Seeking The Creator:
The Creation
“In the beginning God(s) created the heaven and the earth . . .”
Science is in general agreement that our solar system may be billions of years old. Most accept a “Big Bang” theory of creation . . . that is that the formation of everything began from an intense concentration of gasses that exploded into the amazingly organized and controlled galaxy of stars, planets, moons and a moving network of asteroids and comets.
“In the beginning God(s) created the heaven and the earth . . .”
Science is in general agreement that our solar system may be billions of years old. Most accept a “Big Bang” theory of creation . . . that is that the formation of everything began from an intense concentration of gasses that exploded into the amazingly organized and controlled galaxy of stars, planets, moons and a moving network of asteroids and comets.
"In The Beginning . . .”
The first three words in the Book of Genesis, “In the beginning . . .” point to two important facts about our world. There appears to have been a point of origin, and time exists in our dark three dimensional universe. These are things taken for granted by most of us. The significance of both truths . . . if we can accept them as truths . . . is that they set us apart from all other known life forms when examined on a spiritual realm.
The first three words in the Book of Genesis, “In the beginning . . .” point to two important facts about our world. There appears to have been a point of origin, and time exists in our dark three dimensional universe. These are things taken for granted by most of us. The significance of both truths . . . if we can accept them as truths . . . is that they set us apart from all other known life forms when examined on a spiritual realm.
In The Beginning . . . God . . .
The phrase quoted in the above headline: “In the beginning, God . . .” may be among the most familiar four words in the literate world. They are the very first words in the ancient text of the Book of Genesis. They have been the subject of many Christian sermons since the very origins of the church, and possibly even before when the Hebrew people were gathering text. The Christians perceive the significance of these words to prove that there was a beginning of everything as we know it and that the creator God is an eternal/external power that always was and always will be. They also see this God as the source of all creation.
The phrase quoted in the above headline: “In the beginning, God . . .” may be among the most familiar four words in the literate world. They are the very first words in the ancient text of the Book of Genesis. They have been the subject of many Christian sermons since the very origins of the church, and possibly even before when the Hebrew people were gathering text. The Christians perceive the significance of these words to prove that there was a beginning of everything as we know it and that the creator God is an eternal/external power that always was and always will be. They also see this God as the source of all creation.
The “Gods” Of Creation
The Book of Genesis in the standard King James translation of the Bible opens with the line: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The translation is in error right from the start. It seems that the original Hebrew word used for “God” was Elohim, a reference to “gods.” This is because the ancient Hebrew culture was polytheistic. That means the Hebrews worshiped more than one god. Since angelic inspired Christianity attempts to proclaim a single god (although in a trilogy of father, son and Holy Ghost), the translations from Hebrew to Latin and then eventually to English became altered over the years to promote the concept of one god that created everything.
The Book of Genesis in the standard King James translation of the Bible opens with the line: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The translation is in error right from the start. It seems that the original Hebrew word used for “God” was Elohim, a reference to “gods.” This is because the ancient Hebrew culture was polytheistic. That means the Hebrews worshiped more than one god. Since angelic inspired Christianity attempts to proclaim a single god (although in a trilogy of father, son and Holy Ghost), the translations from Hebrew to Latin and then eventually to English became altered over the years to promote the concept of one god that created everything.
The Many Names Of God
The writers of the ancient Hebrew text that became the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, worshiped multiple gods and had a variety of names for them. This was common among early civilizations. What is unique about the Tanakh is that as the writings were absorbed into the canon that eventually became the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, the various Hebrew names of god were altered so they implied reference to a single, all-powerful creator god. Yet various Hebrew names can still be found in the King James Bible if you hunt for them. There is an argument that the original names may have been a reference to different gods, not all of them pointing to a singular or monotheistic belief system. At the time the text was written, the Hebrews were polytheistic.
The writers of the ancient Hebrew text that became the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, worshiped multiple gods and had a variety of names for them. This was common among early civilizations. What is unique about the Tanakh is that as the writings were absorbed into the canon that eventually became the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, the various Hebrew names of god were altered so they implied reference to a single, all-powerful creator god. Yet various Hebrew names can still be found in the King James Bible if you hunt for them. There is an argument that the original names may have been a reference to different gods, not all of them pointing to a singular or monotheistic belief system. At the time the text was written, the Hebrews were polytheistic.
The Identity Of God
When I was a young man I gave up my status as an agnostic after reading a book by the Rev. Billy Graham in which Graham pointed out the power required to keep all of the stars, planets and galaxies in our solar system spinning in such perfect order. Graham also pointed to the similarities between the way our solar system operates and the way atoms within single cells appear, with electrons spinning around a nucleus. There is a clear harmony within all things, both from a finite and an infinite level. This, Graham argued, is proof of the existence of an intelligence in the design of all things as we perceive them. Thus I had to agree that there had to be intelligence behind all of creation.
When I was a young man I gave up my status as an agnostic after reading a book by the Rev. Billy Graham in which Graham pointed out the power required to keep all of the stars, planets and galaxies in our solar system spinning in such perfect order. Graham also pointed to the similarities between the way our solar system operates and the way atoms within single cells appear, with electrons spinning around a nucleus. There is a clear harmony within all things, both from a finite and an infinite level. This, Graham argued, is proof of the existence of an intelligence in the design of all things as we perceive them. Thus I had to agree that there had to be intelligence behind all of creation.
The Living Planet Earth
“And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” Gen. 1:24
To grasp an understanding of how the process of the creation of life occurred we must, essentially, experience a paradigm shift. That is, we must throw out all of the false concepts of an external god figure commanding living things to emerge from the mud of the Earth. These false images were implanted in our heads by organized religion since we were children. We need, instead, to adopt a more pagan way of thinking. We must recognize our planet as a living, sentient being. The Native Americans call her the Mother Earth, and they are quite correct.
“And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” Gen. 1:24
To grasp an understanding of how the process of the creation of life occurred we must, essentially, experience a paradigm shift. That is, we must throw out all of the false concepts of an external god figure commanding living things to emerge from the mud of the Earth. These false images were implanted in our heads by organized religion since we were children. We need, instead, to adopt a more pagan way of thinking. We must recognize our planet as a living, sentient being. The Native Americans call her the Mother Earth, and they are quite correct.
In The Image Of Lucifer
“And God (Lucifer) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
This startling sentence in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis strongly implies that the creator was talking to either himself or other like beings at the time of human creation. Bible scholars say that this is a reference to the Holy Trinity; that God was speaking to himself in the forms of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. But there is another explanation. Suppose the creator was a race of alien beings involved in manipulating the DNA of planet humanoid animals to give them the ability to evolve as a marvelous new humanoid, the homosapien.
“And God (Lucifer) said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
This startling sentence in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis strongly implies that the creator was talking to either himself or other like beings at the time of human creation. Bible scholars say that this is a reference to the Holy Trinity; that God was speaking to himself in the forms of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. But there is another explanation. Suppose the creator was a race of alien beings involved in manipulating the DNA of planet humanoid animals to give them the ability to evolve as a marvelous new humanoid, the homosapien.
Ye Shall Be As God
“For God doeth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as God..” (Gen 3:5)
The story of how the evil Satan disguised himself as a beautiful serpent that tempted Eve into disobeying God and eating of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is the foundation of the false doctrine known as Christianity. The story is a powerful distortion of fact, and cleverly told so as to promote the doctrine of original sin that has plagued humanity for thousands of years.
“For God doeth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as God..” (Gen 3:5)
The story of how the evil Satan disguised himself as a beautiful serpent that tempted Eve into disobeying God and eating of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is the foundation of the false doctrine known as Christianity. The story is a powerful distortion of fact, and cleverly told so as to promote the doctrine of original sin that has plagued humanity for thousands of years.
The Vapor Canopy Over The Garden
“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament . . .” Gen. 1:6-7
Bible scholars tend to think of the Garden of Eden as a specific place on Earth. This is because the Genesis story says God cast both Adam and Eve out of the garden as punishment for sin, and that angelic beings were stationed as guards at the gate so no one could enter the place again. The mythology is a bit twisted. The garden was the entire Earth as it was in its perfect setting before humans arrived. Scientists have been in debate over just what that world looked like, but all agree that the garden in its original form was very different than what it is today. The living animals were much larger . . . and the creatures and giant trees existed everywhere . . . even in the arctic tundra and Antarctica. That giant dinosaurs with unusually small lungs could exist on the planet then is a clear indication that the atmosphere was extra rich in oxygen. That the heavy pterosaur, with its stubby body and 11-meter wing span could fly, hints that the atmosphere also was much heavier. Thus has emerged the vapor canopy theory.
“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament . . .” Gen. 1:6-7
Bible scholars tend to think of the Garden of Eden as a specific place on Earth. This is because the Genesis story says God cast both Adam and Eve out of the garden as punishment for sin, and that angelic beings were stationed as guards at the gate so no one could enter the place again. The mythology is a bit twisted. The garden was the entire Earth as it was in its perfect setting before humans arrived. Scientists have been in debate over just what that world looked like, but all agree that the garden in its original form was very different than what it is today. The living animals were much larger . . . and the creatures and giant trees existed everywhere . . . even in the arctic tundra and Antarctica. That giant dinosaurs with unusually small lungs could exist on the planet then is a clear indication that the atmosphere was extra rich in oxygen. That the heavy pterosaur, with its stubby body and 11-meter wing span could fly, hints that the atmosphere also was much heavier. Thus has emerged the vapor canopy theory.
The Canopy Paradox Resolved?
Not long ago we published a review of the Vapor Canopy Theory and the strange paradox it created. Since that time I have had occasion to talk with a psychic viewer who had an interesting and plausible solution that I will attempt to explain. The problem has been the geological and archaeological evidence found all over the earth proving that (a.) there was once a time when forests, vegetation and a wide variety of animals lived at both the northern frozen tundra and under the ice at Antarctica, (b.) large areas of the planet show fossil evidence of being submerged. Click on picture to read more.
Not long ago we published a review of the Vapor Canopy Theory and the strange paradox it created. Since that time I have had occasion to talk with a psychic viewer who had an interesting and plausible solution that I will attempt to explain. The problem has been the geological and archaeological evidence found all over the earth proving that (a.) there was once a time when forests, vegetation and a wide variety of animals lived at both the northern frozen tundra and under the ice at Antarctica, (b.) large areas of the planet show fossil evidence of being submerged. Click on picture to read more.
Solving The Mystery Of The Human Soul
Theologians and philosophers have debated for hundreds, if not thousands of years the existence and identification of the human soul. That there is an argument at all can perhaps be blamed on the old Hebrew text in the Book of Genesis where we read: “the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.” New Testament writers later warned that it is possible for us to lose the soul. The questions then are: what is a soul? Is there a difference between a soul and the human spirit? Is there anything that makes us uniquely different from the animals that share this planet? How can we lose the soul?
Theologians and philosophers have debated for hundreds, if not thousands of years the existence and identification of the human soul. That there is an argument at all can perhaps be blamed on the old Hebrew text in the Book of Genesis where we read: “the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.” New Testament writers later warned that it is possible for us to lose the soul. The questions then are: what is a soul? Is there a difference between a soul and the human spirit? Is there anything that makes us uniquely different from the animals that share this planet? How can we lose the soul?
Lilith Rises to Reign Over the New Order
The story of Lilith is an ancient myth, believed to be of Hebrew origin. As the story is told, Lilith was Adam’s original mate, created by God in the same clay from which Adam was made. But there was a problem. She declared herself equal to man, refused to submit to Adam’s will, and fled the Garden. Because of this, Lilith was cursed by God and is only vaguely remembered in the myth as a wicked woman, perhaps possessed by dark spirits. God then made Eve from Adam's rib, which, according to the Hebrew legend, was symbolic of the woman’s submissive role to men forever. The story, while not of Biblical origin, expresses the same kind of sexist principle that intertwines throughout the Bible record.
The story of Lilith is an ancient myth, believed to be of Hebrew origin. As the story is told, Lilith was Adam’s original mate, created by God in the same clay from which Adam was made. But there was a problem. She declared herself equal to man, refused to submit to Adam’s will, and fled the Garden. Because of this, Lilith was cursed by God and is only vaguely remembered in the myth as a wicked woman, perhaps possessed by dark spirits. God then made Eve from Adam's rib, which, according to the Hebrew legend, was symbolic of the woman’s submissive role to men forever. The story, while not of Biblical origin, expresses the same kind of sexist principle that intertwines throughout the Bible record.
Cain And Abel; Did They Exist?
The Bible, among the oldest surviving documents in existence, is regarded as a historical record albeit twisted by religious doctrine. Thus the story of Cain and Abel, allegedly the first sons of Adam and Eve, need to be examined with some care. The story is a record of the first recorded murder in human history. As most people know, the two brothers were farmers of a different sort. Cain grew crops while Abel raised sheep and other domestic animals. They were expected to make sacrificial offerings to the god that called itself Elohim. This god reportedly praised Abel who killed animals and put their blood on an alter. But the god rebuked Cain because his offerings came from the fields and were bloodless. Thus out of jealousy, Cain, the kind vegetable farmer, killed his brother the sheep farmer.
The Bible, among the oldest surviving documents in existence, is regarded as a historical record albeit twisted by religious doctrine. Thus the story of Cain and Abel, allegedly the first sons of Adam and Eve, need to be examined with some care. The story is a record of the first recorded murder in human history. As most people know, the two brothers were farmers of a different sort. Cain grew crops while Abel raised sheep and other domestic animals. They were expected to make sacrificial offerings to the god that called itself Elohim. This god reportedly praised Abel who killed animals and put their blood on an alter. But the god rebuked Cain because his offerings came from the fields and were bloodless. Thus out of jealousy, Cain, the kind vegetable farmer, killed his brother the sheep farmer.
What Happened To The Longevity Of Methuselah?
It is well known, probably even among non-Bible scholars, that a man in the Old Testament named Methuselah lived a record 969 years, making him the oldest recorded human in the history of the human race. But Methuselah, the grandfather of Noah, was not the only one to live to very ripe and healthy old age, if the record in Genesis 5 is accurate and in keeping with contemporary time lines. So people lived very long lives in the recorded beginning. What happened after that?
It is well known, probably even among non-Bible scholars, that a man in the Old Testament named Methuselah lived a record 969 years, making him the oldest recorded human in the history of the human race. But Methuselah, the grandfather of Noah, was not the only one to live to very ripe and healthy old age, if the record in Genesis 5 is accurate and in keeping with contemporary time lines. So people lived very long lives in the recorded beginning. What happened after that?
Enoch And The Antediluvians
The oldest surviving records about the pre-flood era . . . known as the antediluvian period . . .are mostly found in the Book of Genesis, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Book of Enoch. Except for the Gilgamesh story, inscribed on clay tablets uncovered in ancient Mesopotamian ruins, the books have been subjected to the handiwork of church scribes, always with Christian or other religious agendas, for so long there is question as to their original content. The stories also are thought of as fiction, much like Greek and Egyptian myths carried down from ancient times when story telling was a form of public entertainment. Thus there also is question as to the historical accuracy of any of the old stories.
The oldest surviving records about the pre-flood era . . . known as the antediluvian period . . .are mostly found in the Book of Genesis, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Book of Enoch. Except for the Gilgamesh story, inscribed on clay tablets uncovered in ancient Mesopotamian ruins, the books have been subjected to the handiwork of church scribes, always with Christian or other religious agendas, for so long there is question as to their original content. The stories also are thought of as fiction, much like Greek and Egyptian myths carried down from ancient times when story telling was a form of public entertainment. Thus there also is question as to the historical accuracy of any of the old stories.
So Who Were The Nephilim?
Among the many sexy stories passed down by the Hebrews in the Old Testament, the most controversial has been that of the Nephilim, as told in Genesis 6:4, King James Version... "There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." This brief little paragraph, an event that the Biblical account goes on to say angered God so much that he brought on a world flood to eradicate all living things on the planet, is so filled with holes we can only speculate at just what really happened.
Among the many sexy stories passed down by the Hebrews in the Old Testament, the most controversial has been that of the Nephilim, as told in Genesis 6:4, King James Version... "There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." This brief little paragraph, an event that the Biblical account goes on to say angered God so much that he brought on a world flood to eradicate all living things on the planet, is so filled with holes we can only speculate at just what really happened.
