For informational purposes only. Couldn't resist saving this somewhere...
Despite what I believe are some of the (pretty obvious) problems with both Christianity, and Judaism (I mean, I don't believe Jesus ascended into heaven in front of 400 onlookers, for example, any more then I believe that the prophet Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire!) there is never-the-less some pretty powerful (and brilliantly insightful) teachings here. The Rabbi DEFINITELY seems to know his stuff, and sheds ALLOT of light on the actual meaning of some pretty significant parts of the Tanach (the Hebrew Bible) that I myself find to be really interesting...
One other thing (that I haven't heard the Rabbi touch upon yet though) is that one has to remember, in relation to much of the theology of Christianity, is that the Apostle Paul was really a murderer. He initially started out murdering Christians!
So therefore, I would imagine, that is probably much of the reason why he emphasized so much the saved by faith (not by works) in Jesus thing. (He was like on a personal guilt trip). Just my own two cents here. Although, in all fairness, I do think the 'works' thing he is referring to is mostly in relation to the strict observance of the mosaic law. (And all the interpretive and legalistic rules many of the Rabbis would add on top of that). Which, also for obvious reasons, many contemporary Jews themselves do not believe is really feasible (in its entirety) in these modern times. But ironically, most likely, at least much of the reason for the popularity (and the early growth) of Christianity to begin with; while still being able to believe in a monotheistic God. (Ya know, like the "one good scam deserves another" type thing?) Hence, why we now have modern Reform Judaism, and the Noahide movement. Either way (once again) one has to just understand, that religion IS NOT God! (In my strong opinion anyway). Or else, WE WOULDN'T HAVE SO MANY!!! Duh...
I do have to say though (and as an appropriate ending to this particular commentary) that I can still remember coming across this VERY interesting and beautiful (yet somewhat difficult to understand) passage (and prophecy) in the Book of Daniel to be absolutely fascinating; not least of all, for the importance that the greatest of the Hebrew prophets seemed to put on wisdom and social justice...
"Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; Some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. (i.e. the terrorist organization Hamas?) But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever."
-Dn. 12: 2-3.
One last thing (and which goes to my comment that religion is not God) is the fact that the Moon is precisely the same distance from the Sun and Earth to be able to cause a total solar eclipse in the first place, very well may indicate that something beyond our human understanding and comprehension put this all here to begin with, and also seems to make our planet totally unique in the Universe. It very well, may be like some kind of sign in itself, and even somewhat like some kind of cosmic (supernatural?) fingerprint, if you will. And one of the reasons why so many of the ancients may have regarded it with such amazement, fascination, and lore...
And maybe, just maybe, the re-emergence of the nation of Israel (by itself) is some kind of similar type of sign, I don't know. But also may explain, much of the (negative) opposition to it...
Just goes to show, that the Bible is (generally) not to be taken literally, but has many myths, legends and influences rooted in the ancient Middle East, as well as, the Mesopotamian and Semitic world from whence it came. And the purpose of its writings, seems to have been, to establish Jewish genealogy and its own unique religion, upon which its society (or Kingdom) was eventually built; founded on the belief in a monotheistic deity. Hence, the term that came to be known as "the people of the book." That's one of the main things that set the Jewish people apart from most of the other cultures (and religions) of its day, is that they eventually wrote everything down, and transcribed it from generation to generation. And that's why we still have the Bible to this day. And that's also why, many of its writings seem strange (and sometimes even contradictory) and are not to be taken literally (if you have any common sense) as it is basically coming from an ancient (and nomadic) world to begin with. (Although, in all fairness, most of the writings of King's David and Solomon for instance, seem to be much more positive and Universal, about their particular belief in the nature of the Jewish God, apart from the Mosaic Law. Which is probably, at least in part, the reason Christianity, with all its own contradictions, became such a widespread, universal religion. But also, ironically, by its very nature, a religion that has often been hijacked and used by grifters, crazy people, and those with their own selfish agenda). Case in point...
"I read the entirety of the Pentateuch recently out of academic curiosity and more than once found myself thinking, "Wait, what? You just told me that / you repeated that three times now / that directly contradicts last chapter. If it were written by a single author, they were clearly in the late stages of severe cognitive decline."
