Traversing Babylon

Intro: These pages are designed, firstly, for those people who, for many reasons, have given up on the Christian faith. Secondly, those who will not have anything to do with Jesus because of the contradictory beliefs coming from various church doctrines. For instance, "God is Love," so then why did He create an eternal Hell of torment, or why did God order genocide? Lastly, it is written for those who think outside the box of doctrine, and think God must be far more loving, tolerant, and gracious than many churches teach.

If you don’t ask such questions; or you’re intolerant of other opinions on scripture, don’t bother with this site. 

Nevertheless, I wholly believe it doesn’t matter what kind of faith you have as long as you are honest in your search, and love for God. (Lu.10.27). You may not be ready for such things that I write here, but be assured I believe one doesn’t have to believe opinions to be saved. Doctrines are opinions of organized religious systems. These have nothing to do with salvation; because Jesus said, if we seek, knock, ask, God will give us what we need.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Mat.7.7-8

I should tell you at the outset, I don't adhere strictly to how institutions interpret scripture, still my desire is to follow the teachings and examples of Jesus. And though Jesus never foretold the coming of the Bible, I regard the Bible as a historical document and record that reflects humanity's evolving understanding of God and its writers' spiritual beliefs.The most important value of scripture are the verses which are a record of Jesus' life on earth. 

Though Jesus didn't promise us the Bible, He did promise us the infilling of the Holy Spirit, to guide us along the way in our faith. (Jn.14.26, Jn.15.26) Oddly, Most church organizations, instead of emphasizing the Holy Spirit's guidance, often prioritize traditions and doctrines based on cultural interpretations of scripture. Some have gone so far as to say, 'the scriptures are the Holy Spirit.'  

It's understandable that men would default to following a rule-based system, such as the Old Testament, rather than trusting an intangible 'still, small voice' (1Ki.19.12).

The following chapters are an attempt to analyze and shed light on the limitations of religious systems.

Please understand, I believe God accepts all honest people, yes, even if they subscribe to a religious system. These individuals may have been born into that religion; God could have used that system to bring them out of a dark place; or their particular system may have been the only one available to them.

A person adhering to a particular dogma does not automatically mean they are ignorant. Fact is, they may be smarter than me; they may even be more effective in their faith than me. And, by the way, one of the quotes I often use ('ideology is idolatry') came from a Catholic theologian!

If we are going to grow in our faith, we must follow truth/light where we find it. God has His own criteria for success, and it's not through intelligence or following the correct system but following Him with a sincere heart.

The human psyche is so complex, therefore, as Jesus told us, we cannot judge others, especially their faith in God. However, we can always help each other grow. This is accomplished, not by criticizing another's view of God or life, but approaching them with genuine concern, and reasonable answers to their questions. If we find our system violates common sense, and the manifested love of God, we have an obligation to follow God regardless of our affiliations. 

When we follow Jesus, and His examples of Love, rather than our religion’s doctrine, we, and others we communicate with, will always discover that God is much better than what we were ever taught. 

We shouldn't view scripture as an entirely supernatural book, but see it as a very good historical record of what the writers believed were true about God, and their religion; therefore, this was their faith. By doing this, we can take the idea of perfection out of scripture and understand it in its cultural context; and then we can  glean the principles and truths scattered throughout.

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Chapter 1

If not an entirely supernatural book (Inerrancy), then what is it?

The Bible is full of spiritual insights and wisdom. However, throughout scripture there are varying measures of cultural perspectives which cloud who God actually is. How did this happen? 

To answer this, first we must recognize, God does not require His followers to be perfect. As the story in Numbers 22, God can even use a donkey to express His will!

Throughout scripture, all types of peoples are shown to be used by God, even sinners. The truth is, we all have issues. It's always been that way; the writers of the Bible were no exceptions Even King David, “a man after God’s own heart,” (1Sam.13.14) had serious issues with adultery and murder; this with his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, her husband. (2Sam.12.9) God understands mankind, that even those who seem sophisticated, educated and mature, still are imperfect. 

As every Bible student is aware, there are no original Bible manuscripts in existence. Only uncountable copies of copies of those books. As a result, the Bible is riddled with inconsistencies and obvious changes from one copy of manuscript to another; mostly minor, but some more serious. Add to this, all the translations throughout history, makes the Bible too imperfect to rationally believe in  inerrancy. *

 Throughout the history of Judaism and Christianity, the belief in biblical inerrancy, as well as the belief in following established institutional traditions, has led to using scripture to enforce implicit religious codes, a type of subtle legalism. I’ve been guilty of this myself, by bringing up scripture to enforce my views on people whose faith allowed behaviors different than my own:

“Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?” 1Cor.11.14

I finally repented of the pressure I put on people when I discovered that ‘being Biblical’ is another way of being legalistic.

Unfortunately there are more serious ways of being legalistic; this is by forcing unity of opinions on doctrine. In many churches, both Catholic and Protestant, in order to join, or be a functioning part of that body, one must turn from their own views, and conscience, and wholly subscribe & follow the views of that group. And if you don’t, yes, you may attend, but you will always be considered a second class member. 

This all comes from seeing the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, as unchanging literal law, and God's truth, which should be followed by everyone. They base this on the idea that, ‘this is God's Word,’ and is absolute truth, and therefore mandatory for everyone.

All things considered, and compared with other ancient writings, the Bible is remarkably accurate in its history. However, the peoples who recorded these events had cultural biases about what kind of God they served. Because God can’t be seen, the nature of God was surmised from mankind's premise that God controls all things, including nature — and He uses nature and other events in order to bless or punish mankind. With variations within monotheism, these have been common assumptions since ancient times. 

Logos

"In the beginning was the Word..." (Greek: Logos) Jn.1.1

There are different ways to define the Greek word 'Logos.' The most common use of it is 'Word.' I read another way from Strong's concordance which I prefer: 'The Divine Expression.'  

We can say that throughout scripture there are accurate records of God's expression. But we cannot rationally say every word which is attributed to God is actually expressing God.

Chapter 2

What's the problem with organized religion?

Because organized religion has created confusion in the Church! ‘Babylon’ literally means 'confusion.' At the tower of Babel, the people sought to build a tower to the heavens. The result was confusion as everyone began speaking different languages and they could not communicate with each other. Finally they separated into factions.

I see this as a metaphor for the current events in our world; Humanity continues to segregate under various banners. With religion all of this happens because churches require followers to adhere to a particular set of beliefs before they are accepted. As a result, a false unity emerges; one without opposing voices.

“And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” Gen.11.6 

As with all government, church or state, without checks and balances, whatever leadership imagines, nothing will stop them. 

When your faith's life is largely submissive to an institution and not God Himself; If one adheres to an ideology, there is no way you will not be led astray in some way. You will be walking, not in your own conscience, but the conscience of others. For instance, historically, within the Catholic church, the Pope is called ‘the Vicar of Christ.’ The word Vicar comes from the word vicarious derived from Latin, which means substitute. In other words, any man who considers themselves to be a Vicar, believes they have the right to dictate how you should live your life. However, it is not just those ministers in the Catholic institution who believe they have the right to control your convictions; all organized religious institutions tell you what to believe. And if you do not adhere to their systems, you are labeled a heretic, and they consider you bound for hell.  

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,” 1Tim.2.5

Summary: All institutions are designed by satan himself to replace our love and allegiance for God to allegiance to systems. To some degree or another satan's strategy usually works.

Doctrine is the greatest failure of organized religion

Christianity draws much of its beliefs from the Old Testament Hebrew Bible, where it describes God’s character as similar to the ancient gods of Egypt, and its surrounding regions. Therefore God is pictured as vengeful, jealous, vindictive, judgmental, and a genocidal god.