An Examination Of The Story Of Noah
Of all the miracle accounts in the Bible, the story of Noah and the ark he built so a remnant of humans and living creatures could escape cataclysmic events has survived scholarly efforts of disapproval. Not only is the story found in the fifth chapter of the Book of Genesis, a comparable account is told in the Epic of Gilgamesh and flood stories survive in many tribal myths including the American Indians and on the Islands of Hawaii. Yet the Bible story defies scientific explanation. What really happened?
Of all the miracle accounts in the Bible, the story of Noah and the ark he built so a remnant of humans and living creatures could escape cataclysmic events has survived scholarly efforts of disapproval. Not only is the story found in the fifth chapter of the Book of Genesis, a comparable account is told in the Epic of Gilgamesh and flood stories survive in many tribal myths including the American Indians and on the Islands of Hawaii. Yet the Bible story defies scientific explanation. What really happened?
The First World Emperor Nimrod
Much has been written about Nimrod although what we know is mostly drawn from few verses in the ancient and twisted Book of Genesis. A great grandson of Noah, Nimrod was the son of Cush, who in turn was the firstborn son of Ham. From Genesis 10:8-11: "And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land went forth Ashur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah: the same is a great city."
Much has been written about Nimrod although what we know is mostly drawn from few verses in the ancient and twisted Book of Genesis. A great grandson of Noah, Nimrod was the son of Cush, who in turn was the firstborn son of Ham. From Genesis 10:8-11: "And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land went forth Ashur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah: the same is a great city."
The Original Mother of God
Semiramis was said to have been both the wife and the mother of Nimrod. Nimrod, in turn, was thought to have been the first post-deluge world emperor, recorded in history as the Assyrian King Tukulti-Ninurta I, the founder of Nineveh and ruler of the known world within the Golden Crescent. Proof of the actual existence of these two legendary characters is difficult, if not impossible. Yet their footprint can be found in ancient historical text and records, including the Bible. Nimrod is mentioned briefly in the Book of Genesis as a great grandson of Noah. The New Testament story of the Virgin Mary giving birth to a god is a text taken right out of the legend of Semiramis.
Semiramis was said to have been both the wife and the mother of Nimrod. Nimrod, in turn, was thought to have been the first post-deluge world emperor, recorded in history as the Assyrian King Tukulti-Ninurta I, the founder of Nineveh and ruler of the known world within the Golden Crescent. Proof of the actual existence of these two legendary characters is difficult, if not impossible. Yet their footprint can be found in ancient historical text and records, including the Bible. Nimrod is mentioned briefly in the Book of Genesis as a great grandson of Noah. The New Testament story of the Virgin Mary giving birth to a god is a text taken right out of the legend of Semiramis.
The Days Of Peleg
Peleg, a fifth generation descendant of Noah, is briefly mentioned in the tenth chapter of the Book of Genesis: “And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.” And therein we have a mystery. There is no explanation of the dividing of the Earth, or why Peleg’s name should be uniquely associated with it. If Peleg and Joktan were brothers, why wasn’t the Earth divided in their days? Was this a reference to the event at the Tower of Babel? Is there a historical record of such an event?
Peleg, a fifth generation descendant of Noah, is briefly mentioned in the tenth chapter of the Book of Genesis: “And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.” And therein we have a mystery. There is no explanation of the dividing of the Earth, or why Peleg’s name should be uniquely associated with it. If Peleg and Joktan were brothers, why wasn’t the Earth divided in their days? Was this a reference to the event at the Tower of Babel? Is there a historical record of such an event?
That Strange Tower Of Babel Story
This ancient tale from the pages of the Book of Genesis has perplexed many Bible scholars because it doesn’t seem to make sense. It appears to be an attempt to explain why humans were spread all over the world, and emerged with so many different cultures, languages and races after springing from the same root. But there is more to this story than meets the eye.
This ancient tale from the pages of the Book of Genesis has perplexed many Bible scholars because it doesn’t seem to make sense. It appears to be an attempt to explain why humans were spread all over the world, and emerged with so many different cultures, languages and races after springing from the same root. But there is more to this story than meets the eye.
Abram In The Ancient City Of Ur
Was there really a man named Abraham that emerged from the ancient land of the Chaldees to become the progenitor of the Hebrew and Palestinian people? There is some evidence beyond the Old Testament that such a man did exist, but he wasn’t exactly the person identified in the Book of Genesis. From Genesis we are told that Abram, who later changed his name to Abraham, was the fifth generation direct descendant of Peleg. Some scholars place his existence at about 2,000 BC. He was born in the ancient City of Ur. This territory was once part of the mighty Mesopotamian Empire.
Was there really a man named Abraham that emerged from the ancient land of the Chaldees to become the progenitor of the Hebrew and Palestinian people? There is some evidence beyond the Old Testament that such a man did exist, but he wasn’t exactly the person identified in the Book of Genesis. From Genesis we are told that Abram, who later changed his name to Abraham, was the fifth generation direct descendant of Peleg. Some scholars place his existence at about 2,000 BC. He was born in the ancient City of Ur. This territory was once part of the mighty Mesopotamian Empire.
What Really Happened At Sodom And Gomorrah?
In the Bible story, Abraham left Chaldea for the Promised Land and his nephew Lot went with him. On their way both men became so encumbered with livestock that the land would not support them both. So they parted ways. Abraham went to Canaan and Lot went into the Jordan Valley and settled in the City of Sodom along the Dead Sea. According to the Bible account, this was a mistake on Lot’s part, since Sodom was a wicked place where the people practiced sexual perversion. The angel that declared itself Yahweh, or god of the Hebrews, declared that it was abhorred by the fact that men were having sex with men, unmarried women were having sexual relations with each other and with men, and that Sodom was therefore a wicked place that must be destroyed.
In the Bible story, Abraham left Chaldea for the Promised Land and his nephew Lot went with him. On their way both men became so encumbered with livestock that the land would not support them both. So they parted ways. Abraham went to Canaan and Lot went into the Jordan Valley and settled in the City of Sodom along the Dead Sea. According to the Bible account, this was a mistake on Lot’s part, since Sodom was a wicked place where the people practiced sexual perversion. The angel that declared itself Yahweh, or god of the Hebrews, declared that it was abhorred by the fact that men were having sex with men, unmarried women were having sexual relations with each other and with men, and that Sodom was therefore a wicked place that must be destroyed.
Ezekiel's Gog And Magog Prophecy
A Montana writer once linked joint military exercises between Russian and Chinese troops with the Old Testament prophecy in the Book of Ezekiel that pits the forces of Gog and Magog against Israel in the end times. This is one of the great fallacies in the Christian Bible; that Israel is the center of the world, that the Israelis are the chosen people of God, and that a final apocalyptic battle will be focused on that little dot of a nation in the Middle East. As we have noted many times in past articles the Bible is laced with distorted prophecy and half-truths that paint a blurred picture of history. The prophetic messages also may be distortions of what may really happen to mankind at the end of the world as we currently know it. There appears to exist within most people a subconscious awareness that some kind of a conclusion is fast approaching. This may not be because it was ordained by a power from above . . . but because too many humans are programmed to believe it will happen.
A Montana writer once linked joint military exercises between Russian and Chinese troops with the Old Testament prophecy in the Book of Ezekiel that pits the forces of Gog and Magog against Israel in the end times. This is one of the great fallacies in the Christian Bible; that Israel is the center of the world, that the Israelis are the chosen people of God, and that a final apocalyptic battle will be focused on that little dot of a nation in the Middle East. As we have noted many times in past articles the Bible is laced with distorted prophecy and half-truths that paint a blurred picture of history. The prophetic messages also may be distortions of what may really happen to mankind at the end of the world as we currently know it. There appears to exist within most people a subconscious awareness that some kind of a conclusion is fast approaching. This may not be because it was ordained by a power from above . . . but because too many humans are programmed to believe it will happen.
Did Jesus Really Exist?
At an age when so many Bible thumpers are counting heavily on a mythological Jesus to come down out of the clouds and save them from a diseased, polluted and dying planet, a growing number of historical researchers are questioning whether this dynamic "savior" even existed. The story of Jesus is shocking similar to the mythology surrounding Horus, Buddha, Mohammad, Mithra, Dionysus, Glycan, Romulus, Odysseus and Krishna. This raises the question: are all of the great world religions based on ancient mythology?
At an age when so many Bible thumpers are counting heavily on a mythological Jesus to come down out of the clouds and save them from a diseased, polluted and dying planet, a growing number of historical researchers are questioning whether this dynamic "savior" even existed. The story of Jesus is shocking similar to the mythology surrounding Horus, Buddha, Mohammad, Mithra, Dionysus, Glycan, Romulus, Odysseus and Krishna. This raises the question: are all of the great world religions based on ancient mythology?
From Where Does That "Rapture" Story Originate?
Fundamental Christians not only put their faith in a god-man named Jesus who proved his deity by supposedly rising from the dead three days after he was murdered, but they believe in a wild "rapture" story. This story claims that the deity named Jesus is going to come back in the clouds and at the sound of a trumpet, all true believers will be lifted up off the ground and swished into the sky where they will then ascend with him into Heaven.
Fundamental Christians not only put their faith in a god-man named Jesus who proved his deity by supposedly rising from the dead three days after he was murdered, but they believe in a wild "rapture" story. This story claims that the deity named Jesus is going to come back in the clouds and at the sound of a trumpet, all true believers will be lifted up off the ground and swished into the sky where they will then ascend with him into Heaven.
Moses Looks At God
In Exodus 33:23 Moses seeks to look upon the face of Jehovah and as a special privilege, is allowed to see only the backside of God. God explains that no mortal can look upon the face of God and live. It is another one of those odd verses that can leave the Bible student hanging and wondering why it was part of the big story. A look at the Bible commentaries strongly suggests that the theologians had no decisive revelations about this little story either.
In Exodus 33:23 Moses seeks to look upon the face of Jehovah and as a special privilege, is allowed to see only the backside of God. God explains that no mortal can look upon the face of God and live. It is another one of those odd verses that can leave the Bible student hanging and wondering why it was part of the big story. A look at the Bible commentaries strongly suggests that the theologians had no decisive revelations about this little story either.
Jesus and the Fig Tree
Among the strange Bible stories is that of the encounter Jesus had with a fig tree as told in Matthew 21:19 and Mark 11:13-14. It seems that while he and his disciples were hiking from Bethany Jesus comes to a fig tree where he looked for its fruit for a snack. But he found the tree barren of figs so he condemned it to wither and die. Of course the question we ask as Bible students is why Jesus would do such a thing. His unexpected attack on a fig tree like that seemed to serve no purpose except to give us an example of his power over living things of the Earth.
Among the strange Bible stories is that of the encounter Jesus had with a fig tree as told in Matthew 21:19 and Mark 11:13-14. It seems that while he and his disciples were hiking from Bethany Jesus comes to a fig tree where he looked for its fruit for a snack. But he found the tree barren of figs so he condemned it to wither and die. Of course the question we ask as Bible students is why Jesus would do such a thing. His unexpected attack on a fig tree like that seemed to serve no purpose except to give us an example of his power over living things of the Earth.
The Day God Threatened to Kill Moses
From Exodus 4:24-26 (NIV) : “At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. 26 So the Lord let him alone.” Described as one of the more perplexing conundrums of the Pentateuch, these three Old Testament verses have been studied and debated by Bible scholars. What caused God to decide to kill Moses and what has Zipporah’s act of radically circumcising Moses’s son with a flint stone got to do with saving Moses from God’s wrath?
From Exodus 4:24-26 (NIV) : “At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said. 26 So the Lord let him alone.” Described as one of the more perplexing conundrums of the Pentateuch, these three Old Testament verses have been studied and debated by Bible scholars. What caused God to decide to kill Moses and what has Zipporah’s act of radically circumcising Moses’s son with a flint stone got to do with saving Moses from God’s wrath?
Was it a Biblical Condemnation of Masturbation?
The verses in Genesis 38/8-10 offer a strange story that appears to contradict modern marital customs and laws so they sometimes get misinterpreted. They read: “Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death also.” We have heard preachers and Bible teachers use these verses and First Corinthians 6:18 to argue that the act of masturbation is a serious sin in the eyes of God. But is this true?
The verses in Genesis 38/8-10 offer a strange story that appears to contradict modern marital customs and laws so they sometimes get misinterpreted. They read: “Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death also.” We have heard preachers and Bible teachers use these verses and First Corinthians 6:18 to argue that the act of masturbation is a serious sin in the eyes of God. But is this true?
Jacob’s Peculiar Striped Cows
There is a strange nonsensical account in the Book of Genesis about how Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, gained wealth and influence by tricking his Uncle Laban out of the best livestock in his flocks. Somehow Jacob arranged to separate the livestock so he owned the “ringstraked” and “spotted” cows and sheep and Laban got the solid dark colored animals. But do such streaked and spotted livestock naturally exist?
There is a strange nonsensical account in the Book of Genesis about how Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, gained wealth and influence by tricking his Uncle Laban out of the best livestock in his flocks. Somehow Jacob arranged to separate the livestock so he owned the “ringstraked” and “spotted” cows and sheep and Laban got the solid dark colored animals. But do such streaked and spotted livestock naturally exist?
David and Michal
When we think of King David we remember his torrid romance with Bathsheba. But few remember that David had at least eight wives and possibly more. The eight are mentioned, but only three wives played a prominent role in the Old Testament Bible story. They were his first wife, Michal, daughter of King Saul; Abigail the daughter of Nabal; and of course, Bathsheba, the wife of one of the soldiers in David’s army. David’s romance with Michal is described in 1 Samuel. It seems that both Michal and her sister, Merab had their eyes on David as a potential husband but David chose Michal. King Saul agreed to reward David with Michal’s hand if he could produce a dowry of 100 foreskins of Philistine soldiers.
When we think of King David we remember his torrid romance with Bathsheba. But few remember that David had at least eight wives and possibly more. The eight are mentioned, but only three wives played a prominent role in the Old Testament Bible story. They were his first wife, Michal, daughter of King Saul; Abigail the daughter of Nabal; and of course, Bathsheba, the wife of one of the soldiers in David’s army. David’s romance with Michal is described in 1 Samuel. It seems that both Michal and her sister, Merab had their eyes on David as a potential husband but David chose Michal. King Saul agreed to reward David with Michal’s hand if he could produce a dowry of 100 foreskins of Philistine soldiers.
Not Wise to Mock Male Baldness
As the years have passed I must report that my personal hairline has receded and receded yet some more. This has been going on until I can safely say that I am on the edge of baldness. Thus it is that I can relate to the Bible story concerning Elisha and what he did when mocked for his baldness by a gang of youth. Second Kings 2:23-24 reads: “From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. ‘Go on up, you baldhead!’ they said. ‘Go on up, you baldhead!’ He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.”
As the years have passed I must report that my personal hairline has receded and receded yet some more. This has been going on until I can safely say that I am on the edge of baldness. Thus it is that I can relate to the Bible story concerning Elisha and what he did when mocked for his baldness by a gang of youth. Second Kings 2:23-24 reads: “From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. ‘Go on up, you baldhead!’ they said. ‘Go on up, you baldhead!’ He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.”
The Ultimate Biblical Horror Story
In the Book of Judges we find the perverted story of the assassination of King Eglon. It is so graphic it leaves new Bible students wondering why it became part of the Hebrew holy books of its day. In verses 3:21-25 we read where Ehud, a trusted confident to King Eglon, came before the king to present a gift of money. But when he got close enough he pulled a double-bladed sword from his boot and stabbed the ultra-fat king in the gut. The story gets really graphic from there.
In the Book of Judges we find the perverted story of the assassination of King Eglon. It is so graphic it leaves new Bible students wondering why it became part of the Hebrew holy books of its day. In verses 3:21-25 we read where Ehud, a trusted confident to King Eglon, came before the king to present a gift of money. But when he got close enough he pulled a double-bladed sword from his boot and stabbed the ultra-fat king in the gut. The story gets really graphic from there.
