words, God told Moses to warn the people not to approach too close out of concern for their safety. However, in my opinion, these older stories were redacted by later authors of the priestly class and made to conform to their views, i.e. people being struck by stones from a volcano was seen by them as God's wrath inflicting punishment, and this in turn may have led to the institution of stoning as a form of execution. This basic pattern is found throughout the bible, and continues to this day, wherein passages which depict a loving, caring, peaceful God are followed by passages which counter that image. The church's establishment of the institution of the divine bible in order to counter Jesus' teachings of non-violence, unconditonal love, and non-materialism is a perfect example of this predeliction of men to turn to evil even when God blesses them directly, as the extremely violent history of the various churches and nations attests.
The stories of Moses were passed on by word of mouth for centuries before they were written down and redacted by memebers of the priestly class. They are stories about Moses, not written by Moses. If the bible is read with an open mind and heart, certain patterns may be seen. Different people may have different views, there need not be total agreement nor conformity... Anyway, concerning the origin of stoning, if we look at Exodus 19,12-13 I think it is possible this was originally an injunction to set boundaries around Mt. Sinai, an active volcano, and anyone who crossed this boundary was in danger of being "stoned to death, shot through, whether man or beast..." Often times folktales embody some common wisdom, warning, or advice. I think originally this was not written as a means of execution but just the opposite, as a warning to protect people from stones ejected from the volcano when it was erupting, as is also depicted, i.e. the mountain was covered with a smokey cloud in which there were flashes of lightning... So the original intent was purely a safeguard against getting too near to an erupting volcano, but later authors who wrote stories about Moses (he was not writing stories about himself) assigned new meanings to such stories from antiquity. These authors were members of the priestly class who sought to instill fear and obedience.
So, this is the pattern we find throughout the bible, it is not what the advocates of bibleanity say, but quite the opposite. On one hand we can find traces of God's true nature but this is usually countered or altered by men with different, violent, views of God. So we have one story of Moses living peacefully amidst the Midianites for 40 years followed by another story in which Moses returns and exterminates the Midianites. Which story is of God ? Which story is in keeping with the life and example of Jesus ? Which is in keeping with God's true nature, a God who warns people not to get too close to erupting volcanos or a God which says someone who collects firewood on the Sabbath should be stoned to death ? Clearly, what is actually recorded in the bible is a record of man's preversion of God's true nature, God's response in the incarnation of Jesus, and man's response in the institution of bibleanity and two thousand years of war and violence. Jesus reveals God's true nature, bibleanity says Jesus is a divine warrior who will destroy anyone who does not kneel and worship him.
------------------------
Stoning -
This horrible practice, instituted in the time of Moses, had become prevalent and firmly entrenched by the time of Jesus, a span of many hundreds of years. This was a terroristic means of maintaining utter control over people which was especially monstrous in that it forced the members of a community to murder neighbors and family members who were accused of violating certain aspects of Mosaic law. In thisway anyone who dared to disagree with the utter domination and tyranny of the priestly class could be eliminated and fear effectively instilled in the community in a most cruel fashion. This "law" forced members of the community to commit murder, effectively turning them into a mob of murders and uniting them in this manner. There are few greater sins against God conceivable, yet the bible claims this "law" was given to Moses by the Lord.
This is impossible because God's true nature is infinite love and compassion. One moment of God's Spirit exposes the total falicy of the OT view of a wrathful destructior god. The OT contains a record of a sick manmade religious institution and the NT contains the revelation of God's true nature in the person of Yeshua the Messiah, later refered to as Jesus Christ. The Gosples and the Pauline letters are the most reliable sources of truely Christian scripture. Their purpose is to lead us into a living spiritual relationship with God through the salvation of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Followers of this false manmade religion of bibleanity perpetuate the very things Jesus ( as well as any sensible, normal person ) opposes. Only people who have been twisted by some manmade doctrine, be it religious, political (Maxism), scientific (Nazism-eugenics), or some combination thereof, are capable of commiting such atrocities. It requires us to ignore our Godgiven conscience and feelings of compassion. People have to be manipulated and brainwashed to do such things. Jesus was killed because he stood up to these tyrannts who use religion as a vehicle for evil. Yet, he asked God to forgive them, for they knew not what they were doing. He is not, never was, and never will be a "warrior" in the worldly sense. His means are non-violent and spiritual. He fights ignorance with truth, darkness with light, suffering with salvation. War is an abomination resulting from our failure to live according to God's true law as demonstrated in the person of Jesus Christ.
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2 Chronicles 7, 4 "Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. 5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God."
Why would God want anyone to perform animal sacrifices ? Imagine what it was like to attend such a ceremony - the sounds and smells of thousands of animals being slaughtered, their blood being poured out and their bodies burned...
As it says in Isaiah 1,11 "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. 12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? 13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment (justice), relieve the oppressed, judge (protect) the fatherless, plead for (help) the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD..."
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From the "Open Bible" footnotes on p.991 -
"He is King. The position of king implies soveriegn authority and rule over all.... He is destined to rule as king and that every knee must ultimately bow and acknowledge his authority."
This illustrates another popular yet errant interpretation. Jesus is in not a worldly king. His realm is spiritual. Perhaps a more Christ based view of this passage is eventually all people will come to know Christ's salvation, and will be humbled in the positive sense, when we see clearly we regret our past mistakes and are truely grateful. Such a bow is a gesture of respect, love, appreciation and gratitude. Jesus is not a conquering warrior forcing people to their knees at the point of a sword. This passage has been turned into a power trip by some people. Nobody has the right to take credit for Jesus' works. "All knees will bow !" proclaims a "christian" bumper sticker... This is arrogant and presumptuous. Talk is cheap. But can we be quiet and serve God ? I think that is much more effective. If we focus on our spiritual practice God will start to reach out to others through us. This is beneficial to all involved. It becomes our spiritual practice, our means of growth, our way to happiness and fulfillment. It may not be a matter of preaching or handing out leaflets. We cannot judge how God is working in the lives of others and it is a mistake to try.
from p.1054 Open Bible -
"Of the many events of His earthly life the most significant without a doubt, are His death and resurrection. On these two pivotal, historical incidents rests the validity of the entire Christian faith." -
Why do people seem to glory in Jesus' torture, suffering and death. I think we should be very sorry this happened to him. But bibleanity says this was God's plan and Jesus becomes a cog in the machinations of their divine and holy bible. His life and example and teachings, everythng he said and did, take a backseat to his death. He is turned into an OT style blood sacrifice.
Furthermore, the statement,
"On these two pivotal, historical incidents rests the validity of the entire Christian faith,"
is not true. Spiritual relationship with God is the basis of the Christian faith.. What were Jesus' instructions ? To love others as He loves us and to help those in need. What matters most is the condition of our heart.
The footnotes then state,
"within this moment there occured the inexplicable mystery of the Father
punishing the Son for the sins of the world.".
God punishes no one. God is infinite love and compassion, the source of life and happiness. We punish ourselves when we do things that separate us from God. Jesus defeated the forces of evil in the world by his love and compassion, even towards those people who were torturing them. It was his love and compassion towards those who were doing these things which was the culmination of is work and brought about the subsequent salvation of all who chose to open their hearts to him.
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May all people learn to live in peace and harmony.
This Earth is a holy creation
a single blade of grass is a miracle of life
and this planet abounds with life
in the hostile environment of space.
The human race is at a crossroads -
either we learn to live in harmony
or we will not survive.
It has taken many billions of years to reach this point in our lives.
Many generations of stars have been born and died
just to create the elements of which all things are composed.
The building blocks of life were created in stars and nebulae and comets -
they form our bodies and we live among the stars.
What shall we do with this inheritance?
Shall we devote these billions of years of effort
toward selfish gain and momentary pleasures?
Or can we learn to use our time wisely
to create something of lasting meaning and worth,
a nurturing home for all children
and a bright future?
Will the "adults" of this world learn to live
with intelligence and humility,
or will they continue in their delusions,
ushering in armageddon
in the name of ignorance and folly?
We are each blessed with a ruely miraculous brain,
body, intelligence and conscience.
Jesus said to test all spirits
and judge a tree by its fruit.
Jesus is a healer and savior.
God never harms anyone.
The doctrine of the Divine Warrior
and the future firey destruction
Is the worst kind of blasphemy.
Its worse than ignorance because its intentional,
knowingly espoused by seemingly learned people.
God is love,
infinite,
beyond the scope of the human intellect,
God is eternal,
honest and faithful.
Yet God is humble
and does not desire praise or glory,
God is gentle,
the creator, savior, guide and friend.
---------------------------
The book of Revelation was written one of two generations after Jesus' earthly sojourn. It was probobly not written by the Apostle John, or the author of the 4th Gospel, Its actual title is "Apocalypse". The title was changed to "The Revelation of St. John" after it was written. There were many other Apocalyses, none of which were believed to be literally true. Apocalyptic writing was a popular genre in which an author claimed to have "visions" which he attributed to some famous bible personage, as a tribute and to give his writings credance. It was a literary device, not intended as a literal, factual record. People of that time were familiar with this style of writing and understood it as such. The author is actually expressing his views through the person of Jesus. This is the nature of this genre of literature. It is not dictated by Jesus, nor are the words in it representative of Jesus and his teachings as in the Gospels. Jesus never spoke that way. And the fact that the author has Jesus say, in verse 2:23, "And I will kill her children with death and all the churches shall know that I am he..." clearly proves that it is impossible for Jesus to have spoken many of the things in this book. The author is reintroducing the OT view of a wrathful god which Jesus clearly and emphatically exposes as false.. This is a violation of the person, character, and spirit of our Lord. This book was definitely not dictated by the Risen Christ. It is the author's ideas and beliefs expressed in the form of apocalyptic writing. Also, there are various types of writings contained within it which points of multiple authors, some of it may be inspired and edifying, but much of it definitely is not. It contains some major distortions of Jesus' life and teachings. Advocates of bibleanity quote heavily from it, claiming Jesus is going to return in a future Day of the Lord as a Divine Warrior and destroy the earth and all non-christians in a firey judgement, and some modern bibles go so far as to put the words Jesus "spoke" in the author's "visions" in red print, placing them on equal footing with those spoken in the gospels. This is a distortion of the message of the gospels.
Advocates of bibleanity are always touting the virtues of the bible, saying it has the power to heal us, or it is the sole source of everything we know about Jesus, etc. However, the things that have taught me the most about Jesus are the experience of God's grace and love and protection in my life and encounters with other spiritually oriented people. The bible's place in Christianity has been overemphasized at the expense of Jesus' true teachings.
Meditation based in Christ is an excellent practice. Of course, the most important thing is our heart and spirit, whether or not we practice meditation or study the bible. It is a mistake to judge others. We should concentrate on our own relationship with God and trust God to do what is best in our lives and relationships. If we get judgemental we project our limitations and biases, thereby interfering with the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In order to experience God's presence in our lives we need to learn to quiet our noisy minds and see beyond our prejudices and biases. Meditation is the perfect vehicle to do this. Intellectual studies have their proper place, our mind needs to be stimulated and excersized, but intellectual pursuits should not be the center of spiritual practice. We need to learn to go beyong the limits of intellect and enter the realm of spirit, actually living in harmony, not just talking or arguing about it, in accord with the example of Jesus Christ, our loving, compassionate, eternally caring Lord and Savior...
More on Apocalypse/Revelation - we must remember that apocalypse is a specific genre, and just as a play differs from a novel, or fiction from history, this final book of the bible must be understood in that light. The people to whom was is originally addressed understood this, as this form of literature was common at that time and there were many different apocalypse by different authors. Apocalypse is always symbolic and employs metaphor extensively. I believe Revelation is a metaphor of personal spiritual practice. The reason being Jesus obtained the final victory on the cross, so this book must refer to the final victory that takes place within us as we mature in our spiritual practice. And there are many similarities with other traditons, such as yoga and the system of Chakras, or centers of spiritual energy, of which there are seven which are opened successively, from lower to higher, in the course of ones lifetime, hence the seven seals of which Revelation speaks... The final seventh seal being the uppermost which correlates with enlightenment. So the seventh trumpet (similar to zen satori) a trumpet produces a specific, penetrating sound vibration which could be understood as a metatphor of spiritual vibration, which "Hearlds the final victory of Jesus Christ" (Thompson's Study Bible page 1638) actually refers to enlightenment, entering the Kingdom of God wherein Jesus went to prepare room for us. This is very similar to the Buddhist ideal of the Bodhisatva, the Hindu ideal of the Guru, etc. And I believe this is the correct interpretation as well as the original intent of this book. Early christians knew Jesus obtained the final victory on the cross, thereby establishing a new relationship between God and humanity. To say otherwise, to actually deny this victory and say it is yet to come, dependent upon some external conditions we must wait for, is wrong, misleading, a denial of one of the most central and important aspects of Jesus' work at that time... its like erasing the end of a famous symphony. Yet this is what humans have done in the doctrine of bibleanity. Of course early Christians knew that when Jesus spoke of a 'sword' he was employing metaphor, the only 'war' Jesus fights is the war between truth and ignorance, between life and death, between blessedness and suffering. Finally, the idea of ending the bible with a curse is a sad mistake. Such was customary at the time in an effort to ward off future redactions... Revelation was not written as a book of the bible, it was a letter to be circulated among early Christian churches. It was an ancient form of literature with which modern people have no familiarity. However to understand it we need to set aside our encultured ideas about literature, the ways we have learned to interpret literature, and try to view it in its original light and circumatances.
--------------------------------------------------
The moment anyone starts to speak as if they are some kind of expert, i.e. to tell you "how it is" I begin to question their motivation and veracity. Most of the time bible college doctors and preachers, clergy and theologians are parroting what they were taught, or what is commonly accepted among their peers. This does not mean its true but occasionally they say something worthwhile... However all too often people are willing to set aside their Godgiven intelligence and become zombified... It is understandable that people adopted such beliefs in ancient times, but for "modern" people to cling to these errant traditions is wrong. And they are misleading children. What is the child to think if they should read some of these horrendous stories? And what do their parents tell them ? "Yes dear, God had to kill all the Egyptian babies to punish their parents." What would this do to a child ? Children trust their parents and their parents teach them this false view of a violent wrathful god who kills people... Jesus said suffer the children to come unto me." What would Jesus tell these parents ?
-------------------------------------------
.
Why not become a living vessel for God's Spirit ? Its not an intellectual thing. We experience salvation through Christ. Living with the Holy Spirit as our guide in a most real and intimate way. This not a matter of "believing", its a matter of being. Not through argument and biblespeak. We can be followers of Christ, but we cannot "believe" we are followers of Christ. A Christian is a doer, not a "believer" Its actually very simple and direct
---------------------------
Your opinion and beliefs are just as important as those of any theologian, minister, guru, master, whatever... Any person or group that will only admit you if you conform to their dogma should be avoided. The most fundemental law of the spiritual path is respect for others and humility. Your relationship is with God - Truth, there is no need to impress others with your faith or win anyone's approval. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. Like the Buddha says, if you can't find true spiritual friends, better to go it alone. Sometimes we can find greater peace, well-being and happiness in solitude.
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May all people learn to live in peace and harmony.
This Earth is a holy creation
a single blade of grass is a miracle of life
and this planet abounds with life
in the hostile environment of space.
The human race is at a crossroads -
either we learn to live in harmony
or we will not survive.
--------------------
Jesus is a healer and savior.
God never harms anyone.
The doctrine of the Divine Warrior
and the future firey destruction
Is the worst kind of blasphemy.
Its worse than ignorance because its intentional,
knowingly espoused by seemingly learned people.
God is love,
infinite,
beyond the scope of the human intellect,
God is eternal,
honest and faithful.
Yet God is humble
and does not desire praise or glory,
God is gentle,
the creator, savior, guide and friend.
--------------------------------------------
Ezekiel 9,5 "And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women..."
God does not change, God is eternal and omnipresent. Jesus heals people, wherever he went people would flock to him. If someone simply touched his garment God's healing energy would stream forth. This is the true nature of our Lord and Savior. God's truth does not change. He is not at one time a slayer of women and children and at another a loving father. God's love is constant . The image of the wrathful warrior god of the OT was contrived by men. God's true nature is revealed in the person, life, and teachings of Jesus.
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The authors of the bible borrowed extensively from the myths and literary forms of more ancient Mesopotamian cultures. The simple literal interpretation of the bible espoused by advocates of bibleanity obscures this complex history. The fact is, just about all the rituals and festivals have their roots in more ancient traditions. In the OT we see the rise of a religion of warrior-priests which adapted the religions and writings of more ancient cultures to fit their agenda. In this religion the priests role was to insured God's blessing and victory in war. This cannot be reconciled with the true nature of God as manifest in the person of Jesus Christ.
Thankfully modern archeaology tells us most of these accounts were not historic, but fabrications written by around the middle of the first millenium BC, well after these events purportedly occured. However for more than 2000 years this false history has been promulgated, discrediting the more ancient cultures Mesopotamian of Sumer, Babylonia, Assyria, the Hittites, etc. for the role they played in the formation of many of our religious, cultural, and economic institutions.
When the church compiled the "Holy Bible" and designated it "The Word of God" the teachings and life of Jesus were placed within its context, thereby perpetuating the very conditions of war and violence which Jesus seeks to change. Whereas Jesus taught peace and non-violence, such were not suitable guidelines for maintaining an empire, contolling people, and empowering the ruling classes. So the OT god of wrath and fear was re-introduced. Even today we have numerous religious groups claiming biblical writings justify wars, conquests, the exploitation and destruction of the environment, personal enrichment, etc... Such religion is dangerous.
Jesus always worked with people, the healing and salvation of souls. He rebeled against the false materialistic and politically based religious institutions of his time. When the church compiled the Holy Bible and proclaimed it to be the divine Word of God, did it actually abandon the true teachings and spirit of Jesus Christ ? In so doing did the church sidestep his actual instructions with clever "theologies" and dogma ? Are some elements within the Christian Church still perpetuating the delusions Jesus sought to abolish ?
----------------------------
The human mind is not able to describe God's infinite nature,
yet we can experience God's presence.
Just to be an honest person is perhaps the greatest achievment,
just to live according to God's Way of Life,
setting aside the quest for fame and fortune,
rejecting the life of selfish hedonism,
and allowing truth to work within our being,
allowing God's tranformation to take place through God's grace...
------------------------------------
If we accept Jesus as the revelation of God's true nature it is impossible to accept much of the bible as "the Word of God." Jesus shatters the image of the wrathful God found in the bible. Jesus said we are to love God and to love each other, he never said to love the bible, indeed on many occasions he corrected mistaken views found the OT. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach us and guide us. God is Spirit, the bible is a manmade book. We are told we should obey the bible - how can one obey the bible? What part of it? The bible says we should stone people who collect firewood on the sabbath day. Jesus says "let him who is without sin cast the first stone", Jesus refuted such cold hearted and brutal aspects of Mosaic law..
The crucifiction of Jesus - he chose to allow himself to be used in this vile manner by ignorant violent men because he saw that it would lead to a greater good. The main meaning of his crucifiction is to demonstrate the true, non-violent nature of God's compassion and forgivness, not that God demands shedding of blood for forgivness of sins. God does not delight in the spilling of blood nor the aroma of burning flesh. Jesus was not a pagan blood sacrifice.. The religion of blood sacrifice is found in many ancient cultures and has nothing to do with God. Jesus Christ is our Savior, the embodiment of God's universal truth, he is not a high priest or a sacrifice to placate the wrathful god of the OT. He took the sins of mankind upon himself in order to establish a new relationship with God. God does not demand the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins.
Animal sacrifice was instituted in OT times as a lesser evil, to replace the abominable practice of sacrificing babies. This is the deeper meaning of the story of Abraham and Isaac, not that Abraham was such a good and devout man as would would sacrifice his own son. God would never tell a father to do such a heinous thing. Hence when Jesus "poured out his blood" to save us from our sins, it means he gave his life and spirit to save us from our delusions and sinful ways of living, not that God demanded the actual spilling of his blood in order to "wash away our sins".
There are many different kinds of writings in the bible, by many different authors, with opposing beliefs and practices, it is not a homogeneous work dictated by God. It must be read with discernment, since its contents are largely lengendary and esoteric. It is not a history and should not be seen as a literal depiction of events.
Original Christianity is essentially mystical, the revelation of God within us, working in our lives, transforming us, realizing our true potential, a spiritual, evolutionary process, intimate and direct. Through the Way of Life as presented to us by Jesus, God is revealed in our hearts and in our daily lives. Jesus always dealt directly with people and held the corrupt political and religious institutions of his time in disdain.