-YouTube Viewer
"I always thought of the bible as just a book of rules, but now I see that it is much more a collection of understanding a culture." -YouTube Viewer
Yea, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 signed into law by President Bill Clinton, was a disaster of a bill in more ways then one, that DEFINITELY had a negative effect on more then just the (traditional) music industry. We are still seeing the evolving of its implications (and influence) to this day, especially within much of American Journalism, politics, the Main Stream Media, and how we get our news...
"This corruption has gotten into and ruined everything. Music, journalism, politics, education, science, medicine ... well ... everything." -YouTube Viewer
"Completely agree with you. Telecommunications Act of 1996 was and is a big mess for musicians, and the general public at large. I remember a stat something like within a year after that took effect, there were 6000 less owners of radio stations on the west coast alone. We end up getting news given to us from 3 companies these days and we live with it. We as the public own the airwaves yet we allow these companies to get rich by selling off everything that we own." -YouTube Viewer
I like this guy. Brilliant Rabbi, who is not only very knowledgeable, but also seems to be pretty sensible, down to earth (no pun intended) and wise. Okay, he sometimes can be a little crazy, but that's besides the point. Shh...
"The people who plan to remain Christian are the one's who IMO should be watching this. I spent 3 decades in Christianity and (yes it's my own fault for not questioning MORE than I did) had I had this mans teaching available I wouldn't have stayed as long! Christians are many if not most times just told what a certain passage means by a preacher (who we trusted to know what he was talking about) to teach us. Imagine my shock 6 years ago when my questions got to be too many for most pastors. I left Christianity. Found Judaism! I'm not Jewish I am a Noahide. I cannot say this enough time's. I worship Hashem and Hashem ONLY! I would gladly lay down in the dust and take death before I returned to idolatry! Thank you rabbi. A more knowledgeable instructor we couldn't ask for. Bless you." -YouTube Viewer.
(Oskar Schindler was also given this honorable distinction).
Very (obviously) controversial. But wow, I just did not know this stuff. Really makes ya' think, because it does seem to be based on sound and provable facts. Whew.
I mean, it was the Christians who took and added the Hebrew Bible to their cannon and made it their own. So really, the burden of proof IS on Christianity itself, and those in Christianity who interpret things in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in relation to Jesus himself, upon whom the religion is based. Definitely for people (especially honest Christians) who REALLY want to know the truth. But I can also understand, that what some of what the Rabbi says would be considered offensive to some, who do consider themselves Christian loyalists to begin with. One has to also understand, that allot of what the Rabbi says also goes to the heart of why the Jewish people have been persecuted and ostracized down thru the centuries, not only by Islamic extremists, but (even before them) by Christianity and Christians themselves! I get it. If for no other reason, I get it. It seems to me, that it is like, their time to (rightfully) have their say. And especially, now that they finally have their homeland back, which WAS prophesized by the ancient Hebrew prophets themselves, and in their bible! Regardless of what one thinks. It is a fact. No getting around it. (Its right there!)
And this is just one perspective (and facet) of Judaism, and the Jewish faith.
Good stuff. You got to at least know who you're worshipping, man. It's so true.
Makes sense to me anyway. No further comment. But case in point...
With all this being said, I have to say, I still freakin' love Christmas man! Which really of course, originated as a pagan holiday, but which has also developed (over the centuries) to become like this beautiful holiday of hope, peace (memories) and light. And which, interestingly enough, coincides with the Jewish holiday of Hanukah. Or, as it is also known:"The Festival of Lights"!Could there be a deeper meaning here? (Coincidence?) I don't know, but on with the next video...