Witchcraft Should be Recognized as a Valid Religion
The decision by the U. S. Army in 1999 to recognize Wicca as a religion and permit the practice of Wiccan services on military bases was about 200 years overdue. While I am not a practitioner of this ancient pagan belief, I know people who are, and I believe it to be as valid a "religion" in the United States as any of the others. That the Christians cried foul in this matter was not surprising. The Christian religion has consistently proclaimed itself the "one true religion" and condemned anyone who dares to follow another faith as a lost and condemned soul bound for an eternity of fire and brimstone. The Christians identify any group that prays to another god a "cult." There has been a disturbing movement afoot in recent years to have our government identify cults as dangerous organizations.
The decision by the U. S. Army in 1999 to recognize Wicca as a religion and permit the practice of Wiccan services on military bases was about 200 years overdue. While I am not a practitioner of this ancient pagan belief, I know people who are, and I believe it to be as valid a "religion" in the United States as any of the others. That the Christians cried foul in this matter was not surprising. The Christian religion has consistently proclaimed itself the "one true religion" and condemned anyone who dares to follow another faith as a lost and condemned soul bound for an eternity of fire and brimstone. The Christians identify any group that prays to another god a "cult." There has been a disturbing movement afoot in recent years to have our government identify cults as dangerous organizations.
Balaam And The Talking Donkey
Balaam is a deceiver and a wicked character in the Old Testament who worked with King Balak to lead the Israelites into transgression. We should not be surprised, then, in the Book of Numbers, when we read how Balaam whipped his donkey three times because it refused to carry him in the direction he wished to travel. What is surprising is that after the third whipping, the donkey turned its head around and started talking to Balaam. “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” it asked.
Balaam is a deceiver and a wicked character in the Old Testament who worked with King Balak to lead the Israelites into transgression. We should not be surprised, then, in the Book of Numbers, when we read how Balaam whipped his donkey three times because it refused to carry him in the direction he wished to travel. What is surprising is that after the third whipping, the donkey turned its head around and started talking to Balaam. “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” it asked.
Simon Magus - The First Christian Heretic
New Testament Bible students will note that the Book of Acts includes references to an ongoing struggle between the early efforts to establish the Christian Church and a peculiar counter movement by an individual named Simon, who appears to be a follower of the new faith, but is somehow on the outside creating conflict. The writer of Acts, and subsequent church historians, have successfully vilified Simon. He is identified as Simon Magus, the first heretic. He appears in Acts 8-9-24 and is depicted attempting to buy the miraculous abilities displayed by the Apostles such as healing, and disrupting the teachings of Paul and Peter. The sin of Simon has even been given the name simony. This is the act of paying for position and influence in the church. The pious church leaders have branded Simon Magus as a practitioner of anti-nomianism, which means a religion that disobeys the code of theology necessary for salvation. But is this true?
New Testament Bible students will note that the Book of Acts includes references to an ongoing struggle between the early efforts to establish the Christian Church and a peculiar counter movement by an individual named Simon, who appears to be a follower of the new faith, but is somehow on the outside creating conflict. The writer of Acts, and subsequent church historians, have successfully vilified Simon. He is identified as Simon Magus, the first heretic. He appears in Acts 8-9-24 and is depicted attempting to buy the miraculous abilities displayed by the Apostles such as healing, and disrupting the teachings of Paul and Peter. The sin of Simon has even been given the name simony. This is the act of paying for position and influence in the church. The pious church leaders have branded Simon Magus as a practitioner of anti-nomianism, which means a religion that disobeys the code of theology necessary for salvation. But is this true?
The Gods That Come Out Of The Sky
The mythology of ancient Greece speaks of gods coming to Earth and mating with mortal women. The Genesis story includes a strange tale about the Sons of God who came to Earth, found the women fair, and fathered children with them. These stories and other less known myths suggest alien contact at some distant time in human history. And if it happened that way, it sparked a line of thinking that made gods out of the characters that visited the planet.
The mythology of ancient Greece speaks of gods coming to Earth and mating with mortal women. The Genesis story includes a strange tale about the Sons of God who came to Earth, found the women fair, and fathered children with them. These stories and other less known myths suggest alien contact at some distant time in human history. And if it happened that way, it sparked a line of thinking that made gods out of the characters that visited the planet.
Peyote; the Sacred Sacrament
Author Robert Anton Wilson claimed the psychedelic effect of the cactus flower peyote, which grows mostly in the hot moist climate of southern Texas and parts of Mexico, is almost identical to the experience of taking lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD. Both are described as "mind expanding" drugs. There is much argument about just how dangerous either peyote or LSD is to those who indulge. The U. S. government ruled LSD illegal about 45 years ago. Because of a trade agreement signed in 1993, both LSD and peyote recently became equally illegal in Canada, the United States and Mexico. This agreement, and the fact that all three governments got equally hard-nosed about peyote use in 1993, created a serious problem for certain Navajo Indians in Arizona, the Huichol Indians in northern Mexico, and many other tribes through the mid-section and western Americas. That is because peyote is considered as sacred a sacrament to the Native American Church as bread and wine are to Christian believers during communion ceremonies.
Author Robert Anton Wilson claimed the psychedelic effect of the cactus flower peyote, which grows mostly in the hot moist climate of southern Texas and parts of Mexico, is almost identical to the experience of taking lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD. Both are described as "mind expanding" drugs. There is much argument about just how dangerous either peyote or LSD is to those who indulge. The U. S. government ruled LSD illegal about 45 years ago. Because of a trade agreement signed in 1993, both LSD and peyote recently became equally illegal in Canada, the United States and Mexico. This agreement, and the fact that all three governments got equally hard-nosed about peyote use in 1993, created a serious problem for certain Navajo Indians in Arizona, the Huichol Indians in northern Mexico, and many other tribes through the mid-section and western Americas. That is because peyote is considered as sacred a sacrament to the Native American Church as bread and wine are to Christian believers during communion ceremonies.
The Real Reason The Romans Crucified Jesus
A controversial book, “Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” by Dr. Reza Aslan, religious sociologist at University of California, paints a more realistic picture of just who Jesus was, what he was attempting to accomplish, and why he was executed by the Roman government. Aslan’s report is based on the Hebrew and Roman politics of that time, on the published words of Jesus, and known details of the crucifixion. Aslan claims Jesus was a religious zealot that was attempting to restore Judaism to its fundamental state. He consequently created many religious and political enemies, and was arrested and executed by Rome for the crime of sedition against the state.
A controversial book, “Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” by Dr. Reza Aslan, religious sociologist at University of California, paints a more realistic picture of just who Jesus was, what he was attempting to accomplish, and why he was executed by the Roman government. Aslan’s report is based on the Hebrew and Roman politics of that time, on the published words of Jesus, and known details of the crucifixion. Aslan claims Jesus was a religious zealot that was attempting to restore Judaism to its fundamental state. He consequently created many religious and political enemies, and was arrested and executed by Rome for the crime of sedition against the state.
Christian “Rapture” Not In The Bible
The late theologian and Bible historian Dr. Ernest L. Martin once wrote that the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible, but rather is a relatively recent word created by Christians to describe a sequence of events described in the writings of Paul concerning the “spiriting away” of Christians at the time of the great tribulation. Martin, who had a way of shaking both Christian and Jewish doctrines during his life, posted some serious reservations about the reliability of the rapture story. While he admits that certain Bible verses refer to some kind of supernatural events involving a raising of believers into the clouds in the end times, he wonders why “the doctrine of the Rapture is not mentioned in any Christian writings, of which we have knowledge, until after the year 1830 A.D. . . No one mentioned a syllable about it.”
The late theologian and Bible historian Dr. Ernest L. Martin once wrote that the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible, but rather is a relatively recent word created by Christians to describe a sequence of events described in the writings of Paul concerning the “spiriting away” of Christians at the time of the great tribulation. Martin, who had a way of shaking both Christian and Jewish doctrines during his life, posted some serious reservations about the reliability of the rapture story. While he admits that certain Bible verses refer to some kind of supernatural events involving a raising of believers into the clouds in the end times, he wonders why “the doctrine of the Rapture is not mentioned in any Christian writings, of which we have knowledge, until after the year 1830 A.D. . . No one mentioned a syllable about it.”
Does the Ark of the Covenant Still Exist?
The Ark of the Covenant probably remains among the most cherished objects in the Jewish/Christian religions. It was allegedly built by the Israelites from a pattern Moses received from God. Many believe the Ark contained tablets with God’s commandments and possibly even the spirit of God. According to the Hebrew Bible the Ark also contained Aaron’s rod and a golden jar filled with manna. The Ark was created while the Israelites were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. From there it was carried by its staves about 2,000 feet in advance of the people while they traveled. The Ark was always kept hidden under a veil made of skins and blue cloth. It was believed that God spoke to Moses from under the two golden cherubim seated on the top. Once the temple was constructed in Jerusalem, the Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies . . . a room inside the temple . . . where only the most sacred men of God dared enter.
The Ark of the Covenant probably remains among the most cherished objects in the Jewish/Christian religions. It was allegedly built by the Israelites from a pattern Moses received from God. Many believe the Ark contained tablets with God’s commandments and possibly even the spirit of God. According to the Hebrew Bible the Ark also contained Aaron’s rod and a golden jar filled with manna. The Ark was created while the Israelites were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. From there it was carried by its staves about 2,000 feet in advance of the people while they traveled. The Ark was always kept hidden under a veil made of skins and blue cloth. It was believed that God spoke to Moses from under the two golden cherubim seated on the top. Once the temple was constructed in Jerusalem, the Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies . . . a room inside the temple . . . where only the most sacred men of God dared enter.
Spider Woman Exists In Native Mythology
When Doris and I lived among the Navajo in Arizona we heard the stories of Spider Woman, the great creator of the people. Our host, a wise old medicine man named Raymond Begay, once took us out along the rim of Canyon de Chelly and pointed out a tall pointed rock formation where he said it was believed that Spider Woman still lived. Not long after that, we befriended Ted Kootsewatewa, a Hopi two-horned priest, who talked about a path leading from his home at the foot of the Second Mesa, under the village of Mishongnovi, where he said Spider Woman made her home.
When Doris and I lived among the Navajo in Arizona we heard the stories of Spider Woman, the great creator of the people. Our host, a wise old medicine man named Raymond Begay, once took us out along the rim of Canyon de Chelly and pointed out a tall pointed rock formation where he said it was believed that Spider Woman still lived. Not long after that, we befriended Ted Kootsewatewa, a Hopi two-horned priest, who talked about a path leading from his home at the foot of the Second Mesa, under the village of Mishongnovi, where he said Spider Woman made her home.
Connecting To The God Within
There are various theories about just how the Creator is connected to us. Some say that we are all a part of the whole, which is everything in creation. Others believe God lives within us in the form of what we have defined as the soul. Others say the soul exists just outside of our bodies, just over our heads, and must be invited in before we can become the whole beings we were designed to become. In one memorable session with The Abba Father, my late wife and I were told that a "voice" exists within every human and can be reached through a form of silent meditation. But he said most people fail to access this energy, or even know that it exists because our minds are filled with minutia.
There are various theories about just how the Creator is connected to us. Some say that we are all a part of the whole, which is everything in creation. Others believe God lives within us in the form of what we have defined as the soul. Others say the soul exists just outside of our bodies, just over our heads, and must be invited in before we can become the whole beings we were designed to become. In one memorable session with The Abba Father, my late wife and I were told that a "voice" exists within every human and can be reached through a form of silent meditation. But he said most people fail to access this energy, or even know that it exists because our minds are filled with minutia.
Horrors Of The Biblical Curse
The Christian Bible; especially the Book of Deuteronomy, is filled with curses by God for special acts of misbehavior. At the time these Old Testament books were written, the people were riddled with fear and superstition and a curse was taken very seriously. It was bad enough if the curse was cast by a witch. But when it came from The Almighty on High, the people literally trembled in fear.
The Christian Bible; especially the Book of Deuteronomy, is filled with curses by God for special acts of misbehavior. At the time these Old Testament books were written, the people were riddled with fear and superstition and a curse was taken very seriously. It was bad enough if the curse was cast by a witch. But when it came from The Almighty on High, the people literally trembled in fear.
Did God Really Stop The Spin Of Earth?
Of all the peculiar stories packed in the Old Testament the ones claiming that God stopped the rotation of the Earth . . . for a full day to assist Joshua in his battle against the Amorites . . . and then caused the planet to spin backward for Isaiah . . . are scientifically and logically impossible to accept.
Of all the peculiar stories packed in the Old Testament the ones claiming that God stopped the rotation of the Earth . . . for a full day to assist Joshua in his battle against the Amorites . . . and then caused the planet to spin backward for Isaiah . . . are scientifically and logically impossible to accept.
God Exists And He May Be Huge
The detection of “invisible entities” swimming in the atmosphere above Earth by an optics, nuclear physics and energy company in Florida, has helped support our personal theory concerning the existence of God. Is it not possible that the Creator God is so massive from our point of view that we are but a tiny life force within the whole? Are all of the moving planets, suns and galaxies we observe through our telescopes part of the composition of the great living energy we perceive as our Creator God?
The detection of “invisible entities” swimming in the atmosphere above Earth by an optics, nuclear physics and energy company in Florida, has helped support our personal theory concerning the existence of God. Is it not possible that the Creator God is so massive from our point of view that we are but a tiny life force within the whole? Are all of the moving planets, suns and galaxies we observe through our telescopes part of the composition of the great living energy we perceive as our Creator God?
Was The Pope Misquoted?
It was during “Holy Week” for the Roman Catholic faith that a story in Italy’s La Repubblica quoted Pope Francis as saying there is no hell. Naturally such a dynamic proclamation flying against established church doctrine resulted in headlines around the Christian world. And the Vatican was quick to claim that the Pope was misquoted. So how could such a radical thought . . . that hell didn’t really exist . . . ever appear in print in an Italian publication and allegedly based on a private interview between news editor Eugenio Scalfari and Pope Francis?
It was during “Holy Week” for the Roman Catholic faith that a story in Italy’s La Repubblica quoted Pope Francis as saying there is no hell. Naturally such a dynamic proclamation flying against established church doctrine resulted in headlines around the Christian world. And the Vatican was quick to claim that the Pope was misquoted. So how could such a radical thought . . . that hell didn’t really exist . . . ever appear in print in an Italian publication and allegedly based on a private interview between news editor Eugenio Scalfari and Pope Francis?
Much Ado About Barnabas
The four gospels in the New Testament were hand selected from hundreds of written texts by various cardinals and high priests of the Roman Catholic Church about 170 years after Jesus allegedly walked the earth. The final canon was officially agreed upon around 350 AD.Now that the Gospel of Barnabas has surfaced in Turkey, Vatican scholars are working hard to dis credit it as an authentic work. And if we take time to study the contents of this latest document, it is easy to understand why the church wants it swept away and forgotten. It attacks the foundations of Christianity and suggests that Muhammad was the real Son of God.
The four gospels in the New Testament were hand selected from hundreds of written texts by various cardinals and high priests of the Roman Catholic Church about 170 years after Jesus allegedly walked the earth. The final canon was officially agreed upon around 350 AD.Now that the Gospel of Barnabas has surfaced in Turkey, Vatican scholars are working hard to dis credit it as an authentic work. And if we take time to study the contents of this latest document, it is easy to understand why the church wants it swept away and forgotten. It attacks the foundations of Christianity and suggests that Muhammad was the real Son of God.
The Annual Rite Of The Eostre Holiday
The celebration this weekend is to Eostre, the pagan goddess of spring and fertility. It was never meant for Jesus.The Roman Catholic Church scooped up the trappings of the pagan rites of spring the turned it into a celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In essence the holiday marks the end of winter, the rising of Ra, the Sun, and the rebirth of the green and growing foods from the earth. Labeled as the holiest holiday among Christians and Jews, for different reasons, the celebration has become a complex mixture of bunnies, baby chicks, painted chicken eggs, candies delivered in baskets filled with fake grass, and ladies wearing new spring hats. Some celebrate by going to church at sunrise because this is the time Jesus was allegedly supposed to have risen from the dead.
The celebration this weekend is to Eostre, the pagan goddess of spring and fertility. It was never meant for Jesus.The Roman Catholic Church scooped up the trappings of the pagan rites of spring the turned it into a celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In essence the holiday marks the end of winter, the rising of Ra, the Sun, and the rebirth of the green and growing foods from the earth. Labeled as the holiest holiday among Christians and Jews, for different reasons, the celebration has become a complex mixture of bunnies, baby chicks, painted chicken eggs, candies delivered in baskets filled with fake grass, and ladies wearing new spring hats. Some celebrate by going to church at sunrise because this is the time Jesus was allegedly supposed to have risen from the dead.