Bible study should be seen as a form of Christian spiritual practice, and as such, we should read with an open mind and heart from a basis in Christ, in the Spirit. Instead of reading commentaries and expert's opinions - there are many such people waitng to dictate their views is we let them - we should allow God to speak to us directly. The teachings of Jesus must be our compass, not the proclaimations of experts and theologians. The writings in the bible can aquire new meaning, they need not mean the same thing today as they did 2,000 years ago, all information is instructive, but it must be interpreted correctly. Someone may say something is of God when in fact it is not. This teaches us about human nature and its propensity, and even preference, for deluded ways.
If we listen to Christ under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we shall return to our long lost home and realize our long awaited future potential in God's Kingdom, which is no other place but here and no other time but now. Always has been , always will be.
we can know God's truth intimately and directly...
-----------------------
Jesus said he would bring us the Holy Spirit, who would teach us all things, he told us to love God and to love one another as God loves us, he told us to live a life of faith in God and to follow his example. He said he was bringing us the Holy Spirit, not the bible. The bible is what it is, and Jesus Christ is what he is, the two are not the same. Advocates of bibleanity often twist Jesus' teachings so they conform to their ideas and beliefs. Hence we need to follow Jesus' instructions and be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Conforming to the group is not a requirement for experiencing God's presence in our lives...
There is a life and vitality present in Christ and among those people who choose to follow Christ and to be guided in their lives by the Holy Spirit that is absent from other religious groups I have encountered. What good is learning to sit in silent meditation for days, weeks, and years on end if ones heart is cold ? I do not believe life is an illusion or a divine play. We are not capable of grasping the depth of life's meaning through our intellect - it is not a matter of "believing", but rather of experiencing... The human mind is not able to describe God, yet we can experience God's presence, and for me this is best exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ.. Just to be an honest person is perhaps the greatest achievment, just to live according to God's Way of Life, setting aside the quest for fame and fortune, rejecting the life of selfish hedonism, and allowing truth to work within our being, allowing God's tranformation to take place through God's grace...
--------------------------
Humans, especially men, are violent creatures, surival of the fittest has unfortunatley meant the most violent and agressive... and they make religions to support their beliefs and actions. In the bible we can see the contrast between such manmade religions, which may function as propaganda to justify wars, conquests and the violent tendencies of certain men, versus the religion of peace and healing which was embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. We can find these opposing views interwoven throughout the bible. As such the bible is a record of how and why people make religions, some of its writings are inspired by universal truth and some are inspired by human ignorance and greed... Christianity is about living, about moving forward, about accepting life, appreciating this opportunity to grow and learn and become better people... We are challenged, do we quietly follow, reciting rote creeds and mouthing things we don't really believe, or do we speak out against the things Jesus spoke out against ? Christianity is not bibleanity. God is love. The various wars and violent acts depicted in the bible have nothing to do with God.
an unfortunate aspect of many religious groups is a predeliction to pigeonholing (labeling people), slandering, and ostrasizing anyone who does not agree with their doctrines. This may be a suitable yardstick for judging to what extent a group is a cult. A true religion respects others, cults have no tolerance for other views and beliefs. the church has chosen to build its house on the sand of bibleanity instead of the rock of Christ.
---------------------------------
In various places in the bible the Hebrew word meaning "cut off" is translated as "destroy", yet this clearly changes the meaning in a very significant and dangerous way. For example, if the Lord says "I will destroy your mother" as in Hosea 4. In this case "mother" may refer to Priestly heriditary position, bloodline, descendents, or to Israel... at any rate, if the literal Hebrew meaning "I will cut off your mother" resonates more truely, in that when we do not live according to God's Way we become separated from God and embark upon the road to our spiritual downfall and desruction. A more accurate translation would be, "as a result of your persistent sinfulness and rejection of God's Way of Life you have become cut off from God." God does not do this, if we choose an untrue, harmful way, we suffer as a result. We remove ourselves from the realm of God's protection and guidance. However the idea of a wrathful, destroyer God has been fabricated and perpetuated. Even fundamentalists who insist upon a literal translation of the bible blithly gloss over such glaring deviations from the original text. Why ? Perhaps our personal biases are more important than textual accuracy.
-------------------------------
On the widely accepted mistranslation of Luke 16 "The Unrighteous Steward" - by John Niemi
"And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods." (the word "accused" is mistranslated rom the original Greek, it should read, " falsely accused" or "slandered"...Perhaps a more accurate interpretation would be the "unjust boss and the honorable accounts manager"... this is totally different from the traditional interpretation, but I think more in keeping with the teachings of Jesus and has more of a foundation in biblical teachings.) 2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. 3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. (when the steward was unjustly accused, what did he do ? Did he protest his innocence ? No, he "said within himself..." This can be seen as prefiguring Christ's passion... In which he was unjustly accused, yet remained silent, chosing instead to trust in God.) 4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, (they) may receive me into their houses. (It is important to realize that many words are added to the original text, such as the word "they", which takes on a different meaning in light of verse 9, "recieve you into eternal dwellings") 5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? (According to the NAB notes, this must be considered in light of ancient practices of the time. The steward charged a comission, but now he was retabulating the accounts minus his commision... why would he do this ? When he heard he was being fired he could have retaliated angrily and charged a much higher commision to provide future economic security, however he did just the opposite ! He used this occasion as an opportunity to do good, to help people... rather than profiting from his work for this unjust employer he instead acts honorably, not wishing to defame himself with his unjust employers money, and chooses instead to do something very unusual... this sounds more like what Jesus may have taught...) 6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. 8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (now here we have the word "lord", kyrious - not "a rich man", so there is a difference between "a certain rich man" verse 1 and the "lord" in verse 8... the lord-kyrios commended the unjustly accused steward - not the "unjust steward", this is the same translation error found in verse 1...) 9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (this verse is severely mistranslated, garbled, unclear in most texts... why would Jesus say such a thing, it makes no sense at all and does not fit with anything else he has ever said, that being the case, its most likely a scribal mistake. Perhaps this is more in line with the truth, "familiarize yourselves with the ways of the world, the mammon of unrighteousness, so that when its fails - the word "ye" is inserted into the text and is not found in the Greek - i.e. when experiencing such worldly injustice and being slandered and fired unjustly we can still be creative and use that situation to do good, to help others, and thereby "store up treasure in heaven", i.e. we will be received into the eternal home. This is the point of resolution, being received into the eternal home... not the homes of other people but inot our heavenly home... this parable seems to be about our passing from this world and not depending on worldly things such as fame or even reputation, all are transitory... in a sense the poor "slandered steward" has suffered doubly by being miscast as an "unrighteous steward" when in fact he was a model person, suffering the injustices of the world, fired from his job unfairly, yet chosing to act honorable, not to defend himself, or be concerned with his worldly future, but instead using this last chance to do something good, something truely meaningful...and, this seems to be a direct reference by Jesus to his upcoming passion, so perhaps the "unjustly accused steward" is Christ himself... Jesus is teaching us about his life in the world... )
sources: KJV Hebrew Greek KeyWord Study Bible, Saint Joseph New American Bible, Thayer's Greek English Lexicon to the NT, ESV-Greek Interlinear NT
----------------------
Luke 14, 26 (KJV) - "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."
Actually, Jesus did not say this. This is an English translation from a Greek text written by the author of Luke, who in turn drew from writings circulating among the early church groups one or two generations after Jesus' death. The Gospels are records of what their authors wish to tell us about Jesus. They are not word for word quotations. Jesus spoke in Aramaic. What he actually said is unknown, but based upon his life and teachings we can infer a great deal. However it is essential to realize that in those times there were established traditions of public oratory. There was no radio, TV or mass communications, but people did flock to hear teachers and discussed religion and pholosophy among themselves. Public speakers employ various devices to communicate with an audience. These conventions may change with time ad cultural context. Did Jesus really tell people to hate their parents, for example ? No, this is an example of hyperbole, intentional exaggeration to emphasize a point. His audience understood this. Obviously Jesus loved his father, mother, and siblings... Perhaps the people of his time were more intelligent and perceptive than we, in our modern chauvenism, give them credit for. At any rate, Jesus often employs hyperbole in his teachings as a way to emphasize a point ( I repeat - as an oratorical device to emphasize a point - Jesus often said, "Let him who has ears hear." He expected people to discern the deeper meaning in his teachings ) and his audience would not have taken this literally, as we in later times may mistakenly do. Whatever he actually said in Aramaic was something similar to this, but we cannot be sure of its actual tone, inflection, nuance, possible word-play, etc. So, what does this verse mean, the commonly accepted interpretation is that we should love God above all things, that is, if we are caught up in worldly affairs, even those evolving family, it may divert us from our true purpose in life. But if we concentrate on God's Way of Life first and foremost, then those other areas of our life will also work out for the best. Families may be supportive and nurturing, but they can also be the opposite... In Jesus' time familial obligations were essentially the law. In fact in the OT it says anyone who does not obey their parents should be stoned... so in this setting, Jesus' teaching must have been much more shocking then than it is now... On certain occasions Jesus seems to test people's sincerity by making some intentionally shocking statement, but beneath the surface there is a deeper meaning.
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The Gospels were written by authors who drew from writings representing the materials circulating amongst the early churches. They are stories about Jesus, not literal histories. At times Jesus is quoted as saying things he may never have said. Here is an example from Luke, whose author at times combined various stories, changed sequences, etc. The idea behind these writings was to communicate what they believed about Jesus, not to create a history. Luke 19 tells a parable concerning servants given money to invest and ends with this verse, 19:26 "For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. " This is the acutal end of this parable, but then the author of Luke" adds this verse, which was not part of the original story, 27 "But those mine enemies, which would not
that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Now clearly this is taken out of its original context, if indeed Jesus ever did say it at all. As to why someone
would tack this verse onto the end of this parable is a mystery to me... But, the point us, such writings have been used by numerous despots, such as Henry the 8th, to justify the
most horrible and evil acts, supposedly done according to God's will. Religion can be dangerous when used as political propaganda, and the church has a responsibility to prevent
that sort of thing from happening.
Because this ancient author tacked this ending onto this story people have come to believe that for some unknown reason Jesus uttered these words, "But those mine enemies,
which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." Matthew Henry gives this commentary on this verse, " Whoever will not be ruled by the
grace of Christ will inevitably be ruined by the wrath of Christ." This is the result of bibleanity. This view of God, who is graceful but will destroy anyone who does not accept his
rule... this is not at all the revelation of God we find in the person of Christ, nor in God's spiritual presence. Hence the need for more prayer, meditation, and service to others and
less bible study. We need more humble people actually living as Christ demonstrated and fewer bible doctors spouting rhetoric. Such interpretations of the bible twist the
teachings of Jesus to further the delusions of men.
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The Deceptions of Bibleanity - by John Niemi
From a Christian basis,
that is, based in the actual teachings, life, and example of Jesus Christ
the largely violent nature of many writings in the bible
cannot possibly be viewed as the works of God,
if Jesus is the incarnation of God...
Jesus' example of forgiveness,
his total condemnation of violence among his disciples
betray the false views of the wrathful god depicted in the OT.
However advocates of a Divine Bible must justify everything from that basis.
It is a religion based upon a false premise.
This is not to say that in spite of this there are not many good Christian people,
but the doctrine of bibleanity detracts from the teachings of Christ
and perpetuates ignorance, war, and bigotry.
The so-called "Christian" church,
with its horrible violent history
has been perpetuating this falsehood for 2,000 years.
Jesus' teachings of unconditional love, non-violence and non-materialism
were subverted by the church
and the old deluded ways of men were given precedence.
Today bibleanity is a huge extremely lucrative enterprise,
employing thousands of religious professionals,
but a great deal of it is all based upon falsehood.
True, the teachings of Jesus may still inspire some,
but there are also many who are diverted from Jesus' true teachings and way of life
by the advocates of bibleanity.
There is no getting around it.
The longer it continues the worse will be the consequences.
Unless the church comes clean and stands up against this onslaught of ignorance
it serves the causes which Jesus gave his life trying to correct.
Many Christians seem to glory in the torture and suffering of Jesus,
they say horrible things like, "we are washed in his blood."
Nobody has the right to say such a thing.
Jesus was not a human blood sacrifice.
God abhores such ideas. People should be ashamed -
God came to us in human form,
God dwelt among us and taught us and gave his life to show us the true way
and in response he was tortured and brutally murdered.
This should inspire deep sadness,
not arrogant proclamations of superiority over others.
God sent his son to teach us, knowing that he would suffer this horrible fate.
This was done out of his unfathomable love and compassion,
not because he demands that blood be shed in order to forgive sins.
Such ideas are the epitome of human delusion.
Many modern Christians are arrogant and lack humility.
They spout false doctrines and live in luxury, slandering anyone who threatens their way of life.
The teachings of Jesus are clear and straight forward.
The Holy Spirit is the real and ever present guide to all good people.
Of course, anyone can say they are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
That is the basic tactic, to procalim oneself as being a loyal Christian,
a representative of the Body of Christ and recognized authority,
then proceed to spout ignorant, deluded doctrines and slander anyone who disagrees.
This is why Jesus warned us to test all spirits
and to judge a tree by its fruit.
People can say anything,
so we have to live in faith but not be too naive...
In spite of this, there are millions of good hearted Christians,
but it is time to come clean and throw off the false religion of bibleanity
and restore the teachings of Christ in their true form.
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Moses and the Midianites - by John Niemi
Moses in Egypt -
From the KJV bible, Exodus 2:9 - And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it. 10And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. 11And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. 15Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses.
Moses seeks asylum among the Midianites and is welcomed into their midst -
But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. 16Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 17And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 18And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? 19And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. 20And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
Moses thrives in Midian, the priest of Midian is most hospitable to Moses, gives Moses his daughter in marriage, she bears him a son, Moses dwells there many (40) years -
21And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. 22And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.
(Yet in the Book of Numbers we see a very different Moses. Perhaps the character of Moses was adapted to fit in with the militant stance of the priestly class in those days, so was a new legend of the warrior Moses contrived by later priestly authors ?)
Numbers 25: 1And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom (meaning they attended their wives relgious services at their temple, which was a direct threat to the power base of the Israeli priestly class, here we have two rival religious institutions, and the most brutal wins out) with the daughters of Moab. i.e. Israeli men were intermarrying.) 2And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. 3And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. (actually the priests whose power and livelihoods were threatened were "kindled") 4And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun,
(God never said this... Such passages have inspired real life massacres by despots such as Henry the 8th, who believed they were acting in accord with God's word. The acts of genocide committed against Native Americans and the institution of slavery were also based upon biblical authority. As was the later abolition of slavery. And more recently acts of "ethnic cleansing.")
that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. 5And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor. 6And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
7And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; 8And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly.
(later Phinehas will be made a hero and rewarded richly for doing this. The couple he murdered were both children of the heads of families - the woman was a reputable "upper class" woman from a good family, she was not a whore or harlot. The crime was intermarriage with non-Isaelite women.
I repeat, this passage records the brutal and savage murder of an innocent young couple whose only'crime' was intermarriage, which is totally hypocritical since Moses himself had a Midianite wife and his first children were half Midianite... and he was always very well treated among the Midianites... yet Phinehas chased them into thier tent, the husband stood before his wife in an attempt to shield her and Phinehas thrust the two of them through with a javelin... and for this brutal, totally unChristian act of savagry he was made a hero and rewarded with a high place in the priesthood.
Such is the nature of manmade religions as is clearly documented in the bible - in this regard the bible is indeed the Word of God as it witnesses against such crimes and exposes them. But the advocates of bibleanity totally misinterprets this because instead of viewing these things from a basis in Christ, they say such crimes were in accord with God's will and pervert the truth as presented to us by Christ and other bible authors as well.
Such perversions of the truth has had a disasterous impact upon our history.)
BUT MOSES HAD A MIDIANITE WIFE AND FATHER-IN-LAW,
HE WAS THE ADOPTED SON OF A MIDIANITE PRIEST,
HE SOUGHT ASYLUM,
WAS WELCOMED INTO THEIR COMMUNITY,
AND HE DWELT HAPPILY AMONG THEM FOR 40 YEARS.
I BELIEVE THIS IS THE ORIGINAL MOSES STORY.
AND REFLECTS THE TRUE STATE OF AFFAIRS,
ISRAELITES INTERMARRIED AND DWELT PEACEFULLY AMONG NEIGHBORING PEOPLES.
THE LATER ACCOUNTS OF WARS, ETC. WERE FICTION
ADDED LATER BY SCRIBES (OF THE PRIESTLY CLASS?)
WHO WERE AGAINST THIS SORT OF PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE,
THEY HAD A DIFFERENT AGENDA...
So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.
(also priests used epidemics to instill fear in people and secure their power by saying they were sent as punishment from God, which is another falsehood that is perpetuated by bibleanity.)
9And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand. 10And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
(I submit that whenever we read, "and the Lord said to Moses" what this actually means is that this mythical Moses supposedly told the people this - God never said these things.)
11Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. 12Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: 13And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.
(so, Phinehas is welcomed into the priestly fold and rewarded greatly for his brutal murder of the innocent couple, and he is held as a model for all future high priests.)
14Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites. 15And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.
( what we have here is the murder of a couple representing the union of two prominant houses, something that was a threat to the power base of the priests. they were murdered for purely political reasons. the bible is the word of God in that it records these deeds for all to see. but it has been grossly misinterpreted, also for political reasons.)
16And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 17Vex the Midianites, and smite them: 18For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.
(And then later in Chapter 27 there is the account of the massacre of all the people of Midian, men, women, children, babies, preganant women, elderly grandmothers - all put to the sword, except the virgin girls who were saved for the soldiers. Among the world's relgious literature there is nothing so violent , depraved, and contrary to God's true nature than these stories, yet they are upheld even today by Christians as being theWord of God. This is immoral.)
The MacArthur Study Bible gives this inspired commentary on the atrocities described in Numbers 31, The Extermination of the Midianites,
"This battle with the Midianites modeled God's requirements for Holy War
when Israel took vengence on His enemies...
All the Midianites, except the virgin women, were to be put to death...
The execution of all male children and women of child bearing age
insured the extermination of the Midianites. "
This is from one of the most popular study bibles, by a renown expert, teacher and author.
This is the mindset of Bibleanity.
Jesus told us to use our own discerment and be guided by the Holy Spirit,
not theologians.
"MODELING GOD'S REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLY WAR -
The execution of all male children and women of child bearing age
insured the extermination of the Midianites".
How can any Christian say such things?
People can be professors with numerous degrees and author many top selling books and still be totally wrong at times.
This is abominable. Its also dangerous.
Its an affront to God, Christ, and humanity.
The author finishes with thanks to "our glorious God who gave us His precious Word..."
This is bibleanity.
Here is a charming account of the extermination of the Midianites from The Message Bible -
7-12 They attacked Midian, just as God had commanded Moses, and killed every last man... The People of Israel took the Midianite women and children captive and took all their animals and herds and goods as plunder. They burned to the ground all the towns in which Midianites lived and also their tent camps. They looted and plundered everything and everyone, stuff and people and animals. They took it all captives and booty and plunder back to Moses and Eleazar the priest and the company of Israel where they were camped on the Plains of Moab, at Jordan-Jericho.
13-18 Moses, Eleazar, and all the leaders of the congregation went to meet the returning army outside the camp. Moses was furious with the army officers the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds as they came back from the battlefield: "What's this! You've let these women live! They're the ones who, under Balaam's direction, seduced the People of Israel away from God in that mess at Peor, causing the plague that hit God's people. Finish your job: kill all the boys. Kill every woman who has slept with a man. The younger women who are virgins you can keep alive for yourselves".
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Excerpted from Wikipedia - "Although there have been various attempts at placing Moses in a historical context... his historicity cannot be established. Archaeological surveys of ancient settlements in Sinai do not show a great influx of people around the time of the Exodus (given variously as between 1500-1200 BCE), as would be expected from the arrival of Joshua and the Israelites in Canaan. According to Prof. Ze'ev Herzog, Director of the Institute of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University "This is what archaeologists have learned from their excavations in the Land of Israel: the Israelites were never in Egypt, did not wander in the desert, did not conquer the land in a military campaign and did not pass it on to the 12 tribes of Israel.... The many Egyptian documents that we have make no mention of the Israelites' presence in Egypt and are also silent about the events of the exodus.."
The view of modern archaeologists (excepting those with vested interests in upholding biblical accounts) is that most of these events never occured, there was no exodus, and Israelities dwelt peacefully among people of other cultures, so actually the story of Moses living peacefully with the Midianites for 40 years most accurately portrays the actual situation. The subsequent accounts of the conquest of Palestine appear to be fiction fabricated by the priestly class at a later date.
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From Isaiah Chapter 2 -
KJV - 12For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 13And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, 14And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, 15And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, 16And upon all the ships of Tarshish..."