"I'm a big fan of Aron Ra. He was one of the people who got me thinking about the other side of the argument after being indoctrinated from a young age. Because of this, I'm very appreciative of what he, yourself, and those like you bring to the table in terms of helping people break the mental chains religion places on them. Great episode and I love your podcast!" -YouTube Viewer
Ya know, ironically, listening to this (and the following) podcast (which are really good by the way, and very informative) something came to mind, in relation to all the different religions (and some of the negative and bizarre things in those religions that sort of contradict some of the positive things) it's that quote in the New Testament of the Christian Bible where it mentions: "The god of this world." (Small 'g'). Could that possibly be the answer as to the origin of religions? In a way? What came to mind for instance, was that scene in the first Exorcist movie, where Father Meron says to his partner in relation to the demon inside of Reagan something to the effect: "Do not engage it in conversation. It will try to confuse you with lies mixed with half truths." Exactly, man. That's basically religion in a nutshell! No? So then, where does religion (with all the wars, persecutions, and the like) therefore really come from? Is it really God, or "the god of this world"? (Or, maybe both?) In other words, ultimately, the demonic? Or, something that sorta' like embodies this? Ya know, the 'god of this world' being 'Satan' for example? (Interestingly enough, the Satanists ironically believe that). Because, once again, I cannot stress this enough, where then did this world and the incredible complexity of life come from? (Not to even mention the universe?) In my opinion, something beyond religion. Something greater then religion. And that is not to say, that I don't necessarily believe in evolution either; In some way, shape, or form. I'm just not going to go there. One of the things that tipped me off (among many other things) that religion was all f**ked up, was many years ago, when I learned, that in the Quran? for example, Mohammed ascended into heaven, just like Jesus! So, in this sense, I strongly believe (and the facts seem to prove me out on this) that it is not necessarily wrong to therefore cherry pick those things in the bible for instance, that are positive and uplifting vs those things that are just the opposite. And one of the other things about this discussion (and with the following podcast, and others like them) is that it leaves out the possibility of the spiritual, which of course, would therefore go to my point about there being an ultimate creator, if you will. And whatever else that entails. (As that creator would be in the spiritual realm). Because, once again, whatever had or has a beginning, had to ultimately come from something that had no beginning. (In my opinion, anyway). Like anything else, you just have to use common sense. (And recognize the signs). And also understand, once again, that Man (generally speaking) is basically a flawed and fallen creature. (Hence, the ultimate problem with one religion vs another religion vs the truth). No further comment. Too deep...
Just an alternate view here. (That's why one of the labels to this blog post is 'Critical Thinking'). Yea (as I stated previously) I don't believe the ENTIRE Bible (and that definitely includes the Christian New Testament, as well as the Hebrew Bible) is the infallible word of God either, that's crazy...
Case in point: "While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was discovered gathering wood on the sabbath day. Those who caught him at it brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly. But they kept him in custody, because there was no clear decision as to what should be done with him. Then the Lord said to Moses, 'This man shall be put to death; let the whole community stone him outside the camp.' So the whole community led him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the Lord had commanded Moses." -Numbers 15: 32-36.
Compare that with just several compassionate justice related passages such as: "Thou shall not murder" and "Thou shall not bear false witness" -Exodus 20: 13, 16. Which is like in direct contradiction (particularly the 'thou shall not murder' part) to God?! supposedly telling Moses to put to death the person who was (seemingly) not observing the Sabbath! Just one of the many reasons why the entire Bible cannot be the infallible, divinely inspired word of God. Duh. Therefore, you're a fool if you believe otherwise, or self-deceived. Or both. In fact, it should be a no-brainer...
That's crazy sh*t. To say the least. See why allot of (sensible) people hate religion? Damn. I get it. It's (obviously) the result of many different authors and sources to begin with. (Often within the same section of the bible!) No further comment...
Hmm? Interesting stuff. Yea, from what I understand, the Book of Enoch was considered to be a pretty popular and influential writing around the time of early Christianity and the writings of The New Testament itself...