Peyote; the Sacred Sacrament
The late author Robert Anton Wilson claimed the psychedelic effect of the cactus flower peyote, which grows mostly in the hot moist climate of southern Texas and parts of Mexico, is almost identical to the experience of taking lysergic acid dyethylamide, better known as LSD.Both are described as "mind expanding" drugs. There is much a rgument about just how dangerous either peyote or LSD is to those who indulge. The U. S. government ruled LSD illegal about 50 years ago. Because of a trade agreement signed in 1993, both LSD and peyote recently became equally illegal in Canada, the United States and Mexico. This agreement, and the fact that all three governments got equally hard-nosed about peyote use in 1993, created a serious problem for certain Navajo Indians in Arizona, the Huichol Indians in northern Mexico, and many other tribes through the mid-section and western Americas. That is because peyote is considered as sacred a sacrament to the Native America Church as bread and wine are to Christian believers during communion ceremonies.
The late author Robert Anton Wilson claimed the psychedelic effect of the cactus flower peyote, which grows mostly in the hot moist climate of southern Texas and parts of Mexico, is almost identical to the experience of taking lysergic acid dyethylamide, better known as LSD.Both are described as "mind expanding" drugs. There is much a rgument about just how dangerous either peyote or LSD is to those who indulge. The U. S. government ruled LSD illegal about 50 years ago. Because of a trade agreement signed in 1993, both LSD and peyote recently became equally illegal in Canada, the United States and Mexico. This agreement, and the fact that all three governments got equally hard-nosed about peyote use in 1993, created a serious problem for certain Navajo Indians in Arizona, the Huichol Indians in northern Mexico, and many other tribes through the mid-section and western Americas. That is because peyote is considered as sacred a sacrament to the Native America Church as bread and wine are to Christian believers during communion ceremonies.
Dean Hamer
Tracking The Human "God Gene"
Dean Hamer’s book,"The God Gene; How Faith is Hardwired Into Our Genes," created a stir among theologians. He argues that humans are genetically programmed to worship God. Hamer suggests that faith is reduced to chemical reactions in the brain. And this angers Christians who want us to believe that faith is a personal decision in life that marks a new path from judgment into that of eternal reward.
Dean Hamer’s book,"The God Gene; How Faith is Hardwired Into Our Genes," created a stir among theologians. He argues that humans are genetically programmed to worship God. Hamer suggests that faith is reduced to chemical reactions in the brain. And this angers Christians who want us to believe that faith is a personal decision in life that marks a new path from judgment into that of eternal reward.
He Promised Resurrection But Was Accidentally Cremated
Early in my career as a news reporter I lived and worked in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where a remnant of the once infamous House of David still existed. The property is but a museum today, and the official story of what happened there has been largely distorted. Yet I know that what went on in that strange cult was one of the strangest stories linked to a religious belief system that has ever occurred.
Early in my career as a news reporter I lived and worked in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where a remnant of the once infamous House of David still existed. The property is but a museum today, and the official story of what happened there has been largely distorted. Yet I know that what went on in that strange cult was one of the strangest stories linked to a religious belief system that has ever occurred.
God Stops The Spin Of Earth?
Of all the peculiar stories packed in the Old Testament the ones claiming that God stopped the rotation of the Earth . . . for a full day to assist Joshua in his battle against the Amorites . . . and then caused the planet to spin backward for Isaiah . . . are scientifically impossible to accept.
Of all the peculiar stories packed in the Old Testament the ones claiming that God stopped the rotation of the Earth . . . for a full day to assist Joshua in his battle against the Amorites . . . and then caused the planet to spin backward for Isaiah . . . are scientifically impossible to accept.
Author Claimed Jesus Was A Mushroom
The late author John Marco Allegro stirred serious controversy in the ranks of the Christian church in 1970 when his book, The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross was published. The book, which examined the origins of Christianity based on ancient fertility cults, examined the links between the cults and the ingestion of psychedelic plants like Amanita muscaria, peyote and psilocybin. It was an apparent attempt to “perceive the mind of God.” Allegro pointed to paintings and other art works in the Vatican that depict the ritual ingestion of the red and white Amanita muscaria as an important component of the Eucharist. He argued that Jesus never existed but, instead, was a mythological creation of early Christians under the influence of psychoactive mushroom extracts.
The late author John Marco Allegro stirred serious controversy in the ranks of the Christian church in 1970 when his book, The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross was published. The book, which examined the origins of Christianity based on ancient fertility cults, examined the links between the cults and the ingestion of psychedelic plants like Amanita muscaria, peyote and psilocybin. It was an apparent attempt to “perceive the mind of God.” Allegro pointed to paintings and other art works in the Vatican that depict the ritual ingestion of the red and white Amanita muscaria as an important component of the Eucharist. He argued that Jesus never existed but, instead, was a mythological creation of early Christians under the influence of psychoactive mushroom extracts.
Did Jesus Know Haagenti
There is a story in the Gospel of John about a wedding that Jesus attended. When the host of the celebration unexpectedly ran out of wine, Jesus performed his celebrated "miracle" in which he turned water into more wine. It is said that a demon known as Haagenti's has a specialty of turning water into wine, and, and if anybody wishes, he can turn wine back into water. At least this is the story as told in various ancient books about demonology. These are relatively amazing feats for a spirit that presents itself as a red bull with wings. At least this is how the old magicians saw him.
There is a story in the Gospel of John about a wedding that Jesus attended. When the host of the celebration unexpectedly ran out of wine, Jesus performed his celebrated "miracle" in which he turned water into more wine. It is said that a demon known as Haagenti's has a specialty of turning water into wine, and, and if anybody wishes, he can turn wine back into water. At least this is the story as told in various ancient books about demonology. These are relatively amazing feats for a spirit that presents itself as a red bull with wings. At least this is how the old magicians saw him.
“I Am That I Am”
The old Popeye cartoons of years back, where Popeye declared: “I am what I am,” would have been a shock to the ancient Hebrew people who recognized that phrase; “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh” as the holy name of God. At least this is how God allegedly responded when Moses asked for God’s name in Exodus 3:14. The English translation in the King James Version of the Bible reads “I Am that I Am.” And to the Hebrew people at that time, this phrase was considered a proper name for God.
The old Popeye cartoons of years back, where Popeye declared: “I am what I am,” would have been a shock to the ancient Hebrew people who recognized that phrase; “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh” as the holy name of God. At least this is how God allegedly responded when Moses asked for God’s name in Exodus 3:14. The English translation in the King James Version of the Bible reads “I Am that I Am.” And to the Hebrew people at that time, this phrase was considered a proper name for God.
Was The Ascension Story Manufactured?
It is common knowledge that the four gospels were written years after Jesus allegedly walked the Earth, and that the writers were not the apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke or John who were with Jesus during his ministry. It also is known that Paul, who claims to have had a miraculous conversion after his single encounter with the spirit of Jesus while on the road to Damascus, is credited with scribbling much of the rest of the New Testament. Nobody knows for sure who wrote the Book of Acts. Scholars say the writing style is so similar they believe the author of Luke also wrote Acts. It is only in the first chapter of Acts that a description of the ascension of Jesus is described. There are vague references to it in the Gospels of Luke and Mark.
It is common knowledge that the four gospels were written years after Jesus allegedly walked the Earth, and that the writers were not the apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke or John who were with Jesus during his ministry. It also is known that Paul, who claims to have had a miraculous conversion after his single encounter with the spirit of Jesus while on the road to Damascus, is credited with scribbling much of the rest of the New Testament. Nobody knows for sure who wrote the Book of Acts. Scholars say the writing style is so similar they believe the author of Luke also wrote Acts. It is only in the first chapter of Acts that a description of the ascension of Jesus is described. There are vague references to it in the Gospels of Luke and Mark.
Exploring The Mystery Of The Human Soul
Theologians and philosophers have debated for centuries the existence and identification of the human soul. That there is an argument at all can perhaps be blamed on the old Hebrew text in the Book of Genesis where we read: “the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.” New Testament writers later warned that it is possible for us to lose the soul. The questions then are: what is a soul? Is there a difference between a soul and the human spirit? Is there anything that makes us uniquely different from the animals that share this planet? How can we lose the soul?
Theologians and philosophers have debated for centuries the existence and identification of the human soul. That there is an argument at all can perhaps be blamed on the old Hebrew text in the Book of Genesis where we read: “the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth, breathing into him the breath of life: and man became a living soul.” New Testament writers later warned that it is possible for us to lose the soul. The questions then are: what is a soul? Is there a difference between a soul and the human spirit? Is there anything that makes us uniquely different from the animals that share this planet? How can we lose the soul?
When God Committed Genocide
When we examine the Old Testament stories from a contemporary and legal point of view, we have to realize that YHVH, or the Hebrew Jehovah, was the worst mass killer the world has ever known. The Genesis story of Noah and the great flood is perhaps the best case in point. But if we choose to believe the Old Testament stories, the flood was only the beginning of the horrors.
When we examine the Old Testament stories from a contemporary and legal point of view, we have to realize that YHVH, or the Hebrew Jehovah, was the worst mass killer the world has ever known. The Genesis story of Noah and the great flood is perhaps the best case in point. But if we choose to believe the Old Testament stories, the flood was only the beginning of the horrors.
The Eternal Damnation Myth
The preacher that day spoke of the one terrible sin that a person could commit for which there can be no forgiveness. Anyone who commits this sin, he said, is doomed to burn forever in hell. There could be no escape. Imagine my surprise when the answer was found in Matthew 12 and Mark 3, when Jesus is quoted as warning the Pharisees that “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” In other words, anyone who dares to curse the Holy Spirit is committing the unpardonable sin. So is it true? Can we all be damned for merely uttering such a curse?
The preacher that day spoke of the one terrible sin that a person could commit for which there can be no forgiveness. Anyone who commits this sin, he said, is doomed to burn forever in hell. There could be no escape. Imagine my surprise when the answer was found in Matthew 12 and Mark 3, when Jesus is quoted as warning the Pharisees that “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.” In other words, anyone who dares to curse the Holy Spirit is committing the unpardonable sin. So is it true? Can we all be damned for merely uttering such a curse?
Turning The Other Cheek
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers: "But I say to you, that you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Jesus, among the greatest teachers who ever walked this planet, was attempting even in his day, some 2000 years ago, to redirect humanity away from the course of revenge, spitefulness and malevolence that had been the norm. He taught the Old Testament command that we "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Contemporary militants tend to scoff at the very thought of turning the other cheek however. Many of us grew up admiring the Hollywood manufactured heroes who, in the films we watched, always clobbered the bad guys either by a strong fist or a gun. Nations defend themselves by military force.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his followers: "But I say to you, that you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Jesus, among the greatest teachers who ever walked this planet, was attempting even in his day, some 2000 years ago, to redirect humanity away from the course of revenge, spitefulness and malevolence that had been the norm. He taught the Old Testament command that we "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Contemporary militants tend to scoff at the very thought of turning the other cheek however. Many of us grew up admiring the Hollywood manufactured heroes who, in the films we watched, always clobbered the bad guys either by a strong fist or a gun. Nations defend themselves by military force.
How The Celtic Holiday Samhain Became Halloween
We call it Halloween now. But the Celtic people called it Samhain, a celebration of the last harvest, the end of summer and the first day of the new year. The Celts celebrated the new year on November 1, the mid-way point between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. The day also had a dark side because it marked the beginning of the long cold winter. It was a time of the year associated with human death. Believe it or not, the Celtic celebration eventually became twisted into Halloween by the Christian Church.
We call it Halloween now. But the Celtic people called it Samhain, a celebration of the last harvest, the end of summer and the first day of the new year. The Celts celebrated the new year on November 1, the mid-way point between the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. The day also had a dark side because it marked the beginning of the long cold winter. It was a time of the year associated with human death. Believe it or not, the Celtic celebration eventually became twisted into Halloween by the Christian Church.
Lucifer Exists In Native Mythology
When we lived among the Navajo in Arizona we heard the stories of Spider Woman, who was the great creator of the people. Then a Hopi two-horned priest talked about a path leading from his home at the foot of the Second Mesa toward the village of Mishongnovi where he said Spider Woman made her home. While the Spider Woman myth was known to the Hopi, we discovered that another God figure, Masau, was said by both the Hopi and their cliff-dwelling ancestors, the Anasazi, as the all powerful creator of the world. These men were both priests and recognized as spiritual leaders among the tribes. Thus they spoke with high authority. They made it clear that neither Spider Woman nor Masau were worshiped. The relationship was more of respect and perhaps even a state of awe, but the people never bowed down to these so-called god figures.
When we lived among the Navajo in Arizona we heard the stories of Spider Woman, who was the great creator of the people. Then a Hopi two-horned priest talked about a path leading from his home at the foot of the Second Mesa toward the village of Mishongnovi where he said Spider Woman made her home. While the Spider Woman myth was known to the Hopi, we discovered that another God figure, Masau, was said by both the Hopi and their cliff-dwelling ancestors, the Anasazi, as the all powerful creator of the world. These men were both priests and recognized as spiritual leaders among the tribes. Thus they spoke with high authority. They made it clear that neither Spider Woman nor Masau were worshiped. The relationship was more of respect and perhaps even a state of awe, but the people never bowed down to these so-called god figures.
The Religious Condemnation Of Witches
Is there such a thing as a witch? Of course there is. We live among people with super-sensory or clairvoyant abilities. They are all around us; sometimes not realizing their special abilities exist. We now refer to such people as psychics, telepaths, prophets, visionaries, diviners, fore-tellers, mediums, em-paths and seers. Some people who are especially gifted in this area make a living giving advice to others. Then, which is to be expected in areas of the metaphysical, there are the frauds that tend to give a bad name to the real psychics living and working among us.
Is there such a thing as a witch? Of course there is. We live among people with super-sensory or clairvoyant abilities. They are all around us; sometimes not realizing their special abilities exist. We now refer to such people as psychics, telepaths, prophets, visionaries, diviners, fore-tellers, mediums, em-paths and seers. Some people who are especially gifted in this area make a living giving advice to others. Then, which is to be expected in areas of the metaphysical, there are the frauds that tend to give a bad name to the real psychics living and working among us.
Did King David Ever Exist?
While the archaeological evidence does not support it, the story of the life of King David is portrayed in three books of the Old Testament, described in the Quran and mentioned in the Kitab-i-Iqan of the Baha’I faith. The Old Testament books of Samuel, 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles are the basic sources of information about David. David is credited with writing some of the poetry in the Book of Psalms and the New Testament Books of Matthew and Luke list David in the ancestry of Jesus. No other book in the surviving library of ancient text mentions King David and archaeologists have had to stretch their imaginations to find any carved names or documents that appear to be a reference to David.
While the archaeological evidence does not support it, the story of the life of King David is portrayed in three books of the Old Testament, described in the Quran and mentioned in the Kitab-i-Iqan of the Baha’I faith. The Old Testament books of Samuel, 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles are the basic sources of information about David. David is credited with writing some of the poetry in the Book of Psalms and the New Testament Books of Matthew and Luke list David in the ancestry of Jesus. No other book in the surviving library of ancient text mentions King David and archaeologists have had to stretch their imaginations to find any carved names or documents that appear to be a reference to David.
A Strange Japanese Jesus Story
Because of books and films on the subject, most people by now are aware of the story of a possible link between Mary Magdalene and Jesus at Rennes-le-Chateau, France. But there is another story, told by the people of Shingo, Japan, that strangely links Jesus with that community. The people there not only believe this story, they have a complete legend and even grave markers to indicate that not only Jesus, but his family lived there 2000 years ago.
Because of books and films on the subject, most people by now are aware of the story of a possible link between Mary Magdalene and Jesus at Rennes-le-Chateau, France. But there is another story, told by the people of Shingo, Japan, that strangely links Jesus with that community. The people there not only believe this story, they have a complete legend and even grave markers to indicate that not only Jesus, but his family lived there 2000 years ago.
