This is not necessarily a post against organized religion (or 'Organized Christianity') per se', but some of the warning signs. In other words, using religion as a form of control (and by psychotics) is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and the narrator shows how that may effect people psychologically. (Ironically, it's like a form of bondage in a way, if you will). In all fairness, there are also positive stories as well.
Once again (being somewhat of an agnostic myself and all) my own personal opinion, is that God is beyond any particular religion. (Just like right and wrong, and having a conscience, or not having a conscience for that matter, is beyond any particular religion). If that wasn't the case, then we wouldn't have so many different religions to begin with. (End of story!) Just inadvertently happened to come across this video in my YouTube home feed, and thought it was just too good (and too brilliantly insightful and helpful) to pass up and save somewhere; Which also led to the following videos...
One of the things that I never heard before and that really blew me away in this video, is where he says (around 30 mins into the video) something to the effect of what is now considered the oldest known writing of the book of Deuteronomy that has recently been found (called 'The Book of Moses'?) doesn't mention anything about animal sacrifice?! Implying, of course, that this book was later edited to fit a certain agenda, I guess. Mind blower. As a matter of fact, it does seem to appear that many (if not most) of the ancient Hebrew prophets in the Hebrew Bible itself (The Old Testament) condemned animal sacrifice to begin with. In other words, there are ALLOT of contradictions in the Bible. Both in the Old, and New Testament. Strange, but interesting stuff. Which, of course (once again) goes back to my point, that God IS NOT religion...
Another perspective I guess: Freedom of thought. There seems to be more and more of this type of spirituality coming around (that you hear about) such as with the Indigo Children (New Age) thing and all, which really goes beyond any kind of label, or any particular religious affiliation, but also varies by a person's own unique personality and character, in the sense that no particular fingerprint is the same as the other, but with many having very similar views (gifts and abilities) and personality traits never-the-less. I believe myself (as I have mentioned before) that Joan of Arc for instance (and even John Lennon for that matter) very well may have been an Indigo, or Star Child...
Fascinating. In fact, I think I may have read (at least part) of the manuscripts Braden is talking about here, in a Jewish Community Center library back in Maryland, of all places. I remember not being exactly sure what I was reading at the time, except that the book (or books) were in relation to the Dead Sea Scrolls. It was a mind blower, including the way I came across this Community Center (as well as its Sanctuary with the Ark inside it) to begin with...
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).
I am not on some kind of anti-Christianity rant here, it just so happens that YouTube seems to pick up on the algorithm from prior videos that you have viewed, and then similar videos show up in your home feed and the like. If it looks interesting (and seems credible and informative) I may post it to my blog here, like this one, I guess. And that's what happened here. In other words, I didn't go looking for it. I have to say, I really dig YouTube though. I'm not saying its perfect, but in my opinion, it is probably the most informative and interesting website, by far. No doubt about it...
Yea, ya know, when your right, your right. Of course, this is in relation to the recent Hamas terrorist attacks on the Jewish people in Israel, and their related atrocities...
Ya know, what the Rabbi is saying here, DEFINITELY reminds me of what is written in one of the ancient Jewish Apocryphal Wisdom books ironically (and also in the Catholic Bible) which I remember from when I was a kid, but really didn't learn it myself, until later on in life. The hard way...
"In prosperity we cannot know our friends; in adversity an enemy will not remain concealed. When a man is successful even his enemy is friendly; in adversity even his friend disappears. Never trust your enemy, for his wickedness is like corrosion in bronze. Even though he acts humbly and peaceably toward you, take care to be on your guard against him... Who pities a snake charmer when he is bitten, or anyone who goes near a wild beast? So it is with the companion of the wicked man...
While you stand firm, he makes no bold move; but if you slip he cannot hold back. With his lips an enemy speaks sweetly, but in his heart he schemes to plunge you into the abyss. Though an enemy has tears in his eyes, if given the chance, he will never have enough of your blood..." -Sirach 12: 8-18
"The heart of a man changes his countenance, either for good or for evil..."