"So Joshua conquered all the land: the mountain country and the South and the lowland and the wilderness slopes, and all their kings; he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded." Jos.10.40

Keep in mind, back in Moses' day, the children of Israel were a separate culture within a culture, however, none were magically immune to Egypt's influence. On top of this, Moses was raised in the house of Pharaoh and his foundational understanding of God came to him within the confines of the mental pictures of God from bronze age civilizations. Christians are not unlike Israel, our mental picture of God is influenced by our surrounding Christian culture; which even today, is also shaped by bronze age misconceptions about God.

All organized religions sets up systems and dogmas regarding their particular beliefs about the gods they worship. Doctrines are set up as standards of belief and expectations from the faithful. The truth is, as Jesus implied, there is only one standard God is interested in -- Love. 

"Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Mat.22.27-40

Unlike ancient Israel's view of Yahweh, God is just like Jesus demonstrated Him to be. God loves His creation, dying for all mankind. However, much Christian doctrine says Christ’s sacrifice is limited to those who hear and respond to God in a contractual manner. Furthermore, anyone who has not even had a chance to hear IE, even those born in the wrong place or the wrong time, will still suffer eternal torment. Some even go so far as saying that “God has foreordained only some to be saved.” The others are therefore predestined to an eternity in Hell. Therefore, God is pictured as a vengeful, (and from a reasonable viewpoint) irrationally acting God, who arbitrarily chooses some and rejects others (called Election & Predestination). They ignore obvious contradictions (in the very Bible they propose cannot be in error):

"And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." 1Jn.2.2

Other systems believe that you must go through various rituals or you will end up in hell. Others insist that you must follow their prophet or holy man; dress a certain way, live a particular way, eat a certain way, worship a certain way; don't do this, but do that instead. All these systematic beliefs fly in the face of reason and logic. What God wants, is not that we believe a certain way, but that we love each other and strive for unity...not artificially through doctrine, but through love and forbearance. 

Summary: 'Doctrine' has become a substitute for finding unity through love. And with the absence of love people are easily dismissed, cast aside,  judged, and ultimately considered worthy of 'Hell fire.' This is the antithesis of what Christ has taught us through His life and teaching. God the Father is better represented by Christ than the observations and assumptions of the Old Testament Israelites. 

Chapter 3 

God is reasonable, God is Logical

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool." Is.1.18

Earlier I displayed a verse about Israel's God (supposedly) commanding Joshua to commit genocide (Jos.10.40). Is this rational, is this the kind of God you serve? Think about it, apparently God "hates the hands that shed innocent blood." (Prov.6.16-17) Either babies are not innocent and were somehow worthy of death. Or something is amiss here. To attribute such commands to a God, who is Love (1Jn.4.7-8) makes no sense at all. 

The truth is, God is just like Jesus; Jesus and God are supposed to be one, right? Can you imagine Jesus commanding his disciples to kill a child or some other horrible thing supposedly commanded by God? The Jesus I've come to know, never would. This begs the question, are such references to a genocidal God accurate and what is God really like?' 

Isn't it more likely that the accounts of these supposed instructions to kill the inhabitants of Canaan, were beliefs about God's character, and wrong impressions about what He said?

Remember, Moses had no idea who was talking to him from the burning bush:

Until the burning bush, while hiding out from the Pharoah, God's voice was unfamiliar to Moses. Keep in mind, all the events surrounding the Exodus, etc., occurred prior to Jesus coming and sending the Holy Spirit to guide us. Why do theologians assume Moses, Joshua, and all the rest of Israel got things right? Think on this: Those of us on this side of the cross, even after being "filled with the Spirit" and after having the Bible for thousands of years, still can't agree on what is the right course to follow! How can we expect Bronze Age mankind, at just beginning the Church, to perfectly understand God's ways? Ergo, why should we follow their understanding about God? 

“Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” Ex.3.13

God began to educate Moses about whom Moses was speaking to. Up to this point, going back to the early patriarchs, God’s identity was a complete mystery. God did not have a name, neither was there any written law for Israel. As Israel gradually separated themselves from the gods of their surrounding neighbors, we can naturally surmise they had some wrong ideas about the nature of God. Since the Person of Jehovah God was new to the Israelites, they imagined Him to be someone entirely different from what is shown us in the New Testament. Remember, Israel had been in Egypt for over four hundred years (Ex.12.40). Not only was God obscure before their arrival to Egypt, but His identity began to be wholly compromised during Israel's time in Egypt. 

In addition, there is a theory, with some evidence, that Pharaoh Akhenaten (Amenhotep) was the Pharaoh of Joseph. As far as we know Akhenaton was the sole Monotheist Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt’s history. No one really knows how he arrived at his beliefs. Was he influenced by Joseph, and amalgamated Joseph’s God into his belief system? Regardless, the monotheism of Egypt was short lived and formally abandoned by Egypt after Akhenaten's death.

Because the one true God was so undefined; and since Jehovah God had not been identified as yet; prior to the giving of the Law, God could be imagined, and could be believed to be anything, even a calf! (Ex.32.22-24)

Any study of the Patriarchs will show you, none of them had any sort of understanding who God actually was. From Joseph’s perspective, God could have been ‘Aten.' 

This is not so far-fetched; remember the story of Jacob’s wife, Rachel, Joseph’s mother. How she lied to Laban, her father, when she stole his "gods." (Gen.31.34) 

The account of Rachel stealing her father's 'gods' was a couple generations after God chose Abraham. Then Jacob's father, Isaac, grew in his understanding of God; Jacob had to go through his own process of developing an understanding of God. Finally we come to Joseph; his brothers sold him into slavery around the age of seventeen. To assume he had a perfect understanding of God and could clearly hear His voice is ridiculous. After Joseph finally settled in Egypt with years of imprisonment and servitude, though he was clearly a man of principle, we must assume his understanding of God was spotty at best. 

Now, consider this, the community of Israel and Jacob's descendants were resident in an Idolatrous nation; there is no way their incomplete theology could not pick up wrong pictures of God. 

I know this idea sounds odd to most Christians, this is because most assume God chose Moses, Joshua, and most of Israel’s early leaders, because they were excellent men, and had some great and righteous behavior, or special knowledge or insight into Jehovah God. Nothing is further from the truth. As Christianity rightly teaches, God reveals Himself to those whose hearts are inclined towards Him. Furthermore, never do we see good works, in either Testament as God sole criteria to earn His favor. It is more likely Moses, Joshua, and all the Patriarchs were just as much ‘in process’ as men are today.

Fundamentalist theologians read the Bible as if it perfectly represents God's heart, His words and His actions. So you see, there are reasons theologians make God out to be genocidal. The layman looks on and thinks, 'with all their professionalism, their education, surely these men know the truth.' The reality is, these theologians have chosen their respective ideology over common sense, logic and reason. 

Simply, the Bible is a record of what men saw and thought they heard of God in their minds and spirits. No doubt, with these there were many spiritual insights. But to my point, it is also a record of what they thought was happening in the spiritual realm. When Uzzah put his hand out to steady the Ark, he probably died of a heart attack (2Sam.6.6-7). In the minds of the ancients, his death was a result of God striking him. 

Remember ancient writers of the Bible didn't know God any better than you or I. In fact, the ancients knew God less than what is our potential, for Christ has come and given us promises and gifts they didn't have.  