Yea, now here's an interesting twist I just came across. (Higher guidance? I don't know). It's funny, I'm a very sensible person by nature, but I have to say, I do believe this stuff is real myself, in some way. Especially, having lived in the area of Maryland where the Feds had traced the 2001 anthrax attacks. I DEFINITELY was being targeted by this VERY strange coincidence, and it definitely made me wonder why, to say the least. Also, currently living in the Asheville area of Western North Carolina (that is sorta' like part of that same Appalachia demographics) and where there is also allot of mental illness and toxic people (if I can be frank). I can sometimes feel it (and it IS even pretty well known and acknowledged, and often even pretty obvious) with that same negative targeting. Some people are more sensitive to these kind of things then others, and I definitely believe the demonic picks up on this in some way. But yea, there is definitely a link between mental illness (as well as serious criminal related activity) and demonic activity. In my opinion anyway. (Hence, the similarities with the medical diagnosis of mental diseases like Schizophrenia in many cases). Like I said, you can even feel it. (Or I can feel it, and recognize it). Part of it, could also be due to some of my background from some time ago, when a musician friend (who had become a Catholic convert) had invited me to play with him at a Catholic Charismatic Prayer group at one time in my life. (And because of some of the things I have gone thru, I HAVE unwillingly, become something of an expert myself in some ways, and it even caused me to be somewhat of a student of psychology). But anyway, yea (I at least agree) the fact that they actually sell Ouija Boards in the children's section of Walmart now! Is not good. I don't believe you can become demon possessed if you have any kind of empathy and compassion though. (And have a sound mind). The demonic hates this. However, dabbling with a Ouija Board is DEFINITELY a no no. There are ALLOT of pretty credible stories of people who have done this, and regretted it. (And then even became the subject of an Exorcism themselves!) In fact, in the Exorcist movie itself (which is based on a true story) that's how Reagan became possessed. And there are other very similar stories such as this as well. Also, many psychopaths, sociopaths, and serial killers have a tendency to often become involved in this kind of thing. I also believe the terrorist group Hamas DEFINITELY fits the bill, and is deeply influenced by the demonic, whether they acknowledge it or not...
I saw my brother become possessed after using a Ouija board. I was 10 yrs old in 1964. My brother was 14. One day in 1964 I had heard a commotion going on upstairs in my brother's room. I ran up to see what was happening. I found my father trying to restrain my brother, who was clawing at his arms and chest yelling "GET IT OUT OF ME!". My father managed to sit him down on a chair and call paramedics. As I looked at my brother, he was in a trance like state, just staring off into space..
While waiting for the paramedics; my father had tried to lift him off the chair without success. When the paramedics came, all 3 of these grown men plus my father couldn't lift him off the chair. They ended up carrying him down the stairs, still seated in the chair. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which he did indeed develop. He passed away naturally at age 56. As an adult woman, I initiated a discussion with my parents about what I had seen, and what I had believed had actually happened to my brother. My mother didn't really have a reaction. - but my father thought very deeply about it. And then he told me: "no wonder I saw his face changing in the ambulance ". -YouTube Viewer
Which brings us to the next (case in point) video I just inadvertently came across...
Yea, sorta' like the same thing here. As I stated above, even though I am a sensible person by nature, this girl (and her story) does seem to be pretty credible to me, I have to say. And regarding her story (if true) yea, she definitely seems to have the gift of discernment. And I definitely recognize (and can relate to) that part in her story regarding this. And it sorta' goes to the counterfeit thing by the demonic that the alleged expert in the above video discusses in relation to someone who is genuinely possessed, knowing things about someone, as one of the signs of true demonic possession. It is sorta' very similar with someone who genuinely has the spiritual gift of discernment. But in a somewhat different way. Sorta' similar with the praying in tongues thing (which I was never into, and which I have to be honest, when I was involved with the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement as a kid, I was always kind of turned off by it) as being very similar to someone who is genuinely (fully) demon possessed knows how to speak other languages they wouldn't otherwise know. It is all counterfeit. But because it is spiritually based, there are those similarities, but a person's countenance will always give them away, one way or the other. I noticed this particularly when I was living in Maryland. Even though there were allot of unusual kind of churches in the area where I was living, there was also allot of the dark side of the occult there. It was this weird kind of crazy mis-match. (And even allot of those strange kind of legends, like which the Blair Witch movie was based). Hence, the utter bizarreness of the anthrax attacks. Hence, even the thing with Hamas using the religion of Islam as part of their M.O. As James Van Praagh said (in another blog post) "anything 'extreme' is bad" to begin with. I feel its the same with Christianity. I have to say though, this girl kinda' reminds me of me, when I was involved in the Charismatic thing. I was once very scrupulous too. In fact, I was one of those rare individuals: I was actually sincere!!! I have always believed myself (and it's even indicated in some parts of the Hebrew bible) God looks at the heart, and I believe quite often, that's why he dumps on some people (like this girl) a type of enablement, like the gift of discernment for instance. And I say 'dump' for a reason, because it can really catch you by surprise, and even sometimes be quite scary...