-Sirach 13: 24-25
Definitely words to live by. (I know). In fact, I have come to learn myself, that really understanding these things (and developing or having discernment) can even possibly save your life! (And who would better understand this, then the Jewish people themselves?) Especially, if you're a trusting person by nature, because you know, that you, yourself can be trusted. Wanted to look this up and post it as a reminder, for myself, if for no other reason...
Freakin' BRILLIANT video. And an absolutely MUST SEE. In other words, in the case of religion, Hamas is like a perfect example for instance, where religion (and belief in your particular version of God) actually becomes a detriment to peace and societal well being. In fact, humanity itself has seen this in many different ways (and cultures) down thru the centuries. Particularly, in two of the major world religions, Christianity and Islam. And that, very well, ironically may be the reason why the more progressive societies have mostly abandoned the notion of belief and adherence to a particular religion altogether. Although, it still doesn't negate an individual's own particular spiritual beliefs. The main litmus test: Does it conform to reason and rational thinking and behavior or not. Intelligent people (in general) recognize this, and that's why those particular nations generally do much better then nations that force a particular religious belief on their people (as a form of control) and as in the case of most Islamic nations (like Iran, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia) for example...
In other words, 'free' societies (in the true sense of the word) are generally better (and more advanced) societies. And human history itself has proved this to be true...
"I'm Scottish, and whenever I talk to religious Americans about secular societies, they usually start talking about socialism being the logical conclusion of a godless society. I used to find that very strange, but the more I watch what's going on in US politics, the more I understand. The GOP has equated satanism and secularism with socialist and progressive policies, and the two have become inextriably linked in the minds of a huge number of people. They believe that secular countries are wallowing in sin and poverty, where we aren't free to live our lives and eat rats for every meal. Only through Jesus can we be saved. The exact opposite is the truth, however. We have thrown off the shackles that the church had bound us in for centuries, and we're much better for it.
I'm pretty sure that 99% of right wing conservative politicians in the USA are grifters, using religion to enrich themselves, but there are just enough actual believers to make them dangerous. Banning books, revising history and denying a persons right to identify as anything but what thier holy book prescribes is not how a society develops, it is how it regresses and stagnates. The current push towards Christian Nationalism is a direct road to a fascist theocracy, but they don't appear to see it. They will condemn Islamic dictatorships while demanding that the laws and morality of the bible are enforced, because thier holy book is obviously the real one."
-@tussk (YouTube Viewer).
"If you are taught religion when you're very young, before you've developed critical thinking skills that aspect of your belief system will be compartmentalized and separate from other, more rational beliefs. This is why religious institutions are so hot to get children indoctrinated young." -@UncleBuz (YouTube Viewer).
"Morality preceded religion by thousands of years..." -@trinidadscorpion3835 (YouTube Viewer).
"I'm in my later 60s now. I owe a massive debt of gratitude to a couple of amazing people who are no longer with us ❤, who opted NOT to indoctrinate us (big fam) as children and instead gently encouraged us to develop critical thinking skills and decide for ourselves through personal experience and realization. Thanks M&D, you did us a giant solid. Respect and love." -usaturnuranus (YouTube Viewer).
"I live in the Bible belt, the zone with the greatest criminality rates in the US."
-rocioaguilera3555 (YouTube Viewer).
Probably the best explanation (I have heard so far) as to possibly why it is called the Roman Catholic Church. Also, what seems to be the real translation to some of the words in the Lord's Prayer...