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."  Mat.5.43-45, (Ps.139.21-22)

Summary: All Christians, to some degree, feel God interacts with mankind and individuals. He is invisible; And apparently He rarely speaks audibly. We watch the circumstances which are out of our control and attempt to connect the dots of His messages of guidance. We do this to somehow create a bridge of understanding between Him and us. This is an unreliable way of defining God and His desired course for our lives. However, when the fullness of time came, God so loved the world He took extreme measures and Jesus was given to mankind. At least one of the reasons for His coming was to better define Who God is, and what His will is for our lives: Loving God and Loving our neighbor...even our enemies! (Matt.5.43-45)

Most people define God through the influence of their religious culture; often with the absence of reason and logic. A careful look at the life of Jesus, including what He has done for us personally should be the defining reasons we know God is Love. 

Chapter 4 

Fundamentalist views of scripture

The Bible cannot be considered 'God's word.' When God produces something, it is flawless. As every serious Bible student is aware, there are no original Bible books in existence, only copies of copies of those books. As a result, the Bible is riddled with inconsistencies and obvious changes from one translation to the next.

In my view, this is the way it should be. All things considered, and compared with other ancient writings, the Bible is remarkably accurate in its history. However, the peoples who recorded these events had cultural biases about what kind of God they served. The invisible nature of God was surmised from their premise that God controls all things, including nature, to bless or punish mankind. With variations within monotheism, these are universal assumptions through the history of all mankind.

God came to the Jews through the man, Jesus. He came first to the Jews and primarily spoke to Jews. In addition, all his disciples were Jews of one sort or another. Consequently their former understanding of God came from the Old Testament. However, with His life and His teaching, Jesus showed that what they believed about the love of God was all wrong. Like the Jews, fundamentalist Christians, as well as other systems, are so tied to the Old Testament view of God they fail to see how far off the Jews were.

Before we can understand the true value of the Bible and therefore its uses, we first must understand how religion has put the Bible on an idolatrous pedestal. 

Instead of believers following God, and though Jesus never foretold, or promised the Bible, they follow what they think is a kind of magic book. (This is why Christians have "Bible studies," and not Jesus studies). 

The most common magic books we have in the West are the Bible, the Quran, and the Book of Mormon. There are more, but these are generally the most familiar. 

All of these are supposed to have their source through a direct revelation from God or His angels. To the fundamentalists in their respective faiths, this gives their magic books absolute authority; and they are obligated to follow these books to the letter.

The Bible is not a magic book. Neither is it a book that is supernatural in its essence. What it is, is a record of what men understood about their religion. Simply, the Bible can be broken down into at least five categories. 

1. Laws and Religious instruction

~ Old Testament Jewish Law / New Testament religious instructions.

2. Wisdom, various insights into human interaction and life.

~ Proverbs, Ecclesiastes. Also various insights scattered throughout.

3. Poetry

~ Song of Solomon, the book of Psalms

4. History

~ Old Testament Books including Jewish history relating to their world and political experiences

~ New Testament Gospels, the book of Acts

5. Revelations from God

~  Words from Old Testament Prophets

~ New Testament Prophecies and book of Revelation

As I stated, the Jews were meticulous in their record keeping. But as I have also stated, the record keepers were only normal men. They had similar intellectual faculties that we have today, but they also had the same personal vulnerabilities we have.  They brought all these human frailties into their work...especially in regards to prophecy.

For instance, the book of 'Revelation;' Martin Luther (the great hero of the Reformation) had some real issues with the book of Revelation. He didn't believe the book belonged in the collected books of the Bible (the canon). Primarily because he believed it didn't seem to him it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

What if Martin Luther was right? After all, the canon was decided by a committee of religious men, of whom we have no idea about their character or spiritual insight. They were living in what is usually known as "The Dark Ages." We should consider, if these folks were accurate, perhaps we should practice our religion in the same manner they practiced theirs! Let us remember that the organized churches were responsible for the Dark Ages.

More to my point, categories 1–4 are typical human activities. Similar textual resources might exist for all religions. But prophecy is a different issue; instead of men's perspectives on history, religion, poetry, and laws, men now declare, 'Thus saith The Lord.' How who can we possibly debate or contest what God is believed to have stated?

"Prophets," in my opinion, cannot fully convey God's heart, regardless of time or culture. Even the Apostle Paul said, 'we know in part and prophesy in part.' All prophets are tied to their cultures to some degree or another. Fundamentalists, on the other hand, interpret prophetic words in scripture, as literal utterances from God. If we take all the words of scripture as literal, and we are extremely zealous, we will undoubtedly become militant or even extremists. Organized religion worships those ancient words. Then, in order to convey their religious beliefs, they construct extravagant structures and intricate religious systems; and as a result, they are unable to convey the simplicity of genuine faith in God.

The sooner one arrives at the conclusions I've offered here, the sooner all of the nagging questions people have about God, the horrific things He has alleged to have done, will be satisfactorily answered. Logically, the false information about God can be attributed to men's preconceived ideas, and their fallible understanding about God. These were their understanding of our invisible God, not necessarily absolute truth. 

An example of how this has been happening: throughout the history of mankind, whenever something happens which is beyond the understanding of the observer; for instance, things commonly spoken of, IE alien abduction, poltergeists, the imaginations of men take over to explain what isn't obvious to them.  

"But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him." 1Jn.2.27

Summary: The Fundamentalist view of the Old Testament God will lead to extremism; to the point Christians will set aside Jesus' words to love our neighbors. Instead we will hate our neighbor by judging them if they don't fit into our perception of how the world should work. We will emulate what we think is the character of God. It will also make us inordinately political, attempting to force our community into conformity to Christian ideals. The latter is not the job of an 'ambassador.' (2Cor.5.20)

Chapter 5 

What then is the use of scripture? 

Though scripture is not God's words, the Bible has many advantages over other holy books; most especially because it tells the story of how Jesus brought God's visitation to us. However, when it is implied and people are taught, "God is like mankind, with similar passions," the hearers experience inner turmoil and are left with questions which institutions cannot answer. Jesus came to change how the world sees God, but religious institutions persist in their Bronze Age mindset about what kind of God we have. 

We must acknowledge the failures of human institutions and their man-centered theology if the Church is ever to transcend the Old Testament images of God. Even those who claim to have no interest in God are aware of the distinction between a God of love and a nationalistic God of war and vengeance. Which, rationally, is simply men, making God into their own image.

Am I saying, 'the Bible and "Bible believers" are of the Devil?

Definitely not! Though these kinds of extreme feelings are prevalent in our society, not all disagreements need to be followed by hate towards the individuals who hold those views. The Bible has a lot to teach us; especially if we read between the lines, even Moses' Law is full of spiritual instruction. Paul compares the Law to a guardian who raises a servant or a child, who will eventually grow up, make wise decisions, and be an heir:

".. to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Gal.4.4-7

There are innumerable insights in scripture; which any person who wishes may gather. This is accomplished, not by believing the stories to be necessarily factually accurate, but by meditating on the principles brought up through its scenarios.

Where we have failed, is by holding the Bible in such esteem it almost becomes a type of idolatry. By describing the Bible as 'The Word of God,' we have made it, what is now termed in our tech society, as a 'Deep fake.' This is a process accomplished by taking images of a famous personality, and making them mouth the words and actions of whatever the programmer wants them to say. By the way, in the past it was said, 'photos never lie.' Now we know, this is not true. Photos, as well as videos can be constructed to lie. Ergo, why not written words?

Though there are many commands and laws throughout scripture, the modern Christian should not read such commands as essential to have a relationship with God. Nor should these commands be considered in the same way organized religion teaches them to be. Instead they should be taught in the same manner a parent teaches their children. For instance, if your eight year old grandchild is visiting, and playing the front yard of your home, you wouldn't say, 

'I command you not to play in the street. If you do, you'll be sinning against me.' 