Yea, much to my shock, I began to observe some of these same, seemingly disturbing trends and elements on X (formally known as Twitter) now that Elon Musk has taken over the site. For instance, right after the terrorist organization Hamas had brutally murdered hundreds of Israelis on Oct. 7th, I started to notice some VERY unsettling hashtag trends on the site such as: #Israel/Nazism and the like, and numerous other antisemitic comments and posts that were quite alarming, to say the least. Some were from idiots on the left, but then I started to realize that I had never noticed that much antisemitism on Twitter before. EVER! Which led me to believe, that there very well may have been something more to it, and that it was much more subtle at its roots. As we all know, the site has become much more right-leaning (although in all fairness, much more free-speech oriented) since the Musk takeover. In other words, there very well may have been more to it then just what meets the eye. (When you really think it through). Just sayin'...
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross.”
For whatever its worth, I can't help but disagree with the narrator's lumping in Oral Roberts with the other Televangelists in this video. In all fairness, Roberts (to the best of my knowledge) NEVER (at least not directly) aligned himself with the Christian Right. In that respect, he was one of the only Christian Evangelists like this. The same with Joel Osteen. In fact, Oral Roberts and Joel Osteen, whether you personally agree with their particular teachings (or like them) or not, are probably responsible for giving more people hope, and preventing suicides, then all the other Televangelists combined...
(Except, in the end, when Oral's son Richard started sending out these seemingly bizarre letters, stating something to the effect, that if you didn't send them more money, his father was going to die! Which seemed to eventually do in the ministry). Just sayin'...
David Pakman's take on a possible explanation as to how Hamas penetrated Israel's Iron Dome in the brutal terrorist attacks on Oct. 7th. VERY interesting. Link here...
Some very interesting stuff here, that really makes you think, at least...
One particularly REALLY interesting thing here, that definitely caught my attention,
is when Ms. Manuchehri was asked a question in relation to "Ascended Masters" like Jesus, Buddha, etc. Here's part of that transcript discussion. And of course, it definitely seems contrary to the mainstream (and especially the Evangelical) Christian belief, in relation to Jesus, at least. But also, she mentions something equally as interesting in relation to souls in general...
Alex Ferrari 47:08
So let me ask you, what is the process for an Ascended Master, a Jesus, a Buddha, a yoga Nanda Baba Ji, these kinds of these kinds of historical characters that we have, we've known some within this last century, like Yogananda but then some more famous, the hardest man working in television, I would always say is, is Jesus, he shows up at every near death experience. Not every bit I'm joking. But like those, if it's appropriate, he shows up or, or Shiva or these kind of these, these beings. What is their? Like? What access do they have? Do they not want to come back? Or they do come back? It's just a help. What is your experience with them?
Marie Manuchehri 47:53
Well, they don't want to come back. They're so big, you know, their energy is so huge now that they don't want to reduce their vibration or their frequency or their consciousness to enter into a physical form. Because even when you and I incarnated to Earth, we didn't bring all of our soul with us, we can only bring parts that can be helpful and parts that want healing. Because we would go crazy if we brought all of our consciousness, but an incredible expansion for, for compassion is what creates Ascended Masters, and self compassion. So like you are an old soul. And I think the planet is like 50% Old Souls and 50% young souls, approximately. and younger souls are learning compassion, older souls are learning self compassion. So once you've learned compassion, so significantly like you and I, you know, if there was a hardened criminal, of course, we want them to go to jail, but we hope they're eating organic food and getting therapy and it's safe for them there. That's right. But because we're on Earth, I'm sure we're working on self compassion and ascended masters have learned how to combine their compassion for all Creation throughout the universes and to have compassion for themselves to that's what I sense their vibration and their frequency.
Obviously, there are some problems with this explanation though, when you consider someone like a Hitler for instance. But I guess, that's another matter, or explanation. Nobody knows EVERYTHING... Although, I would also defer to (another Medium) Allison Dubois' take on dark ('diseased') souls (and where they go) that I have also posted on this blog. That is basically my view...