Yea, from what I understand (and I heard this years ago) the part in the Lords Prayer that says "forgive us our trespasses (or 'sins') as we forgive those who trespass (or 'sin') against us is really not accurate (and may have even been tampered with over time) because, it has been said (and sometimes even translated this way) in the original language (or source) to actually mean: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." This even seems to be more plausible, considering the period and culture Jesus was (allegedly) living in. And yea, I do get the Rabbi's point, that it does sorta' contradict the basic premise of (fundamental) Christianity itself, that we can only be forgiven by the blood of Jesus. But (of course) its just one of the many contradictions to begin with, in the New Testament. If you really know it to begin with, and read it honestly, with an open mind, and have common sense, that is. So really, the point basically is, that you should at least have a clue as to what you are worshipping, but also praying, as well. 'Cause it quite possibly, could even be dangerous. (Especially the worshipping part). I guess, the beginning of the Lord's Prayer DOES seem to be pretty positive, but the latter part may have been added, edited, or maybe both, I don't know. But yea, the second part of the prayer, definitely does not seem to add up, one way or the other. (So it would seem). And so the argument definitely does seem to make allot of sense, either way, and have always wondered about it myself. Just sayin'. Jesus, along with the development of the Christmas holiday itself, may very well be some kind of archetype, in a way. Maybe. If you want to at least still try to look at the whole thing in a positive light. In other words, the word 'Christ' means 'anointed'. (The word 'anointed' was really a term that was usually used to refer to ancient Hebrew Kings). And in the Catholic Charismatic movement, at least, we are all called to be 'anointed'- to heal the world. (In Reform Judaism it is called: Tikkun Olam). And just take it from there I guess, because there is still some pretty intense stuff in the New Testament, looking at it objectively, that is. But yea, once again, you just HAVE TO USE common sense, critical thinking, and objective reasoning...
Wow! Mind blower...
Another, one of the best videos from this YouTube Channel. Some really brilliant stuff from the Rabbi in this discussion. Interestingly, the Rabbi also mentions (in so many words) that he does emphatically believe in the existence of a Heaven and a Hell, and that he DEFINITELY believes that Hitler (and his henchmen) ARE in hell...
Just had to put this video somewhere, as food for thought, if nothing else. Again, it addresses some of the problems with Christianity (particularly, fundamentalist, right-wing Christianity) as well as, brilliantly (and objectively) refuting (in my strong opinion) the ignorant belief that the ENTIRE Bible is the INFALLIBLE word of God. This is not to say, that there are not some brilliant (and positive) things in the Bible as well, but one has to also keep in mind, that most of the Bible, which are really the Jewish scriptures (the Christian Old Testament) was written by Jews, and (mostly) for Jews! Which would also include Jewish converts, and the like. (i.e. Those who believe in the one God. Abraham's God, if you will, as expressed, for the most part, in the Hebrew Bible). I mention this, to prevent anyone (who may be reading this) from giving in to despair. (Or for anyone with bad intentions, who may think they will get a free pass, because nothing means anything). Once again, whatever you believe, it is pretty obvious (to me anyway) that something created all this. I myself, find it really hard to believe, that this is all the result of some kind of evolutionary accident, for example. It's just WAY too complex. In my opinion, anyway...
Also, one has to keep in mind, and the reason I agree with the arguments here, that the entire bible couldn't be the inerrant word of God, is simply because of the many contradictions. With some being discussed here. For instance, on the positive side of some of those contradictions, not mentioned in this discussion, are the following passages that come to mind that I looked up from memory: "He has shown you, o man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8."The multitude of your sacrifices - what are they to me? says the Lord. I have more then enough of burnt offerings, of rams, and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls, and rams, and goats." -Isaiah 1:11. Of course, the latter passage sort of like contradicts the requirement of animal sacrifices as an offering to God, and an expiation for a persons "sins". (From what I understand, there is not even a word for 'sin' in the Hebrew language. The closest word they have that is usually translated in this way actually means: "Missing the mark").
So what many of the later Hebrew prophets seem to be saying, is to do what is right, is enormously much more important then anything else, because God looks at the heart, and actually abhors animal sacrifice. Which, if you have ever read the Bible, that passage alone, pretty much contradicts that part in the Mosaic law allegedly given by God to Moses! So, there you have it, and pretty much goes to the heart (no pun intended) of what these guys are discussing. Enough said. I don't really want to go on and on regarding this, but I just thought it was important, in the light of this discussion, to point at least some of these things out. I also emphatically believe (not withstanding the fact that there is good and bad in every nationality, and the contradictions in the Bible itself) that there is DEFINITELY a special place in the heart of God for the Jewish people, AND the nation of Israel. (As was foretold by some of the ancient Hebrew prophets). And I STRONGLY condemn the recent malevolent terrorist attacks by HAMAS, which included innocent women, children, the elderly, and even Holocaust survivors!