No, you give them more loving instructions. Something like: "...honey, the traffic is unpredictable, for your safety and my peace of mind, please stay in the yard."  All "commands" in scripture should be viewed as reasons for success in one's life and their community.

This brings up the definition of what sin is. Most students of scripture know, the literal meaning of the word " "sin" is, 'missing the mark.' 

The "mark" isn't some nonsensical religious way of behaving, but should be viewed as essential behavior so that you do not hurt yourself or those around you. And as the Apostle Paul taught, this 'mark' does move around; like eating meat offered to idols.' (1Cor.8.4-13)

As most people know, religion has had a social and political hold on western culture for centuries. Gradually this hold is starting to slip away from these religious institutions. Notice how the Roman Catholics had control over rulers in Europe and England for hundreds of years (changing with Henry the 8th) as well as South America for hundreds of years. The Roman church brought its brand of Christianity to all the diverse tribes throughout the world. Now Catholicism is losing its political grip, and people are finding their own views of morality. 

The same has happened in North America where Reformation theology is experiencing less control over society and has now been replaced by a variety of diverse beliefs. Time will tell what the outcome of these changes will be; but we can easily see the changes. Without judging the different choices people are making, still we cannot help but see these changes: More divorce, more drug use, more sexual activity. Society in general has become more open to every type of gender identity and promotes this freedom in every social media.

Churches now believe they can say, "See, I told you so...societies require our supervision." They will argue this both morally and politically, but they are completely incorrect!  That is not the Church's role. It goes against God's intent for the Church to impose a moral code on people who have no interest in these institution's religious views. Also, it could be argued, society's moral decline has been exasperated by legalism emanating from organized religious institutions. Because the more these institutions flexed their muscles politically, the more people pull back and find their own way. All legalism and forced moral dogma whether in the home or at church has a similar effect. 

Soon before the writing of this chapter, a woman in Iran was killed by the morality police for dressing in an 'immodest way.' No religion has the right to dictate morality, whether it be as straightforward as "what to wear" or as complex as one's preferred gender.

In the entire record of Jesus's conversations with individuals, never did He confront anyone about a particular sin. Yes, He talked about sin with the woman at the well, as well as telling others, 'sin no more,' but it wasn't  confrontational, neither was behavior the point of their discussion. 

Christians should look at the subject of sin in a different manner altogether, and question the traditional responses we have had in the past. Instead of seeing people as 'violators of God's laws,' people should have empathy for the "sinners" situation. 

Summary: The more churches and Christians insist people are 'sinning against God,' and try to coerce people into different behavior; the more the church will be blamed for their suffering. 

For instance: 'If it hadn't been for Christian involvement in colonialism, alcoholism wouldn't be so prevalent in our tribe. Or, If it weren't for the Christian judgment of our gender choices, our society would not have such a high degree of suicide. ( http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200ACR99  ) Though this view has been debunked, Christians still should refrain from any kind of judgment. This is not our job. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16799841  . And Jesus clearly stated it: Matt.7.1, 

( https://cmda.org/scapegoating-the-church-for-lgbt-suicide-and-stigma/ )

Chapter 6 

They who considered themselves stewards of the ancient Bible texts...

If you have ever spoken to someone who is bilingual, or read about the work of Wycliffe Bible translators, you'll know communicating or translating from one language to another is extremely difficult. Every person who has ever used or followed a verbal translator knows there is a wide variety of ways something translated could be wrongly stated and understood.

Therefore a translator must truly understand, not just word to word definitions, but the points the speaker is trying to make, also the spirit in which it's given. The translator also must intimately know the culture to whom they are speaking. 

As a simple example of how things could go wrong, you might remember candidate Donald Trump speaking to students and staff at Liberty Christian University during his first campaign. Since he wanted to get in good with the Christian community he proceeded to quote scripture. It was a gaffe that drew laughs at the evangelical college. He said "Two Corinthians" instead of 'Second Corinthians.'

Of course this isn't important, and he shouldn't have been laughed at. And in fact, the way it literally reads in the Bible, is '2 Corinthians.' But this illustrates how cultures; even ones within the same country itself, have their own way of speaking and understanding what is said. Virtually every Christian knows when there are a sequence of books of the Bible, they are read, 'first and second, etc.

As I said, this is a simple illustration of how all cultures communicate. Even when writing there are all kinds of ways, good and bad, we use to get our point across. For instance, if I were a standup comic, I could probably make you laugh at some 'Blond joke.' But if I were to write it, I'd likely come off as sexist. It's all in how I manipulate language and its nuances. 

OK, enough of the groundwork for my point. As pointed out, the New Testament was written almost 2000 years ago (depending on the book) These were all Hebrew or Aramaic speaking people recorded stories (at least for the New Testament) into Greek. There are absolutely no original transcripts left to us. Then around 400 AD "Saint" Jerome translated the New Testament to Latin. Supposedly his original language was 'Illyrian', a Slavic language. He was also fluent in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac Arabic. Certainly a very capable man. However, genius that he was, he was still just a man. Besides this, he had some very heavy Catholic baggage he carried around. 

What Baggage?

Around 415 AD a famous women scientist, philosopher and mathematician, by the name of Hypatia, was brutally murdered by a mob of Catholic zealots in Alexandria, Egypt. This, reflecting the organized church's growth in persecution of others beliefs. Jerome was part of  the same organization.

For centuries the organized church has been involved in all kinds of nonsense, some horrible, some just foolish. When I was a child and attending a Catholic church, I was instructed to kiss a visiting Bishops ring. In light of what Jesus taught, can you imagine Him leaving this example to His disciples? 

"But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10.42-45

As history repeatedly records, murder, burning at the stake, and terrible torture were common until the early 1600's. The brutality of the Spanish Inquisition lasted until 1834! And as most people alive today know, pedophilia was common. Somehow the faithful to their respective faiths were and are able to avert their eyes when foolish or preposterous things happen within the church and its leadership. But when thoughtfully considered, it is clearly absurd. Imagine the way it was in Jerome's day; how absurd beliefs might migrate into translations.

Regardless of the culture you belong to, what you believe will come up in your translating. As an example consider this verse in from the Catholic Bible:

 "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false, so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned." 2Thess.2.11-12 NRSV Catholic Edition

And the Old King James Version, a supposedly 'Reformation Bible,' it is even worse:  

"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be ****ed who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

Now consider this modern version, 'The Message Bible' (not a translation, but a paraphrase) 

"And since they’re so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they’re banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions." 

Personally I think the last reference from The Message Bible, though not an actual translation, is much more accurate. It is not God who 'condemns' men into darkness....it is men themselves who reside in darkness because they'd rather believe a lie. 

By the way, the 'baggage' I spoke of was believing God is just like mankind. That He is violent and condemns men because of their behavior and opinions. Believing such things gives men the option to do all kinds of evil things, because they think God has given them that example. 

Notice the word '****ed' in the King James version; the same Greek word (Krino) in the original copies is translated in several different ways throughout the New Testament. Here are samples of ways it is translated:

~ ****, Judged, Avenge, Conclude, Condemn, Decree, Ordained, Sue at Law, Esteem, Question, Determine. 

Basically the translators have better options for words they use. So, why did KJV choose '****ed' instead of 'judged' in the 2 Thessalonians verse? Clearly because this was the way they viewed God's personality. The 'Message Bible' is the more accurate, not because it is translated verbatim or supports some doctrine, or that includes any of the above words; but it best communicates how things are, and a more accurate view of how Jesus showed us God is. 

Click this link if you'd like to read some thought on translating issues.

Summary: We cannot take the words of institutions 'as gospel,' because institutions are full of politics, corruption, and agendas. We all have individual responsibility to find 'God's Word' ourselves. I will give you my view on how His is done later.