"Free will is the strongest law in the universe." -This is another very interesting thing she said...
Disclaimer: Some of the ancient and archaic rules mentioned here in the Old Testament (The Hebrew Bible) are just that, ancient. Even though, many of the Jews still observe things such as the Sabbath and the like, just about NONE of them observe the more archaic parts of the mosaic law. Again, one has to keep in mind, most biblical scholars believe that the Torah itself, was written by many different authors, not just by Moses (if he even wrote any part of it at all). That is why you have so many contradictions, as there are more then several schools of thought, and there are more then several sources involved in the writings, with many of those writings coming from oral traditions passed on for hundreds of years, before actually being written down. Many observant Jews are not even anti-abortion (within reason). And most practicing and religious Jews have long moved ahead and progressed from some of those difficult to reconcile, hard ancient rules. (In other words, they're basically smarter then that). As I have mentioned previously, when I lived in Maryland, I would sometimes attend services at a Jewish Community Center, and none of the people there (at least the ones that I knew) were anything like the Christian Right. And this particular Community Center was considered Conservative. They were basically fun loving people. Ironically, in contrast, what the discussion here is about, are those who consider themselves to be part of the radical Christian right. They crazily believe the ENTIRE Bible is the word of God, and pretty much should be taken literally. When most Jews don't even believe that themselves! (Except maybe, with a few exceptions within the Orthodox sect of Judaism). Ironically, just like the radical Islamic extremists in relation to their interpretation of the Koran! What a crazy world we live in man. And this is why so many sensible people are just totally turned off to religion, and especially religious extremists.
Who can blame them really? Or at least, most of them...
With all that being said, I do agree with what they are saying in this video, about many of these fundamentalist, far-right Christian extremist politicians being VERY dangerous. I myself, have no doubt, that many of them don't even honestly believe in what they are saying themselves. They're really just grifters and snake-oil salesmen, with an agenda. Hence (with all due respect) their strong support (currently among most of them) for someone like Donald Trump, who lets face it, is really not even a (sincerely) religious man to begin with...
And as a side note, these beliefs (and influence) often spawns creepy, criminal, psychopaths (and violent) m/f's like Eric Rudolph for instance, as just one extreme example. So I strongly acknowledge myself (also from personal experience) that many of these guys and their (deceitful) ideology are extremely dangerous, in more ways then one...
Holy sh*t! When you look up the definition of political grifter, there's even his freakin' picture man!!! O.M.G. Ya just can't make this sh*t up. (No pun intended).
Brilliant definition though, in Bing Chat GPT. Wow. Check this out...
Okay, being that the image is really small, I copied and pasted the definition here. WAY too good to pass up. It was like divine humor or something. Just had to capture the moment...
A political grifter is a person who uses the political process to enrich themselves by tricking or swindling others. The term “grifter” originally referred to any kind of criminal who used their wits to carry out crimes, such as pickpockets, con artists, and card-sharps. In recent years, pundits have begun using the term “political grifters” to describe people who get into politics, and stay in politics, because they want to line their own pockets. These individuals have no interest in governing or passing laws, and are only in it for the money that they can collect in the form of political donations.
Former Representative Steve LaTourette (R-OH) wrote in Politico about what he called the rise of the “political grifter.” LaTourette claimed that right-wing groups like the Club for Growth, FreedomWorks, and the Tea Party Patriots were “run by men and women who have made millions by playing on the fears and anger about the dysfunction in Washington.”
It’s important to note that the term “grifter” is not a scientifically accurate measurement and is used more as a whimsical comparison.
Hmm? Dig it...
Yea, I remember coming across that somewhat strange passage in Jeremiah mentioned here. It seems to be a favorite, particularly for some of those far-right evangelical preachers (or teachers) who seem to love to quote this, as I guess, it supports their excuse for possibly being that way themselves, and hence, their teaching that we are forgiven by the blood of Jesus, so no big deal. "I really don't have to change, or make restitution for harming someone for being that way." (In other words). Nice one. It's like a cop out. The passage in question (and mentioned in the video) goes like this: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?" -Jer. 17:9. (This is basically, one particular translation). Now, of course, the problem with this (and why it's really strange) in this particular translation at least, is that it seems to apply to everyone's heart. (It's like out of context or something). Which, obviously, cannot be true. How do I know? Well, for one, I know that my heart is not "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked"! (And therefore, there would be other's as well, which this wouldn't apply to either). Duh. Is there a specific kind of person that this would apply to? ABSOLUTELY.