The OT has to be viewed from a new perspective in Christ. Not the old idea of a wrathful god who punishes people in horrible ways. I think what this passage actually means is that man's failure to live according to God's Way of Life leads to the destruction of the environment, including giant beautiful trees, they are God's holy creation... God loves trees and ships, and people, God is creative. Man is destructive. Man's failure to live in harmony, to follow the example of Jesus Christ, leads to disharmony, the delicate balance of the Earth is upset. This is not punishment from God - that is an ignorant archaic belief that is being perpetuated by the advocates of bibleanity. It is interesting that these very things are actually happening, there are more and more hurricanes which threaten shipping, most of the giant trees have been destroyed by greedy men.... This was not done by God. These things are the consequences of the actions of greedy men who reject God's Way of Life as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. If we read the very first chapter in the Bible, the first creation account, we get an accurate picture of the way things should be. All people created equally in God's image living in peace and harmony, taking care of the Earth and its creatures.
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Apocalypse -
Men could not accept the true nature of Christ as revealed on the cross. Someone who accepts defeat and blesses those very people who tortured him... This was totally unacceptable to any normal man. The Messiah was supposed to be a mighty King who conquers all his enemies. Certainly leaders of nations could not have their people believing in such a non-violent pacifist Messiah, so... they decided to alter the teachings of Jesus and restore the status quo... thus Apocalypse was tacked on to the end of the new Christian bible. The humility of Christ, his defeat of the forces of evil, all of his work, was subverted... the very things he died trying to change were re-empowered... by the Christian Church ! The bible was designated the Word of God, the sole unfallible divine authority... Apocalypse purports to be a message from Jesus Christ. It says he is coming in power and glory as a King to destroy everything that does not bow down before him. This is not Christ speaking. It is a fiction, the product of the same old deluded mindset, seeking to reassert the old ways of violence, war, the god of armies ... Men wanted a warrior king Messiah, and when Jesus did not fit their expectations they contrived one that did, and Apocalypse is the result. God never has and never will send a plague, cause a war, or harm anything. To say Jesus Christ is going to return to the earth and visit it with plagues and wars and unquencable fire is an abomination. Apocalypse may contain some inspired writngs, but a great deal of it is wrong. As Jesus tells us, we must be discerning, and not believe everyone who says they speak for him. He told us he Holy Spirit would teach us and warned us about this kind of thing.
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A house built upon sand -
In Paul's second letter to Timothy we read (KJV)
" 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 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. 16 All scripture (which) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
2 Timothy 3:16 " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "
is one of the foundation stones of the doctrine of bibleanity. However, this illustrates several very important points. The first being, many words are inserted into the text by translators, and even the addition of a single word or punctuation mark can change the meaning. This verse is an excellent example, because the word "is" is not in the actual text, by inserting this tiny word twice into this verse the authors have arbitrarily assigned a meaning to it. But if we read what the bible actually says (and it is interesting that people who claim to believe the bible was dictated by God see fit to add to it whenever they deem it neccesary to uphold their doctrines) what it actually says is this, " All scripture (is) given by inspiration of God, (and is) profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:", i.e. "All scripture given by inspiration of God, profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" Now, if we view the teachings and example of Jesus as the revelation of God's true nature, then the numerous accounts of massacres, murders, the unending litanies of doom and gloom we find repeated ad nauseum throughout the OT and again in Revelation, clearly do not mesh with the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus corrected many false views in the bible and opposed the advocates of bibleanity. His teachings of unconditional love, non-violence, and non-materialism can in no way be construed as being in agreement with the violent wrathful image of God found in the OT. Now, this verse is taken from a letter written by Paul, it was not part of the bible, the Christian bible did not exist a that time, it was not attached to the bible as it is now. So from a view based in Christ, does this verse actually mean the entire contents of the bible is inspired by God ? That is impossible, as God is love and never harms anyone. The image of the wrathful destructor god of armies in the OT is a fabrication of deluded, ignorant men. I believe this verse means exactly what it says, " All scripture given by inspiration of God, profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" That is, those writings which are inspired by God are beneficial. That is the only logical interpretation from a Christian point of view, but bibleanity demands the bible take precedence, even if it means changing the teachings of Jesus so they conform with the doctrine of the divine, perfect, infallable bible. Jesus never told anyone to study the bible, he did not write anything we know of, his was a teaching of faith in God, healing, love for others, and the denial of selfish interests... Even though Jesus said we are to love our enemies and turn the other cheek, the advocates of bibleanity ignore this and teach that Jesus is in fact the OT god of armies and he is going to return and "judge" the earth. What all these doctors and authorities seem to be missing is that the word " to judge" in Hebrew means to bring justice - not punishment and destruction. Christ will bring justice to the earth. That is what the bible really says. Jesus said we are to test all spirits. Christianity means faith in God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The bible is not the "Word of God" - Jesus is. Why ? Because God is spirit and can only be revealed spiritually, through the heart, through our interactions and way of life. God's living word must be carefully discerned. That which brings peace, truth, healing, and fulfillment is of God, things which bring the opposite are not. God is infinite love and compassion. God never harms anyone, God has never brought enemies to put people to the sword or plagues or desired blood sacrifices or burnt sacrifices, all of these things are the ideas of men. Jesus incarnated to show us the true nature of God...
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from the God's Word Bible,, compare this verse from John 1:16 -
NIV - From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
NAS - For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
ESV - And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
KJV - And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
God's Word Bible - "Each of us has received one gift after another because of all the Word is."
In the Gospel of John, the Logos, is the greek word which has been translated into "the Word" - however this should not be confused with the English term "word", in greek Logos has a much deeper meaning, according to Thayers, it does not mean a word in the gramatical sense, but "the personal wisdom and power in Union with God, his minister in the creation and government of the universe," etc. The term translated as "his fullness" is not Logos (the Word) but "pleromatos - that which fills or with which a thing is filled" clearly this should not also be tranlated as "the Word", there is no justufiable reason for doing this, other than to change the meaning of the text, and to imply the the Bible is the source of gifts, not the person of Jesus Christ... This is saying, incorrectly, that the bible and Christ are the same thing. This is not at all what the text says. Just looking at the ESV Greek interlinear and Thayers reveals this obvious fault. So how could it be that bible doctor experts could make such a mistake ? The answer is, it is not a mistake, but a deliberate act to alter the meaning of this verse. Such is the nature of bibleanity.
Wow - Jesus is taken out of the picture and replaced by the bible, which in biblanity parlance is called the "Word." Advocates of bibleanity speak of the bible's power to save us, or heal us, or tell us to love the bible... Unbelievable - "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" is changed to "Each of us has received one gift after another because of all the Word is." Who needs this sort of thing ? The box cover states, "Today's most readable bible" and "Over 4 Million in Print !" wow, bibleanity is lucrative indeed. Every big name evangelist churns out his personalized "translation", and has hisname plastered on the box, is an easy way to make alot of money. So what if the actual text of the bible has to be changed so they can get their copyright...
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The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible puts a new, upbeat twist on bibleanity:
"Regarding the Bible, then, perhaps the most basic question is: Shall we try to control the Bible, that is, try to make it "come out right," or shall we simply seek to release its life into our lives and make our world ? Shall we try to "tilt" it this way of that, or shall we give it complete freedom to "tilt" us as it will ?"
These people are actually attributing the bible with life ! How could anyone say this of a book ? "Shall we give this book the freedom to make us and our world as it will ? Shall we seek to release its life into our lives." I think this is a very dangerous mindset. The numerous dark, violent passages that fill much of the bible have nothing to do with God's way of life. And I definitely do not want such dark and violent writings to "make our world"... I think that has been happening for thousands of years, as the violent history of the church and Christian countries attest.
On page 1084, The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible, on Jeremiah 1:10, states:
"Though only a boy, Jeremiah is put in charge of the downfall and rise of kingdoms, the task of destroying and creating cultures. That is some power to place in the hands of a young preacher... The word that brings new life is also the word that destroys and overthrows. The intrusion of the word of God is not a placid or pleasant affair. Time and again, the community must relearn the potentially disruptive, disconcerting, and even destructive power of the word of the living God..."
This is bibleanity disquised behind a Chrsitian facade. It is the reintroduction of the same ignorant OT view of a wrathful destructor God which Jesus came to correct. God does not respond to trendy catch phrases and tricky rhetoric. God does not "destroy cultures", God's way is never "disconcerting," indeed, to experience the peace and love of Christ is exactly the opposite, it is reassuring and healing, compassionate and forgiving. Men are destroyed by the consequences of their actions, as are decadent cultures, nations, and religious institutions.
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Here is an interesting example of how the advocates of bibleanity alter the bible to fit their agenda, John 1:16-17 from the God's Word translation -
GWT-"Each of us has received one gift after another because of all that the Word is.
The Teachings were given through Moses,
but kindness and truth came into existence through Jesus Christ."
KJV -"And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
For the law was given by Moses,
but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
The only teacher in the NT is Jesus and the only teachings in the NT come through him.
Mosaic law is not "Teachings." Furthermore, the law could not lead people to salvation as does Christ, so why this change in the Gospel of John which seems to elevate Moses and demeen Christ ? "because of all the Word is." Unbelievable, fundamentalists call the bible the Word, and here it is replacing the person of Christ - this is pure bibleanity, a flagrant and errant alteration of the Gospel of John.
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Luke 22,29 KJV reads -
"And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed (one) upon Me,
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom..."
In the MacArthur study bible we find this comment on page 1560, re. Luke 22,29 -
"Christ confirmed the disciple's expectation of an earthly kingdom yet to come..."
Jesus always refered to the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven as a spiritual kingdom. He told many stories illustrating this point, such as the kingdom of heaven being like a small amount of yeast which leavens a large amount of dough, or a mustard seed which grows into a large plant, etc. Clealy he is teaching of a spiritual condition, the kingdom of heaven is within you. So to say he was confirming expectations of an earthly kingdom seems to be the opposite of what he taught. As Jesus clearly stated on numerous occasions, his is not an earthly kingdom and he was not to be an earthly king. It seems to me the author is more concerned with upholding the ideas of a future kingdom as set forth in Apocalypse, i.e. upholding the doctrine of the divine bible, rather than the teachings of Jesus. So, this verse is interpreted in such a manner as to be consistent with later writings such as Hebrews and Apocalypse (written many years after Jesus' earthly sojurn) which were then compiled to form the "Holy Bible", even if it means "re-writing" the teachings of Christ. This is the nature of bibleanity. This verse says, " And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed upon Me..." God did not bestow an earthly kingdom upon Jesus. From the start it was clear that his kingdom was "in heaven", of the spirit, within us. Jesus bestows the same spiritual "kingdom" (basilea) upon us as God bestows upon him, i.e. he bestows the exact same state of grace and blessedness as God has bestowed upon him.
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These quotes from The MacArthur Study Bible illustrate how the advocates of bibleanity alter the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This is from page 972, re. Isaiah 11,4 : "Rod of His mouth - the Branch's (Messiah's) rule over the nations will be forceful. The NT uses equivalent terminology to describe the warrior-king at his triumphant return to earth (Rev. 19:15)".
Notice the equating of Revelation with the entirety of the NT, this is a common pratice of bibleanity, to counter the teachings of Jesus Christ with some verse from Revelation, etc. But the Gospels and Revelation are two very distinct entities. This is the opposite of what Jesus teaches... "rod" means shoot, sprout, grass... i.e. whereas men strike the earth with instruments of violence, Jesus "strikes" the earth with his healing word and spirit, the "shoot of his mouth" is life giving, healing word ! Jesus often used hyperbole, metaphor and symbolism but his disciples did not understand.
and also re. Isaiah 11,4 the author offers this expert commentary: "Breath of His lips - this is another figure for the Messiah's means of inflicting physical harm."
Here we have one of the foremost authorities on the bible, the author of numerous books and study bibles with millions of copies in print, proclaiming Jesus to be a warrior-king who will inflict physical harm with his breath. And this study bible contains many such comments. This is the anti-thesis of the teachings, life and Spirit of Jesus Christ.
As above, a spirit based meaning of this phrase, "Breath of His lips" refers to God's lifegiving breath, his healing word.
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How bible translators change it to fit their beliefs, here is an example, Hosea 13,14 -
JPS (Jewish Study Bible, Oxford - the best OT study bible I have seen) - "Revenge will be far from my thoughts."
KJV - Repentence shall be hid from my eyes.
NAS - Compassion will be hidden from my sight.
NCV - I will show them no mercy.
Other Protestent translations are similar to these...
Notice how the Protestant translations give this verse a meaning that is the opposite of the Jewish translation. Shall we believe the Jewish OT experts or the Protestent OT experts. Having compared the JSB to all other translations I believe its by far the best, most accurate, and truthful account of these writings. Also a real bargain. The paperback version is very nice, well made, with durable flexible cover which functins much better than the new plasctic-coated cardboard "hardcover" varieties... The best study bible with OT and NT, IMO is the Saint Joseph Edition of the New American Bible (full size, large print, green cloth hardcover student addition is a super bargain) and the HarperCollins NRSV Study Bible is good too (but NRSV is so-so) ...
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How numerous translators are altering the content of the bible, "The Message" paraphrase version -
Its becoming common for bible translators change the meaning of the bible to fit their own relgious beliefs. The worse examples are translations done by one person from a specific doctrinal POV. Many study bibles insert notes into the text propagandizing various doctrines. In order to obtain a copyright on the bible text (and thus make money) translators claim to have retranslated the entire bible text from its original Hebrew and Greek sources, yet their translations often differ in order to conform the bible to their personal beliefs (or for the purpose of securing a copyright?)
from The Gospel of Mark 2, 1-5
kjv - And again he entered into Capernaum... and he preached the word unto them. And they... let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
the message - After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum... He was teaching the Word. They ... removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."
"He was teaching the Word" - among some groups it has become fashionable to call the bible "the Word" when in fact Jesus Christ is the Word of God, the Logos, God's Spirit incarnate, of which the NT speaks. Here the author turns Jesus into a bible teacher, someone who was teaching "the Word"... But the actual term used in the bible is Logos, which means spoken communication, between persons, alive, from God to humankind, incarnate in the person of Jesus, not printed words in a book. Jesus often refered to the Hebrew bible, but he also told many stories and gave many teachings that were his original revelations. "Preaching the word" means preaching the gospel, Christ's spoken word was from God, he was not giving a bible study class as this author suggests. This seemingly minor alteration totally changes the meaning - now Jesus is teaching the Word, with a capital "W", which in certain circles has come to mean the bible. The bible becomes "the Message", not the person of Jesus Christ.
The "translator/author" goes on to actually change the gospel text and quotes Jesus as saying, "Son, I forgive your sins." This author is changing what Jesus says in the gospels ! Its ironic that such "fundamentalists" are actually the most liberal in their interpretation of the bible, and they make alot of money to boot. Jesus never took credit for the healings and miracles that came through him. He always said, "your faith has made you whole," etc. This is an essential point, he placed the emphasis on one's faith as being the crucial ingredient. This author changes his teaching. Jesus always gave credit to God the Father, and regarded himself as God's humble servant. Here we have, in just one paragraph two major erroneous intentional changes in the Gospel of Mark. Imagine how many such alterations have been made throughout the entire text. This is bibleanity at its worst, undermining and distorting the original text to propagandize the false manmade religious institution of the divine bible. Jesus Christ is the Word of God - not the bible.
Here is another example:
KJV, Psalm 50,4-5 "He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
The Message, Psalm 50,4-5 "He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he's taking his people to court: Round up my saints who swore on the Bible their loyalty to me."
This clearly illustrate how advocates of bibleanity are changing the text of the bible to fit their beliefs. "swore on the Bible their loyalty to me" is very different from "made a covenant with me by sacrifice" . This is a significant alteration, it is not a paraphrase. And there are many such alterations. The KJV has a much broader meaning, and implications in light of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and other places in the bible, such as where "right sacrifice is described as "a contrite and repentent heart"... Whereas in The Message bible these important references have been abolished and replaced by the dogma of the divine bible.
"The Message" is not a "bible in contemporary language" as its box, package, cover and product descriptions state. It deviates many many times from the actual text, often substituting images and language consistent with the author's beliefs This is misleading and an example of the ends to which advocates of bibleanity will go. Perhaps it should be entitled a "manipultion in contemporary language" rather than a translation.
or, compare these two verses -
Isaiah 2 (KJV) ... "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. "
Isaiah 2 (The Message) ... "They'll turn their swords into shovels, their spears into hoes. No more will nation fight nation; they won't play war anymore. "
War is not a game that people "play", and a sword could not be made into a shovel, whereas it would make an excellent plowshare... the image of tilling the soil rather than cutting people...is this too diffiuclt for modern readers to fathom ? and the image of the pruning hook is consistent with numerous stories in the bible which compare God's Kingdom to an orchard, and God's instruction as a sort of spiritual pruning, but hey, what the hell, we'll just toss it out the window, we'll just throw these ancient biblical associations out the window... and replace them with something more... more what is hard to say, lest I should wax profane... what could be the point of this ? This is like reading the bible filtered through another person's brain, why publish this book at all ? its like drinking beer through a donut...
This book severly contorts the original text and there are already other modern language versions of the bible that are much, much better.
Could it be that in order to get a copyright on the bible, a new "translation" has to be sufficiently different from other translations, hence the numerous, diversions in this book. Could this actually be an attempt to make a "translation" different enough to get a copyright ? And as more people seek to aquire new copyrights they will have to make more and more intentionally diverse "translations"?
for example -
2 Samuel 6,1-2 (King James Version) Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
2 Samuel 6, 1-2 (The Message) David mustered the pick of the troops of Israel, thirty divisions of them. Together with his soldiers, David headed for Baalah to recover the Chest of God, which was called by the Name God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who was enthroned over the pair of angels on the Chest.
What could possibly be the point in changing "the ark of God" to "the Chest of God" ? This is profane. Perhaps this is an attempt to produce a different "translation" so the "author" can get a copyright on the bible... "ark" has much deeper spiritual implications, as a repository for divine knowledge, for example, and there is the connection with Noah's ark, which was a repository for all the various lifeforms which inhabit the Earth... "Chest" is like a piece of furniture in the bedroom. In addition, "Chest of God" has another literal meaning which doesn't fit at all. There is absolutely no good reason for making such sweeping changes, which is why all bible translations should be approved by Church panels.
"David mustered the pick of the troops of Israel" (the Message) is supposed to be clearer than, "David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel,"(KJV) ? The poetic cadence and deep spiritual quality of the KJV is much, much better. And, the "Old English" is clearer and will outlast such modern idioms. The English of the Message lacks grace, is crude, and confusing. This sort of thing happens throughout this book. Are we to believe that modern people can understand "David mustered the pick of the troops of Israel" easier than "David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel." ? On the contrary, the Mesage often displays English that is difficult to understand and just plain ugly. Almost all of the changes I found detracted from the actual meaning. And in many places things are inserted which simply seem to be the products of the author's imagination, as when John the Baptist says he's just a stagehand, etc. - this is not a bible and should not be marketed as such.
Cherubim are very special types of heavenly beings, they are the very means by which God is transported from heaven to earth, to change "Cherubim" to "angels" is clearly wrong, as Angels were most often seen in human form, as men in radiant bright white clothing, as God's messengers. Angels and Cherubim are two distinct entities. This book is chock full of this sort of slight in which critical information is essentially erased. Psalm 18 (NIV) clearly illustrates the role of the Cherubim, " He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind..." God did not mount Angels and fly on their backs. The roles of Cherubim and Angels are distinct, but "The Message" does away with such distinctions. And these changes are just a minute sampling...
Luke 41-44 (The Message) When the city came into view, he wept over it. "If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it's too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They'll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn't recognize and welcome God's personal visit."
Luke 41-44 (KJV) And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Notice how the author changes this passage. "And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee" this refers to the stones from which Jerusalem is constructed shall be leveled, laid even with the ground, and children refers to all the inhabitants of the city. "Thee" is Jerusalem. But the author says, "They'll smash you and your babies on the pavement. " That is not what this passage said, that is not what Jesus said in the Gospels, that is not the meaning of this passage. It is the authors imagination at work. This is not a bible, it is not a paraphrase, it is not a translation. The author then says, "All this because you didn't recognize and welcome God's personal visit." These things were not a punishment from a wrathful God because they did not recognize Jesus, but because they missed the opportunity to follow the true way of life and peace he embodied and taught, thus their subsequent actions led to the destruction of the city, they chose to follow a different course, it was the consequence of their actions, it was not done by God as a punishment, as the authors version implies. This is not informative or edifying, rather it is misleading and deviates from the actual content and meaning of the text. It amazes me that anyone could do this, but whats even more amazing is how this book has been embraced by people who regard the bible as being important.
In many places the author is not adverse to plugging his book whenever possible by inserting its title into the text -
kjv- Jer 29,8-9 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;
m - Jer 29:8-9 Yes. Believe it or not, this is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God:
kjv Mark 14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
m -Mark 1:14 -15 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: "Time's up! God's kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message."