Chapter 7 

Submission and Culture 

"And when the ten heard it, (James and John wanting a special place next to Jesus in His future Kingdom) they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt.20.24-28

Organized religions' view:

Popes, down to pastors, priests, husbands, are taught that they are the authorities in their groups and families; yet, this is a contradiction to what Christ said in Matthew 20. 

Certainly those in authority will assent and quote the scripture above, but their actual attitudes and actions are dominated by their doctrinal thinking. 

At the writing of this chapter my wife and I have been married for 53 years. 45 (+-) of those years were deeply involved in our fundamentalist churches where we attended: and I taught the doctrine of submission as well. However, after awakening from my evangelical stupor I was able to see and experience the truth about submission. I found that the actual concept of submission has nothing to do with "authority," or anything resembling the doctrinal roots from Christian culture, inherited from the Apostle Paul's Jewish history.  But it has everything to do with love and freewill.

Note: After realizing I was wrong about the church doctrine of submission I was compelled to write to all the women, and their husbands who might have been influenced by my teaching. Click here to see the letter. 

The culture of Submission:

Where did the idea of submission come from? When you speak to a person raised in a church, they will take you to Genesis as the Apostle Paul did:

"Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control." 1Tim.2.11-15

The core doctrine that Fundamentalist's teach is that the inspiration which brought about the Bible was originally, verbatim. That the ancient writers had perfect revelation from God. So when they speak of any doctrine which is part of their system, it cannot be argued with; because in their view, you'd be arguing with God! They call this 'verbal plenary inspiration,' or absolute authority of scripture.

Consequently, anyone who deviates from their interpretation of scripture is, by default, a heretic. It is not just fundamentalists who believe in the concept of heresy, most religions operate in this manner; often with the view their traditions were inspired by God; and thus one cannot disagree with these traditions. 

What is one to do if he, or she, has decided to believe differently, to follow what they believe is the right way to worship God? 

The consequences could be severe. As an example, back in medieval times, when Protestant Fundamentalism was first being formed, there was a man named Servetus. He was a person with some influence, so he was taken prisoner and brought to John Calvin (The author of Calvinism, the prominent doctrine of many Fundamentalist churches). Servetus was tried in Calvin's court, but he would not submit to Calvin's doctrine and give up his beliefs, so he was found guilty of heresy and soon burned at the stake. 

I write this so simply...'burned at the stake;' The religionists in those days did not make it that simple. Calvin, though a reformer, learned much from the Catholics before him. The way Servetus was burned was not just casting him into an inferno for quick results. No, so he might finally turn from his heresy, the fire was a smoldering and intentionally prolonged & tortuous fire. All with the intent of convincing him to finally repent before he dies. If you'd like to read the whole account, read 'The Right to Heresy,' by Stefan Zweig. 

I could go into detail about Servetus and what he believed but that is not my intent; Servetus was a man who followed God the best way he understood. He followed his conscience. But when he did this, it brought him into conflict with those who thought they should dictate what was truth and error. And they believed their version of truth must be submitted to. 

I began this chapter with a few verses about the place of women in the church. Though I detest the extremes of feminism, on this point feminists are correct!  A woman's submission to a man, though taught in scripture, is in my view,  a concept contrary to the principles of the Kingdom of God. 

But I'm jumping ahead too much. Let me lay it out this way: If the Bible is the absolute authority for the Church, then yes, women should keep their mouths shut when men are around. Or, all mankind should submit to the dominant religion in their region. But if churches have the idea of 'inspiration' wrong, then we must conclude that many concepts in the Bible are a product of culture. 

The way churches teach the doctrine of submission is all about control. That said, I confess, it is much more complicated than this. Aside from gender equality, the principles of 'Submission' unfortunately does perform some workable functions in all societies, groups and organizations, large and small. For instance, children should be in submission to their parents and their teachers. 

That said, 'submission' is only supposed to be a temporary supporting prop for institutions composed of individuals who have not gained, or have lost their ability to independently govern themselves, and are able to act in love towards each other. 

Chapter 8 

Lord of  the Flies, as an example:

If you've ever worked in an office or known someone who has, you know it can function well if #1, everyone is a friend, they are honest and cooperative with each other. #2, Everyone knows their strengths and weaknesses and stays within these boundaries.  However, if one irregular person comes into that work environment, and that someone is a bully, a liar, two faced, or non-cooperative, it can make a week of work almost unbearable.  If that person leaves, everyone experiences a huge sense of relief. 

Because not everyone can agree on or maintain a consistent standard of ethical standards, this and many other situations can be unbearable for people. I'm not suggesting a religious norm! If one's life is controlled by the dictates of legalism, which are enforced by the spirit of men rather than the Spirit of God, which is Love, a religious community can be just as, or more oppressive than the secular.

When I was a young teenager I watched the movie 'Lord of the Flies' (1963 version) and it had a profound effect on me and my thinking. Briefly, it was a movie about a large group of children who, after a shipwreck, were stranded on an island without adult supervision. The subsequent story included all manner of evil the children participated in, including murder. From the day I watched the movie I started seeing its relevance in the everyday affairs of men. I've since learned this is especially true with organized religion. 

As I stated before, 'sin is anything that will hurt oneself or those around you.' Children, not having the knowledge, experience, or wisdom to avoid the things that hurt others or themselves, need some kind of parental supervision. As they grow in independence they eventually create their own rules for life. When someone has grown up without proper tutoring in life's principles, or they have ignored them; they must learn in the school of 'hard knocks.'  Some of these hard knocks come from those in our societies who are appointed to keep society safe. This is where submission is necessary, and must be enforced by law. 

Back in medieval times, organized religion thought they should be the proper institution to be teachers of morals, and also be judges, jury's and executioners on any who broke their views of right or wrong. Unlike medieval times, modern day religious groups no longer are able to influence 'the King,' so they do all they can politically, to control society. This is why Evangelicals jumped on the bandwagon when they thought candidate for President, Trump, would enforce their views of right and wrong.  

Regardless of who is in control, because of the moral makeup of mankind, and the principle of 'The Lord of the Flies,' there must be some institution/authority to guide mankind; or at least keep them in check. Organized religion always, and miserably fails at this. Regardless, there is a way for those in the Church to help, but not force their views.

Chapter 9 

The organized church is not needed for one to grow as a Christian

Most Christians are convinced into thinking they need teachers to tell them how to live proper Christians lives. Earlier I referenced a letter of apology I felt compelled to write to the women and their husbands, about my teaching and supporting the doctrine of submission. Though it was an honest and heartfelt apology, I still feel badly about it and consider myself responsible for propagating errors; still there is more to this issue than, 'it's my fault.' The following is why.

"But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."  1Jn.2.27

Everyone can hear from God, and He can, and will save us from error. However, there are mitigating circumstances which distract from God's leading. There is a type of emotional bonding a convert goes through with the entity which conveys a message of freedom. But just because the message of freedom is largely true, does not mean all of it is true. There is a kind of 'cult of the Bible,' and this confuses things. For instance, Personally I believe the Biblical narrative about Israel's history is largely true. After all, most modern archeological discoveries in Israel have confirmed this to be a fact. But just because the histories recorded in scripture can be verified as true, does not mean Israel's understanding of our invisible God was accurate. Therefore, just because the Bible records that there was a flood, it does not guarantee the Old Testament view, that it covered the entire planet,  and that God brought the flood. These were something which was surmised, and was handed down through tradition....How could the writers of the Old Testament actually know the waters 'covered the whole earth?'

Similarly, spiritual things work that way too; my wife and I had an incredibly dramatic conversion to Christianity. With this conversion (which is spiritual) there was a physical church we attended. The fellow who was party to our conversion introduced us to that church. Naturally, because our life had dramatically changed, everything that church taught was swallowed by us, hook line and sinker! 