Jonah Swallowed By A Fish
The story of Jonah is told in the Book of Jonah in the Old Testament, and also repeated in reference by Jesus in Matthew Chapter 12. A similar story appears in the Quran. Mythologist Joseph Campbell suggests the story is an ancient myth drawn from the Greek story of Jason, a legendary hero who led the Argonauts in a quest across the sea in search of Golden Fleece. There exists a lot of mythology about such a story, but biologically, is is difficult to believe.
The story of Jonah is told in the Book of Jonah in the Old Testament, and also repeated in reference by Jesus in Matthew Chapter 12. A similar story appears in the Quran. Mythologist Joseph Campbell suggests the story is an ancient myth drawn from the Greek story of Jason, a legendary hero who led the Argonauts in a quest across the sea in search of Golden Fleece. There exists a lot of mythology about such a story, but biologically, is is difficult to believe.
The Great American Political Jesus
Writer Rob Borsellino claims that Jesus has been "kidnapped by politicians and preachers" in the United States "who decide what he does and doesn’t think. They speak for him, and it doesn’t always make sense. "They say Jesus is pro-life, but he doesn’t seem to have a problem with the death penalty. And he thinks stem cell research – something that would save lives – is no different from murdering babies. They say he’s the embodiment of kindness, love, decency and compassion. But he hates gays, lesbians and Muslims. And he’s not too crazy about Buddhists, Hindus and the rest. Jews? He can put up with them if he has to," Borsellino wrote.
Writer Rob Borsellino claims that Jesus has been "kidnapped by politicians and preachers" in the United States "who decide what he does and doesn’t think. They speak for him, and it doesn’t always make sense. "They say Jesus is pro-life, but he doesn’t seem to have a problem with the death penalty. And he thinks stem cell research – something that would save lives – is no different from murdering babies. They say he’s the embodiment of kindness, love, decency and compassion. But he hates gays, lesbians and Muslims. And he’s not too crazy about Buddhists, Hindus and the rest. Jews? He can put up with them if he has to," Borsellino wrote.
Does Anybody Really Want To Go To Heaven?
There is a thread-worn joke that just about everybody has told or at least heard a few dozen times. We say we don’t really want to go to Heaven because we won’t know anybody up there. There is some basis for making a statement like that. The descriptions of Heaven . . . as best we can ascertain from the few Bible verses that address the subject . . . do not make it a very alluring place.
There is a thread-worn joke that just about everybody has told or at least heard a few dozen times. We say we don’t really want to go to Heaven because we won’t know anybody up there. There is some basis for making a statement like that. The descriptions of Heaven . . . as best we can ascertain from the few Bible verses that address the subject . . . do not make it a very alluring place.
What If Real Evil Is Universally Worshiped As Good?
A recent writing by Edward O’Toole dared to ask the question displayed in the headline of this story. The article jumped out at me because it was the first hint that people in the world are beginning to grasp some of the fallacies of Christianity. In his article titled “Gnostic Musings for Halloween,” O’Toole also asks: “What if, through centuries of persecution, the mephitic has subdued the majority into a numbed, blind belief of which any questioning incurs retribution?”
A recent writing by Edward O’Toole dared to ask the question displayed in the headline of this story. The article jumped out at me because it was the first hint that people in the world are beginning to grasp some of the fallacies of Christianity. In his article titled “Gnostic Musings for Halloween,” O’Toole also asks: “What if, through centuries of persecution, the mephitic has subdued the majority into a numbed, blind belief of which any questioning incurs retribution?”
The Greatest Murder Mystery
If we can accept the fourth chapter of Genesis as a true historical record, then Adam and Eve began populating the world with three sons, Cain, Abel and Seth. But when they were grown, Cain murdered his brother, Abel. The mystery in this story is why such a thing could have happened.
If we can accept the fourth chapter of Genesis as a true historical record, then Adam and Eve began populating the world with three sons, Cain, Abel and Seth. But when they were grown, Cain murdered his brother, Abel. The mystery in this story is why such a thing could have happened.
Calling On The Messiah
As a strange form of insanity sweeps our overpopulated, polluted and poisoned world is should not be surprising that people of all religious faiths are looking for some kind of miraculous intervention by God to save us from ourselves. It is well known that the Christians are waiting on the promised return of Jesus to launch a thousand-year period of peace. Contemporary “holy men” have stepped out of the shadows in recent years to either declare themselves to be the long-awaited savior, or to announce the signs of his arrival.
As a strange form of insanity sweeps our overpopulated, polluted and poisoned world is should not be surprising that people of all religious faiths are looking for some kind of miraculous intervention by God to save us from ourselves. It is well known that the Christians are waiting on the promised return of Jesus to launch a thousand-year period of peace. Contemporary “holy men” have stepped out of the shadows in recent years to either declare themselves to be the long-awaited savior, or to announce the signs of his arrival.
Christian “Rapture” Not In The Bible
The late theologian and Bible historian Dr. Ernest L. Martin once wrote that the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible, but rather is a relatively recent word created by Christians to describe a sequence of events described in the writings of Paul concerning the “spiriting away” of Christians at the time of the great tribulation. Martin, who had a way of shaking both Christian and Jewish doctrines during his life, posted some serious reservations about the reliability of the rapture story.
The late theologian and Bible historian Dr. Ernest L. Martin once wrote that the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible, but rather is a relatively recent word created by Christians to describe a sequence of events described in the writings of Paul concerning the “spiriting away” of Christians at the time of the great tribulation. Martin, who had a way of shaking both Christian and Jewish doctrines during his life, posted some serious reservations about the reliability of the rapture story.
Can We Escape Doomsday?
A news report recently suggested that public belief in a looming apocalypse is one of the reasons people aren't flashing their credit cards so freely, workers are facing the threat of job layoffs and the stock market is acting erratically. Largely thanks to the Christian church, which is steeped in prophecy of a doomsday event in "the end times," millions if not billions of people all over the world have been expecting something terrible to happen ever since our calendar hit the 2000 mark. Television documentaries are laced with doomsday scenarios that suggest this event may range from a collision with a stray asteroid to a planetary polar shift. The programs examine the effects of global warming, the possibility of another ice age caused by increased volcanic action, or perhaps a nuclear war.
A news report recently suggested that public belief in a looming apocalypse is one of the reasons people aren't flashing their credit cards so freely, workers are facing the threat of job layoffs and the stock market is acting erratically. Largely thanks to the Christian church, which is steeped in prophecy of a doomsday event in "the end times," millions if not billions of people all over the world have been expecting something terrible to happen ever since our calendar hit the 2000 mark. Television documentaries are laced with doomsday scenarios that suggest this event may range from a collision with a stray asteroid to a planetary polar shift. The programs examine the effects of global warming, the possibility of another ice age caused by increased volcanic action, or perhaps a nuclear war.
Did King David Ever Exist?
While the archaeological evidence does not support it, the story of the life of King David is portrayed in three books of the Old Testament, described in the Quran and mentioned in the Kitab-i-Iqan of the Baha’I faith. No other book in the surviving library of ancient text mentions King David and archaeologists have had to stretch their imaginations to find any carved names or documents that appear to be a reference to David. Other ancient text describing great heroic deeds and events of that period also should have mentioned David. But his name is not found in them.
While the archaeological evidence does not support it, the story of the life of King David is portrayed in three books of the Old Testament, described in the Quran and mentioned in the Kitab-i-Iqan of the Baha’I faith. No other book in the surviving library of ancient text mentions King David and archaeologists have had to stretch their imaginations to find any carved names or documents that appear to be a reference to David. Other ancient text describing great heroic deeds and events of that period also should have mentioned David. But his name is not found in them.
“In Our Image”
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
This startling sentence in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis strongly implies that the creator was talking to either himself or other like beings at the time of human creation. Bible scholars say that this is a reference to the Holy Trinity; that God was speaking to himself in the forms of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. But there is another explanation. Suppose the creator was a race of alien beings involved in manipulating the DNA of planet humanoid animals to give them the ability to evolve as a marvelous new humanoid, the homo sapiens.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
This startling sentence in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis strongly implies that the creator was talking to either himself or other like beings at the time of human creation. Bible scholars say that this is a reference to the Holy Trinity; that God was speaking to himself in the forms of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. But there is another explanation. Suppose the creator was a race of alien beings involved in manipulating the DNA of planet humanoid animals to give them the ability to evolve as a marvelous new humanoid, the homo sapiens.
The Peculiar Issue Of Male Circumcision
Male circumcision is the cruel and painful act of cutting away the foreskin of the penis and totally exposing the glans, or the sensitive bulbous end of the penis. Performing this peculiar operation was originally directed by God to Abraham and his descendants, or the Jewish and Moslem people, according to Genesis 17:9-12. While known to be a Jewish trait, it is strange to note that most males in North America are circumcised. There was a story that doctors automatically performed this procedure on newborn boys for sanitary reasons. But research has found little evidence to support this. So why do we do it?
Male circumcision is the cruel and painful act of cutting away the foreskin of the penis and totally exposing the glans, or the sensitive bulbous end of the penis. Performing this peculiar operation was originally directed by God to Abraham and his descendants, or the Jewish and Moslem people, according to Genesis 17:9-12. While known to be a Jewish trait, it is strange to note that most males in North America are circumcised. There was a story that doctors automatically performed this procedure on newborn boys for sanitary reasons. But research has found little evidence to support this. So why do we do it?
Christian Narrow Mindedness
This week I am going to plagiarize a piece found circulating around on the Internet. The points made are so perfectly stated, and all of them slam the silly thinking of uncompromising Bible believers right in the face. For example: You know less about the Bible, the origins of Christianity and church history than many Agnostics and Atheists, yet you call yourself a Christian. And your mind is shut to the evidence produced by qualified researchers in the fields of geology, biology, archaeology, chemistry and all other areas of science. Yet the dynamic preaching of a backwoods evangelist provides all the proof you need to believe whatever religious message you choose to follow.
This week I am going to plagiarize a piece found circulating around on the Internet. The points made are so perfectly stated, and all of them slam the silly thinking of uncompromising Bible believers right in the face. For example: You know less about the Bible, the origins of Christianity and church history than many Agnostics and Atheists, yet you call yourself a Christian. And your mind is shut to the evidence produced by qualified researchers in the fields of geology, biology, archaeology, chemistry and all other areas of science. Yet the dynamic preaching of a backwoods evangelist provides all the proof you need to believe whatever religious message you choose to follow.
Horrors Of The Biblical Curse
The Christian Bible; especially the Book of Deuteronomy, is filled with curses by God for special acts of misbehavior. At the time these Old Testament books were written, the people were riddled with fear and superstition and a curse was taken very seriously. It was bad enough if the curse was cast by a witch. But when it came from The Almighty on High, the people literally trembled in fear.
The Christian Bible; especially the Book of Deuteronomy, is filled with curses by God for special acts of misbehavior. At the time these Old Testament books were written, the people were riddled with fear and superstition and a curse was taken very seriously. It was bad enough if the curse was cast by a witch. But when it came from The Almighty on High, the people literally trembled in fear.
Did Jesus Ever Exist?
At an age when so many Bible thumpers are counting heavily on a mythological Jesus to come down out of the clouds and save them from a diseased, polluted and dying planet, a growing number of historical researchers are questioning whether this dynamic "savior" even existed. The Biblical story of Jesus is shockingly similar to the mythology surrounding Horus, Buddha, Mohammad, Mithra, Dionysus, Glycan, Romulus, Odysseus and Krishna. This raises the question: are all of the great world religions based on ancient mythology?
At an age when so many Bible thumpers are counting heavily on a mythological Jesus to come down out of the clouds and save them from a diseased, polluted and dying planet, a growing number of historical researchers are questioning whether this dynamic "savior" even existed. The Biblical story of Jesus is shockingly similar to the mythology surrounding Horus, Buddha, Mohammad, Mithra, Dionysus, Glycan, Romulus, Odysseus and Krishna. This raises the question: are all of the great world religions based on ancient mythology?
Duty Of The Surviving Brother
There was an Old Testament law that protected many widows following the death of their husbands, especially if they were childless. If there was a brother, it was his duty to then take the woman as his wife and do his best to impregnate her. It was this important that the family name be carried on.
There was an Old Testament law that protected many widows following the death of their husbands, especially if they were childless. If there was a brother, it was his duty to then take the woman as his wife and do his best to impregnate her. It was this important that the family name be carried on.
Jesus Deals With Demon Possession
Jesus asked the man: “What is your name?” And the man answered: “Legion,” because many demons were living in him. At this point Jesus was communicating only with the demons. They begged Jesus not to force them away, but asked that they be sent into a herd of pigs feeding on a nearby hill. Jesus granted the demonic wish and sent them into the pigs. But the entire herd, estimated to be over 100 in number, then went into a crazed stampede down the hill and into the lake where they drowned. This strange Bible story may have a parallel in today's world of greed and corruption.
Jesus asked the man: “What is your name?” And the man answered: “Legion,” because many demons were living in him. At this point Jesus was communicating only with the demons. They begged Jesus not to force them away, but asked that they be sent into a herd of pigs feeding on a nearby hill. Jesus granted the demonic wish and sent them into the pigs. But the entire herd, estimated to be over 100 in number, then went into a crazed stampede down the hill and into the lake where they drowned. This strange Bible story may have a parallel in today's world of greed and corruption.
The Eternal Damnation Myth
Back when I was exploring the Christian faith I recall hearing a sermon about eternal damnation. Doris and I had just moved into Kalamazoo and we were exploring various churches. This one turned out to be an especially hard-line fire-and-brimstone pack of Bible thumpers; the kind that singles out newcomers as potential sinners in desperate need of salvation. Thus all eyes of that congregation were on us as we endured that hour of unique torment. The preacher that day spoke of the one terrible sin that a person could commit for which there can be no forgiveness. Anyone who commits this sin, he said, is doomed to burn forever in hell. There could be no escape. Thus, he warned, no one must ever do this terrible thing.
Back when I was exploring the Christian faith I recall hearing a sermon about eternal damnation. Doris and I had just moved into Kalamazoo and we were exploring various churches. This one turned out to be an especially hard-line fire-and-brimstone pack of Bible thumpers; the kind that singles out newcomers as potential sinners in desperate need of salvation. Thus all eyes of that congregation were on us as we endured that hour of unique torment. The preacher that day spoke of the one terrible sin that a person could commit for which there can be no forgiveness. Anyone who commits this sin, he said, is doomed to burn forever in hell. There could be no escape. Thus, he warned, no one must ever do this terrible thing.
God Allows All Authority
If the love of money is the root of evil, how can corrupt people placed in political power to allow the continued theft of wealth from the people be God's choice? How can we say that the people put in power by rich and greedy families and corporations have been ordained by God? If God is really in charge of the affairs of men, why would he allow such corruption in the governments of the world? If this is to be believed, is this not a time of judgment? As He allegedly did during the time of the great flood, has God not condemned the human race to its own destruction by putting fools in power?
If the love of money is the root of evil, how can corrupt people placed in political power to allow the continued theft of wealth from the people be God's choice? How can we say that the people put in power by rich and greedy families and corporations have been ordained by God? If God is really in charge of the affairs of men, why would he allow such corruption in the governments of the world? If this is to be believed, is this not a time of judgment? As He allegedly did during the time of the great flood, has God not condemned the human race to its own destruction by putting fools in power?
Judas Was Wrongly Vilified By Christians
The discovery of the Gospel of Judas by looters in an Egyptian cave in 1947 unearthed a whole new version of the story of Jesus that the Roman Catholic Church never wanted the world to see. In fact, there is evidence that the church attempted to destroy this and other writings that gave a more correct version of the Jesus story at the time the books of the Bible were being chosen. The book, written by Thomas, the twin brother of Jesus who also bore the name Judas, identifies Judas Iscariot as a close and trusted friend of Jesus, who identified Jesus to Roman authorities when he was asked to do so by Jesus. He never betrayed Jesus, according to the text, although Jesus warned that he would be accused of doing so.
The discovery of the Gospel of Judas by looters in an Egyptian cave in 1947 unearthed a whole new version of the story of Jesus that the Roman Catholic Church never wanted the world to see. In fact, there is evidence that the church attempted to destroy this and other writings that gave a more correct version of the Jesus story at the time the books of the Bible were being chosen. The book, written by Thomas, the twin brother of Jesus who also bore the name Judas, identifies Judas Iscariot as a close and trusted friend of Jesus, who identified Jesus to Roman authorities when he was asked to do so by Jesus. He never betrayed Jesus, according to the text, although Jesus warned that he would be accused of doing so.
