Steve, Shalom and David... I'm afraid your Jesus is a bit of a war monger. And, I'm afraid that I have very dissapointing news for you.
Just returned to the computer to find a load of zaps with yours included, so let me answer to all of you. Since your letters have peaked my interest in this religion bit, I got myself a copy of the bible and the book I mentioned that analysis the words that Jesus spoke.
I started to read a bible from the first, but got bogged down in who begat whom. ( Frankly, I didn't find much religion in it.) So, instead, I spent much of last few evenings devouring the book that I mentioned, The Five Gospels. It is indeed a rather scholarly work. The Jesus seminar people all have at least three degrees from every conceivable denomination. The thing that I like about it is that it is all of Jesus' words all cross referenced and compared within the gospels. It turns out that they think that 82% of what Jesus was supposed to have said, he probably didn't say at all. Not much to build a religion on if you ask me. Anyhow, I approached it with an open mind, read every word that Jesus said, (not all the analyses,) and here are my conclusions:
First, your Jesus is a real war monger. All he wants Christians to do is to stir up trouble and hate each other. I never realized that there was a reason that Christians were always waging war in the name of Jesus. Now I know why-- he told you to do so. This now makes it perfectly clear to me why Christians hate everyone that crosses their path and each other. It never made any sense to me before. Since I think war is rather fruitless, I'm afraid that I part company with your Jesus on this one.
Secondly, I thought Christians supposedly believed in family values, Jesus sure didn't. When he says that you have to hate your parents and siblings to be one of his disciples, I can see why he only had 12. Again, it explains to me why there is so much anamosity between Christians. How can you hate your parents? This Jesus dude is one sick puppy, and you're following him! Who's next Charles Manson?
Thirdly, he makes it perfectly clear that heaven isn't for the rich. ( Not that I have any interest in going to heaven. I don't.) But he is definitely against those that are wealthy, and makes it clear that heaven belongs to the poor. I'm afraid that leaves me out. Although I've never sought fortune, it found me. So, I guess that would also leave me out, even if I did find anything of value in your religion.
Not to be totally negative, though, there were a few things that he had to say that I ageed with.
First, that his Father's Kingdom-- heaven?-- is right here on earth, and you (his disiples) don't see it. Also, that it is like an empty jar." Probably the most profound words that I read.
Secondly, that he wasn't against gays and, in fact said clearly that Lesbians would go to heaven. (No, I'm not gay)
Thirdly, "One who seeks will find..." It seems that Christians have stopped seeking. You have to once you believe. Searching for knowledge uses reasoning. You can always be open to new ideas-- like the earth is round. You can't be seeking and say, "I have the answer."
And lastly, "Whoever drinks from my mouth... (I'm assuming he's referring to his words.) ... hidden things will be revealed to him."
Certainly true, I now understand more about Christians than I ever did. A lot has been explained.
Looking at it from a purely objective point of view. If I were in need of a religion, I certainly would keep on looking. This one advocates disharmony and promises everything somewhere in the future when you die. The Moslem extremists and the Christians have a lot in common here.
Regarding the two creations. I felt that you fellows had to really push the envelope to come up with explanations. Frankly, sort of as a joke, I saw "The Sage's" thread and asked him the same question. I must admit, I think his answer made a lot more sense. He just sort of said. "it's there, accept it for what it is and don't try to make something out of it." I wonder what philosophy he follows?
In closing, I had an interesting experience, but I'm afraid that it may be really bad news for you. I had a knock at the door and two young people were there that claimed to be "bible students." They have come before and I always thanked them for stopping by, saying something like, "I already have vacuum cleaner." Anyhow, I invited them right in, sat them down and listened very intently to what they had to say...and say.. and say.. anyhow, when they were through, I asked them a bunch of questions, most of which they couldn't answer to my satisfaction. But, and here is the rub for you guys... Unless you are Jehovah's Witnesses AND in the chosen bunch of THEM... you aren't going to heaven either! Sorry, for the bad news if you aren't. If you are, I guess you're in good shape.
But, then, if you aren't one of the chosen. Feel free to come join me in understanding how all religions-- (and everything else)-- works, what they have in common, what separates them and how it turns out that they all seem to be created by men. BTW, Christ wasn't the first "god" to be crucified and resurrected. That myth was handed down from the Romans, one of their gods already beat him to the punch. Maybe you can find a hat that fits, so that you will be able to go to a heaven, too.
As for me, I find that sitting here watching the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean is heaven enough. I have a wonderful wife of 32 years, (in five days), two kids that neither drink, smoke or swear-- because they always knew that they could if they wanted to, ( a son who at 26 is the president of a successful computer company, and so honest, he squeaks,) and a daughter going to law school ( head of the alcohol awarness program at her college.) and we all love each other. Maybe you were right when you said if you follow the "true God"-- to me the god of creation-- "he" will bless you mightily. And if tonight I should die, I would feel pretty cheap in asking the one who created all this for more.
May you, too, find true happiness, for it seems that you are searching for it.
:o) |