Here's my point about "submission," and by the way, all other potentially false information coming from church, or even the people you love and respect: before everyone else, our primary teacher must be God. If He and His principles are considered at all times, He will save us from deception. 

No, this does not mean #1, we have an inner voice which is always true. #2, Nor does it mean we will not make mistakes. It just means, with the Holy Spirit's help, we are just as capable of finding our spiritual way as the greatest genius in Bible college...maybe better! It all depends, not on education of any type, but a continual open heart to God. 

To whom does God reveal Himself?

"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty:" 1Cor.1.27

Certainly we should learn as much as we can. But the world's measure of success should not be copied by the Church. Supposedly, though we are in the world, we should not love the world's ways (1Jn.2). The Apostle James said:

"Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"  Ja.2.5

God's default choice for whom to use, are 'the poor in spirit.' And it is no surprise, the more we are financially rich the less we call out to God. In the same way, the more educated we are, the more prone to pride we are, and harder for us to learn new things. The more handsome, talented, and popular we are in this world, the more rich in spirit we feel. Though these are not absolutes, still they are so common in our corporate experience, they feel inescapable and like absolutes. 

The false premise of submission has lodged itself in the minds of the cultural churches because these churches have understood it without hearing God's opinion on the matter. Though I feel either The Apostle Paul had it wrong, or it was a cultural necessity at the time, Paul just couldn't see the difference, and thought this was a principle set in concrete. 

In another place Paul says, "Submit yourselves one to another." This I think is the central and most important part of the concept of submission. If we read  1 Corinthians 13 with submission in mind, we'll see just as with Grace, Mercy, submission is all about our willingness to love, honor and serve one another. Jesus demonstrated this concept with His entire life:

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Mk.10.45

For a moment try to forget what religion's doctrine and what it says. As I've indicated before, there are so many words in religion's different categories for shaping our view of God: His mercy, longsuffering, Grace, Faithfulness, Truthfulness, Gentleness, and finally His death on the cross; all of these are simply attributes  of His essence- Love. 

When Jesus said He came to serve, and He washed the disciples feet, this is the way we must see God. Jesus was not just pretending to be a servant when He washed the disciples feet; this is the way He, and God truly are! Jesus didn't come to represent power; so called sovereignty, or Judgment, He came to earth to submit and serve mankind, even when He knew it would cost Him His life.

 "So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Jn.20.21

Chapter 10 

"You are gods - A"

What does that mean? 

"Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods?”  Jn.10.34

And its cross reference: "I have said, 'You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High." Ps.82.6

The only way this can make sense of this, is if Jesus is referring to our adoption and inheritance we have from God the Father: 

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Ro.8.16-17

What does it mean, 'if indeed we suffer with Him..' Some believed this meant we must live in a monastery, or beat ourselves with a scourge until bloody. Oh, it's much more difficult than that....it means we must be as Christ, deny ourselves and take up our cross -for those we LOVE....and for those we don't love!

No, not in some ritualistic fashion, but in daily life, serving others; beginning with those closest to us, and all the way to the neighbor we once hated. 

When we do the above, and from a sincere and willing heart, we are walking in God's Spirit, and in genuine Love. We then are demonstrating our true association and relationship to God. 

However, people often go through the correct motions. Protestants and Catholics alike; they may have all the right actions; because of the mandates and examples before they do what is expected of them. But to have genuine love and concern for those who sin against them, requires God's Spirit in us. And, it often requires submission to voluntary suffering, just as Jesus showed us. 

And this, again, is what submission truly is, setting ourselves aside for the sake of others. (AKA Love)

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”  1Pe.5.5

  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Jhn.3.16

Chapter 11

What about other faiths? 

"Behold, You (God) desire truth in the inward parts,

And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom." Ps.51.6

By this time I hope you've read my essay on the myth of heresy, and agree, there is no such thing as heresy. Yes, there is such a thing as 'error,' but God holds us responsible, not that we have correct doctrine, but whether our hearts are honest before Him. Our spiritual growth is utterly dependent on our open heart to God and our response to only Him. As long as we have faith in Him (trust obey and rely on) a wrong viewpoint is merely a passing thing.  I will give you a simple example of how the process works throughout human nature: 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. " (The Declaration of  Independence. Penned by Thomas Jefferson, a slave owner)

This (the spirit of this) declaration is universally inscribed on every person's soul. Perhaps not the exact words, but the truth of it. Why, because this truth comes from the very nature and love of God. Regardless where it comes from, all mankind believes it. However, with few exceptions, the very men who wrote and endorsed the Declaration of Independence, knowingly failed to live up to these principles! 

When we study the history of America, the 'why' of this can be very complicated. Which, by the way, we needn't go into now; sufficient to say here, when mankind is faced with a truth which contradicts their lives, our nature defaults for something more selfish. Then these truths are "temporarily" set aside until we find a workable solution to accommodate both truth and the contradiction (Which is seldom accomplished). 

Choices like giving up wealth (with our nation's forefathers, was measured in slaves), or being better off than your neighbor and helping them; or choices like leaving a powerful or comfortable institution which is morally corrupt, or turning your back on your government because it invaded another nation. It could be as a simple act of a child willing to turn his back on his best friend's suggestion they steal some candy bars. These all require that we follow that inner leading of God's voice- which every person on earth is able to hear. The result of following God's Spirit doesn't just make us more moral, it also helps us become more like God in general. 

As I've tried to make clear, following institutions, or a culture, is like following an idol, but it's worse than that; when following society- religious, national or otherwise, this will lead you deeper into complacency; which is away from God. Because, the complacent heart will always settle into selfishness. 

The Apostle Paul affirmed that even those outside Christ's influence can find righteousness when they follow God:

 "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. Rom.2.14-16

How we must pursue truth:

"My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding. Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding. If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God." Prov.2.1-5  (More on the 'fear of God' later)

As  the verse in Proverbs tells us, we cannot be lazy in our pursuit for truth; we must search for knowledge, wisdom and understanding as if we were searching for treasure. In other words, this search cannot be lethargic but aggressively proactive. And as the Apostle Paul said, all mankind may do this, not just Christians. 

And regardless where each person is on their journey to better understand God, we are not allowed to judge and condemn another's faith, but only attempt to help them on their pilgrimage. And it is likely, they can also help ours as well. 

SECTION TWO: GOD'S LOVE

Chapter 12 

Brief recap on important notes to carry into this section:

~ Organized religions are committees of men who, in their whole, cannot empathize with individuals.

~ Doctrine is organized religion's method to tell you what to believe.

~ The Bible is the primary resource for the Christian religions' justification for their doctrine.

~ In reality, the Bible is a compilation of what men thought was true. Tradition translated this into dogma.

~ The Bible cannot be used as a source of  unity; deeply fragmented Christianity is proof of this.

~ The Bible contains copious amounts of truth and insight, but men cannot get things correct 100%.

~ Before Jesus came, the image of God was nothing like the ancients thought Him to be.

~ If we hold onto the Old Testaments' characterization of God, we will view Him like the Pharisees did.

~ Jesus is the incarnate of God, John tells us, 'He is the Word of God, the Logos.' 

~ Fundamentalism does not understand this, they see the Bible as 'The Word of God.' 

~ Jesus never promised us The Bible; but offered us a more sure way to clarify God's person, and His will. 

~ Yes, read your Bible but -

~ "Sin" should be defined as, 'what hurts oneself and what hurts others.' NOT what bothers God.