May God remember his people, protect them, help them, and grant them justice for all they have suffered...
Also, just one more thing. When evangelical (right-wing) Christianity for instance, goes against things such as social safety nets and the like, they lose their argument, in my strong opinion anyway, and it becomes even that much more bizarre and contradictory, and understandably abhorrent to rational people. (And ironically, and quite frankly, even more like the terrorist criminals themselves!) And lends that much more credence to the arguments discussed here. (Think about it).
Everything is relative...
And (having an open mind and all) I am also not necessarily saying, that the entire story of Jesus is just a farce, either. (I really don't know). There are some wise sayings and great stories there as well. (If you do have an open mind). But I do at least agree with the premise discussed here, that there are definitely some problems with Christianity; with some of those problems being brought to light here, in a very subjective (and objective) way, that any rational and sensible person (who wants to honestly know the truth) would have to consider. And, one way or the other, it definitely does not necessarily mean, that there is no such thing as God, either. It just means (as mentioned in this video) that there ARE obviously some problems with Christianity, in more ways then one. As with all religions created by man. As one thing (addressed both by Christianity and Judaism) DOES seem to be all too true: Man himself (generally speaking) is a flawed and fallen creature. (And that's why we got a fu**ed up world). And that's why the Buddhist sage once said: "You have to be the change you want to see in the world." That's all...
Hmm?
"I think it absolutely is a doomsday cult. It started out as one and I think for the most part it still is. It might not be the main focus anymore for every denomination, but it is there." -Lleanlleawrg (YouTube Viewer).
"So, basically, if you are in a fundamentalist Christian Church, you might be in a doomsday cult, and you might be getting scammed by your pastor/cult leader. If he is getting tithes and donations to help in the end of days, run, don't walk, to the exits."
-dancahill9585 (YouTube Viewer).
"I think Churches today do talk about this. In the Church I grew up in, I remember them saying 'If Jesus comes back tonight will you be ready?'" -user-fr3hg3vx3t (YouTube Viewer).
"It’s weird that they don’t see how common “modern churches” very much ARE doomsday cults and it’s not even sort of rare." -ultravioletpisces3666
(YouTube Viewer).
"The worst, most dangerous element of apocalyptic thinking is that all plans and efforts for future generations are abandoned. Hoping for a 'new Earth' leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy state of mind which is utterly unhelpful if you're planning a future for Humanity." -user-fq4yz5ek3r (YouTube Viewer).
"Thank you for continuing to talk about apocalypticism. I know you may be tired of the subject, but I find it fascinating, and I'm sure others do, too. It sheds an entirely different light on Jesus than what mainstream, popular Christianity teaches.
It comes as a revelation, no pun intended. It makes a lot of what Jesus said and did more understandable. Thanks again for a great podcast."
Yea, there is so much to this, and once again, may at least partially explain why there are so many discrepancies in the Bible, particularly the New Testament...
For example, here is just one of a host of confusing discrepancies, as it relates to why most rabbinical scholars down through the ages do not accept Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. Most Christian evangelists for instance, site a passage from the book of Isaiah, as being fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, as being not only the Messiah, but God himself! Here are the two passages in question (which I mentioned) that seem to disagree with each other. As stated before, the first passage is from the Hebrew scriptures itself, in the book of the Prophet Isaiah, and it goes like this: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And he will be called wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is. 9:6). Now, here is where the discrepancy comes into play; for in the New Testament we read Jesus allegedly saying: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s foes will be those of his own household.” -Matthew 10:34-36. Bizarre, huh? I am not saying that Jesus is not, or is, the Messiah. I really don't know. (At least, not at this moment in time). And that is really not my point. (To prove that Jesus is not, or is the Messiah). But IT IS an interesting contradiction, none the less. I also have to say, that I do get a little nervous, when I hear some rabbinical teachers say that they are still waiting for the Messiah to come! (Knowing human nature the way I do). For, in my strong opinion, anyone who comes along and says they are the Messiah, would most likely be some kind of fraud. (Call it a lucky guess). However, there are other Rabbinical teachers, from what I understand, who say that the reign of the Messiah, will be more in relation to some kind of change, or world transformation. (A 'Messianic Age', if you will). Either way, here is a video, sort of in relation to those Conservative Rabbinical teachers who believe in a certain kind of fulfillment of those biblical prophesies that relate to the coming of the Jewish Messiah, as I mentioned above. However, with all these things being said, I DO think it is rather interesting, that the state of Israel has finally become a nation again, after something like 2000 years! And which DOES seem to be like a fulfillment of some ancient prophecies from the Hebrew Bible in itself...