Jesus And The Donkey
The four gospels of the New Testament depict the life and ministry of Jesus from four different points of view. But for some odd reason they all tell us how Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem for the last time riding on a donkey. Why was this strange little story important? It was because the Old Testament prophet Zechariah said that when he arrived, the long-awaited messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. Even though Jesus never claimed to be the messiah during his reported ministry, the writers of all four Gospels used this story as a proof of identity.
The four gospels of the New Testament depict the life and ministry of Jesus from four different points of view. But for some odd reason they all tell us how Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem for the last time riding on a donkey. Why was this strange little story important? It was because the Old Testament prophet Zechariah said that when he arrived, the long-awaited messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. Even though Jesus never claimed to be the messiah during his reported ministry, the writers of all four Gospels used this story as a proof of identity.
In God's Name
God The Ultimate Terrorist
The Christian Bible is not only filled with gory stories of blood sacrifice, war and murders, but it depicts God as not only the creator but the mass destroyer of millions of humans. Theologians of course paste all of the stories together as a supreme lesson from the Almighty for the benefit of mankind. But in the end, it appears that mankind hasn’t learned much from the book except use it as an example for our own self-destruction.
The Christian Bible is not only filled with gory stories of blood sacrifice, war and murders, but it depicts God as not only the creator but the mass destroyer of millions of humans. Theologians of course paste all of the stories together as a supreme lesson from the Almighty for the benefit of mankind. But in the end, it appears that mankind hasn’t learned much from the book except use it as an example for our own self-destruction.
Did Fr. Urbain Granadier Make A Demonic Pact?
He denied it right up to the moment he died while tied to a fiery stake, but much has been written about the Catholic Priest, Father Urbain Granadier and his alleged pack with the devil, and his story has become legend. Fr. Grandier was born in Bouere, France, in 1590. He served as priest of the church of Sainte Croix in Loudun, but apparently rejected all of the church rules calling for celibacy among the priests. He developed a reputation as a philanderer, having sex with a number of women about town. He even wrote a book in which he attacked the discipline of clerical celibacy. He paid a high price for daring to question the authority of the church in his day.
He denied it right up to the moment he died while tied to a fiery stake, but much has been written about the Catholic Priest, Father Urbain Granadier and his alleged pack with the devil, and his story has become legend. Fr. Grandier was born in Bouere, France, in 1590. He served as priest of the church of Sainte Croix in Loudun, but apparently rejected all of the church rules calling for celibacy among the priests. He developed a reputation as a philanderer, having sex with a number of women about town. He even wrote a book in which he attacked the discipline of clerical celibacy. He paid a high price for daring to question the authority of the church in his day.
The Jesus Story - A Cruel Hoax On Humanity
The Jesus story was not original. It was all plagiarized in bits and pieces, and sometimes blatantly intact, from ancient god/man mythology passed down by Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Persian cultures. It all includes the virgin birth at the time of the winter equanox, the miracles, the 12 disciples representing the months of the year and a crucifixion. It was a hoax and humanity swallowed it hook, line and sinker.
The Jesus story was not original. It was all plagiarized in bits and pieces, and sometimes blatantly intact, from ancient god/man mythology passed down by Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Persian cultures. It all includes the virgin birth at the time of the winter equanox, the miracles, the 12 disciples representing the months of the year and a crucifixion. It was a hoax and humanity swallowed it hook, line and sinker.
Waiting On The Messiah
As a strange form of insanity sweeps our overpopulated, polluted and poisoned world it should not be surprising that people of all religious faiths are looking for some kind of miraculous intervention by God to save us from ourselves. It is well known that the Christians are waiting on the promised return of Jesus to launch a thousand-year period of peace. Contemporary “holy men” have stepped out of the shadows in recent years to either declare themselves to be the long-awaited savior, or to announce the signs of his arrival. So if Jesus is really about to return is the world ready to receive him? Or was the story just that . . . a story created by the fabricators of the Christian religion nearly 2,000 years ago.
As a strange form of insanity sweeps our overpopulated, polluted and poisoned world it should not be surprising that people of all religious faiths are looking for some kind of miraculous intervention by God to save us from ourselves. It is well known that the Christians are waiting on the promised return of Jesus to launch a thousand-year period of peace. Contemporary “holy men” have stepped out of the shadows in recent years to either declare themselves to be the long-awaited savior, or to announce the signs of his arrival. So if Jesus is really about to return is the world ready to receive him? Or was the story just that . . . a story created by the fabricators of the Christian religion nearly 2,000 years ago.
Angry Elisha Kills 42 Children
In 2 Kings 2:23-24 we read that Elisha went up from Jerico unto Bethel: "and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them."
In 2 Kings 2:23-24 we read that Elisha went up from Jerico unto Bethel: "and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them."
God Stops The Spin Of Earth?
Of all the peculiar stories packed in the Old Testament the ones claiming that God stopped the rotation of the Earth . . . for a full day to assist Joshua in his battle against the Amorites . . . and the caused the planet to spin backward for Isaiah . . . are scientifically impossible to accept. A lot of hard-line Bible thumpers argue that if God has the ability to create the heavens and the Earth, he also can physically magically stop the Earth’s rotation. So what should be believe?
Of all the peculiar stories packed in the Old Testament the ones claiming that God stopped the rotation of the Earth . . . for a full day to assist Joshua in his battle against the Amorites . . . and the caused the planet to spin backward for Isaiah . . . are scientifically impossible to accept. A lot of hard-line Bible thumpers argue that if God has the ability to create the heavens and the Earth, he also can physically magically stop the Earth’s rotation. So what should be believe?
The Origin Of The Cross
The cross, consisting of two lines crossing at a 90-degree right angle, has been well known throughout the Christian world as a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who allegedly died while being physically nailed to wooden posts that resembled the cross. The image, complete with the drawings of the dead Jesus still hanging from it, has been proclaimed by Christianity ever since the cult was founded by Constantine in about the year 400 AD. But this is now how Jesus died. The image was stolen by the church when Constantine established the church.
The cross, consisting of two lines crossing at a 90-degree right angle, has been well known throughout the Christian world as a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who allegedly died while being physically nailed to wooden posts that resembled the cross. The image, complete with the drawings of the dead Jesus still hanging from it, has been proclaimed by Christianity ever since the cult was founded by Constantine in about the year 400 AD. But this is now how Jesus died. The image was stolen by the church when Constantine established the church.
The Living Planet Earth
To grasp an understanding of how the process of the creation of life occurred we must adopt a more pagan way of thinking. We must recognize our planet as a living, sentient being. The Native Americans call her the Mother Earth, and they are quite correct. It is correct that it was from the soil of the Mother Earth that all life now existing on this planet, and that ever existed here, sprang. And because nothing in nature is wasted, it is back to the soil that the bodies return when life ends. Throughout our lives our bodies constantly rebuild living cells and tissue. In the same way, the Earth creates and recreates a variety of life during its own lifetime.
To grasp an understanding of how the process of the creation of life occurred we must adopt a more pagan way of thinking. We must recognize our planet as a living, sentient being. The Native Americans call her the Mother Earth, and they are quite correct. It is correct that it was from the soil of the Mother Earth that all life now existing on this planet, and that ever existed here, sprang. And because nothing in nature is wasted, it is back to the soil that the bodies return when life ends. Throughout our lives our bodies constantly rebuild living cells and tissue. In the same way, the Earth creates and recreates a variety of life during its own lifetime.
Can God Really Be Omnipotent?
Most humans agree that something created us. Therefore, we generally conclude there must be a "Creator," or an entity most of us refer to as God. And most believers agree that this God must be omnipotent. The word omnipotent means: to have unlimited authority or power. There is a paradox built into the omnipotence of God, however. It states that "if a being can perform any action then it should be able to create an action that it cannot perform.
Most humans agree that something created us. Therefore, we generally conclude there must be a "Creator," or an entity most of us refer to as God. And most believers agree that this God must be omnipotent. The word omnipotent means: to have unlimited authority or power. There is a paradox built into the omnipotence of God, however. It states that "if a being can perform any action then it should be able to create an action that it cannot perform.
Are Shrimp Lovers Doomed To Hell?
There is a troublesome verse in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus that a lot of Christian shrimp lovers either want to pretend doesn’t exist, or they have gone out of their way to rationalize their way around it. Leviticus, which is one of the old Hebrew books of law, forbids eating anything from the sea that doesn’t have scales or fins. And this appears to mean that shrimp, lobster, crab legs, clams, frog legs and all other shellfish should be off the menu.
There is a troublesome verse in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus that a lot of Christian shrimp lovers either want to pretend doesn’t exist, or they have gone out of their way to rationalize their way around it. Leviticus, which is one of the old Hebrew books of law, forbids eating anything from the sea that doesn’t have scales or fins. And this appears to mean that shrimp, lobster, crab legs, clams, frog legs and all other shellfish should be off the menu.
The Bible Demands Blood Sacrifice
We tend to think of the ancient tribal practice of sacrificing animals and even people on stone alters as a primitive and nonsensical religious rite. Yet the Christian Bible speaks of a God that demands constant blood sacrifices for the atonement of sin.
We tend to think of the ancient tribal practice of sacrificing animals and even people on stone alters as a primitive and nonsensical religious rite. Yet the Christian Bible speaks of a God that demands constant blood sacrifices for the atonement of sin.
A Bible Horror Story
A story in Judges 19: 22-30, tells of a traveling Levite and his "concubine," or wife, who were staying as a guest of an unidentified old man of the town of Gibeah. In the evening a gang of "wicked men of the city" gathered at the house, pounded on the door, and demanded that the old man send out his guest so they could have sex with him. Instead he offered the man’s concubine for them to "use and do to them whatever you wish." The gang "raped her and abused her throughout the night." In the morning she was found lying dead at the door of the house. So why was such a terrible story in the Bible?
A story in Judges 19: 22-30, tells of a traveling Levite and his "concubine," or wife, who were staying as a guest of an unidentified old man of the town of Gibeah. In the evening a gang of "wicked men of the city" gathered at the house, pounded on the door, and demanded that the old man send out his guest so they could have sex with him. Instead he offered the man’s concubine for them to "use and do to them whatever you wish." The gang "raped her and abused her throughout the night." In the morning she was found lying dead at the door of the house. So why was such a terrible story in the Bible?
Ruth’s Seduction of Boaz
Some of the Old Testament stories are difficult to interpret, but if you get down to the truth of it, they tell some really juicy tales of intrigue, trickery and seduction. The story of Ruth, who began the bloodline that lead to the birth of Jesus, is just such a yarn.
Some of the Old Testament stories are difficult to interpret, but if you get down to the truth of it, they tell some really juicy tales of intrigue, trickery and seduction. The story of Ruth, who began the bloodline that lead to the birth of Jesus, is just such a yarn.
When Jesus Got Mad
We have this sense through church teachings and by reading New Testament passages that Jesus was a meek and mild man who walked around the land preaching love and kindness. Yet there are moments when the scriptures give us a peak at Jesus when he lost his temper and went into fits of righteous rage.
We have this sense through church teachings and by reading New Testament passages that Jesus was a meek and mild man who walked around the land preaching love and kindness. Yet there are moments when the scriptures give us a peak at Jesus when he lost his temper and went into fits of righteous rage.
All Those Biblical “Begettings”
Both the Old and New Testament in the Bible include long stories detailing ancestry leading from Adam right down to Jesus. The reference to just who was the parent of who falls on the word “begot.” This is an old English word that means “to generate a child” or offspring. The historical reference usually always falls on the male parent. Tracking the ancestry of Jesus was important to the Hebrew people as it is to Christian believers today.
Both the Old and New Testament in the Bible include long stories detailing ancestry leading from Adam right down to Jesus. The reference to just who was the parent of who falls on the word “begot.” This is an old English word that means “to generate a child” or offspring. The historical reference usually always falls on the male parent. Tracking the ancestry of Jesus was important to the Hebrew people as it is to Christian believers today.
Why Was Jesus Baptized?
John the Baptist was a strange character. He wandered around in clothes of camel's hair and ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed baptism of repentance to achieve God's forgiveness of sin, and roamed the countryside, gaining a following of people who accepted water baptism in the local streams. He is quoted as saying in Matthew 3:11: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” So then in the next verses Jesus shows up and asks John to baptize him before he starts his own personal ministry. But if Jesus was without sin, why did he need to be baptized?
John the Baptist was a strange character. He wandered around in clothes of camel's hair and ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed baptism of repentance to achieve God's forgiveness of sin, and roamed the countryside, gaining a following of people who accepted water baptism in the local streams. He is quoted as saying in Matthew 3:11: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” So then in the next verses Jesus shows up and asks John to baptize him before he starts his own personal ministry. But if Jesus was without sin, why did he need to be baptized?
Ye Shall Be As God
The story of how the fallen angel Lucifer, alias Satan, disguised himself as a beautiful serpent that tempted Eve into disobeying God and eating of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is the foundation of the false doctrine known as Christianity. The story is a powerful distortion of fact, and cleverly told so as to promote the doctrine of original sin and a need for salvation.
The story of how the fallen angel Lucifer, alias Satan, disguised himself as a beautiful serpent that tempted Eve into disobeying God and eating of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is the foundation of the false doctrine known as Christianity. The story is a powerful distortion of fact, and cleverly told so as to promote the doctrine of original sin and a need for salvation.
The Other Ten Commandments
There has been a belief among most people in the United States that the Ten Commandments are God’s ultimate guide to human morality. The commandments, as proclaimed in Exodus 20, have been published in Christian literature, posted on office walls and inscribed in stone and placed in front of public buildings. Not everybody agrees with the importance of those Bible verses, however. And there is good reason for the doubt.
There has been a belief among most people in the United States that the Ten Commandments are God’s ultimate guide to human morality. The commandments, as proclaimed in Exodus 20, have been published in Christian literature, posted on office walls and inscribed in stone and placed in front of public buildings. Not everybody agrees with the importance of those Bible verses, however. And there is good reason for the doubt.
The Bible Condones Slavery
As offensive as the practice of slavery is regarded by society today, the Christian Bible actually condones it. In fact, the Bible gives explicit instructions on how slaves should be treated, how severely they can be beaten, and even when slave owners can have sex with them. God loves the slaves so much he made sure his holy book sets the rules for slave owners to follow. So don’t wince at the thought of being captured, sold into slavery and owned by others.
As offensive as the practice of slavery is regarded by society today, the Christian Bible actually condones it. In fact, the Bible gives explicit instructions on how slaves should be treated, how severely they can be beaten, and even when slave owners can have sex with them. God loves the slaves so much he made sure his holy book sets the rules for slave owners to follow. So don’t wince at the thought of being captured, sold into slavery and owned by others.
A Basket of Foreskins For The King
It had to have been the strangest dowry ever given by a suitor for the hand of a new bride. Just envisioning the stench and the sight of 200 cut off male foreskins brought before the feet of a king. This is what David delivered to King Saul. It gives us a sense of the life of barbarism the people of that early time in history lived through.
The Texan
Still Expecting Jesus – Don’t Hold Your Breath
Just because the Bible quotes Paul as promising that Jesus is coming back in the clouds to receive his “saints” doesn’t mean it is going to happen. Paul was not a follower of Jesus. If the truth be known he was probably the very "Antichrist" that the scriptures warns about. Thus we look with disgust upon a recent Texas Supreme Court decision to allow a family to forego the education of their children because they believe the Rapture of Jesus is imminent. And if they are all going to be grabbed from the Earth and whisked off into Heaven, why do they need to learn things like reading, writing and arithmetic?
Just because the Bible quotes Paul as promising that Jesus is coming back in the clouds to receive his “saints” doesn’t mean it is going to happen. Paul was not a follower of Jesus. If the truth be known he was probably the very "Antichrist" that the scriptures warns about. Thus we look with disgust upon a recent Texas Supreme Court decision to allow a family to forego the education of their children because they believe the Rapture of Jesus is imminent. And if they are all going to be grabbed from the Earth and whisked off into Heaven, why do they need to learn things like reading, writing and arithmetic?