Of course. (Sociopaths and Psychopaths, for one). I, and I'm sure many others, unfortunately know this for a fact as well. But yea, I always thought that was REALLY interesting (for more reasons then one) whenever I would hear a preacher on T.V. or wherever, quote that verse, as if it applies to EVERYONE. And sort of, get some kind of satisfaction in seemingly using that as an excuse. (Ya know like: "Hey, its in the Bible! We're ALL like that. We got an excuse. So therefore, we all need a savior, because we're all sinners! But we're forgiven by the blood of Jesus, so we're still saved, and still going to heaven!") At least, I would pick up on it. And I don't mean to sound self-righteous either (regarding the 'sinner' thing) but this verse is really a far cry from that. Its about a whole mind-set...
Like a deliberate choice really. Like, deliberately choosing to be evil (and 'wicked') in the true sense of the word. (And sorta' like deceiving yourself). And, we all know, many Christian preachers are often, ironically "deceitful and desperately wicked" in using Jesus (and Christianity) as a form of control, by 'deceiving' their audience to achieve a particular agenda, and to 'deceive' them into sending them money...
But anyway, it seems to me, that the basic premise of this video, is in relation to an unhealthy belief system (if you want to go the Christian route to begin with) versus a healthy, common sense, logical belief system. I agree with this guy, in what he is saying in relation to the other guy (providing his particular teaching or instruction, and his particular version of Christianity) and who just seems to be speaking gibberish really. (And kinda' makes no sense, and is REALLY confusing). And yea, I do agree, that most of this teaching and belief system, is very immature and unhinged, and can definitely be pretty dangerous and damaging. (Especially to those who are seriously listening to it). Psychologically, or otherwise...
It's just a reminder, that Christianity (or any other religion for that matter) and wise, intelligent, common sense spirituality, may not necessarily be the same thing. If it doesn't make sense, or bring you peace of mind (or causes you confusion) leave it...
Or at least, leave the group or congregation that you get a bad feeling about.
Bottom line, trust your gut. If you have one...
And yea, just one last point, that this guy surprisingly (and wisely) seemed to pick up on (that I have also thought about, and found quite interesting myself) much to his credit, is where he uses that story and example from the New Testament (around 35:14 into the video) where the Devil himself actually quotes from the (Hebrew) Bible to Jesus! But sort of like, out of context and all. And then, where Jesus (allegedly) seems to quote it back to him, seemingly in the right context! EXACTLY my point. Brilliant...
Yea, that's why there's a HUGE difference between (man-made) Religion (as there are so many to begin with) and just the simple belief (and acknowledgement) in something that is just beyond our comprehension to understand. Which leads to the next video. But, of course, then the obvious question would then follow, as to how exactly would you therefore address that being? Excellent question! I guess, however you like, but I guess you just better be sure you don't address something that might be malevolent instead of benevolent. I guess, that's sorta' like the premise of the previous video. (And I get it). All I can say, is that in the ancient Hebrew book of Genesis, it was this simple belief: They just simply called him 'El'. (Which in Hebrew means 'God'). When this being allegedly revealed himself to Moses, and then Moses (allegedly) asked him that very same question, he was supposedly given the answer: "I Am Who Am." (Or, "Yahweh"). In other words: "I Am Real".
(And "because I am real, you are real." Or, I guess, "because I exist, you exist."
Or, something like that). Whoa. So I guess, just address him as: "Adonai Elohim"
in Hebrew. Or, "Lord God" in English, I would think. It's freakin' blowin' my mind!!!
What does it all freakin' mean?!!! I don't get it. Okay, enough...
My point (and logic) here though, is that if Jesus is really God to begin with (even if you are not sure if that is really true or not) well then, you would be praying to him anyway, right? (And you're pretty much taking religion right out of the picture, while still sort of acknowledging a monotheistic God, who both religions are at least in agreement, that he sees, knows, and understands all things. And is benevolent).