In my opinion, the world doesn't need any more Messiahs. (Mohammed for instance, was also considered to be the Messiah, and many fanatical Muslims hated the Jews, because they didn't accept him as such, as well). Now, there is a school of thought within the Catholic Church (that originated around modern times, with the Charismatic Movement and all, from what I understand) that teaches that we are really all called to be messiahs (small 'm') and are to work to transform the world into a better place to live, according to our own state in life; rather then wait for someone who is going to say, come out of the sky, and change the world in an instant!
And they believe, that is the true meaning of the story of Pentecost (as indicated in the Christian New Testament) and being filled with God's spirit, if you will.
I mean, if you need to believe in one or the other, I personally think that makes ALLOT more sense, and is much more rational and logical (and allot less fanatical) to begin with, if you ask me. Just sayin'...
And, in all fairness, and for arguments sake, if nothing else, there IS also a quote in the Bible attributed to Jesus (but YET, one more seeming contradiction, if you will) that says: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"!
I don't get it? But anyway...
From what I also understand, some rabbinical teachers believe, that Christianity may have possibly come into being (in some way, shape, or form) to introduce the (pagan and gentile) world to the 'one' true, personal, monotheistic God, who is above all other 'gods', and who ultimately created the Universe, and the world itself, despite their disagreement about Jesus being the Messiah, and God himself; as any man being called God is like an abomination (and blasphemy) to them, and which I myself, can plainly understand as to why that would be. (Religion has always been messed up, one way or the other. And this is just one more example, in my opinion). Once again, just sayin'...
(And we cannot rule out the fact, that the New Testament, for instance, could have been tampered with, and things added, for example, as time went by, during the early years when it was written and finally put together, to fit a particular agenda).
One way or the other (and with all that being said) something had to have created all of this. In my strong opinion, the world and life itself, is just WAY too complex to have accidentally been created by chance. That much I BELIEVE, is what is in itself, totally self-evident. And religion (despite some of its truths) IS flawed, because Man himself, and the human race (generally speaking) is flawed...
"You know whats also never at all talked about? When after the resurrection, apparently old saints and prophets rose from the grave and walked around. Literally no one has ever addressed this and everytime I would ask apologists about it. Never gotten an answer, just "Ill make a video about it some day."
-Saint Brush (YouTube Viewer).
Matt: describing the ascension story as "seeming suspiciously convenient"
Me, a former Mormon: "like Angel Moroni taking the gold plates back to Heaven, lol"
Matt: "a lot like the Mormon story of Joseph Smith returning the Golden Plates to Moroni after translating the Book of Mormon." -Devila May Care (YouTube Viewer).
I really dig what the Rabbi says in this video (around 22:31 into the discussion).
He said: "The Rabbis of the Talmud as far back as the 2nd Century have said:
'The righteous of all people have a place in the world to come.'"End of story...
Note: Just needed a place to put these videos for MY OWN edification (and learning) but just thought I needed to comment on some of these things, being that this blog is sorta' like an open (and public) forum; and somewhat reluctantly, mind you (as is the case with many of my other blog posts here) because (to be quite frank) I know there are allot of crazy people out there, who will interpret things in their own crazy way. (Sometimes, even deliberately). And have their own crazy thoughts about things. Allot of the things going on in this country (and much of the world) seems to be a testimony to that, unfortunately. And I guess (ironically) goes back to what I said above, about the Human Race (generally speaking) being flawed to begin with.
So, if there are a group of (crazy) people for instance, fixated on you in a negative way (for whatever reason) that could be a problem. (Sad). But if it possibly edifies others, who are say, mentally stable and normal, I guess, that's good too...