As stated, all organized religions of the world believe themselves to be the pinnacle of truth. Obviously this cannot be the case. Each group have their countless experts and Phd's to prove their points of difference from other faiths. Therefore, how does one choose from all the options?

I've already brought up this point in another context, but it is extremely relevant in choosing how to serve God- It is the use of reasoning and logic. 

It occurred to me after reading a popular fantasy novel about magicians; that, with the use of magic one can violate all the laws of physics, as well as the principles of logic and reason, and still make the story work. All kinds of fantasy and science fiction work in this manner. 

If something seems illogical, one only has to add the wave his magic wand, or be introduced to some techno science which alters reality. Lies work in the same way. If I am running for a political office, all I need do, is promote myself with a lie. If your media pool is large enough, it doesn't matter what your detractors say of you, for it is the collective word of your media group versus the word of their collective media group. 

How true is the following, written long before the end of slavery in America: "Land of the free and the home of the brave...." Every country provides an anthem pointing to its highest ideals and the pride of their country's accomplishments; but as for the truth of the extent of these ideals, this, more often than not, comes down to where you are at in time, class (caste), and how much money you make. Regardless, the false ideals expressed in anthems still accomplishes the goals of those in power. 

Like patriotism, religion is full of people of passion for their beliefs. But how do we determine what is truth and what is a error? Even though the facts clearly contradict 'The star spangled banner,' still there are those who believe its claims. There must 

Reason, logic, and the fruits of truth, are the ways to verify what is truth, or what is propaganda, merely tradition, or a lie. 

My premise is, the men who wrote the Bible, those who passed on their stories to Luke (who, by the way, never met the Lord) the translators, and those who interpret scripture are mere men. With the exception of Jesus (who wrote nothing), all these people who recorded their observations were subject to the same cultural and social traps modern men are. Ultimately, if we are to settle on and promote a truth, we must first use reason to find it. After this comes our own experiences. But how?  

Chapter 13

Now the Good News: 

In order to follow my reasoning you'll have to set aside some doctrine for a moment. 

Firstly, God is Love (1Jn.4.7). Second, God is good (Mk.10.18). How is He Love and good, what does that mean exactly?

He is "Love and good" according to the standard definitions of the words. Therefore, God does not endorse genocide, nor does He rain fire and brimstone on those who serve other gods, or whom we find as immoral. 

He IS Love, and any characteristic men ascribes to God contrary to this, is a fiction. Therefore, He doesn't need to be excused through some high sounding rhetoric from theologians who proclaim He does such things. 

What does this mean for you and I, and those who do not share your doctrinal beliefs? Since He is love and instructs us to be loving, we can expect Him to be consistent in the same things where He commands us:

~ "Love your enemies" (Matt.5.44)

~ "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."  1Cor.13.4-7

~ "And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Do you think God changed when He was incarnate in Jesus?

 ~ "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Heb.13.8

~ “For I am the Lord, I do not change. Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’  Mal.3.6-7*

*Note: Later I will demonstrate how to (what I call) 'try to take the Catholic influence out of the scriptures as you read them.'

Question to you: Do you believe Jesus would ask His Father to forgive those who were killing Him on the cross unless He thought this was something Father would do? Do you believe God ignored Jesus' prayer, or did God answer His prayer?

My view is, Jesus prayed that prayer, because that was in His heart. Second, that is His example to us. And if Jesus is God, then this is God's way; and this way is coming from the essence of who He is. Therefore, His behavior on the cross is not an exception, but a reflection of who God is and has always been.

In order to support their doctrine theologians often tell a some convoluted story, that when Jesus asked His Father to forgive His executioners, was because He was looking forward to His resurrection, and it would be at that time these people would accept Him into their hearts.; and only then would they be forgiven.

Actually, God came in the person of Jesus to demonstrate His predisposition to forgive us, and IS a good Father who only wants the best for His children. And He is patient in the blindness of their hearts.

Resolving the issue of 'sin' is entirely different than what theologians tell us.

As I have noted before, most varieties of Christians view God as bronze age Israelites described Him. But anyone who has interacted with God and experienced His love, will always tell you how wonderful He is. The issue of sin (again, I define sin, as 'hurting oneself, or hurting someone else) is resolved in other ways, not seeing God as holding a tortuous flame of judgment over our heads if we fail. 

Neither is the issue of sin resolved merely by self discipline, and following a set of rules. Jesus said the sin problem is resolved, simply by our love for God and those around us. (Mat.22.33-40) To the degree we love God and those around us, is the degree the sin issue is resolved. 

Allow me to give you a very simple illustration: At the writing of this page my wife and I have been married for over fifty years. We've been together since 1967. Like all relationships ours has had its ups and downs. In the early years of our union we went through some really hard times. But with each incremental success, is our love for eachother. That sounds so cliche, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Love is not a feeling, but an act of will, and almost always involves some degree of self denial for genuine love to work and change the heart. Each success is created by both, or either of us wanting to surrender our wants for the sake of what the other needs or wants. The love for God works in the same way. This creates what James says is pure religion. 'Pure religion is helping people in their affliction, and becoming pure in our hearts.' (Jam.1.27)

Religion is the means whereby we exercise our faith in God. Even organized religion, but organized religion has made the whole of religion very complicated. For instance, they often initiate all kinds of programs and outreaches to the community. Which, in some ways is a good thing, but what they often fail to do is help the participants understand, that eventually such good works should eventually be initiated from the unction's of their own hearts, from being transformed by the Holy Spirit living in us, and not just instruction from church leadership. 

In a similar fashion, marriage can have the appearance of success, but the married partners really don't have a union of hearts, they are merely carrying out the disciplines of what is expected of them. 

What was the Lord's mission when He walked among us?

"God sent not His Son into the world to the condemn the world. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, NOT considering (imputing) our sins. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us...He is the propitiation for our sins, not for ours only, but the propitiation for the sins of the whole world."  (Jn.3.17, 2Cor.5.19, Rom.5.8, 1Jn.2.2

Depending on the Christian group you'll hear various theories to what constitutes salvation. All these groups have their own systems, tying various verses to others, even the Old Testament scriptures, to formulate what they call soteriology--The study of salvation (from their view). Then after they tie all these verses together they have what is called their hermeneutical system. I'm using big words here to demonstrate that is all sounds so sophisticated and elegant. However, in reality, few groups wholly agree on what is salvation. However, all evangelical groups know that salvation is in someway connected to Jesus. Some believe Jesus' blood is part of a contract, that it had to be spilled to satisfy God's sense of justice. In addition they believe, that when we accept the blood of Jesus (as in a contract) then we are forgiven. I do not believe this. 

My view is, that blood of Christ is a symbol of God's life in us. Jesus said, 'unless you drink my blood and eat my flesh, you have no live in you. Read the sixth chapter of John and you'll see this is true. Every time we have communion, this is not to remind us that God sent His son to be executed; rather, that His kind of life, flowing from the love of God, is sacrificial for the world. And to spread the love of God, everyday we are called to sacrifice our lives for others.

My wife and I often watch a program called House Hunters. On many episodes there are couples who want different things in the house, Sometimes the guy wants a particular room for a game room, but the wife wants that room for an office. Yes, no big deal, but if we persist in selfishness in a marriage, we miss the point of God's central message.  I believe salvation is as simple as loving God and following Jesus example. This is not to say we should not 'repent, as we often hear; or declare the religious mantra, 'Jesus is my savior.' 

The fact is, we cannot find the Kingdom of God's love if we insist on walking it our past ways. If we're to be successful citizens of the Kingdom of God we must repent (literally means, turn around) from being selfish. Our emphasis should not be on our past sins but behaviors which are engrained us which are contrary to God's nature, Love. 