The author changes what Jesus says in the Gospels and often changes or erases key points, as occurs many times in this passage -
"The time is fulfilled"(Christ has fulfilled time and the law) is changed to "Time's up!" which is not what this passage says at all. Its deeper spiritual meaning is erased.
"repent ye, and believe the gospel" is changed to "Change your life and believe the Message". But Jesus' said repentence must preceed belief in the Gospel - people can change their lives without being repentent ....
The author uses punctuation to change the tenor of these writings, exclamation marks abound, the result is brash and lacking in grace and humility:
Psalm 4 (The Message) "When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; Now I'm in trouble again: grace me! hear me!"
Would you speak to God in such a manner ?
In the advertising blurb on the box for the Message Bible, the publisher likens it to a "letter from God", and asks, "how would you feel if you received a letter from God ? Would your mind race..." Just to set matters straight - God's presence always brings a feeling of deep serenity, indescribable peace and love, beyond the ken of the human mind. The presence of God does not "make your mind race", that sort of frenetic energy is unhealty and it is not of God.
For example, we may be energized by good music, but it does not "make your mind race." God's presence is always healing, clarifying, and benevolent. Hence it is essential to learn to mediatate in the Spirit, to learn to quiet our inner self so that we may be receptive to God's guidance. Such spirit based meditation should be the core of Christian practice, not bible study. Bible study may even pollute our being with violent images and thoughts which make people more receptive to wars, etc. If people are taught such conflicts are part of God's divine plan, they will not resist them or try to find other means of solving problems.
from Isaiah 2,13 (KJV) "And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, 14And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, 15And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, 16And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. 17And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day."
The Message - Against all giant sequoias hugely towering, and against the expansive chestnut;
(The author is saying the Lord is going to destroy the Sequioas - this is so wrong, the Sequoias are God's holy creation, as anyone who has ever walked among such ancient trees can attest. Such forests are among the most holy places on Earth, no manmade "temple" can compare. God loves trees, and ships, especially sailing ships, and people... This is worse than ignorant, its perverted, dangerous talk, and yet its widely published.)
Against Kilimanjaro and Annapurna, against the ranges of Alps and Andes;
(what, the mountain ranges which the bible says God created
are now deemed arrogant in their loftiness ? )
Against every soaring skyscraper,
(This is unbelievable - this verse, KJV, "Upon (not against) every high tower, and upon every fenced wall" relates to defensive fortifications constructed around cities - to translate this as "skyscrapers" is wrong, irresponsible, misleading, and dangerous. Is the author saying terrorist attacks are sent by God ? Thats what it sounds like to me. This is not translation. It is not paraphrase, it is one person's distorted version of the bible. How can this horrible contortion of the original text have gained such popularity? Perhaps the more degrees in theology one has, the longer they attend "divinity school," the more they loose touch with God's true nature, the more they are blinded by false doctrines, status quo delusions. This is an afront to God and Christ and the Holy Spirit. And it is a testimony against the publishing companies, authors, and institutions of bibleanity who are perpetuating these delusions and misleading people, all the while acting like they are God's true representatives. This most certainly should not be sold on the basis of having anything to do with Christ.
against all proud obelisks and statues;
(I guess the Statue of Liberty, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial
don't meet with the author's approval either)
Against ocean-going luxury liners,
(now he's saying God sunk the Titanic?)
against elegant three-masted schooners.
(God loves ships, especially sailing ships.
Judge a tree by its fruit.
Jesus warned us about just this sort of thing)
The swelled big heads will be punctured bladders, the pretentious egos brought down to earth,
(Jesus said we should remove the beam from our own eye, forgive others and turn the other cheek.)
For example, this passage from Hosea 13 (The Message) -
"Now Samaria has to face the charges because she has rebelled against her God: Her people will be killed, babies smashed on the rocks, pregnant women ripped open."
This passage refers to atrocies committed by Assyrian invaders, it is a record of the sorts of horrendous things men do when they separate themselves from God's Presence. Throughout history nations have invaded other nations, war, conquest, and violence against neighboring peoples has been the norm. Civilian populations have often been victimized by invading armies. The author of Hosea sees from the OT mindset, hence he interprets such acts as punishment from God. Jesus shows us this is not at all what God is like. God is love. Jesus Christ is the human incarnation of God's Word. God's Word is Spirit, written in our hearts. Truely inspired writings instill peace, love, understanding, appreciation, wellbeing ... God does not make threats or inflict punishment upon people. Such views are the products of deluded minds. Jesus corrected this errant view, but men fabricated the doctrine of a divine infallible bible to counteract Jesus' teachings of non-violence and love.
Jesus chose to correct this errant view of God himself. He told the story of the Good Samaritan as an example of how someone who lives by God's Way behaives toward others, in contrast to the behavior of the Priest who ignored the suffering man. Jesus himself visited Samaria and stayed there several days teaching the people there who recognized him as the Messiah. When he met a woman at a well there and asked her for a drink of water, their interaction led to her immediate recognition of him as the Messiah - something people in his hometown failed to do.... So clearly Gods Way of relating to the Samarians is totally different than what the Prophet says in this passage in Hosea. Because the Prophet filtered his vision through his religious beliefs rather than his heart. This was before Christ came into the world. It was a different place. But in no way did God do the sorts of horrible things attributed to him in the OT. All of these things were purely the consequences of the actions of sick and deluded men. None of them were punishments from God. Bibleanity ignores the teachings of Jesus in this very important area and goes about reinstating the very things he worked so hard, and suffered so terribly, to correct. In this regard bibleanity is the antithesis of what Christian should be.
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It never ceases to amaze me how some people presume to speak for Jesus whenever it serves their purpose. While Jesus refered to the bible and Moses, he perfected, i.e. fulfilled, the law and the prophets - just the opposite of accepting them at face value. Advocates of bibleanity presume to speak for God and Christ, and twist everything to fit their agenda. Jesus clearly did not accept the bible at face value, he corrected the monstrous practice of stoning, he taught non-violence and love, he corrected the law on divorce, etc... He clearly did not conform to the wrathful image of God as presented in the bible, nor the bible's expectation of a Messiah who was a worldly king.
Science is not philosophy, evolution is scientific fact, as is the age of the earth, etc. Women were not created from men, Adam and Eve are mythic figures, etc. Bibleanity is an errant philosophy of men which equates the bible with God, when in fact the bible is a book made by men that contains a great deal that is not of God. The bible says we are created in God's image. God expects us to use the minds we've been blessed with, ask honest questions and learn. Jesus constantly required people to use their powers of thought and discernment, to be open minded rather than conforming to status quo religious authorities..
The advocates of bibleanity have often worked to supress scientific discovery and people who do not agree with them are often slandered. Whenever anyone says what is actually true, i.e. evolution is a fact, or the bible contains alot of mythic and legendary materials, etc., the advocates of bibleanity insist their interpretation of the bible is the only correct view. At times the advocates of bibleanity resort to inflamatory rhetoric, even assuming anyone who does not agree with their views is not a Christian. Jesus said to tell a tree by its fruit. Ignorance and bigotry are not the fruits of the Gospel of Christ. Spreading doctrines of ignorance does nothing to further the Gospel. The effect of this is to discredit Christianity in the eyes of many intelligent persons, and misrepresent the true nature of God and Christ. Jesus told us we should spread the Gospel through following his example. When Jesus was questioned as to the nature of true religion he said nothing about studying the bible.
Bibleanity places the bible before the teachings and person of Jesus. The true basis of Christianity should be spiritual transformation and communion with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, which bibleanity attempts to replace with bible study. Bibleanity is much easier, and more lucrative, than following Jesus' example and instructions. The bible contains many horribly violent things which have nothing to do with God. Advocates of bibleanity worship the bible as being perfect and place it before Christ, twisting his life and teaching to conform with their beliefs.
Furthermore, the bible's numerous and lengthy violent passages can be very depressing and unhealty. War stories and legends are not "scripture". By the middle ages Christianity had become a religion of war, starting with Constantine, and numerous despotic tyrants across Europe, such as Henry the 8th and Ivan the Terrible, committed horrible atrocities in the name of God, believing the accounts of wrath and punishment in the bible to be the Word of God, and themselves to be God's ministers of wrath. There were exterminations of entire towns, entire populations were tortured in the most hideous manner, murder and intrigue often ran rampant within royal courts... This is the legacy of bibleanity; Christianity had been turned into a religion of war, conquest and fear. Many thousands of innocent people were brutally tortured and murdered in the name of Christ.
Jesus went into the mountains alone at night to pray, to commune with God spiritually, he did not go to study the bible... That which brings true peace, understanding, wellbeing, love and compassion is of God, the rest is not. Jesus Christ is theWord of God - not the bible.
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In Apocalypse (Revelation) 2, 23 Jesus is quoted as saying, "And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.... 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. "
Clearly Jesus would never say, "And I will kill all her children." But because Apocalypse was tacked onto the end of the bible many Christians hold it to be true. Jesus offers us passage to God's heavenly kingdom, but the advocates of bibleanity want a kingdom here on earth, where their King will exact vengence upon their enemies, just like in the OT. In the genre of apocalypse authors employed famous characters to express their views. Ancient people were aware of this. Te author of Revelation is using Jesus as a literary character to express the author's views. It is not written by the author of the fourth Gospel.
2,26 "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. "
Clearly this is the author's desire, which is in response to the destruction of Jerusalem and/or the persecution of Christians. It is not in keeping with Jesus' life and teachings.
The writings in the bible were authored and edited and adapted by many people over hundreds of years. It was customary to attritbute authorship to famous personages to lend the writing credance. The character of Moses presented in the bible is largely legendary. According to many modern experts the events of the exodus are fiction. There is absolutely no archeaological evidence of a large group of 600,000 people having lived in the wilderness for fourty years and there are no Egyptian records of such an event. Bibleanity often misrepresents the person of Christ and changes his teachings. God's love and infinite compassion cannot be fathomed by the human mind, but we can experience them. In no way does God endorse any of the wars and horrible acts of violence depicted in the bible. Just because many people insist its true does not mean it is. Jesus set the example. His teachings are clear and accessible to anyone with an honest and respectful heart.
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Woe unto you who are rich - by John Niemi
In Luke 6,24 we have Jesus saying, "But woe unto you who are rich..." This sounds rather like a condemnation, however it is essential that we remember who is saying this. And it is essential that we first and foreost come to experience the spiritual presence of Christ in meditation... because, once we experience the peace, love and compassion which is the reality of God's presence embodied in Jesus and at work in the Holy Spirit, our guide, councelor and advocate, it is obvious that the tenor of such language does not fit the person of Christ. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say, those who are rich should be very careful because riches entail responsiblity and often result in grief and calamity. Woe means grief and calamity. But passages such as this are often given a judgemental twist that was not implied by Jesus. Jesus is saying that in this young man's case, since he was attached to his materialistic possessions and this was blinding him to God's Way, it would be best for him to sell them all and donate the proceeds to the poor. There are also people who are blessed with wealth and utilize it to help others, so its not the riches but the naute of the attachment to them, that is the issue here. How many times have people who have won the lottery had their lives ruined by their sudden acquisition of immense wealth... Riches are a burden, and entail an obligation to use them according to God's Way of Life, not for selfish, gluttonous, hedonistic pursuits. So Jesus gave this young man his advice but due to his attachment he was unable to heed it. Such is the danger of wealth if we do not realize who is the actual owner of everything. We are stewards, not owners. All the money in the universe belongs to God. A billion dollars is a drop in the bucket, a grain of sand, but in human terms, even such a meager amount of God's goods require responsible care and use. And, true happiness is not a question of money, but purely related to our spiritual condition, hence some "poor" people may be much closer to God than some "rich" people, but that is not always the case. The are poor alcholics who neglect and abuse their families and the are rich people who live in humility and do their best to use their Godgiven talents properly... So its not a matter of social or economic class... So the rather hardnosed tenor with which Jesus is sometimes portrayed in the bible is inaccurate, the result of the authors projecting their views into their writitngs at times. So it is essential to base our spiritual practice in meditation, spiritual communion with God/Christ/Holy Spirit, and to read the bible (if we so choose) from that basis.
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When Jesus says (in Mat. 5,17-18) "I did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it", he is of course speaking of God's true eternal law which he embodies, that is the only law he knows... The Greek word "pleroo" which has been translated as "fulfill" has a much deeper meaning, which is to perfect spiritually, to cause to abound with spiritual gifts... This verse has been grossly misinterpreted as meaning Jesus came to fulfill Mosaic Law, that Mosaic Law is God's true law, and Jesus came as a human blood sacrifice to fulfill the demands of Mosaic Law which required blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins in order to placate the OT God's supposed wrath. This is very wrong. Jesus came to perfect the errant Mosaic Law, as he demonstrated on numerous occasions. Jesus came to correct the numerous faults of manmade law and reinstate God's true eternal law. Another possible interpretation of this verse is, "to flood the soul with spiritual possesions", as when "Christians... are pervaded with the power and Gifts of the Holy Spirit" (Thayer). Pleroo can also mean to consummate, as in a marriage. And it also carries the meaning that a definite time has arrived for so doing. But the clearest, simplest, most accurate definition is, "to render perfect". Render means to work, like a blacksmith or and artist, or a doctor, to bring about the perfection of health, wellbeing, truth... Not to fulfill the institutional obligations of Mosaic Law, but to correct its shortcomings, to enlighten, to shed true light upon "every last letter and mark" within it. "It shall not pass away until I have fulfilled (rendered perfect) every last letter and mark." Notice the word "until," clearly this means that the old law does in fact pass away once it is perfected. Every single letter and mark will be exposed to the true light and spirit of God. This being accomplished by Christ the old law no longer exists, like a disease that has been cured. Then God's true law will shine forth, as Jesus is in God and God is in Him, only He is capable of this feat, of this transformation, of this healing miracle. The final stage involved his crucifiction - in order to know human life in its entirety he even allowed this, so that by actually experiencing death and suffering he could overcome them, and therefore so could all who take refuge in Him. "With man it is not possible, but with God all things are possible." Jesus was not a human blood sacrifice to placate a wrathful God of the OT, but the bringer of God's true eternal unchanging law of love and compassion for all beings. Through his crucifiction he was able to perform the ultimate act of forgiveness, this was the final nail in the coffin of the forces of evil in the world, the final victory. And then he said, "It is finished" and gave up his spirit to God... Another meaning of Pleroo is to bring to realization, to realize, and this is exactly what Christ does, now and then, eternally, within and without time, throughout the universe.
Jesus always spoke and acted with compassion. However the author of Apocalypse casts him in a different light. Clearly much of this book is the author's POV. Parts of it may be spiritually inspiring, and there is some very interesting symbolism pointing at possible "hidden" teachings... But there is a great deal that could not have come from the mouth of Jesus. Such as Rev. 2,22-23 : " Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. " Now, from a basis in Christ this may be interpreted as, people who pursue lives of sexual pormiscuity will suffer spiritual death, they will reap the results of their sinful acts, unless they repent. So the basic content is correct, but the author's wording is biased by his own limited POV, which is rooted in an OT view of God. So he is recasting Jesus in the roll of the OT god of wrath and vengence, which is obviously totally wrong. Yet if read with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than false beliefs in a divine perfect bible, we can ascertain a Christ based interpretation. So, it is not the writings of the bible that mislead people, but the advocates of bibleanity and a naive (and cowardly ?) church which sticks its head in the sand and caters to their deluded ramblings. The truth is not difficult to see, if our mind is clear and our heart is open to God's Living Spiritual Presence. Rather than projecting our extremely limited, linear view on the ways in which we permit God to act, we should learn to be quiet and listen, here and now. God does not operate according to our fixed linear time sense and spacial perameters. Yet how many experts presume to speak for God ? They say the most ignorant and screwed-up things at times with an air of assurance and are seemingly unaware, like someone passing wind in an elevator, then carefully savoring its aroma and proclaiming it to be the deepest truth... And there are even institutions of "higher education" that award degrees to the most proficient wind-passers. And this ability naturally extends into the world of book publishing, and it just keeps on snowballing, until the actual person of Jesus is lost in a smog of theological flatulence.
Whenever we see a passage which cites Jesus as being a fulfillment of OT prophecy it is likely that it was added due to the author's desire to "validate" Jesus' existence in accordance with the OT "law". This course was taken by the authors of the Gospels in an attempt to convince people that Jesus is the Messiah spoken of in the OT, and this launched Christianity on its course of argument and biblical "justification" of Jesus... This is a house built upon sand. The only true way to know who Jesus is is via the spirit... Actually Jesus never told anyone to study the bible, but he did tell people to love each other, serve others, follow the "golden rule", to pray and commune with God constantly. This is true religion.. bible study was never mentioned. He set an example to be lived, not argued about and pontificated over by legions of expert theologians. Much of what they profer is a diversion from actual spiritual realization. Such people may be very proficient in petty name calling and slander, which they engage in when they feel their power base/livlihood/status is threatened. Things have not changed that much... Anyone who does not agree with their thinking, beliefs, etc. is labeled, categorized, outcast... When Jesus says he did something "that prophecy might be fulfilled" we should keep in mind the actual meaning of the word "fulfilled" in the NT Greek text, which is "to render perfect." Bibleanity reverses this and says Jesus is a functionary of the divine bible, he is fulfilling the requirements of biblical prophecy, and Jesus becomes a cog in the machinations of the divine and Holy Bible... Advocates of bibleanity often twist his teachings in order conform with their deluded beliefs. Hence the Way of Meditation based in Christ should be an essential part of Christian practice. There has been way too much preaching, debate, argument, spouting off pet rhetoric and doctrines, printing tons of books and study bibles... we'd be better off without most of it. People need to learn to center their life in God, and this is not something to talk about, or write a book about... our spiritual lives should be kept private, or else they will loose their power. Usually we can say much more simply by being who we are, not talking about it, not trying to make a public display... Christians need to learn to be quiet and listen to God... We have an advocate, intimate guide and counselor, this is who we should be listening to. People need to discover their own relationship with God, but many "authorities" try to subvert them from so doing, and try to capitalize on their desire to know God. The loud mouth experts proclaiming to be God's mouthpiece, "Join our church and give us your time and money, do what we say and we will love you..." ("but otherwise we will slander you and cast you out...") Do not be naive. Anyone can have a living relationship with God, for free, without studying the bible or joining a church... God's true Word is written in our hearts - that is what the bible says, in the OT and NT ! The advocates of bibleanity often twist the writings of the bible to suit themselves... The bible is indeed the Word of God, but just exactly as Jesus was not the Messiah anyone expected, neither is the bible what people expect... In fact the bible is a record of man's propensity to embrace delusion and violence and harmfulness time and time again, and how God never gives up hope, never quits, even if it means undergoing the most horrendous treatment and torture... Christ could have remained in Heaven with God the Father, but he chose to incarnate in order to set things right... but then the Holy Bible was compiled by the church and designated "The Word of God" and the true living Word of God was relegated to be an OT style blood sacrifice to placate the OT style God of wrath... But, in spite of all this, millions of people have found Christ, and actually developed a spiritual life guided by the Holy Spirit, they just don't usually say much about it. They live the life, they walk the walk, and God's true spirit silently permeates the world around them, healing, comforting, changing, they are unnoticed perhaps, yet very effective... God always responds to the sincere heart... An atheist with love in their heart is much closer to God than some trumped up theologian preacher author with a plethora of degrees and books under their belt teaching people that Jesus is a "divine warrior who is going to destroy his enemies with wars, and plagues, and fire, etc."
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In 1 Thessalonians 1 - 6 "...it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction..."
In many places the teachings of Paul differ from those of Jesus. Jesus says we are never to repay evil with evil, but to recompense good for evil, and pray for those who persecute us. Perhaps these letters were authored by several people with different views. At any rate, everything must be tested against the fundamental teachings of Jesus, that is the benchmark by which we should analyze the bible. It is not perfect and should not be taken at face value. Jesus said he came not to destroy sinners but to save them. But it didn't take long for men to start injecting their deluded ideas into church writings. The whole idea of God's wrath is false, born of human ignorance. God is unlimited love and compassion, inconceivable from a human standpoint, yet that is the true reality. Humans want a God that reflects their beliefs. Rather than realizing the potential of being created in God's image men seek to recreate God in their image, hence we see such statements as this cropping up.
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2 Timothy 3,16 - this is one of the main passages the advocates of bibleanity cite (words in parenthesis do not appear in actual bible text, but have been added) -
KJV - "16 All scripture (is) given by inspiration of God, and (is) profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "
The addition of the word "is" changes the meaning of thispassage to conform with the doctrine of a divine bible, but at least the KJV translatiors were honest and put such additions to the text in italics, whereas modern translations incorporate thousands of added words which do not actually appear in the text. This illustrates how one small change can effect the meaning of a passage.