Get it? Exactly...
And, as they would sometimes say in my Jiu-Jitsu class back on Long Island:
"The rest is mop-up!" So to speak. (Problem solved). Too Deep...
Yea, the book of Revelation is REALLY weird. And most likely not even written by John the Apostle, according to the Introduction in the Official Catholic Bible itself!
But who knows, it could have possibly been written by several different authors. Because, in all fairness (it may be worth noting here) there IS at least one positive passage in this book that is probably one of the most encouraging words in the whole New Testament (that appears to be borrowed, or directly related to several passages in the Hebrew book of Isaiah, at least several hundred years earlier) and it goes like this: "And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away." -Rev. 21:4. In contrast, there are several VERY similar passages in the book of Isaiah that also go like this: "He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of his people from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken." -Is. 25:8.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." -Is. 41:10. Interesting, one way or the other. Just sayin'...
Yea, this is a VERY interesting video, for more reasons then one...
When I lived in Maryland, I would sometimes visit this beautiful Jewish community center, and came across this series of books in their library that was like an expose', if you will, on the Dead Sea Scrolls. (From what I remember). When I was reading these books, I came across the thing (discussed in the video) about the ancient Jewish sect known as the Essenes, in relation to the scrolls and some of those writings. And yea, I immediately recognized the similarities in the writings, that sounded quite like it very well may have been the unadulterated beliefs of the early Christians (pre-Catholicism) and led me to believe that Jesus, and some of the other New Testament characters like John The Baptist, most likely, very well may have been Essenes themselves, or at the very least, very influenced by their beliefs and teachings; or the early religion itself, may very well have been heavily influenced by these teachings and beliefs, in some way, shape, or form... I also remember some passages in the text (that are not specifically in the New Testament) that particularly caught my attention, in relation to the Essenes belief in some kind of spiritual battle in the 'last days' between 'the children of light' and 'the children of darkness'!
"Myths are stories that never happened, but that are always happening."
(Y/T Viewer).
"King Arthur, Robin Hood etc... even more recent characters we certainly call fictional such as Tarzan, Sherlock Holmes and James Bond were all based on multiple real people as well as pre-existing tales. Is it fair to say any of them are real people? Perhaps you can point to one of the influences and say - this is the real one! But is that intellectually honest to say? So if there was an early 1st Century rabbi called Joshua that influenced the mythic one - - can we say he is the "real" Jesus - or just another influence on the story...?" (Y/T Viewer).
"I completely agree. But once the guy with the snake shows up and begins to spout quantum gibberish I think, damn now they've ruined it all and given apologist all the ammo they need to distort this and carry on." (Y/T Viewer).
Hmm?
"The formulator of this was a Titan and one of my favorite logicians. Had he lived in a time with deep influence/debate on Divine Simplicity, I think he would've taken it to the next level by showing an example of it. One can only hope to reach the level of genius he had on a bad day." (Y/T Viewer).
"I was an atheist then an agnostic for about 4.5-5 years, and the genius guy who you are talking about is the one who made me believe in God! He is the mathematician who was a nightmare to the great genius mathematician "David Hilbert" when he said "we are here to know and we shall know!" in a mathematics conference, then just a while after that another great genius (which was a great friend of Einstein) came up with this mind-blowin and scary mathematical theorem!!! Hats off to him. Just let me finish with a quote by another French mathematician after he studied that theorem, he said 'God exists because we know that Math is consistent, however the devil exists because we cannot prove that Math is consistent'! Enjoy." (Y/T Viewer).
The particular subject matter presented in this video, is really irrespective of (and impartial to) any particular monotheistic religion, when you really think about it...
"Imagine, sitting in the comfort of your home thousands of miles away, and then being transported to one of the leading universities to watch and listen to some of the greatest minds debate. The internet is a wonderful thing." (Y/T Viewer).
"A little science distances you from God, but a lot of science brings you nearer to Him. - Louis Pasteur (Founder of microbiology and immunology)." -Y/T Viewer.
"He is not only a spiritual man but also a brilliant man." (Y/T Viewer).