The Influence of Lactantius on the Early Church
After Emperor Constantine was converted to Paulinism, he changed the name of the cult to Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire. He was heavily influenced by the North African scholar Lactantius who became instrumental in establishing the doctrines of the early church. Lactantius’ writings reflected a belief that the martyred Jesus would return after the fall of the Roman Empire. He also attacked the ancient wisdom of the Greeks and Aristotle concerning the orbit of the planets. He established the church “law” that the earth was flat.
After Emperor Constantine was converted to Paulinism, he changed the name of the cult to Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire. He was heavily influenced by the North African scholar Lactantius who became instrumental in establishing the doctrines of the early church. Lactantius’ writings reflected a belief that the martyred Jesus would return after the fall of the Roman Empire. He also attacked the ancient wisdom of the Greeks and Aristotle concerning the orbit of the planets. He established the church “law” that the earth was flat.
Biblical Logic; Jesus Was Transgender
Obviously with her tongue thrust hard in her cheek, freelance writer Suzanne DeWitt Hall once proved . . . with biblical text to back up her argument . . . that Jesus must have been a transgender person. Hall wrote that if Christians really take the Bible literally, as they claim to do, “they would quickly see that Jesus must be, by their own exegetical rules, the first transgender male.”
Obviously with her tongue thrust hard in her cheek, freelance writer Suzanne DeWitt Hall once proved . . . with biblical text to back up her argument . . . that Jesus must have been a transgender person. Hall wrote that if Christians really take the Bible literally, as they claim to do, “they would quickly see that Jesus must be, by their own exegetical rules, the first transgender male.”
Illiterate and Superstitious Faith Followers
During the years I spent as a student and teacher of the Christian Bible I came to the conclusion that (1.) the stories were too incredible to be true, and (2.) the majority of people who accepted the stories were too firm in their convictions to ever question them.
I realized too that those who plunged into Christianity, who “accepted Jesus as a personal savior,” and were baptized by water, were literally gripped to that cult out of a fear of eternal damnation if they dared to ever stray.
During the years I spent as a student and teacher of the Christian Bible I came to the conclusion that (1.) the stories were too incredible to be true, and (2.) the majority of people who accepted the stories were too firm in their convictions to ever question them.
I realized too that those who plunged into Christianity, who “accepted Jesus as a personal savior,” and were baptized by water, were literally gripped to that cult out of a fear of eternal damnation if they dared to ever stray.
Still Waiting . . . .
It’s been over 2,000 years since Jesus allegedly ascended into the clouds, leaving a promise among his disciples and the others who happened to be hanging around that he was coming back. Bible scholars have since been pouring over the scriptures, looking for clues as to just when to expect his return. A lot of them over the years thought they had it pegged. They preached the word, gained a following, and took their flock off onto a hill or mountain in preparation to greet their “savior” as he ascended over them from the sky. But Jesus never showed up.
It’s been over 2,000 years since Jesus allegedly ascended into the clouds, leaving a promise among his disciples and the others who happened to be hanging around that he was coming back. Bible scholars have since been pouring over the scriptures, looking for clues as to just when to expect his return. A lot of them over the years thought they had it pegged. They preached the word, gained a following, and took their flock off onto a hill or mountain in preparation to greet their “savior” as he ascended over them from the sky. But Jesus never showed up.
The Dark Site of the Biblical Belief System
As a former Bible student and religion editor for a major Michigan newspaper I am in a position to be a critic with a deep understanding of the minds of both Christian and Jewish followers, and why this book is so dangerous in these decisive times.
As a former Bible student and religion editor for a major Michigan newspaper I am in a position to be a critic with a deep understanding of the minds of both Christian and Jewish followers, and why this book is so dangerous in these decisive times.
Catholic Al Salvador’s Wicked “Abortion” Law
Abortion as we understand it in the United States involves the voluntary removal of an unborn fetus from its mother’s womb. Because of Christian-driven dogmas this has been a controversial issue even when the fetus is shown to be abnormal, is the result of a rape, or it threatens the health and life of the mother. But consider the abortion laws in Catholic Al Salvador, where women have been sent to prison after suffering miscarriages.
Abortion as we understand it in the United States involves the voluntary removal of an unborn fetus from its mother’s womb. Because of Christian-driven dogmas this has been a controversial issue even when the fetus is shown to be abnormal, is the result of a rape, or it threatens the health and life of the mother. But consider the abortion laws in Catholic Al Salvador, where women have been sent to prison after suffering miscarriages.
Little Bully Kid Jesus
While the Old Testament makes no bones about depicting Jehovah God as an all-powerful force to be feared, the New Testament describes the Son, Jesus, as a kind person preaching love and compassion. At least that is the story the priests and high church officials chose to include in the New Testament when they canonized the scriptures about 600 years after Jesus allegedly lived. And you can bet a lot of stuff was carefully snipped from the original text because it didn’t fit the "correct" theological viewpoint of the early Roman Catholic Church. For example, there is almost nothing stated in the Gospels or letters about the childhood of Jesus. There were stories found in other books, and from all we can tell, little Jesus was a peeler.
While the Old Testament makes no bones about depicting Jehovah God as an all-powerful force to be feared, the New Testament describes the Son, Jesus, as a kind person preaching love and compassion. At least that is the story the priests and high church officials chose to include in the New Testament when they canonized the scriptures about 600 years after Jesus allegedly lived. And you can bet a lot of stuff was carefully snipped from the original text because it didn’t fit the "correct" theological viewpoint of the early Roman Catholic Church. For example, there is almost nothing stated in the Gospels or letters about the childhood of Jesus. There were stories found in other books, and from all we can tell, little Jesus was a peeler.
The Threat Of Hell
Fear is a powerful method of controlling people. In a religion that threatens an eternal punishment of fire and brimstone and living in agony forever in a place called Hell, followers find themselves trapped into compliance. They live in constant fear of being sentenced to Hell if they break the rules established by the church.
Fear is a powerful method of controlling people. In a religion that threatens an eternal punishment of fire and brimstone and living in agony forever in a place called Hell, followers find themselves trapped into compliance. They live in constant fear of being sentenced to Hell if they break the rules established by the church.
The Blood Moon Prophecy
The latest end-times prophecy has been uttered by Christian ministers John Hagee and Mark Biltz, who are telling followers that a series of four consecutive lunar eclipses (blood moons when a full moon turns red in the night sky) coinciding on Jewish holidays, and with six full moons in between, is marked in Acts 2:20 and Revelation 6:12 as a sign for believers to look up. Such an occurrence, known as a tetrad, ended with a lunar eclipse on September 27-28, 2015. Are we racing toward an apocalyptic end?
The latest end-times prophecy has been uttered by Christian ministers John Hagee and Mark Biltz, who are telling followers that a series of four consecutive lunar eclipses (blood moons when a full moon turns red in the night sky) coinciding on Jewish holidays, and with six full moons in between, is marked in Acts 2:20 and Revelation 6:12 as a sign for believers to look up. Such an occurrence, known as a tetrad, ended with a lunar eclipse on September 27-28, 2015. Are we racing toward an apocalyptic end?
The Imaginary World Of Christianity
Theist Gary Shadle, in his posted essay listing 888 reasons why he cannot accept Christianity, makes a powerful point when he argues how strange the Biblical world is when compared to reality. “It should take only a few moments of reflection to understand, to grasp, to figure this whole thing out, that the god of Christianity is to adults as Santa Claus is to children – an imaginary friend.”
Theist Gary Shadle, in his posted essay listing 888 reasons why he cannot accept Christianity, makes a powerful point when he argues how strange the Biblical world is when compared to reality. “It should take only a few moments of reflection to understand, to grasp, to figure this whole thing out, that the god of Christianity is to adults as Santa Claus is to children – an imaginary friend.”
Jesus vs. Cybele
Contemporary Bible scholars might be interested in understanding the “religious” mindset of the Romans back when Jesus was involved in his ministry. A large number of people in the Roman world were bowing to Cybele, a goddess of fertility. The conflicts among the Jews were the primary stories passed down to us from the days when Jesus was conducting his ministry. We must consider, however, that a lot of the people confronted by Jesus and who heard his teachings were involved in the official religion of the Roman world, which was the worship of the Magna Mater, or Great Mother Cybele.
Contemporary Bible scholars might be interested in understanding the “religious” mindset of the Romans back when Jesus was involved in his ministry. A large number of people in the Roman world were bowing to Cybele, a goddess of fertility. The conflicts among the Jews were the primary stories passed down to us from the days when Jesus was conducting his ministry. We must consider, however, that a lot of the people confronted by Jesus and who heard his teachings were involved in the official religion of the Roman world, which was the worship of the Magna Mater, or Great Mother Cybele.
Warren's Many Wives
Utah Sect Warned Of Apocalyptic Wednesday
A group of fundamentalist Latter-day Saints in southern Utah falsely predicted that a line of earthquakes would split the United States apart from Texas north to Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. The quake, they warned, will split open the walls of a newly constructed federal courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City and a federal prison in Texas, so cult leaders, Lyle and Warren Jeffs, could walk free. The sect members say the brothers, both facing charges of polygamy and sentences of life in prison, would be freed by “divine intervention.” It never happened.
A group of fundamentalist Latter-day Saints in southern Utah falsely predicted that a line of earthquakes would split the United States apart from Texas north to Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. The quake, they warned, will split open the walls of a newly constructed federal courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City and a federal prison in Texas, so cult leaders, Lyle and Warren Jeffs, could walk free. The sect members say the brothers, both facing charges of polygamy and sentences of life in prison, would be freed by “divine intervention.” It never happened.
Biblical Denigration Of The Lame
The first verses in the Book of Leviticus are directed to the priests who were chosen to minister to the nation of Israel. Yet in this day and age of concern about equality of all men and women, it seems that singling people out for the ministry by their personal appearance is not a very “Christian” thing to do. The preaching of God’s word then is assigned only to the “beautiful people,” only males, and no one else.
The first verses in the Book of Leviticus are directed to the priests who were chosen to minister to the nation of Israel. Yet in this day and age of concern about equality of all men and women, it seems that singling people out for the ministry by their personal appearance is not a very “Christian” thing to do. The preaching of God’s word then is assigned only to the “beautiful people,” only males, and no one else.
Judas Was Wrongly Vilified By Christians
The discovery of the Gospel of Judas by looters in an Egyptian cave in 1947 unearthed a whole new version of the story of Jesus that the Roman Catholic Church never wanted the world to see. There is evidence that the church attempted to destroy this and other writings that scholars believe gave a more correct version of the Jesus story at the time the books of the Bible were being selected.
The discovery of the Gospel of Judas by looters in an Egyptian cave in 1947 unearthed a whole new version of the story of Jesus that the Roman Catholic Church never wanted the world to see. There is evidence that the church attempted to destroy this and other writings that scholars believe gave a more correct version of the Jesus story at the time the books of the Bible were being selected.
Sacrificial Lamb
The Great Jewish Passover Lie
The Jewish celebration of Passover is one of the most important holidays of the year for people of that faith. It occurs every spring, and is intertwined with Easter, the major Christian celebration. One is a celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The other is a remembrance of the Tenth Plague in Egypt, God’s murder of all of the first born (non-Jewish) children and animals which allegedly persuaded the Pharaoh to release the Hebrew people from bondage and launch the Exodus, led by Moses. Neither story is supported by archaeological evidence or historical record.
The Jewish celebration of Passover is one of the most important holidays of the year for people of that faith. It occurs every spring, and is intertwined with Easter, the major Christian celebration. One is a celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The other is a remembrance of the Tenth Plague in Egypt, God’s murder of all of the first born (non-Jewish) children and animals which allegedly persuaded the Pharaoh to release the Hebrew people from bondage and launch the Exodus, led by Moses. Neither story is supported by archaeological evidence or historical record.
Shocking Findings of The Jesus Seminar
In 1985 there occurred a gathering of Bible scholars at Berkeley, California, to create a seminar for the intellectual study of the life, sayings and events that surrounded the life and teachings of Jesus. Thus evolved what was known as the Jesus Seminar, a group of up to 200 various experts on theology and Bible history that lasted until 2006 before the results of the ambitious study were published. Theist Gary Shadle’s said in his review of the findings: “The quotes and deeds of Jesus as written in the Gospels are mostly mythical. Only eighteen percent of the sayings and sixteen percent of the deeds attributed to Jesus were thought to be authentic.”
In 1985 there occurred a gathering of Bible scholars at Berkeley, California, to create a seminar for the intellectual study of the life, sayings and events that surrounded the life and teachings of Jesus. Thus evolved what was known as the Jesus Seminar, a group of up to 200 various experts on theology and Bible history that lasted until 2006 before the results of the ambitious study were published. Theist Gary Shadle’s said in his review of the findings: “The quotes and deeds of Jesus as written in the Gospels are mostly mythical. Only eighteen percent of the sayings and sixteen percent of the deeds attributed to Jesus were thought to be authentic.”
Jehovah God: The Master Of Terror
Since the 9-11 attacks Americans have been conditioned to think of bearded Muslims as terrorists. Objective students of history know, however, that terrorism is an international issue and nobody does it quite as well as the Christians. While we haven’t taken the time to count them, one article states that the Bible describes 1,321 incidents of cruel or violent acts, while the Quran lists 532. Both books appear to support a God of vengeance that has no problem slaughtering the wicked characters among us.
Since the 9-11 attacks Americans have been conditioned to think of bearded Muslims as terrorists. Objective students of history know, however, that terrorism is an international issue and nobody does it quite as well as the Christians. While we haven’t taken the time to count them, one article states that the Bible describes 1,321 incidents of cruel or violent acts, while the Quran lists 532. Both books appear to support a God of vengeance that has no problem slaughtering the wicked characters among us.
The Dark History Of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is another one of those ancient holidays dating so far back in the past that no one knows for sure just how it had its start. Today it is a special day of reaching out to our loved ones with flowers, cards and perhaps gifts of candy wrapped in heart-shaped boxes. It is a day to express love . . . something the world needs more of. The ancient documented history of this special day, however, isn’t quite as bright and full of good will as we might have thought.
Valentine’s Day is another one of those ancient holidays dating so far back in the past that no one knows for sure just how it had its start. Today it is a special day of reaching out to our loved ones with flowers, cards and perhaps gifts of candy wrapped in heart-shaped boxes. It is a day to express love . . . something the world needs more of. The ancient documented history of this special day, however, isn’t quite as bright and full of good will as we might have thought.
How Histery is Teeched in the King Jams Babble
(From Fauxnews Comedy Page)
Today's spoof was offered from unknown sources some time ago. We found it in our tickler file and thought it was so funny, we are offering it for your reading enjoyment.
(From Fauxnews Comedy Page)
Today's spoof was offered from unknown sources some time ago. We found it in our tickler file and thought it was so funny, we are offering it for your reading enjoyment.
Is There Such A Place As Hell?
The basic Christian threat taught to children from the day they first begin attending church is that people who live a good and righteous life go to Heaven to be with Jesus, and sinners are tossed into a lake of fire called Hell to suffer forever. A story like that scares the dickens out of children and many silly adults who go through life worrying that they may not be good enough to qualify for Heaven once they die. It has a lot to do with the human fear of death. Would you believe there is no reference to such a place in the Bible? So where did this story come from?
The basic Christian threat taught to children from the day they first begin attending church is that people who live a good and righteous life go to Heaven to be with Jesus, and sinners are tossed into a lake of fire called Hell to suffer forever. A story like that scares the dickens out of children and many silly adults who go through life worrying that they may not be good enough to qualify for Heaven once they die. It has a lot to do with the human fear of death. Would you believe there is no reference to such a place in the Bible? So where did this story come from?
Christian Narrow Mindedness
This week we are poking fun at the uncompromising position taken by hard-line, Bible believing orthodox Christians. The points made are so perfectly stated we don’t believe we can improve on them. Each point cleverly slams the silly thinking of close-minded Bible believers right in the face. Warning; the list might make you laugh.
This week we are poking fun at the uncompromising position taken by hard-line, Bible believing orthodox Christians. The points made are so perfectly stated we don’t believe we can improve on them. Each point cleverly slams the silly thinking of close-minded Bible believers right in the face. Warning; the list might make you laugh.
About The Adam And Eve Story
The story of God’s creation of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis is so full of biological holes it is difficult to find a point for a challenger to the story to start. The archaeological and geological evidence of humanoids that walked the earth show that men and women were on the planet thousands of years before the Bible record begins. And then who did Cain marry when he started the Canaanites, his mother?