Youngs - 16 every Writing [is] God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that [is] in righteousness,
Darby - 16 Every scripture [is] divinely inspired, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;
Wycliffe - 16 For all scripture inspired of God is profitable to teach, to reprove, to chastise, [for] to learn in rightwiseness,
The RV has it best, "Every scripture inspired by God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction (which is) in righteousness."
The NAB has a footnote, "Another possible interpretation is, All Scripture inspired by God is useful..."
The NRSV has this marginal note, "Every scripture inspired by God is also useful..."
The most honest footnote is found in the HarperCollins Study Bible, " The reading given in the text note is equally possible."
This is extremely important, for this is but one example among hundredss in which bible verses have been interpreted to support the views of an author or institution.
Especially among the numerous "modern language versions" that are flooding the market, such as this:
CEV - "Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live." Which is clearly the result of interpreing the bible from a basis in bibleanity.
Hence we have numerous authors and preachers who profess to be followers of Jesus teaching people that God makes wars, plagues, disasters, sent armies to exterminate entire populations in "Holy Wars", that God told people to stone anyone who did not obey the Mosaic "law", etc., etc. Even though Jesus came in the flesh and showed us the Way of Life, people insist on perverting the truth of the Jesus' teachings of unconditional love, non-violence, and humility and reverting to the same old delusions and abominations.
We should follow the life and example of Jesus, who told us the Holy Spirit would teach us and guide us. God is love and infinite compassion. God never harms anyone. The advocates of bibleanity are spreading delusion and perpetuating the very things Jesus tells us not to do. Christianity should be about relating to people and living as Jesus did. The roll of the bible (with its highly violent content, mindnumbing litanies of wrath, doom and gloom) in Christianity needs to be downplayed, the doctrine of a perfect and infallible bible refuted, and the teachings of Jesus given precedence. Faith is about trusting in God, not merely "believing" in God, but actually living in faith, trusting God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit...
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Mark 4,24 And he (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. 26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. 30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. 33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
"And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it."
The advocates of bibleanity call the bible "The Word." But this is not what it means in the bible ! The Greek text uses "logon" which, according to Thayer's Lexicon means:
" a word, yet not in the grammatical sense, but language, uttered by the living voice... discourse, the act of speech, what is communicated by instruction, the attainment through Christ of salvation in the Kingdom of God, reason, the faculty of thinking, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in the creation and government of the universe, the cause of the world's life, both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of humankind's salvation assumed human form in the person of Jesus the Messiah, and shone forth conspicuously from hiswords and deeds."
This does not mean a written text or book, it means theact of discourse between people, in this case between God and humans. Jesus engaged in discourse with people, he was not conducting a bible study, he did not write anything that we know of, although at times he incorporated material from the bible in his discussions... teaching "the word" means, according to the bible, discourse, not written words, not the bible. The bible is not the Word of God - Jesus is. That is what the bible says. Bibleanity is a subversion of the life and teachings of Jesus. Bibleanity is big business, very lucrative, employing thousands, but its a false doctrine. And it interferes with Jesus' true teachings. And at times it actually perpetuates the very things Jesus opposses...
"For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."
Has/has not - this refers to a spiritual basis in our life. People who do not have a spiritual basis spend their lives accumulate temporal experiences and possesions which have no permanent, lasting value. All material, sensual things are fleeting... But people who choose the spiriual life will grow and be continually blessed with spiritual fruits that endure and grow and give life. This passage clearly does not refer to material goods or possesions. Some rich "evangelists" who live in mansions and live lives of luxury may cite this verse as a justification for their lives of excess...
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Regarding meditation, yoga, spiritual practice, etc. They can be useful and beneficial or the opposite. Names and labels mean nothing. It is always a matter of the underlying spirit, the Heart of the matter, so to speak. Do not confuse sex with love - usually its the opposite, someone tryin to exploit you for their selfish indulgences. You can never "make things right" in a relationship with such a person. Such people have destroyed their ability to love and mask this with sexual promiscuity. Sexual promiscuity will make people incapable of forming a true bond with anyone, hence such people are incapable of having a true, loving relationship... unless they repent of their own accord and are healed spiritually. It is not your fault other people do bad things. No matter what are situation is, we can always choose to be good people and live by God's law. Even if we are surrounded by people who do not. Remember Jesus defeated the powers of evil 2,000 years ago. Meditation, etc. can be useful, but the idea that one needs to meditate to achieve enlightenment is false, a trap, a waste of time. As the Zen proverb goes, "the everyday mind is the enlightened mind". The ability to quiet the mind and sit in meditation may be spiritually beneficial. It is not a matter of trying to achieve some enlightened state, but of simply getting in touch with who and what we really are... And it may be possible to do this without meditating at all... its purely a question of that which brings us home to the center of truth and well-being. You are a child of God, created in God's image, you do not need to be anythng other than what you truely are... God is love, infinite compassion. We may imagine we are something else, some people may try to get us to think we are something else in order to mislead and exploit us. All the money in the universe is God's... It means nothing other than what good purpose we can use it for. Sensual pleasures are fleeting and have no lasting value. A life spent in the pursuit of sensual indulgence is a life that produces nothing of true value and worth. However, if we live in faith and trust God, even unpleasant situations can be used as learning experiences and enable us to grow in new ways and to become better people. Seeking purely pleasant conditions is not neccesarily the way to go. Of course we all want to live a safe comfortable life, but if we should find ourselves in a less than ideal situation, we need not despair - this may actually be an opportunity, as the Buddhist would say, to work out some past karma, or from a Christian POV, grow closer to God, to grow spiritually. Past experiences are just that. Attachment to experiences, painful or pleasant, can be a stumblingblock. Its important to let things end... to throw out the garbage and move on. "This is over." "I would never do that again", "thats not who I really am", etc. Experiences form mental patterns. We need to let God heal us and bless us with "a new mind in Christ". Those who accept Christ into their hearts and choose the spiritual path are guided by the Holy Spirit, advocate, guide, counselor, and companion. All beings are in truth created in God's image, all have the potential to be the people God wants us to be. We are blessed with free wll. Many people choose lives of indulgence and gluttony, that is their choice. We all reap what we sow. Live and Learn. Whenever anyone sincerely repents and asks to be forgiven they will enter onto the true way which leads home, which is no other place than here and no other time than now. Its fine to live a simple, peaceful life. Fame and fortune can be a burden and often interfere with our well-being. A simple life with meager yet adequate possesions seems to be the best way to go.
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Much of the bible should be regarded as myth, there is nothing "bad" about this, people have always created stroies to express their ideas, concerns, questions and answers regarding life's mysteries, etc. And these myths may be borrowed from other cultures and altered, adapted... This is a common process, and is in itself educational. But to say the writings of the bible are literally true is to embrace delusion. I believe it is essential to read the religious writings of other religions to get perspective and comparative understanding. For instance, these two examples from the Upanishads (translated by Eknath Easwaran), the ancient scriptures of India, which date back two thousand years before the birth of Christ... Thats 2,00BC... long before the age of Moses and the writings of the bible. What this shows is that there were other religious writings and traditions that were much more in-line with the teachings of Jesus, than the writings of the bible, and that by reading these ancient writings we can better understand who Jesus is. From page 38,
"As a lump of salt thrown in water dissolves and cannot be taken out again, though wherever we taste the water it is salty, even so, beloved, the separate self dissolves in the sea of pure consciousness, infinite and immortal. Separateness arises from identifying the Self with the body, which is made up of the elements; when this physical identification dissolves, there can be no more separate self. This is what I want to tell you, beloved."
How different is the tone and tenor of these writings than those found in the bible, with their dark repetitive litanies of doom, gloom, vengence, and fear. Here is a second example, from page 41,
"Without knowing the imperishable, whoever performs rites and ceremonies and undergoes austerities, even for many years, reaps little benefit, because rites, ceremonies, and austerities are all perishable. Whosoever dies without knowing the Imperishable, dies in a pitiable state; but those who know the Imperishable attain immortality when the body is shed at death."
Clearly there is much to learn from other sources such as the Upanishads and Dhammapada. Are we to be content with theological arguments and intellectual "belief" and bible study, or should we pursue a different course ? Should we try to actually know God personally instead of talking about who and what we think God is supposed to be according to our definitions, biases, and dictates ?
It is interesting that a very different picture than the one depicted in the bible is surfacing from recent non-biased archealogy, which says most of the stories of conquests never happened , rather the first story of Moses and the Midianites, wherein he sought sanctuary among them, was adopted by a Midianite priest, married his daughter, and bore a son - such reflects to actual state of affairs, that these various peoples lived in peace and harmony, and the later depiction of "Moses" as the leader of an army that conquered many cities throughout Palestine is fiction, as are many stories in the bible.
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The church has turned Jesus into a blood sacrifice to placate the wrathful, misconstrued OT conception of God. Bibleanity says Jesus died for our sins, but it was not his death which brings about salvation. It is not the fact that Jesus died, rather he faced death and even after horrible torture he was still compassionate and asked for his torturers to be forgiven, "Forgive them Father, they know not what they do." It is this last act of compassion and kindness, the final act in his earthly incarnation, which :
1-defeated the forces of evil in the world
2-led the way for all people to have a new relationship with God and to have forgiveness for their sins and inadequacies by taking refuge in him. This act of compassion was the fulfillement/perfection/beautification of the "law and the prophets" and much more...
3-this act also demonstrated the errant nature of the OT idea of a wrathful God... Bibleanity twists this around 180 degrees by making Jesus into blood sacrifice to placate the wrath of God, to allow Him to take man's due punishment from God upon himself. There is some truth in this, he incarnated and gave his life, to save mankind, to bring the light of truth, salvation, and even though it meant enduring a horrible death, he chose this course. In the OT blood is the source of life, and Jesus gave his life for all people, so grotesque phrases such as, "we are washed in his blood" which are bandied about but some Christians may have an underlying basis in truth. However I think it is wrong to say such things, we do not have the right... We should be sorry, not happy, Jesus had to do this.
4-this final act of his earthly incarnation sets an example for us, demonstating God's true way of life, being one of non-violence and compassion. Again bibleanity twists this, saying Jesus was an OT style sacrifice whereby God cleansed us of our sins, and goes on to subvert all he did by saying he is going to return as a divine warrior and destroy everyone who does not bow down to him. It is a really bad testimony against the Christian religion that so many people blindly swallow this false doctrine, seemingly oblivious to what Jesus actually said and did. Humans clearly seem to have a penchant for deluded ways, even when given the truth they turn their backs on it and run in some other direction.
It was not the fact that Jesus died, but that he lived, and the final act of his human incarnation was an act of compassion which defeated the forces of ignorance and cruelty. This was not something that could be argued, preached, or theologized, it was something he actually did, physically, himself, something which no one else could do. Something no one else could bear to do. But in so doing he changed the world, and gave people the same strength, abilities, compassion and love. We can choose to accept this gift, or to deny it. If we choose, we can repent of our sins and be forgiven, and God will enter our lives and begin transforming us spiritually. We can come to know the Holy Spirit and have an intimate relationship with God the father/mother, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This is the true basis of Christianity, not the doctrine of a divinely dictated, perfect and infallible bible.
In the OT world, blood was believed to be the "seat of the spirit." So when the NT says things like our sins are cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, it is not tlaking about somekind of pagan blood sacrifice to placate God's wrath, or that Jesus was punished by God for our sins. It means he gave his life for all people, and through the final act in his earthly body he defeated the forces of evil through his total compassion and forgivness. He did that which is impossible for us to do on our own, he took our sins upon him out of love, that is God's true nature. God does not punish. We punish ourselves when we do things that separate us from God/Life. God always works to restore health, wellbeing, relationship. Jesus gave us of hisliving spirit, his "blood" in the OT sense, which during those times held religious significance, but he transformed the OT practice of animal sacrifice into an act of compassion, love, obedience to God's true law, even though it meant great suffering on his behalf for our sakes, the "true sacrifice of righteousness" of which Isaiah speaks. God does not delight in the blood of animals or the smell of burning flesh. This was a mistaken idea dreamed up by deluded men. Jesus corrected their errors. When he said he came to fulfill the law, i.e. to prefect it, it does not mean the law was perfect, or even divine, rather it needed to be perfected, corrected, down to its very last letter and jot - exactly opposite to the interpretation given to this passage by the advocates of bibleanity. Rather than wrath and punishment Jesus demonstrated compassion and forgivness, for all people...
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Mark 4,33 "And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. "
The advocates of bibleanity call the bible "The Word." But this is not what it means in the bible ! The Greek text uses "logon" which, according to Thayer's Lexicon means:
" a word, yet not in the grammatical sense, but language, uttered by the living voice... discourse, the act of speech, what is communicated by instruction, the attainment through Christ of salvation in the Kingdom of God, reason, the faculty of thinking, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in the creation and government of the universe, the cause of the world's life, both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of humankind's salvation assumed human form in the person of Jesus the Messiah, and shone forth conspicuously from hiswords and deeds."
This does not mean a written text or book, it means theact of discourse between people, in this case between God and humans. Jesus engaged in discourse with people, he was not conducting a bible study, he did not write anything that we know of, although at times he incorporated material from the bible in his discussions... teaching "the word" means, according to the bible, discourse, not written words, not the bible. The bible is not the Word of God - Jesus is. That is what the bible says. Bibleanity is a subversion of the life and teachings of Jesus. It interferes with Jesus' true teachings. And at times it actually perpetuates the very things Jesus opposses...
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"For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."
Has/has not - this refers to a spiritual basis in our life. People who do not have a spiritual basis spend their lives accumulate temporal experiences and possesions which have no permanent, lasting value. All material, sensual things are fleeting... But people who choose the spiriual life will grow and be continually blessed with spiritual fruits that endure and grow and give life. This passage clearly does not refer to material goods or possesions. Some rich "evangelists" who live in mansions and live lives of luxury may cite this verse as a justification for their lives of excess...
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From 1 John 3 - "6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him... 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning... 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin... 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another."
This passage shows a dangerous diversion from the teachings and example of Jesus. People make mistakes, that does not mean they are "children of the devil." If Jesus shared John's attitude in this passage, who would have been saved ? This sort of divisive judgemental talk is actually counter to what Jesus taught. He said we are to forgive someone, no matter how many times they sin... This idea that if someone sins they never knew God is totally wrong. If people intentionally sin and do not repent then they separate themselves from God, but that does not mean they never knew God, nor that they may someday return to God's Way of Life. Clearly, no one is perfect and sometimes we fail. People may be lonely, or influenced by others, or tempted of themselves... To "love one another" of course means to be compassionate and forgiving. Thus even the NT must be read from a basis in Christ.
This is from a letter written to an early Christian church regarding the problem of false teachiers who were perverting the Gospel of Christ. Such teachers taught people the Christians would not be held morally responsible for sins they committed since they had been "perfected" by Christ, and as such were free to engage in immoral activities, others claimed that intellectual knowledge of Christ was most important and to simply claim Jesus as their saviour garunteed thier salvation, etc... This was a letter, not a "book" in the bible. It was never intended as such, when it was included in the bible no information about its origin and purpose were included, it took on great significance, this letter became "the word of God", a "book" in the Holy Bible, and its inflamatory rhetoric misled future generations.
In Jude, the final NT letter, which preceeds Apocalypse, the last book in the NT, this problem of false teachers is also addressed, " 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not..." Notice the distinction between "the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ", but in the next verse we read, "how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not." Here we find the reintroduction of the OT image of the wrathful warrior God, whom is now addressed as "Lord," the same name used for Jesus. Then comes Apocalypse which depicts Jesus (now speaking greek instead of Aramaic, "I am the Alpha and the Omega", why would Jesus use such language, he never spoke that way before ? Why would he address himself in such a manner to his "beloved disciple" if that was indeed the case ? Why would he address his disciple in greek and describe himself in purely Hellenistic terms ? Clearly this book is the work of an unknown author writing in the genre of apocalypse, not actual statements by Jesus Christ as the advocates of bibleanity and the church maintain ) as the returning warrior god of the OT who will destroy all his enemies. This is the opposite of the teachings, life and example of Jesus Christ. I believe the bible is a carefully constructed collection of writings assembled by men with a specific agenda that is not the same as that of Jesus Christ. It is essential it be read from a spiritual basis in Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and not viewed as some perfect, divinely dictated, "infallible" book. Quite the contrary, it contains many mistakes and deviations. However, in the Light of Christ such can be seen as educational examples of how men may persist in their deluded ways, chosing to remain ignorant even when presented with the truth.
I believe Apocalypse was written as metaphor of personal spiritual practice, not actual physical events, not a prediction of eternal historic events, but rather a depiction of the interior process which culminates in Christ's spiritual return, his second coming, within us. The kingdom of heaven is within us. Literally waiting for Jesus to physically return as some divine warrior king... Christianity took the wrong path, a worldly path, this literal waiting for the second coming. Jesus always spoke of a spiritual kingdom and a spiritual process. Apocalypse has been misinterpreted from a worldly POV by the church and theologians. It is not a depiction of future historic events, rather a symbolic representation of early Christian spiritual practice as well as encouragement to those Christians who were undergoing persecution couched in the symbolic language of apocalytic literature.
The idea of attaching the various writings of the NT, culminating in Apocalypse, to the Hebrew Bible was to give them legitimacy, just the OT idea of a "chosen people" and a "promised land" was to legitimize the conquests of neighboring peoples and the seizure of their lands. This is why Jesus made a point of telling stories about Samaritans, Gentiles and other people who were regarded as enemies... Hence Jesus' instruction to love our enemies - not kill them and steal their possesions and land.
The bible is a construct of men. The various NT letters, designated as books, were never intended as additions to the Hebrew bible - they were letters addressing certain problems within the early Christian church. The false doctrine of bibleanity has supplanted true Christianity, and much of what churches teach about the bible and its contents is false, as well as in conflict with the true teachings and person of Christ.
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Regarding meditation, yoga, spiritual practice, etc. They can be useful and beneficial or the opposite. Names and labels mean nothing. It is always a matter of the underlying spirit, the Heart of the matter, so to speak. Do not confuse sex with love - usually its the opposite, someone tryin to exploit you for their selfish indulgences. You can never "make things right" in a relationship with such a person. Such people have destroyed their ability to love and mask this with sexual promiscuity. Sexual promiscuity will make people incapable of forming a true bond with anyone, hence such people are incapable of having a true, loving relationship... unless they repent of their own accord and are healed spiritually. It is not your fault other people do bad things. No matter what are situation is, we can always choose to be good people and live by God's law. Even if we are surrounded by people who do not. Remember Jesus defeated the powers of evil 2,000 years ago. Meditation, etc. can be useful, but the idea that one needs to meditate to achieve enlightenment is false, a trap, a waste of time. As the Zen proverb goes, "the everyday mind is the enlightened mind". The ability to quiet the mind and sit in meditation may be spiritually beneficial. It is not a matter of trying to achieve some enlightened state, but of simply getting in touch with who and what we really are... And it may be possible to do this without meditating at all... its purely a question of that which brings us home to the center of truth and well-being. You are a child of God, created in God's image, you do not need to be anythng other than what you truely are... God is love, infinite compassion. We may imagine we are something else, some people may try to get us to think we are something else in order to mislead and exploit us. All the money in the universe is God's... It means nothing other than what good purpose we can use it for. Sensual pleasures are fleeting and have no lasting value. A life spent in the pursuit of sensual indulgence is a life that produces nothing of true value and worth. However, if we live in faith and trust God, even unpleasant situations can be used as learning experiences and enable us to grow in new ways and to become better people. Seeking purely pleasant conditions is not neccesarily the way to go. Of course we all want to live a safe comfortable life, but if we should find ourselves in a less than ideal situation, we need not despair - this may actually be an opportunity, as the Buddhist would say, to work out some past karma, or from a Christian POV, grow closer to God, to grow spiritually. Past experiences are just that. Attachment to experiences, painful or pleasant, can be a stumblingblock. Its important to let things end... to throw out the garbage and move on. "This is over." "I would never do that again", "thats not who I really am", etc. Experiences form mental patterns. We need to let God heal us and bless us with "a new mind in Christ". Those who accept Christ into their hearts and choose the spiritual path are guided by the Holy Spirit, advocate, guide, counselor, and companion. All beings are in truth created in God's image, all have the potential to be the people God wants us to be. We are blessed with free wll. Many people choose lives of indulgence and gluttony, that is their choice. We all reap what we sow. Live and Learn. Whenever anyone sincerely repents and asks to be forgiven they will enter onto the true way which leads home, which is no other place than here and no other time than now. Its fine to live a simple, peaceful life. Fame and fortune can be a burden and often interfere with our well-being. A simple life with meager yet adequate possesions seems to be the best way to go.