"...that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."  2Cor.5.19-21

Try for a moment to make the above paragraph more like a letter and less like perfect pros with a thousand years of traditional interpretation. Doing this, I call 'taking the Catholic from scripture.' Try reading the above verses from another version, The Message Bible.

"God has given us the task of telling everyone what He is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you."  2Cor.5.19-21a

  As for the last part of the verse, "[God] made Him to be sin for us..." Consider, again, translation from the original languages, are never word for word and exact, therefore the process  provides opportunity to make the words say all kinds of things. A more accurate account of what God did might be along these lines, 

"God allowed Christ to have the appearance of being a sinner, and display true righteousness by loving those who falsely accused and executed Him." vs.21b

What is the significance of this interpretation above? Put simply, this is how righteousness and love acts; we are to be forgiving even when wrongfully accused. This the life of Christ. If we 'eat His flesh, drink His blood,' then His life is in us, we are then capable of demonstrating God's love for mankind.

Chapter 14

An expanded view of Communion:

For years the ritual of communion has bothered me. Every church or denomination has different ways of understanding the ritual. Some believe the ritual itself, (vs. the change in a person's heart) brings salvation. The Catholic faith believes in Transubstantiation, the conviction that as the priest blesses the bread of communion, it becomes the actually body of Christ. There are several viewpoints as to the effect of this, but the real benefit of communion is often lost in their chronic ritualistic customs. 

The Apostle Paul broadened the view of communion as He spoke of it in Corinthians, making it much more practical: (Note, while taking the Catholic out of the following, I am interjecting my interpretation here)

"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.  But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come." 1Cor.11.27-34

To begin with, notice Paul's comments (highlighted) 'if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home.' This, I believe, demonstrates the real problem with our common understanding of 'communion.' The Corinthians gathered to eat a meal sharing with their Christian brethren. Whis was also in celebration of communion. This gathering performed at least three functions: 

1. It served to remember the Lord's sacrifice, His body and His blood.

2. It provided an opportunity for fellowship. 

3. It provided a sharing meal for the poor of their fellowship. 

When believers gathered together, there was a mix of every financial and ethnic class. As with modern churches there was a tendency to gather in social groups. And as it is with modern churches, the poorer group is easily overlooked or ignored. When this happened the poorer groups suffered from lack of eating. “Some even die.”

The whole meaning of The Cross, and our carrying the cross daily (Lu.9.23, Gal.2.20) is for treating those around us as family; especially the household of faith in Christ and also desire to follow His example. 

Paul's point, 'what is the use of proclaiming Jesus while ignoring the poor?' If we are truly “eating the body of Jesus; drinking His blood,’ our lives should reflect this in very practical ways. To be “guilty of the blood and body of Jesus,’ therefore means, we have forsaken what He set out to accomplish. 

Salvation is not a ritual of any type; neither a one time act of contrition. Salvation, is an ongoing process of being saved from ourselves; from only seeing our own wants and needs. The key to this change is learning love for others, and love for God. 

Chapter 15 

You Are gods - B:

 “Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”? Jn.10.34

Doctrine has a tight hold on churches the same way it did with ancient Israel. Again, a simple, working definition of ‘doctrine’ is, ‘beliefs from church leadership one is told they should, or must believe.’

‘When Jesus said things like ‘eat my flesh and drink my blood,’ the religious institutions of His time freaked out. They did the same when Jesus said He was God’s son. 

The way doctrinal systems work is they develop within the structures of their traditional beliefs. Instead of allowing logic, reason, and faith in the Holy Spirit to guide their understanding (political institutions can’t do this), they instead create all kinds of complex explanations of the various beliefs which their institutions promote.

 For instance, Calvinists hold that all of humanity is divided into two categories; those whom God has predestined to eternal life, and those who are predestined to eternal torment in hell. Ask them about scriptures which indicate ‘Freewill,’ and get ready to be totally confused as they dance around their explanation, and the scriptures which contradict.

If you have been raised in a culture of Calvinists, you’ll have likely accepted their views by faith. In like manner, if you’ve been raised among Catholics, the same bent (as the twig is bent…) the same will be true. And, as I’ve said before, all these institutions claim their affirmations come from the same source, “God’s Word.” 

Oddly, scripture says, ‘God is not the author of confusion but of peace..’ (1Cor.13.33) but the Church overall is in total disunity about most topics in scripture. So the lack of understanding of the various conflicting views they hold, more or less creates a kind of blindness to the faithful of these ideologies.  

If you are looking for what is truth versus error, we must step back from the indoctrination we’ve all received; or, at least take them with a grain of salt. 

As I’ve stated, doctrine is actually a distraction. The vital point we must learn is the central purpose Christ came for us. We can argue the doctrine till we’re blue in the face, but what God really wants is for us to be like Jesus. And the way to be like Jesus, is not to believe certain doctrines; or to make promises to God; or even settle on our past ‘acceptance of Jesus in their hearts,’ but to live our lives loving God, and to love others as Jesus taught us.

‘Love’ has been totally misunderstood for generations. Consider some of the most beautiful movie starlets. They can have as many handsome men as they want. There are literally tons of men throwing themselves at them. But in the end, most of these ladies end up getting married. The same is true for most male movie stars. 

This illustrates the human condition; without relational fulfillment, without a long term and meaningful relationship, temporary happiness is not enough. Alas, those who don't have the skills to make a meaningful relationship (like so many Hollywood types) generally feel like failures, they wander from one person to the next, and if they never marry, they often adopt children so they might have meaningful and fulfilled lives.

However, when we learn how to love in all relationships, whether we are from Hollywood or Hoboken, your success in the things that matter will be guaranteed. 

The more we love, the more we are walking in the glories of our inheritance, to be sons and daughters of God. The more we love, the more fear is cast from us. As we find the darkness around us is only temporary, we are able to let go of our fear. The more we love, the more we cease to hurt ourselves and those around us, because, in our loving God, we are trusting God, so we are inclined to walk in ways that are healthy for us and those around us. ‘God is love,’ therefore the more loving we become, the more we become gods. 

Chapter 16

The Doctrines of Atonement

As I have stated, the ancient Catholics have put their slants and hermeneutics into the scripture. Even reformed Catholics followed these same views. Remember, my view is that the Apostle Paul carried his Hebrew traditions into his new understanding of God; things like the doctrine of  submission. He also understood Christ's sacrifice as if it directly compared to the Old Testament sacrificial system. But remember, God/Christ should not be identified as ‘Jews.’ Jesus walked this earth as a Jew, but His identity was far deeper than His temporary time on this earth. If Jesus is God, and God was choosing to become flesh, this had to happen somewhere! Therefore, if God so loved the world, He certainly would make provisions for those whose culture is far from Judesim.

I’m not saying this Jewish perspective isn’t relevant to the gospel, but what I am saying, is this cannot be the entire picture. If you ever want to read a very interesting book, read ‘Eternity in Their Hearts,’ by Don Richardson. He was a missionary in Papua New Guinea. He tells his story in another of his books, ‘Peace Child.’ Here he describes how, when preaching the gospel to his host tribe, they were able to compare their belief system with the gospel. Not vertatum, but by example. 

In Eternity in their Hearts, Richardson brings up example after example of other cultures finding that the gospel’s have similar lessons and relevance to their own  cultural traditions. No, not verbatim, or even commandments, but recognition for their need to reconcile to God’s Kingdom, and His ways.

The wonderful fact is, God speaks to the conscience of every culture in some manner. All mankind are fundamentally the same; with the same core conscience. The real problem is that conscience has been buried under cultural layers of beliefs and nonsense, glued together with irrational traditions. 

Getting through to that core conscience is difficult, and almost impossible in single generation.  

More Coming....

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