The story of God’s creation of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis is so full of biological holes it is difficult to find a point for a challenger to the story to start. The archaeological and geological evidence of humanoids that walked the earth show that men and women were on the planet thousands of years before the Bible record begins. And then who did Cain marry when he started the Canaanites, his mother?
The Original Mother of God
Semiramis was said to have been both the wife and the mother of Nimrod. Nimrod, in turn, was thought to have been the first post-deluge world emperor, recorded in history as the Assyrian King Tukulti-Ninurta I, the founder of Nineveh and ruler of the known world within the Golden Crescent. Proof of the actual existence of these two legendary characters is difficult, if not impossible. Yet their footprint can be found in ancient historical text and records, including the Bible. Nimrod is mentioned briefly in the Book of Genesis as a great grandson of Noah. The New Testament story of the Virgin Mary giving birth to a god is a text taken right out of the legend of Semiramis.
Semiramis was said to have been both the wife and the mother of Nimrod. Nimrod, in turn, was thought to have been the first post-deluge world emperor, recorded in history as the Assyrian King Tukulti-Ninurta I, the founder of Nineveh and ruler of the known world within the Golden Crescent. Proof of the actual existence of these two legendary characters is difficult, if not impossible. Yet their footprint can be found in ancient historical text and records, including the Bible. Nimrod is mentioned briefly in the Book of Genesis as a great grandson of Noah. The New Testament story of the Virgin Mary giving birth to a god is a text taken right out of the legend of Semiramis.
A Hilarious Romp Through Genesis
A website The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible, produced by Got Questions.Org, claims to be a scholarly examination of the New International Version of the Bible. What we found in the site's examination of text in the Book of Genesis alone was a delightful view of that story. It seems that the Biblical scholars examining Genesis perceive the book exactly the way we do; and they displayed a wonderful sense of humor in saying so.
A website The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible, produced by Got Questions.Org, claims to be a scholarly examination of the New International Version of the Bible. What we found in the site's examination of text in the Book of Genesis alone was a delightful view of that story. It seems that the Biblical scholars examining Genesis perceive the book exactly the way we do; and they displayed a wonderful sense of humor in saying so.
Subjected Fate Of All Fundamental Bible Thumpers
If you believe that the Christian Bible is truly the inspired word of God, and that it is your duty as a “born again” believer to obey all of its written laws, then you should probably expect to be stoned to death in the town square. The problem with this form of capital punishment is that the stoning is to be done by true believers who, themselves, are very likely among the “sinners” who have violated the written laws and are also condemned to suffer the same death penalty. Thus we have the strange image of a gathering of Christian extremists in the act of committing suicide by stoning each other for silly reasons . . . like munching down a cheeseburger or walking into a church with dirty feet. Very few, if any living humans today can say they have not broken at least one of the Old Testament laws punishable by death.
If you believe that the Christian Bible is truly the inspired word of God, and that it is your duty as a “born again” believer to obey all of its written laws, then you should probably expect to be stoned to death in the town square. The problem with this form of capital punishment is that the stoning is to be done by true believers who, themselves, are very likely among the “sinners” who have violated the written laws and are also condemned to suffer the same death penalty. Thus we have the strange image of a gathering of Christian extremists in the act of committing suicide by stoning each other for silly reasons . . . like munching down a cheeseburger or walking into a church with dirty feet. Very few, if any living humans today can say they have not broken at least one of the Old Testament laws punishable by death.
Ruth’s Blood Line To Jesus
To the layman the story of Ruth in the Old Testament seems out of place and possibly unnecessary among the holy books of the Bible. The key to understanding this woman’s story is genealogy. Jesus was a direct descendant of Ruth so it was important that her story was included in the Old Testament. But when you really study the genealogy, and determine just who all of the people were who were “begetting” children in the bloodline between Abraham and Jesus, there seems to be a serious problem. There is not a pure blood line linking Jesus to the Hebrew people.
To the layman the story of Ruth in the Old Testament seems out of place and possibly unnecessary among the holy books of the Bible. The key to understanding this woman’s story is genealogy. Jesus was a direct descendant of Ruth so it was important that her story was included in the Old Testament. But when you really study the genealogy, and determine just who all of the people were who were “begetting” children in the bloodline between Abraham and Jesus, there seems to be a serious problem. There is not a pure blood line linking Jesus to the Hebrew people.
Pope Francis and the Number 13
If you are into numerology you may enjoy a brief look at how the number 13 plays in the life and selection of Pope Francis for his position at the Vatican. There is that and then there are the strange synchronizes linking the election of this pope to the number 13. His election fell on the thirteenth day of the third month of the year 2013. Add the numbers 3+1+3+2+0+1+3 and you get 13. That number keeps coming up everywhere you look around this new pope.
If you are into numerology you may enjoy a brief look at how the number 13 plays in the life and selection of Pope Francis for his position at the Vatican. There is that and then there are the strange synchronizes linking the election of this pope to the number 13. His election fell on the thirteenth day of the third month of the year 2013. Add the numbers 3+1+3+2+0+1+3 and you get 13. That number keeps coming up everywhere you look around this new pope.
The Black Pope
In the two years that he has been seated as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has delighted the world because of the way he has brought new light and inspiration to a war-torn planet. But there is a dark secret linked to Pope Francis' religious order known as the Jesuits. This order is headed by a Superior General who is known as the Black Pope. This is because this man, the Rev. Father Adolfo Nicholas, always wears a black priest's vestments in contrast to the white robes worn by the Pope at the Vatican. Some perceive this man as the true leader of the church.
In the two years that he has been seated as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has delighted the world because of the way he has brought new light and inspiration to a war-torn planet. But there is a dark secret linked to Pope Francis' religious order known as the Jesuits. This order is headed by a Superior General who is known as the Black Pope. This is because this man, the Rev. Father Adolfo Nicholas, always wears a black priest's vestments in contrast to the white robes worn by the Pope at the Vatican. Some perceive this man as the true leader of the church.
That Controversial Circumcision Issue
Most American males and all Jewish males have been circumcised. That means that within days after they were born, someone . . . usually a medical person . . . performed a painful surgery on the end of their penis and removed the foreskin. The foreskin is a natural part of the male penis. Contemporary medical people tell us there is no good reason for subjecting male babies to this torture. The old belief that it is a Biblical commandment by God does not apply to non-Jews, or even contemporary Jews. It is an Old Testament story that may have been tied to ancient superstitious mythology. So why are we still doing it?
Most American males and all Jewish males have been circumcised. That means that within days after they were born, someone . . . usually a medical person . . . performed a painful surgery on the end of their penis and removed the foreskin. The foreskin is a natural part of the male penis. Contemporary medical people tell us there is no good reason for subjecting male babies to this torture. The old belief that it is a Biblical commandment by God does not apply to non-Jews, or even contemporary Jews. It is an Old Testament story that may have been tied to ancient superstitious mythology. So why are we still doing it?
So Who Were The Nephilim?
Among the many sexy stories passed down by the Hebrews in the Old Testament, the most controversial has been that of the Nephilim, as told in the Book of Genesis. Genesis 6:4, King James Version... There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. This brief little paragraph, an event that the Biblical account goes on to say angered God so much that he brought on a world flood to eradicate all living things on the planet, is so filled with holes we can only speculate at just what really happened.
Among the many sexy stories passed down by the Hebrews in the Old Testament, the most controversial has been that of the Nephilim, as told in the Book of Genesis. Genesis 6:4, King James Version... There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. This brief little paragraph, an event that the Biblical account goes on to say angered God so much that he brought on a world flood to eradicate all living things on the planet, is so filled with holes we can only speculate at just what really happened.
How People Would Respond To Jesus Today
Comedian John Fugelsang perhaps best described the way modern society would look at Jesus if he appeared among us today the way he is described in the New Testament. He said: “Jesus was a radical nonviolent revolutionary who hung around with lepers, hookers and crooks; wasn’t American and never spoke English; was anti-wealth, anti-death penalty, anti-public prayer; but was never anti-gay, never mentioned abortion or birth control, never called the poor lazy, never justified torture, never fought for tax cuts for the wealthiest Nazarenes, never asked a leper for a co-pay; and was a long-haired brown-skinned homeless community-organizing anti-slut-shaming Middle Eastern Jew.”
Comedian John Fugelsang perhaps best described the way modern society would look at Jesus if he appeared among us today the way he is described in the New Testament. He said: “Jesus was a radical nonviolent revolutionary who hung around with lepers, hookers and crooks; wasn’t American and never spoke English; was anti-wealth, anti-death penalty, anti-public prayer; but was never anti-gay, never mentioned abortion or birth control, never called the poor lazy, never justified torture, never fought for tax cuts for the wealthiest Nazarenes, never asked a leper for a co-pay; and was a long-haired brown-skinned homeless community-organizing anti-slut-shaming Middle Eastern Jew.”
A Strange Japanese Jesus Story
Because of books and films on the subject, most people by now are aware of the story of a mythical link between Mary Magdalene and Jesus in the area of Rennes-le-Chateau, France. But there is another story, told by the people of Shingo, Japan, that strangely links Jesus with that community. The people there not only believe this story, they have a complete legend and even grave markers to indicate that Jesus and his family lived out their lives there 2000 years ago.
Because of books and films on the subject, most people by now are aware of the story of a mythical link between Mary Magdalene and Jesus in the area of Rennes-le-Chateau, France. But there is another story, told by the people of Shingo, Japan, that strangely links Jesus with that community. The people there not only believe this story, they have a complete legend and even grave markers to indicate that Jesus and his family lived out their lives there 2000 years ago.
Jesus Had A Wife?
The discovery of an ancient Egyptian papyrus text that refers to Jesus’ wife is shaking the Christian world. In spite of attempts to write off the text as a hoax, careful study and carbon dating has rated the papyrus as an authentic document. Such are the findings of Harvard Professor Karen L. King in an article recently published in the Harvard Theological Review.
The discovery of an ancient Egyptian papyrus text that refers to Jesus’ wife is shaking the Christian world. In spite of attempts to write off the text as a hoax, careful study and carbon dating has rated the papyrus as an authentic document. Such are the findings of Harvard Professor Karen L. King in an article recently published in the Harvard Theological Review.
That Strange Introduction To John’s Gospel
During my years dabbling in the Christian faith I heard those opening lines in the Gospel of John read numerous times by various ministers and guest speakers. The words never made much sense to me but they were delivered with such reverence I just assumed that everybody around me understood what we were hearing and I kept my yap shut. Now that I am a declared rebel among Christian ranks, I am daring to question the very sanity of the person who wrote those peculiar twisted words that sound strangely similar. Oh yeah….It’s in Genesis 1.
During my years dabbling in the Christian faith I heard those opening lines in the Gospel of John read numerous times by various ministers and guest speakers. The words never made much sense to me but they were delivered with such reverence I just assumed that everybody around me understood what we were hearing and I kept my yap shut. Now that I am a declared rebel among Christian ranks, I am daring to question the very sanity of the person who wrote those peculiar twisted words that sound strangely similar. Oh yeah….It’s in Genesis 1.
Why They Killed Jesus
The Bible story of the trial and murder of Jesus is strangely lame when you think about it. An interesting theory presented last year on the website Prison Planet probably makes about as much sense as any we have heard. They murdered Jesus because he attacked the money changers. The article quotes the Rev. Howard Bess, a retired Baptist minister and frequent columnist for various Internet publications, as pointing out that the entire movement to kill Jesus stemmed from his assault on the money changers operating in the temple. "Jesus wasn’t sentenced to death until he challenged the money changers," said Bess. Sounds about right. Click For More
The Bible story of the trial and murder of Jesus is strangely lame when you think about it. An interesting theory presented last year on the website Prison Planet probably makes about as much sense as any we have heard. They murdered Jesus because he attacked the money changers. The article quotes the Rev. Howard Bess, a retired Baptist minister and frequent columnist for various Internet publications, as pointing out that the entire movement to kill Jesus stemmed from his assault on the money changers operating in the temple. "Jesus wasn’t sentenced to death until he challenged the money changers," said Bess. Sounds about right. Click For More
The Many Names Of God
The writers of the ancient Hebrew text that became the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, worshipped multiple gods and had a variety of names for them. This was common among early civilizations. What is unique about the Tanakh is that as the writings were absorbed into the canon that eventually became the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, the various Hebrew names of god were altered so they implied reference to a single, all-powerful creator god. Yet various Hebrew names can still be found in the King James Bible if you hunt for them. More . . .
The writers of the ancient Hebrew text that became the Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible, worshipped multiple gods and had a variety of names for them. This was common among early civilizations. What is unique about the Tanakh is that as the writings were absorbed into the canon that eventually became the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, the various Hebrew names of god were altered so they implied reference to a single, all-powerful creator god. Yet various Hebrew names can still be found in the King James Bible if you hunt for them. More . . .
The Gods Of War And Peace
Bible thumpers who really spend time studying that book must have a lot of trouble justifying the many verses that describe their god as a "god of war" and also a "god of peace." How can the god of love that watches over mankind also condone the violent killing of armies and sometimes entire tribes? Click For More
Bible thumpers who really spend time studying that book must have a lot of trouble justifying the many verses that describe their god as a "god of war" and also a "god of peace." How can the god of love that watches over mankind also condone the violent killing of armies and sometimes entire tribes? Click For More
Sumerian Gods Enki And Enlil
According to text from the ancient Sumerian clay tablets, there was a complex story concerning two primary god figures, Enki and Enlil, sons of the supreme god Anu but by different wives. Thus they were half-brothers and they did not get along. A study of the rivalry between these two gods gives us some insight into the wild stories handed down to us via the Book of Genesis. Click For Story
According to text from the ancient Sumerian clay tablets, there was a complex story concerning two primary god figures, Enki and Enlil, sons of the supreme god Anu but by different wives. Thus they were half-brothers and they did not get along. A study of the rivalry between these two gods gives us some insight into the wild stories handed down to us via the Book of Genesis. Click For Story
Tracking The Genesis Myth
Contemporary Bible scholars like to think Moses may have had a lot to do with writing the Book of Genesis. That book, the first in the Bible, is the key ingredient to the Christian belief in the origin of man and his fall into sin, thus making him dependent on blood sacrifice to achieve atonement. It is all there in the first chapters of Genesis. The story has been used to keep humanity in a state of mental enslavement for as long as anyone can remember. It is a terrible belief system culled from a book with origins dating back into the fog of antiquity. More . . .
Contemporary Bible scholars like to think Moses may have had a lot to do with writing the Book of Genesis. That book, the first in the Bible, is the key ingredient to the Christian belief in the origin of man and his fall into sin, thus making him dependent on blood sacrifice to achieve atonement. It is all there in the first chapters of Genesis. The story has been used to keep humanity in a state of mental enslavement for as long as anyone can remember. It is a terrible belief system culled from a book with origins dating back into the fog of antiquity. More . . .
The X-Rated Bible
Unspoken of by Sunday school teachers, preachers and Bible scholars in general are the various X-rated stories that appear throughout the Old Testament. Like they do with Ezekiel’s description of an alien space craft landing, the teachers tend to ignore or gloss over the stories, perhaps pretending (or wishing) they did not exist. Some of the stories are raunchy enough to appear in contemporary pornographic literature. Click For More
Unspoken of by Sunday school teachers, preachers and Bible scholars in general are the various X-rated stories that appear throughout the Old Testament. Like they do with Ezekiel’s description of an alien space craft landing, the teachers tend to ignore or gloss over the stories, perhaps pretending (or wishing) they did not exist. Some of the stories are raunchy enough to appear in contemporary pornographic literature. Click For More
Who Was Saint Patrick?
March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day all over the world. People in the United States, Japan, Argentina, Russia, Great Britain and Malaysia are all among the people of the world who are joining the Irish in celebrating the holiday by wearing green, tipping green ale, holding parades and telling Irish jokes. So who was Saint Patrick, and how did the day become such an international time of celebration? Click For Story
March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day all over the world. People in the United States, Japan, Argentina, Russia, Great Britain and Malaysia are all among the people of the world who are joining the Irish in celebrating the holiday by wearing green, tipping green ale, holding parades and telling Irish jokes. So who was Saint Patrick, and how did the day become such an international time of celebration? Click For Story