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When men are separated from God, when they choose to eat the fruits of evil rather than the fruits of good, they are driven by the consequences of their actions (karma) and as such cast themselves from Eden, paradise, their true and original relationship with God. Yet God never gives up hope, never stops trying to redeem his/her lost children, even when it required Christ to incarnate in person and bear the most horrible and cruel treatment at the hands of deluded and violent men. "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." This is the mentality of God, not wrath and vengence...
Advocates of bibleanity say the bible is the only standard by which to judge things. This belief has led to a great deal of violent behavior and suffering. Whereas from a Christian POV the only true standard should be the life, teachings and example of Christ. There is a great deal in the bible that does not agree with this standard of unconditional love, non-violence, and supreme compassion... Consequently men sometimes seek to reintroduce the very same deluded institutions of violence and hatred which Jesus gave his life to heal us from. The greatest perversions of Christ's teachings have come under the guise of Christian authorities... therefore we must be careful not to conform to some group just because they claim to be a church or the body of Christ, we are supposed to test all spirits. The idea of a divine, infallible, divinely dictated bible is false Religions built upon such ideas may perpetuate ignorance rather than truth.
Are we to be content with theological arguments and intellectual "belief" and bible study, or should we pursue a different course ? Should we try to actually know God personally instead of talking about who and what we think God is supposed to be according to our definitions, biases, and dictates ?
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On the other hand and not to throw the baby out with the bath -
When Jesus was confronted by the devil in the desert he quoted passages from the bible as a way of refuting the devil's attempts.
Clearly, if interpreted from a basis in Christ, the writings of the bible can be a force of good, and God may speak to us, but we must be discerning.
The bible can be a vehicle through which we are directed into a deeper relationship with God.
"Every word which proceedeth from the mouth of God..."
not every word, but only those which proceed from the mouth of God.
Jesus said he would fulfill, complete, and beautify the old erreant manmade law down to its smallest jot... and as a result the old law would pass away, replaced by the new law of unconditional love and non-violence, the eternal Law, God's Way of Life as personified in Jesus Christ. This is a very important point that is often ignored. He did not say the old law was perfect or that it would last forever, he said he would change it, bring it to completion, even though it meant he must undergo great suffering, torture and the death of his earthly body. He said the old law would not pass away UNTIL this had occured. "Until" is extremely important. This healing of humanity could not occur until he had accomplished certain things of which he had foreknowledge.
This statement has been totally misinterpreted to the point that its original meaning has been twisted 180 degrees. This is what bibleanity does, twists and manipulates until the old mindsets of violence and worldly power and selfishness have been reinstated, in the name of Christ. So we have received the cure at great price and personal suffering on behalf of Jesus, but have returned to the old ways of death, violence, destruction, selfish indulgence, hedonism, dishonesty, and suffering. We will always have free will, so we will always have the choice of accepting God's free gift of grace, or rejecting it. It brief look at our horrible history shows which course has usually been pursued.
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We should be aware that the NT, including the gospels, contain selections from stories about the life of Jesus that had been circulating for perhaps 20 to 50 years before they were assembled into the gospels. These writings are not perfect. They tell us about Jesus through the eyes of early Christians. Some of their views are incorporated into their writings. For example, Matthew 8,12 quotes Jesus as saying people "will be cast into the outer darkness." From the author's POV this sounds like people who do not believe the gospels or except Christ as thier savior will be rejected by God and as punishment cast into the outer darkness. From a spiritual basis in Christ this would better be understood as meaning people who do not live according to God's way of love and live will be impelled by the consequences of their actions away from God, into darkness. The language NT sometimes paints Jesus in a sort of harsh manner. I believe this is the beliefs of the authors coming through rather than the true nature of Jesus. This is why spiritual communion and living as Christ told us must take precedence to reading the bible. When we come to know God's nature in Christ, the infinite love and total compassion, God's everpresent willingness to forgive and heal us - it is clear God never casts anyone away... Look at what Jesus went through to bring us back to God's way of life and salvation.
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How he bible text is changed by interpreters to agree with their religious beliefs -
Psalm 58,9 kjv "Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in (his) wrath."
Notice the word 'his' has been added by translators, but according to the marginal annotation, the literal Hebrew is, "as living as wrath"
I submit that what this verse actually means is those people who are 'living in wrath', i.e. people consumed by hatred and violent intent, as described earlier in this psalm, will not endure the fire of purification and become 'pots', i.e. ceramic vessels - it is very interesting to note that when clay is fired (thorns were used for this because they generated a more intense heat) its actual elemental nature is changed at the atomic level, and it becomes an actual new material, ceramic... hence this very fitting analogy of God's process of bringing us into spiritual maturity... however those people who are 'living in wrath' will be carried away by their violent emotions as with a whirlwind - another perfectly fitting analogy. In this regard the writings in the bible often exhibit a surprisingly contemporary level of understanding. Ancient people were not inferior in their understanding of human nature and the foibles of men... Indeed they may have surpassed modern men in their understanding of such things.
So the actual, literal account of this verse, may refer to the emotional state of violent people, however the translators, influenced by their religious belief in a god of wrath that punishes such people, changed this verse, and many like it throughout the bible, to conform with their beliefs. They inserted 'his' before wrath, which totally changes the meaning. Which illustrates another very critical point: the insertion of a single word, or even a change in punctuation, can alter the meaning of a sentence. And hyndreds of such changes are made every single time another group, or individual, makes a 'new translation' of the bible. I have studied most of them, and IMO the KJV is by far the best. It may be a bit hard to fathom in places, but overall it far exceeds all other subsequent translations, in literal accuracy, depth of meaning, quality of language, etc. Also, it should be noted that the 'KJV' is in fact basically a pirated update of the 1560 Geneva Bible, and as such it should be entitled 'The 1611 update of the Geneva Bible, as it is more than 95% identical to the Geneva Bible text... it is not the product of King James, nor the committee he authorized, it is a very good updating of the original Geneva Bible. The onslaught of 'modern translations' that are flooding the market to enrich authors and publishers serve mainly to detract from these two superior translations. A simple comparison of the NASB, whose publishers bill as the most literal translation, reveals that the KJV text is much more literal as well as more intelligently written. Readers should not believe whatever advertising hype publishers promulgate.
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The Gospel of Mathew was written by an unknown author at an unknown date, the best estimates place it around 80 CE, about 10 years after Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army under Titus. It is important to understand that the gospels are not literal histories, but rather writings which express the teachings of the early church and the author's POV. Jesus may or may not have said the things attributed to him by the gospel authors. I doubt very much that he engaged in the sort of argumentative denunciatons found in many places in the NT. An enlightened being does not argue or condemn or punish... So if Jesus is indeed the incarnation of the Logos, then it would have been impossible for him to say many of the things the gospel authors claim he did. If we can experience God's living spirit through Jesus Christ, then what is the need for such inaccurate writings ? We need to read them with the same sort of discernment as we do the OT. God is love, totally compassionate, and does not argue - what would be the point ? God is going to engage in intellectual/doctrinal debates ? No, Jesus always works directly with people, healing them and guiding them into the true way. God does not engage in diatribes and name calling. This is the author's mentality. So we must look deeper to discern the underlying truths in such passages. One way isto see them as metaphor of personal spiritual practice. "Enemies" are those things within us which lead us away from God, truth, the way of life. But a great deal of religious doctrine does just that, obfuscates and obscures rather than revealing and clarifying. Hence the need for prayer and meditation. We need to know God personally, not through the intellectual filters of argument, debate, and theology. I doubt Jesus would have engaged in such pointless activities. An enlightened being is not angry, does not condemn others, etc. as the NT pictures Jesus doing, for example :
Matthew 23,23 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?"
This section of Matthew represents the state of affairs during the author's time, about 80CE, when there was alot of animosity between Orthodox Jews and the new Christian church. This was after the destruction of Jerusalem. Such conditions are the reason for the anti-jewish, argumentative tone of much of the NT... Such "prophecies" regarding Jerusalem's destruction were actually written afterwards - this is another trend which occurs throughout the bible. God does not lie. God is never dishonest. But it is common practice with bible authors to claim writings are prophecies when in fact they were written after the actual events occured, and writings are usually attributed to famous characters in order to lend them credance. So when the church says this book is the Word of God it demeans Christ's true nature and work. So how to discern that which is true ? How do we know God and Jesus ? By following Jesus' simple instructions. He did not tell anyone to study the bible, ever... He said we are to love God and love each other. We are to practice the golden rule, shun materialistic and hedonistic lives and live as he did. Thats it, period. Bibleanity has become a great diversion, to the extent that it is perpetuating the very things Jesus fought against and died for.
Furthermore, God would never condemn entire cities enmass as is the practice in the bible. Yet we find Jesus uttering such condemnations in numerous places in the NT. Jesus would never have done this. This horrible idea that an entire city is guilty and will be destroyed by God has led to our horrible history of wars in which it entire cities are destroyed. This is a reassertion of deluded OT mentality by gospel authors. Hence it is essential to follow Jesus' instructions and test all spirits, including the writings of the NT, in order to discern that which is true. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach us. He always taught non-violence, healing, and salvation. This living spiritual relationship with God and each other should be the basis of Christianity... and our bible study if we should choose that practice as well, but the bible should not be seen as the core of Christianity.
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From Matthew 24, NIV, "50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
The NIV trasnslates 24,51 as "He will cut him to pieces." The greek word used here means to cut in two pieces. The KJV says, "He will be cut asunder," and the NAB, "He will be severely punished, which is also in keeping with the original greek usage. The NIV and ESV "He will cut him into pieces" is not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus and illogical - how would he be 'placed among the hypocrits' if he were cut into pieces ? The KJV is once again the most likely and Christ based rendition. To be cut asunder means to be separated from God if read from a basis in Christ. We are all originally connected to God in spirit, it takes effort to cut ourselves off. Clearly Jesus, who healed Malchius' ear in Gethsemane after Peter cut it off, would not make such a violent statement. Jesus never said these words, he spoke in Aramaic... The thing is, these writings have a profoundly contemporary relevance if read from a basis in the teachings and example of Christ. If we chose to follow the 'ways of the world', i.e. dishonesty, selfishness, hedonism, violence, etc. We are cut asunder from God by our actions, and we are cut into two parts spiritually, and if we persist in the ways of worldliness we will harm ourselves spiritually, becoming divided within ourselves, and become lost in an inner hell of spiritual turmoil, in which case we may seek increasingly great diversions in an attempt to conceal our inner condition but of course this only makes things worse... it is a downward spiral. We become spiritual hypocrits, we 'place ourselves among the hypocrits', i.e. our inner nature becomes divided and untrue, at this point our lives have become largely devoted to perpetuating a facade rather than a true, healthy spirit. I submit that this is the underlying meaning of this passage. The NT authors interpreted Jesus from their POV, hence we must always start with God's true nature as expressed in the person of Jesus and from this basis interpret the bible. Bibleanity does the opposite. The bible is far from being perfect, but God's perfect communication may be discerned (in the various situations in our daily lives and relationships) if we use our intelligence and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God's living presence within us.
The phrase, "there will be weeping and knashing of teeth," which is commonly used in Matthew is only found in one other place in the NT, in Luke. However this accurately describes what its like to be separate from God, and the resulting the personal hell we may instill within ourselves when we abandon God's way of life and pursue a life of sin. God casts no one out, we do it to ourselves, our bad actions drive us away from God's presence. Thus we may be cast into the outer darkness by the force of our sinful actions, not by God. The bible authors had an inaccurate view of God, they believed in a God of wrath and punishment, and even the NT authors carried this errant view over into their writings.
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From 'The Art of Happiness' , a truely good book by HH Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, page 64:
" How people express their emotions has also changed. In the middle ages it was considered normal to publicily express a wide range of feelings with great intensity and directness - joy, rage, fear, piety, and even pleasure at torturing and killing enemies. Extremes of hysterical laughter, passionate weeping, and violent rage were expressed much more than would be accepted in our society. "
I believe such behavior was a direct outgrowth of bibleanity. People were taught the bible was the sole authority by which to judge everything. It was the main text studied in the first universities in Europe. Anyone who disagreed with church doctrine was brutally murdered in public - often after being tortured. I believe this especially impacted the way royalty viewed themselves and their subjects. If the God of wrath depicted in the bible was true, then Kings were His appointed ministers of wrath and Holy War. Indeed, war may have been viewed as being obligatory, as it was in the bible, a divine institution. Thus, the violent accounts depicted in the bible engendered subsequent wars, massacres, the wide spread practice of torture and brutality - all being committed in the name of Christ.
These four verses which have been inserted into psalm 139 (which is mostly a very good psalm, one of the best) by another writer (this is another pattern found throughout the bible, the 'good parts' are often intentionally offset by other authors with more violent views) illustrate this mindset which is prevalent in the bible:
ps139:19 "Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. 21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies."
Clearly Jesus exposed the error of this minset and taught us the way of love, but bibleanity reverts back to the old, deluded, manmade ways of violence and hate. Our horrible history is the result.
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Christianity should be about spiritual transformation through the Living Spirit of God. The various doctrines such as bibleanity and rote religious "worship" may be either false or diversionary. Hence I feel it is essential to study other sources and practice meditation from a Christian perspective. Bible study is not essential, and its place in Christian religious practice has been blown out of proportion. We need to experience God's presence in our lives, not intellectualize and argue doctrinal delusions. Much of the basic pretense of Christianity is false, the idea of a God of History who inflicts punishment, etc. The Gospels were written one or two generations after Jesus' time on earth, by people with very specific beliefs and agenda, and are not perfect. Everything in the bible must be read from a spiritual basis in Christ. Men persist in reintroducing their deluded expectations in the forms of later writings. All the writings of the NT are suspect. We can find some accurate traces of Jesus' true nature and teachings but there is also so some degradation of his message, especially in the books of Hebrews and Revelation, which are often cited by the advocates of bibleanity.
God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, all are aspects of God. There is no wrath or hatred in God. Such are the delusions of men. The Dhammapada, the basic teachings of the Buddha, circa 2500BC, present a much better view of the teaching of Christ than do most of the writings of the Christian church. Truth is universal. Different aspects are complementary. Jesus told us to judge a tree by its fruit. We can experience this Body of Truth, it is not some intellectual achievement, it is not something to be accomplished, it is simply the realization of who and what we actually are. The methods of Zen meditation apllied from a Christian basis can be very effective, whereas Bible study can be counterproductive. Thoughts are real and have real effects on our being, lives, and the world around us. We must learn discipline and self-control. Western religion pretty much ignores this. Books communicate their writers being/consciousness, and the extremely violent content of much of the bible attests to the sick state of mind underlying such writings. Jesus shattered this deluded view of God, but men insist upon reinstating such ignorant beliefs. This is why we must actually develope a spiritual relationship with life, the universe, and all its creatures. Buddhism is a much better vehicle for doing this than the sort of rote churchianity and bibleanity that has been institutionalized under the auspices of Christianity. The heart of Christ and the heart of the Buddha are complementary, if not an essential pair. When we realize this common ground and actually experience the sanctity of life, as well as the true nature of love, we can set foot upon the Eightfold Path, and realize the Kingdom of Heaven of which Jesus spoke and the Way of Life he embodied.
God does not change. God is not limited to our linear time sense. God's time is always now, with God all moments are eternally present... Man's understanding of God may change, however this limited understanding should not be construed as God's true nature. Often men project their ignorance upon things they perceive, clouding their perceptions. We can see this tendency throughout the bible, in the OT as well as the NT, which is why Jesus always taught people to use the brains God gave them, to test all spirits, and judge a tree by its fruit. It is essential to realize the writings of the bible were written in languages that no longer exist, for people in ancient cultures that have long since passed away, so to interpret the bible from a literal POV may often be misleading. Jesus taught us the Holy Spirit was to be our guide, not theologians and professional commentators. We are expected to use and develope the intelligence with which we are blessed. Yet it seems that many people are more concerned with conforming to the expectations of some group than the actual teachings, person, and spirit of Christ. Such is eternally unchanging, constant, infinite love and compassion. There is no wrath in God. This is a false doctrine dreamed up by ignorant men. Wrath of God should be re-interpreted as consequences of our actions. To be separated from God is to suffer, and if we pursue a path that leads us away from Truth we will leave the Way of Light and embark upon the way of darkness... The outer darkness. This is man's doing, not God's. Much of the writings on the bible falsely attribute the consequences of man's deluded actions to an imaginary wrath of God. This is wrong. Our current understanding of God's nature is not the same as it was 2,000 years ago.
Thanks to the intervention of God and ithe incarnation of Christ in the person of Jesus... names are not critical, spirit is. God sees into the hearts of all people because God is at the heart of all people. We are united by this common thread. Some choose to honor this and other choose to reject this. We are each given free will, otherwise life would have no meaning. Jesus said we are friends, this is what God wants, not automatons or yes men. The view of God presented in the psalms is very different from our view today, yet there is an underlying truth that transcends our limited conceptualizations... if we can discern that which is timeless from that which is misguided. God does not change, hopefully we do, in a positive, evolutionary sense. But it is also possible to regress. Just because we have high tech devices and an exponentially expanding data base does not equate with an increase in understanding and wisdom. What have we done with all our knowledge ? History is mainly a record of warfare. This is what we have chosen to do with our manifold blessings - kill each other in increasingly greater numbers. Will we pass the test and survive as a species ? Right now it does not appear this will be the case. We have been given many opportunities, but we have failed to establish societies based up0n the teachings of Jesus, for example. Instead our societies are for the most part characterized by the pursuit of individual greed, hedonism, and gluttony. Will we learn to discern that which is timeless or succumb to that which is temporary and of no lasting value ? Time will tell.
- John Niemi 3-2010, Osaka.
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Opening the bible at random yesterday I came upon this passage:
2 Samuel 8 "In the course of time, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Metheg Ammah from the control of the Philistines. David also defeated the Moabites. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them off with a length of cord. Every two lengths of them were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought tribute... David captured a thousand of his chariots, seven thousand charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He hamstrung all but a hundred of the chariot horses...The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. "
There is nothing spiritual in such writings. This has nothing to do with God. These grotesque descriptions of violent acts which are so commonplace in the bible are not 'scripture'... Only a sick mind could consider them as such. Jesus always taught non-violence, healing, and compassion for all people. The bible is by far the most violent book I have ever read, and it is the most widely published book in the world. For publishing companies the bible is an easy way to make huge profits, hence the hundreds of versions now being marketed and purchased by millions of people taken in by the cult of bibleanity.
Hence it is essential to pursue a study of comparative religion to get some perspective and exposure to some truely spiritual, inspired writings. It is a sad commentary on contemporary societies when people are to lazy to think for themselves and prefer to blindly follow blind guides. Or perhaps they know exactly what they are doing... At any rate, the doctrine of bibleanity perpetuates much that is just the opposite of what Jesus exemplifies. While many organizations and companies and publications may bear the name of Christ, we have a moral responsibility to look beneath the surface and fathom the true nature and motivations of such institutions.
Jesus says he comes to save sinners, not the righteous. What could this mean ? Jesus made a point of ministering to Samaritans and Romans and women, the blind and lame... Why ? He never condoned any violent act, in fact he always spoke out against such. Bibleanity turns him into a blood sacrifice, downplays his life and teachings, and re-instates the deluded manmade doctrine of the god of war, wrath, and destruction.
Nonbiased modern archeaology and scholarship tell us that most of the bible's stories are fiction. Many of these wars never occured. Various groups of ancient peoples shared the land, intermarried, and co-existed peacefully much of the time. In the original Moses story, his father-in-law was a Midianite priest who gave Moses his daughter in marriage, they raised a family, and lived peacefully for 40 years. But in later times the priestly class saw such tales of peaceful intermarriage and co-existence as an erosion of their power. So they abolished intermarriage, even glorified the murder of intermarried couples, and pronounced that all people with different religious beliefs should be either enslaved or exterminated. Anyone who dared to speak against them was stoned by their neighbors. This was a religion of total subjugation and fear. This is the religion promulgated by much of the bible's content.
It is all plainly revealed in the bible. So why do people refuse to see what is so obvious ? Why do people accept such erroneous fabrications and false doctrines ?
Perhaps people are insecure and afraid, so they turn to the churches and are quickly diverted into the false religion of bibleanity. Perhaps its a case of peer preasure, 'we love you'... so long as you follow our dictates hook, line, and sinker. Maybe people are having a hard time and turn to a church for help. only to be exploited economically and added to the church labor pool, put to work promoting the very institution which is misleading them.
Hence it is essential to base our spiritual practice in Christ's living presence, through prayer and meditation, and not be too concerned with what others, especially people who call themselves Christians, may think of us.
Jesus incarnated to expose the falicy of such false religions as bibleanity. But men went right on back to the same old ways of brutality, war and violence. They even fabricated religious doctrines which said Jesus was a divine warrior, the author of the bible, and many other mistruths... This has continued into modern times. The delusions of men are deepely entrenched and seem to resurface with each new generation. Wherever Jesus went he healed people. He gave his life as an example on non-violence and forgiveness. Bibleanity discounts this and says he was a blood sacrifice to placate the wrath of god. Bibleanity is a continuence of the false religion which Jesus opposes. This addiction to violence has percolated down through the centuries. And our religious institutions may actually perpetuate it. This is why prayer and meditation should be the center of Christian practice instead of bible study.
And children should not be exposed to the many extremely violent, sick passages in the bible ! Bibleanity is the antithesis of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
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What I have learned about bible study -
In a few words - paperbacks and pew bibles. You do not alwas get what you pay for when buying books, especially bibles. Its amazing how many bibles, especially the expensive ones by Cambridge, are very difficult to actually read for more than a few minutes as they use very thin translucent paper so several underlying pages show through... I think the people in the sales department have become enamoured of the 'ultrathin' buzzword in the advertising, but then they are short, inadequate dictionaries and concordances - as many gimicks as possible to stick in the advertising... their system of 42 pronunciation marks serves to make much of the text unreadable, yet they do not employ them in their lectrun bibles which are designed for public speaking... add thousands of numbers and letters inserted into the text to correlate cross references, listing each verse line-by-line, its extremely contorted... anyway I recommend the KJV large print pew bible from Hendrickson, or the 'Holy Bible' by Penguin which has the same text as the expensive Cambridge new paragraph bible but in a more readable font, more opaque paper, more compact size, and costs 1/8 as much... go figure. For modern translations/study bibles the Saint Joseph NAB is very good, the model 611/10R especially, I adon't care for any of the Oxford study bibles, as they are not very well made and the notes are rather shallow and wishy-washy. Too many is confusing. The whole idea is to use the bibe as a sort of meditative device in our spiritual practice, to form our own views under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is a lot that is shockingly violent and unChristian in the bible, but we can learn from all things... Bible study is definitely not essential and has been blown way out of proportion, to the extent that it may actually interfere with our relationship with God.
However, there is something unique about the bible... Whereas most other scriptures, such as the writings of Buddhism or the Upanishads, etc. are straightforward teachings without much "hidden agenda" , the writings of the bible tend to have a deeper underlying levels of meaning when seen as metaphor, analogy, etc. While a literal interpretation may lead to views that conflict with the teachings of Christ, when viewed as metaphor or symbolism things may take on a different light. In this respect these writings may function on a deeper level than other more obvious scriptures... In this manner these writings may inspire us to a deeper relationaship with God... the living body of truth, what Buddhists term Dharma... For example, a psalm may demand that God defeat one's enemies, and taken literally this appears to be a request for military assistance, but if we look at it from a basis in Christ - what are our enemies, other than our own flaws and "ways of pain" which separate us from God's true way of life. This agrees perfectly with Buddhist teachings - Truth destroys delusion, light illumines darkness effortlessly, it is the very nature of light to illumine. Just as it is the very nature of Christ to heal us and bring us home. This is the same as the role of the Bodhisatva. So, the enemies God "destroys" are those things within us, our anger, hatred, selfishness... God purifies us with the fire of His spirit, that is, just as a musical instrument may be tuned to specific tones, our spirit may be attuned to God's... Of course once we get a taste of God's grace we immediately want to rid ourselves of all those bad things which cause pain and suffering. In our delusion we thought they would make us happy, but just the opposite is true... This is why Jesus told the rich young man who wanted to follow him to sell all his stuff and give the money to the poor - so he would be free and find true happiness.
Psalm 139 KJV minus verses 19-22 (words in parenthesis are taken from newer sources)
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast (encompassed) me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am (awesomely) and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my (days) were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
(verses 19-22 which I removed, see below)
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked (heb. painful) way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
now these verses seem to have been added by a different author. this pattern is found throughout the bible, the good passages are often rebutted by violent passages such as these:
"19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. 20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies."
However if we view these verse as a metaphor of spiritual practice, i.e. "wicked" literally means those things which cause pain in Hebrew... That is exactly what Christ ad Buddha do, remove those things which cause pain and suffering. "depart form me, ye bloody men" could mean our violent thoughts and emotional responses which cause conflict and may lead to violence, either verbal or physical or spiritual... "Depart from me, thoughts of violence and hatred." If we interpret this from the POV of personal spiritual practice it takes on a whole new light, which is in keeping with the reality and spiritual presence of Christ. So the srt of literal interpretations that are being churned out by the advocates of bibieanity are often misguided and may actually communicate just the opposite of what Jesus teaches.
"23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
The literal Hebrew word which is translated as "wicked way" here means "painful way", or the wa of pain ad suffering which is always the result of sinful actions.
Consider this from a metaphorical POV, and the meaning becomes much deeper, indeed there is a living spiritual presence, but we must look beneath the surface and be guided by the Holy Spirit, which is exactly what Jesus tells us to do. The advocates of bibleanity often do just the opposite, and then insist they are right and may even slander anyone who does not agree with them. Hence we must base our spiritual practice in the hands of the holy Spirit and live the life of faith, not theology and doctrinal argument.
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"Scripture does not support a creation date greater than about 10,000 years ago." - thus the MacArthur Study Bible authoritively asserts, this is a study bible of which there are "millions of copies in print", including student editions. So if science can unequivocally prove that this is totally wrong, it follows that either the bible is not the Word of God, or else God had a memory lapse when dictating the bible... One would assume if there is a creator, or an underlying consciousness, or whatever, that this same intelligence would be able to provide accurate information... Thus, the fact is, science is closer to truth much of the time than religion, at least in regards to understanding the physical universe, and there are many biblical experts educated in the doctrines of bibleanity who blithly make such totally false pronouncements as if they are right and the universe is wrong... And they, the publishing companies, and associated religious organizations get rich doing it. This would be impossible without the support of millions of people who seem content to set aside their faculties of reason and persception and blindly swallow whatever these authorities dish out... and to pay them alot of money to boot.
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The idea that religion is a matter of belief, that I "believe" in Jesus, etc. is misleading. It is not a matter of any intellectual belief system or doctrine. It is purely something we experience: God's acutal presence at some moment in our lives, an act of kindness from another person, newfound life and vitality, etc. When we act in accord with God's Way of Life we may find ourselves in a state of grace, a new sort of wellbeing and peace enter our lives, our hearts begin to 'soften' and we begin to discover a better Life, a real Life... This is not somethng that can be argued or doctrinalized, not something that can be theologized and marketed, its is the free gift of God, it is totally real, more real than any 'worldly' thing, which is why people are drawn to any true religious path. Jesus says we tell a tree by its fruit, and this is exactly how it is. We don't agrue about the doctrinal validity and theological soundness of an apple - we eat it and are nourished by it, its essence becomes part of our being.
Manmade religious institutions have been the cause of many wars, hundreds of years of warfare between various Christian groups on Europe, countless unimaginable atrocities, massacres, acts of genocide, murders, torture... This is the true history of the religions men made bearing the name of Christ. Today the very same doctrines and attitudes are still being fostered by many religious groups. Even when presented with the truth many people will reject it and embrace ignorance which leads to more violence.
It is interesting that before the crusades the various religious groups, Islamic, Jewish, and Christian live in peace in the Holy Land. The Christian residents of the Holy Land did not want the crusades, which were imposed upon them by various Christian rulers of Europe. During one crusade, Richard the Lionheart convinced an entire city to surrender, garuanteeing them their safety, and then had them all massacred, such was the behavior of the European invaders, who would also execute non-Christians, including Jews. At one point Islamic forces were actually defending Jewish residents from the Christian invaders.
For hundreds of years throughout Europe both Protestant and Catholic groups engaged in acts of savagry and the most horrible forms of brutality in the name of Christ. So why does the church gloss over this fact ? Why do so many people arrogantly posture as God's mouthpiece while preaching false doctrines and misrepresenting the true person, teachings, and spirit of Jesus Christ ?
Why isn't this history made known ? Why hasn't the church repented of its violent history and denounced the doctrine of Holy War that is still being preached today amony many fundamentalist Christians ? Why does the church tolerate people who preach Jesus is a divine warrior and Christians should bear arms ? Why are children being given adult bibles filled with many horrible violent passages and being told its God's Word ? The church seems more concerned with its own economic survival and political power.
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Jesus didn't speak greek... so the idea of "Word study" is not nearly as appropriate as prayer, meditation, and loving service to others, forgeting our selfish desires and allowing God's living presence to guide us. This is the true nature of Christianity. Many people have devoted their lives to studying the bible, writing volumous commentaries, in the belief that this was somehow leading them to a deeper relationship with God. Personally I think the opposite is often the case, such focus of biblical analysis and commentary detracts from the actual teachings of Jesus Christ and the sort of life he proposes. Is it possible that bibleanity has arisen primarily as a means of making money for many religious professionals ? And in the process naive people may be misdirected ? Is this intentional, or a result of man's delusions ? Jesus said we are not to judge others, but he also opposed the false religious institutions of his time. If someone is walking around in the dark and about to fall down the stairs I think we should turn on the light so they can see where they are going. The OT was written in Hebrew, a language which is very susceptible to misinterpretation given the fact that it consists mainly of consonants and verbs need to be inserted by the reader. Furthermore, people have changed many of the terms to conform with their beliefs. The word "Elohim" acutally means gods, plural, and this is the word that is used for the gods other peoples as well as the people of Israel and Judah. This word, which is found almost 900 times in the OT, has been translated as 'God' in the Holy Bible. Modern doctrine tells us this usage of the plural form by pagans describes their many gods but when the same word is used by non-pagans it is to describe the many atributes of the one true God. This is totally illogical and makes no sense. Why not simply say 'the one true God' ? I think its obvious that monotheism was a later development, probably inherited from the Babylonians. It is very important to realize that there was interaction and exchange between many cultures: Mesopotamian, Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, in fact with every culture which comes in contact with God's teachings... More importantly we must remember that each and every human being and creature on the earth, and in the universe, is intimately related and has a common origin. Buddhism makes this clear, whereas the biblical religions seem to instill erroneous divisions and animosity. Modern science has proven this conclusively - we share common elements within our DNA with all living things. The building blocks of life were brought to earth by comets from the outer solar system... However our religious institutions have their heads stuck in the sand and are locked into an obsolete mindset, but their power structure depends upon maintaning this delusion. How can the church of God admit its been wrong, when they purport to be God's representatives ?That is what they have been selling for millenia. On the other hand, science by its very nature, can easily admit errors, mistakes, fraudulent claims, whatever, and move on towards a new and truer understanding. This is more in keeping with the teachings of Jesus, as well as the bible. Any book, any ancient record, must be analyzed from an impartial POV, by many different people, from differnt perspectives. This is the fire of purification of which the bible speaks. If read with intelligence rather than imbued ignorance, these writings may at times communicate timeless wisdom and insight that is capable of adjusting itself to modern situations. Wisdom remains constant, but our understanding changes. Hopefully it will grow. But criticism is an essential safeguard. In the past the church simply murdered its critics, whereas some modern advocates of bibleanity may resort to slander and instilling fear in people. I think its important to stand up and expose this errant direction Christianity has taken. Unless the church comes clean and admits its errors and repents there can be no healing, and any true relationship with God is hindered. Bibleanity is a stumbling block on the road to salvation. The bible does not bring salvation - that can only come through God's living presence among us. This is not words printed on the pages of a book. The true Word of God is written on the fleshy tables of our hearts, throughout the infinite expanse of the universe. It cannot be contained by human doctrines, it cannot be controlled and sold for a profit.
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To summarize: God is love, honesty, openness, compassion, forgiveness... unconditional and unlimited, beyond the ken of human understanding. God is Life, growth, potential. God doesn't make wars or plagues... God never said people should be stoned. God's very nature is to heal, bring truth and understanding, enduring peace. The falacious doctrine of a divine bible has been used to justify numerous acts of violence and cruelty by numerous religious groups for thousands of years. In spite of the advances of modern science this sickness continues to thrive. This is a misrepresentation of the teachings and person of Jesus, a violation of universal truth which perpetuates suffering. Jesus' teachings and example are easy for anyone to understand. A life of prayer, service, simplicity, stewardship, non-violence and non-materialism should be the essence of Christianity. Jesus said those who take up the sword will die by the sword. When one of Jesus' followers cut of the ear of one of his assailants Jesus rebuked him and healed the man's ear. Jesus' example is clear. Bibleanity subverts the true teachings and nature of Christ.
When Jesus was brough before Pilate the leaders of the religious establishment in Jerusalem at that time incited the mob to call for his crucifiction. Previously Jesus had told them "tear down this temple and I will build it up again in three days." They thought he was speaking of the temple building in Jerusalem, but he was speaking of God's true temple and dwelling place. In this brief passage we are presented with Jesus' teaching on manmade temples vs. God's true dwelling place. But he was misunderstood. Jesus offered them a solution, the way of love and non-violence, he offered a new way, this was a turning point in history. If they had chosen to accept his way there would have been no Jewish revolt in 70AD, no destruction of Jerusalem, the world would have been a different place, but since they did not accept his offer, they continued along the same old path of violence begetting more violence... and this has continued up to the present day. When Pilot offered to release one prisoner he asked them if he should release Jesus, but the mob chanted "Barabas". Barabas was a revolutionary who had committed violent acts against the Roman state, including murder. This is a graphic and literal representation of how one road was chosen by the mob under the guidance of the religious leaders, that road being one of political revolution and armed conflict as personified by Barabas vs. the way of non-violence and love of all people as personified by Jesus. The religious leaders wanted Barabas not Jesus. This same choice has been made countless times since then by religious and political leaders. There are few instances of Jesus' way of non-violence having been instituted, but those few times in which it has were very successful, i.e. the quest for independence of India from British rule led by Mahatma Gandhi and the civil rights movement in the USA led by Martin Luther King, Jr. Both of whom were later assassinated... Yet the movements they instituted were totally successful. Jesus' way, the way of ahimsa, non-violence, works. But men are reticent to try it.
There are many conflicting passages in the bible. It is not one homogeneous work and should not be approached as such. For example in one place it says foriegners shall be forbidden from entering the temple and in another place it says "my house shall be a house of prayer for all people." Clearly there are different authors with conflicting views. There are advocates of the way of peaceful, non-violent spiritual living based upon respect and equality for all people. I think this is a very important point, which was developed further by Jesus and Paul, the total equality of all people before God, but it has its roots in the OT. I think there are two rival factions evidenced in the writings of the bible, exemplified by the persons of Jesus and Barabas. Those who believe in the higher ideals of selfless service to God vs. those whose pursuits are of a 'worldly' nature. We all seek happiness, a good life, freedom from suffering. But which way leads to this goal ? Shall we join the mob and call forth Barabas and send Christ off to be crucified again as has happened so many times throughout history? Paradoxically, denying the cravings of the senses, living a life of discipline and self-control is the only way to true happiness. Not by seeking our own materialistic enrichment, but instead seeking to live according to God's law, to serve others, and have no personal desire for the fruits of our actions. This is much easier said than done... But God will give us the ability to do so if we honestly make an effort in that direction. Living in this sort of 'spiritual poverty' is to be truely 'rich'... Hence, "blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." That is what Jesus says, it hits the nail on the head, its perfectly true. There is much in the bible of this nature, i.e. edifying, uplifting, and true, but there is also much that is the opposite. Jesus tells us we need to learn to discern which is which. I think its very easy and obvious. I think most children would clearly see the violent passages are not in agreement with the teaching of Jesus, but then adults teach them the false religion of bibleanity, and they grow up and teach their kids... Hence it is essential to engage in some form of spiritual practice which is centered on developing an awareness of God's actual spiritual presence within the temple of our body, within our lives and relationships with others. To free ourselves from the evil life of selfish exploitation of others and return to the life of stewardship and service. This leads to joy and wellbeing.
May we all learn to walk in the way of peace and respect for all life -
John Niemi, Osaka, 2010
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU
MAY ALL PEOPLE LEARN TO LIVE IN PEACE AND HARMONY
MAY WE LEARN TO SEE CLEARLY
MAY WE REALIZE OUR POTENTIAL
MAY WE ALL LEARN TO LIVE ACCORDING TO GOD'S ETERNAL
WAY OF LIFE
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At the beginning of the Word for Today Study Bible by Chuck Smith (I like Pastor Chuck alot, but a scientist he is not) the author delivers this authoritative assertion:
"But scientists are discovering, more and more, the impossibility of evolution. It is a theory that has proven to be untenable in light of the complexity of the universe and created beings... Given enough time and investigation, we will always discover God's Word was right all along, it can be trusted."
When the author speaks of God's Word he is refering to the bible. Advocates of bibleanity insist it is infallible and science is wrong. However, God is truth, therefore that which is true qualifies as God's Word and that which is not does not... Evolution is proven to be true, and without any doubt as to its veracity. With the decoding of the human genome and modern DNA analysis it can be proven that all life forms on thos planet are related, descendents of a common ancestor cell. For example our DNA also is identical to yeast in places. There is no way for that to happen unless we were once descended from a common parent. Every bonafide scientific body in the world accepts evolution as fact. This in a prefect example of how otherwise intelligent and good intentioned people can be attracted to the doctrine of bibleanity. However, science is God's Word in that it insists upon absolute truth. Every theory is rigorously tested from every point of view. There are many theories that do not pass this trial by fire, but evolution is not one of them. And the advent of DNA analysis provides irrefutable proof of its accuracy. This means the bible is not literally true, it is not a scientific text, it contains a great deal of myth, many contradictions, and many things that are not true. It is a mistake to mix science and relgion, and when ministers make these sorts of statements it serves to discredit Christianity and is a turn off to many people who choose to use the brains they are blessed. Jesus told us to do this. Obviously evolution is an innate characteristic of all life. The fact that we all evolved from a single source over billions of years should serve to prove our commonality. All life is one big family.
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There are various points of view presented in the bible. Here are some examples illustrating what the bible says regarding non-violence and Christian practice (KJV) -
Exodus 23,4 If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
Proverbs 24,17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
Proverbs 25,21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
Leviticus 19,17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Proverbs 20,22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Proverbs 24,29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Matthew 5, 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5,43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 6,14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 26,49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Mark 11,25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Mark 6,27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise... But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 17,3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Luke 22,48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Luke 23,33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Romans 12,14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves... Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink...
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Thessalonians 5,14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
Ephesians 4,1 ... walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all... 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another... 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3,8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...
This is what Jesus and the apostles say.
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Another problem is the glut of new bible translations being churned out by many people. How anyone can get a copyright on the bible is beyond me. Bible publishing is very lucrative, even though there are very few good quality, well made, readable bibles available. There are hundreds of study bibles in which people insert their notes and views, giving them a false legitimacy by printing them interspersed with the bible text. Such materials should be printed as separate commentaries. But the study bible concept enables publishers to keep reselling the bible text to individuals many times. Instead of paying $10 for a commentary we have to buy the whole affair for much more.
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Bibleanity is in some respects unChristian and at times not even in keeping with what the bible actually says. Bibleanity is a misguided religious doctrine created by men to further their interests, which may in fact be in opposition to those of Christ. Jesus said true religion consists of helping others, forgetting our petty selfish delusions and allowing the greater potential of God to work in us, transforming us so that we might become the people God originally hoped we would be. If the bible is actually read from a spiritual basis in Christ it is clear that much of its contents are not inspired by God. Sometimes bibleanity is not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus never advocated scholarly bible study, in fact he criticized such a dry, heartless approach. Jesus spoke of a living spiritual relationship. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach us all thngs and to watch out for the sort of bible experts who seek to imprint their views upon our minds. Jesus said we are supposed to use our Godgiven intelligence and test all spirits, not blindly accept whatever people say just because they have some degrees or have written some books... We are suppose to think and follow his example. Yet throughout our ignoble history our religious institutions have been bastions of violence, cruelty, and war, seeking to oppress the truth and further the sick deluded doctrines of men. This continues to this day. Children are being misled and taught false doctirnes by adults who insist upon embracing ignorant views. People can say anything under the guise of religious freedom. There are people with seemingly impressive credentials who are teaching children there are dinosaurs living today and that humans and dinosaurs co-existed several thousand years ago. They deprive children of real knowledge of the Earth's vast age. They deprive children of a true appreciation of the value of life by teaching them God simply created it all in 6 days, just picked up a handfull of dirt and reathed on it and it became Adam. They even teach them that Jesus is going to return and destroy the earth someday in unquenchable fire. The interesting thing is, much of this, if read with an open mind, correlates with the views of modern science - all life is indeed formed from the same primoridal elements, which do indeed come from the heavens, into which life has indeed somehow been miraculously breathed, and billions of years from now as our sun ages and enters the red giant stage (the sun is indeed going to return and destroy the earth with unquenchable fire) it will expand and the earth and everything o0n it will be will be incinerated... Such is the nature of the natural system, nothing lasts forever, hence Jesus' apt instructions to store up treasure in heaven, to develope our spiritual nature, i.e. to be re-born in his/her image. How is it that such correlations can exist in these ancient writings ? The thing is, the advocates of bibleanity belittle these writings with their simplistic and shallow "literal" interpretations. Why do our religious institutions try to hide the truely miraculous and wonderful nature of all life? Perhaps its because if people knew the truth, if they had a glimpse of the infinite love and compassion of Christ, they would be less willing to engage in wars and destroy others. Then the ruling classes and arms merchants and military professionals and priests and theologians, etc.... would all be out of jobs. But if we say other people are "infidels" its much easier to maintain the status quo. Such has been the case for thousands of years now.
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I think a comparative study of religion is essential. Jesus told us the Holy Spirit would be our guide, teacher, and friend. It seems that the Christian church has downplayed this central instruction and replaced it with bible study and theology - an intellectual approach rather than spiritual. Reading books such as the Upanishads and Dhammapada can shed light on the nature of spritual practice based upon meditation and prayer, i.e. actual spiritual communion with "the Body of Truth", the true "Word of God" is universal. There is no perfect religfon. Any attempt at explaining that which is infinite and eternal will introduce misleading concepts, but if we don't get hung up on these contrivances, we can experience that which is beyond the scope of our descriptive abilities. Hence the need for tolerance and respect. Indeed, one view may complement another. Rather than getting lost in imaginary dualities and polarized thinking we should work to realize the fundamental ground of being we all have in common. If Jesus Christ is the incarnation of this universal truth, then we should seek to understand all the implications of this, rather than imposing our limited views and understanding upon something which is much greater, much broader, much more wonderful than we can imagine. We are blessed with infinite potential, God reaches out to us, and we respond by interpreting this from an ignorant, biased point of view. We attempt to claim the Truth as ours and ours alone. We are right and everyone who does not use the same terminology, anyone who does not adhere to our doctrines, i.e. anyone who does not conform to our authority, concealed behind the facade of religion we have constructed, all those 'others' are turned into enemies... But this is not at all what Jesus says or does. Men take his gift and twist it until they have turned it 180 degrees, making it into a likeness of themselves, rather than allowing themselves to be made into a likeness of Christ.
The advocates of bibleanity have sought to prevent the advance of scientific inquiry and discovery for over 2,000 years. The doctrine of bibleanity belittles and cheapens life. For example, complex cells, the basic building blocks of all living jorganisms took more than 1 billion years to evolve... thats 1,000 million years, an inconcievable amount of time... Whereas we took about 2 million years to evolve from our ancient ancestors, in other words it took about 500X longer for complex cells to evolve than humans which are made of these complex cells, about 100 trilion of them in perfect organization, which in turn are composed of about 10 to the 28th power atoms... Now this is miraculous - this is the truth, this is the reality of the body, planet, and universe we have inherited. Yet bibleanity tells us God makes wars and plagues and kills people who do not worship him. Bibleanity does not want people to know the truth. Religions often depict life as being something negative, an illusion, or something we have made inherintly sinful, something to escape from... Yet if God is truth, if Christ is the incarnation of this truth, the embodiment of God's creative nature, then why do religious institutions reject science and punish people who reveal scientific truth ? Why do growing millions reject proven scientific facts and embrace obsolete superstitions and faulty beliefs ? Why do many Christians advocate policies of war and violence when Jesus clearly lived and taught the opposite ? Much of the bible's content is very violent and untrue. It is a record of man's perversion of God's true nature as represented in the person of Jesus. It clearly shows how men create religions to subjugate and control people and to justify wars and conquests.
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On 2 Thessalonians 2 -
I believe this passage from 2 Thessalonians illustrates how in some places the letters of Paul differed from the life, teachings, example, and spirit of Jesus Christ. And since these writings actually predate the Gospels they also influenced the authors of the Gospels. So even the NT must be read with discernment and a basis in Christ.
Excerpts from 2 Thessalonians 2 - "Now we beseech you, brethren... That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God... For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
I think sometimes Paul tends to revert to his previous nature, the persecutor, and forgets the infinite nature of God's love, reverting to an OT mindset that is not in keeping with the life of Christ.
"God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth"
Where would Paul himself be if this was indeed how Christ felt, for Paul was the foremost among such people and it was purely God's grace which reached out to him and blessed him. Indeed this very point is made by Paul in other places in his letters, so this is a contradiction.
Yet in places he seems to violetly condemn other sinners, i.e. people who did not agreee with the doctrines he espoused. But Jesus said he came to save sinners. So this at times vengeful (OT?) mentality which seems to be resurfacing in the letters of Paul and then in the early church represents a departure from the actual teachings and life of Jesus.
Now, I find it relevant and interesting that these very same passages can be understood as metaphor for personal christian spiritual practice, i.e. the process that takes place within us as we are reworked by the Holy Spirit. For example, "for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God" can be seen as referring to our inner "man of sin", our lower nature, our sinful tendencies. The "day of the lord" can be seen as the dawning of Christ within us, Christian enlightenment, which cannot occur until this inner "man of sin" is exposed by the Holy Spirit and destroyed by the Breath of Christ. This also has parallels in Buddhist meditative practice. But from the Christian standpoint, it is not our practice of meditation and yoga that bring about the inner enlightenment but the actual working of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit within us. This should be the nature of Christian practice, rather than theology and intellectual debate and trying to ram our pet doctrines down each others throats and slandering anyone who does not agree with us... This makes much more sense from a Buddhist POV.
And I believe there were other people in the early church who also felt this was the true Way of Christ and that some of the doctrines Paul was advocating were a diversion from the Way as taught and lived by Jesus. Not all of the disenters were sexual permiscuous with depraved minds as depicted in Paul's letters. Some who were slandered under the label of Gnostic were in fact sincere Christian people who were living in accord with the teachings of Christ but did not agree with the direction Paul was taking the church. This is also evident in the letters of James and Peter - there was a doctrinal split with the church in Jersusalem.
Paul emphasized the idea of waiting for the Parousia, the return of Jesus. This seems to deny the fact that Jesus did it, he defeated the forces of cruelty and ignorance, but now Paul is saying Satan still rules the earth and his defeat is to come at a later date when Jesus returns. Such writings may be a result of later apocalyptic additons authored after the Iall of Jerusalem.
I believe the Day of the Lord is metaphor for Christian enlightenment, not a reference to some future date in history. And this passage atests to the fact that others within the early church felt this way, but Paul's old persecutor nature resurfaced when he was confronted with anyone who did not agree with the doctrines he was preaching, and the church came to adopt his POV.
The universal love of God was becoming elitest, only for the chosen few who conformed to new church doctrines.
Jesus' teaching of universal unconditional love became conditional...
"God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
This statement is in opposition to the life, teachings and example of Jesus. God is incapable of inflicting anyone with delusion. God is Truth, Light, Salvation, Healing. Isn't that obvious? Isn't that the most basic thing anyone experiences when they are reborn in Christ ? But this true revelation of Christ is has often been subverted by the very church which bears his name.
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More and more I feel that the bible, especially the NT, is a compilation of materials from various sources, constucted to communicate specific views, and may not be totally true to what Jesus actually said and did. In places it may contain statements that reflect the author's views rather than the teachings of Jesus Christ, especially in Revelation, Hebrews (Jesus is not a high priest, etc.) and other NT epistles.
Never-the-less, if read with discernment, even these digressions are educational and shed light by exposing such attempts at subverting his teachings for purposes other than tohose of Christ, i.e. men have a tendency to revert to their devious nature, especially those drawn to "worldly" power have often found religion to be a very effective way to manipulate people to their own ends.
In this regard we can say it is indeed the Word of God in that it reveals truth, i.e. records these acts of subterfuge which become obvious when it is read with an open mind and unbiased pov with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We should judge the tree by its fruit. What did Jesus live and teach ? Always love, peace, compassion, humility, and non-violence. Anything counter to this not of Christ. Contrary to what the authorities proclaim, there is a great deal in the bible that is not intended to be understood literally, as when the writer of Revelation says Jesus is going to destroy the world with unquenchable fire, obviously this cannot be literally true - Jesus often taught in parables and metaphor which required spiritual discernment, this such passages might better be viewed spiritually symbolic as metaphor, for example God destroys worldly delusions with the fire of purification, the Word of Truth, etc.
I also think the early church was different from the later official church version which essentially denies Jesus' final victory on the cross, saying we must wait for Jesus' return and that the devil still rules the earth. From this errant point of view, Jesus' death on the cross is reduced to an OT style blood sacrifice to placate the wrathful OT god, and its true meaning and significance is lost. The most important thing about Jesus' death is that he forgave the very people who were torturing and killing him. This was his final victory over evil, and he conquered it with love. This is God's true nature, total compassion, non-violence, unconditional love. But men have changed this into something different. There are many authorities who say Jesus is a divine warrior and the reason he died on the cross was to take God's wrath for our sins upon himself. Its a very selfserving view, we are forgiven of our sins because Jesus sacrificed himself as their Holy Bible said he should. Jesus became a functionary of the bible, he did things "in order that scripture may be fulfilled." So we can go on making wars and killing and doing the sorts of things Jesus gave his life to cure us from.
it is essential to "test all spirits." The divisive, judgemental, vindictive nature of some NT passages should not be validated because men placed them in a book and then proclaimed it to be "The Word of God". God's living spirit is within us and our relationship with God is private. As Christians we should not climb up on a high horse and condemn other sinners because we think God's gift of salvation has somehow placed us above them. No one can judge how God works. All we can do is hope and pray and try with God's grace and help to be the people God wants us to be.
There may have been people in the early church who believed and practiced a sort of Christian "Zen" in which Jesus' resurrection was mirrored within us here and now. Perhaps they saw Christianity not as dogma and argument but as an inner spiritual evolution, a very real and present thing, not some future goal to be won, not something doled out by an almighty church, not something to be theologized and sold. There must have been many other writings but only those which supported church doctrine were preserved.
The original fish symbol was replaced by the cross. This living spirit based "Zen" Christianity was replaced by a version which saw Jesus' death on the cross as the most significant thing he did and hardly mentions his actual example and teachings. The church proclaimed itself to be he Body of Christ and its clergy His official ministers who doled out salvation for a fee. Thus the church approved version came to differ in many ways from the actual life, teachings and spirit of JESUS.
The TRUTH will set us free...
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The errant doctrine of the "watery chaos" -
Genesis 1 - "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. "
Many study bibles, both liberal and conservative, contain annotations stating authoritatively that this passage refers to a "watery chaos"... some even equate it with a state of evil... However this is not at all what the bible says. In other places the bible says things like, "Your judgements, O God, are like a great deep." This verse portrays a state of potentiality, from which the universe was born... This concept of "chaos" is a product of shallow thinking. Clearly, this time before time was like a seed, from which all creation as we know it was born. The universe has a predisposition (an "embedded bias" tiouse a new catch phrase) towards life. I ask all these ridiculous "experts", if God created the universe, how could it have been chaotic, and even evil, at the beginning. Clearly there is an underlying orderly principal which only people twisted by years of theologizing are capable of missing... A snowflake needs a grain of dust to form, this is not disorder or chaos. This first verse in the bible depicts a vast, infinite sea of potentiality - not an evil chaos. Nothing in the OT supports this view of a watery chaos, its a total fabrication, a delusion, that has become popular among people who are blinded by religious doctrines and false, anti-life, views. Some of these authrities even say that nature is evil, that forests are evil places, etc. This is manmade delusion, illogical, unfounded, and shallow.
These excerpts from Matthew Henry (the newly released Matthew Henry Study Bible) illustrate how men inject their views upon God and the Universe, on Genesis 1,2 this famous commentator writes ;
"Confusion and emptiness... There was nothing in it desirable to be seen. Ti was shapeless and useless... This chaos represents the state of an unregenerate soul. There is disorder, confusion, and every evil work; it is empty of all good, for it is without God..."
There is nothing in the OT to support this doctrine. This is a beautiful image. How can God's creation be without God? This is the sort of thing that men do when they become blinded by their writings and concepts. If one takes cares to look at the first two chapters of Genesis from a more modern scientific POV there are correlations with current science and cosmology that are amazing.
This image of life awaiting its birth is unique and beautiful, as is the Earth itself. We should see ourselves as stewards. Each generation should make the Earth a better place. We should leave it in better condition when we leave. But just the opposite is happening, and such anti-life, anti-earth religious views as these continue to supported and drive this sickness today, even when we are blessed with much greater scientific understanding. Even when blessed with the light of truth many people will embrace old deluded views. God is light and truth, not fear and ignorance.
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Matthew's Bible, published in 1537... this is a real eye-opener. I thought the KJV (1611) was difficult to understand because it was written in "old english", so I was very (pleasantly, amazingly) surprised to read this older complete english bible. The language is much better, more eloquent, warm hearted, and easier to read (once you get the hang of the older typeface and devices. Its very intelligent. the text layout is the best I have seen - double column paragraph with marginal notes, no numbered verses, very pretty typography... The KJV seems clumsy and choppy in places compared to the Matthew's Bible. The KJV was an update of this bible done by various commitees, whereas the Matthew's bible is the work of three inspired men. And the KJV was written so as to be in accord with the king's demands and church doctrine. For example, words like "fight" in the MB are changed to "war" in the KJV, "love" to "mercy", "laugh" to "shout", "out of your wits" to "ye are mad".... the tone of the MB is warmer and more like Shakespear, who was inspired by these writings.
The psalms are amazing in the MB, this from Psalm 65 (Myles Coverdale trans.) -
Hear us according to thy wonderful righteousness,
O God of our salvation :
Thou that are the hope of all the ends of the earth,
and of the broad sea.
Which in his strength setteth fast the mountains,
and is girded about with power.
Which stilleth the raging of the sea,
and the roaring of his waves,
and the moods (?) of the people.
They that dwell in the uttermost parts,
are afraid at thy tokens, (amazed at thy signs)
Thou makest both the morning and the evening stars
to praise (thee ?).
Thou visiteth the earth,
thou watereth it,
and maketh it very plentious.
The river of God is full of waters,
Thou preparest man his corn,
and thus thou provideth for the earth.
Thou watereth her furrows,
Thou breaketh the hard clots thereof,
Thou maketh it soft with the drops of rain,
and blesseth the increase of it.
Thou crowneth the year with thy good,
and thy footsteps drop fatness.
The dwellings of the wilderness are fat also,
and they drop with all :
and the little hills are pleasant on every side.
The folds are full of sheep,
the valleys stand so thick with corn
that they laugh and sing.
Compare this to any other "translation"... I submit that all the so-called "translations" are derivitive of the work of these four men, and are in fact "up-dates" or alterations made for various reasons, including the act of obtaining a copyright so money can be made by the new "authors-translatiors-publishers"....
Of course in places we need to understand the older meaning of certain words, but I find that fascinating. I think its also the best, the most inspired, the most heartfelt and the most beautifully rendered, printed, and designed. We would have been much better off if we had simply stuck with this bible...
This bible contains all the published books by William Tydale, Genesis - 2 Chronicals, Jonah, and the New Testament, the rest is by Myles Coverdale, who translated the Coverdale Bible, 1535, the first complete English Bible... Actually I like the portions by Coverdale best, these include the Prophets, the Psalms, the Apocrypha, Job, etc. Its about 60% Tyndale and 40% Coverdale, but I think the materials translated by Coverdale are more difficult and poetic - the true test of any translator, and although the introduction to the Matthew Bible (written by a past president of the Tydale Society) disparages Coverdale ("as far as translators go, he was a rowboat among battleships"... I wonder which means of transportation would Jesus have chosen ...) I am very impressed with the Coverdale works. The works of these two translators were edited by John Rogers, who was later burned at the stake by Scotland's Queen Elizabeth on 2-4-1555. About 80% of the King James NT is the work of Tyndale, so the KJV is actually an updating, or amendation, of the works of these men. And in many places the KJV is rough and difficult to understand compared to these earlier writings. Like most bible translation, the KJV was written in conformance with certain political and doctrinal biases. These original translations appear to be more honest and inspired. William Tyndale was executed 10-1536, tied to a stake, strangled, and then his body was burned - the manner of executing heretical scholars in those days. One year later his complete works were published in this bible under the name of Matthew Thomas, since King Henry VIII would not have approved anything by Tyndale. I hope there will also be a facsimile publication of the Coverdale Bible, I'd really like to read his translation of the NT...
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from psalm 110 (KJV) -
"The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
He shall judge among the heathen,
he shall fill the places with the dead bodies;
he shall wound the heads over many countries"
Jesus always related to people in a manner that brought healing - both physical and spiritual. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would come to us and be our guide and teacher. Directly, within our hearts. He never said we should study theology or even study the bible for that matter... He said true religion was to love and care for others. Period. Jesus never, ever condoned any violent act, and he rebuked his disciples when they suggested such things... Re. the cleansing of the temple - Jesus made a rope whip to drive the livestock from the temple grounds, in the process the animals upset the tables of the money changers... Jesus was totally peaceful and non-violent. He is a healer in every sense of he word. He is not now, nor has he ever been, a divine warrior in the sense of someone who leads armies in battle. The main battlefield for the Christian should be within themseves, combating those things within us which lead us to become separated from God. God is love. War is an abomination made by ignorant and arrogant men. He treated all people, men, women, children, Samaritan, Jew, Roman, equally. He said he came to serve them, not to be served by them. He said the sabbath was created for man, not the other way around. But, true to the inherantly violent nature embedded within our genes, men wasted no time in perverting the teachings of Jesus, reinstating the OT delusion of a violent and wrathful destructor god, and turning Jesus into an OT style blood sacrifice to placate the wrath of the OT god they invisoned. 2,000 years later this perverted doctrine has become the norm, a firmly entrenched institution, attested to by centuries of horrendously violent behavior on behalf of numerous "christian" regimes and groups. Today bibleanity is thriving, a huge a lucrative business employing thousands.
It is indeed nothing short of a miracle, that in spite of thousands of years of misrepresentation and obfuscation on behalf the various religious groups, the truth of Jesus' life and teachings is in fact realized by millions of good hearted people. In spite of what some churches and authorities may proclaim, the Holy Spirit continues to guide those humble souls who turn to Christ with an open heart. They may not get much publicity but they have no need for it, nor do they desire or seek it. It is a fact, that with God, the squeaky wheel does not get the oil. Jesus never wrote anything, he deals directly with people.
Thank you Lord Jesus for coming to us and healing us and setting us upon the right path. The love of God is beyond the understanding of men, yet we may experience it. A momentary glimpse of which is more educational than a lifetime of book learning and study.
However, the bible tells us about Jesus and the context in which he came to us, and as such is invaluable. My objection is to the idea that the bible is divine, the Word of God. I believe the essence of Christianity should be our personal relationship with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. This is totally real, the Holy Spirit will guide us and give us advice and support us. We can have this personal relationship with God. The bible is not perfect, there are many mistakes in it and many things which are not in accord with the teachings of Jesus. We must read it with discernment, just as Jesus said. The NT was written by authors several generations after Jesus' earthly departure and reflects early church teachings about Jesus. Some of the things in it are inaccurate. We have to imagine what Jesus would have actually done in a given situation and we can also recieve insights from the Holy Spirit. This sort of Spiritual reading is beneficial and has inspired millions of people, but bibleanity may interfere with this process and introduce deluded ideas that are not from God but rather the product of the minds of men. In many places the bible represents a record of man's errant views regarding God, as opposed to the true nature of God as manifest in the person of Jesus Christ. God is love, infinite kindness - God does not get angry, God may feel great sadness when confronted with the shortcomings and sins of humans but is always compassionate. The idea of an angry God is a projection of man's views upon God, not God's actual nature.
When we look at the night sky and glimpse a few of the billions of stars it is hard to fathom how we can be so vain and petty. We fight and kill for tiny areas of territory when we are surrounded by an infinity of space and other worlds. Yet we waste our skills and knowledge in the age old pursuits of warfare and destruction. Though we are all unquestionalbly a product of this same infinite universe we constantly strive to fabricate differences, nationalities, religions, races, we constantly dream up labels and then pretend they are what is real, when in actuality our labels are but feeble glmpses. We award ouselves degrees and titles and positions of power but in the end they are all essentially meaningless if taken apart from the whole of what we truely are. Our religions and sciences give us views and ideas, but they are imperfect at best and dangerously misguided at worst. Unless we can learn to temper our genetically encoded violent and aggressive predisposition whatever scientific, political, economic and religious institutions we create will fail in the long run. The most important thing we need to do, the true business at hand, should be learning to live in peace and harmony with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth. Then we can pool our resources and reach out into the solar system and beyond.