Is Predestination True and What IS Free Will? - Rabbi Tovia Singer - 1777

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...

"Two things you may have forgotten to mention and I feel is relevant is 1) Cyrus the great--a practicing Persian Zoroastrian--liberated the jews from Babylon and is considered a genuine MESSIAH in the Hebrew Bible and Christian old testament. 

2) The 3 Magi that visited the infant Jesus were Zoroastrian. Magi is the formal name used for practicing Zoroastrian priests and the term is still used in parts of Iran." 

-Y/T Viewer

Interestingly, the official Catholic Bible had also at one time translated the word Magi as Astrologers! i.e. "Astrologers from the east." I always thought that was kind of interesting, anyway. For more reasons then one. Another interesting translation, is of course, "wise men". i.e. "Wise men from the east." Could be that the word also has dual meanings in the original language the gospels were written in. Personally, I think Jesus may have been some kind of archetype, I don't know. Because, there are just too many profound sayings and the like, in contrast to allot of contradictions. Ultimately, whoever wrote the gospels were pretty brilliant, one way or the other. 

(As the Gospels are a brilliant work of literature, if nothing else. Almost like some kind of esoteric fantasy work, designed to capture the readers attention and imagination. And quite possibly written to further some kind of objective, or agenda). I mean, they obviously weren't illiterate, because they knew how to read and write. Which only a small percentage of the population knew how to do in those days...

But anyway, as one can see in this video, there are allot of similarities between Zoroastrianism and Christianity. It even seems that some elements of this religion eventually made its way into the Islamic faith itself...

Interestingly again, within the religion of Islam, Jesus is revered second only to Mohammed. And even more interestingly (and something that sorta blew my mind when I first discovered it) Mary, the Mother of Jesus is the 3rd most revered figure in Islam! Believe it or not. And speaking of believe it or not, several very significant locations of supposed apparitions of Mary, and greatly revered by many of the Catholic faithful, are Fatima and Lourdes. Which are also, VERY common names within the Muslim community! I don't get it myself, but there you have it. (Just sayin'). Go figure...

Can Jews Be Saved Without Jesus? -Rabbi Tovia Singer Responds

What about the innocent Palestinian Civilians?

I do have to say though (at least at this point in time) and in all honesty, that I do think the Intelligence failure on the part of the Netanyahu Administration in relation to the Hamas terrorist attacks was kinda' strange. And from what I understand (in stark contrast to most of the American people's reaction to the Bush administration's failure to prevent 9/11 to begin with) the majority of the Israeli people (and much to their credit) do seem to put most of the blame squarely on Netanyahu himself. But of course, without question, also acknowledge that Hamas IS (without a doubt) an evil terrorist organization, and definitely should pay for what they have done. 

(With minimal, innocent Palestinian casualties, whenever possible). And that, Hamas should be completely eliminated, for the abomination (and threat) that they are. 

(As there is no justification AT ALL for what they have done, nor for the atrocities they have committed). As is my strong opinion as well...

"Great job, thank you for reporting on these events that new generations need to research and understand. If they don't understand how things unfolded they might be on the wrong side of the conflict, just as Germany was in WWII." (Y/T Viewer).

"My great grandfather Labe Gedalja was a Kabbalistic rabbi in the Russian empire. I'm an astrologer. The eclipse of which you speak was right on the Ascendent of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, 4 pm in Tel Aviv.  Israel's Ascendent is 23° Libra, speaking of justice and equality. Long live Israel and long live the Jewish people." (Y/T Viewer).

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Y/T Viewer).

Interesting take on this passage from the New Testament of all places. Hmm? 

(See below). I have to say though, that I thought the solar eclipse happening right around the time of all these things was REALLY interesting myself. Whew. Coincidence? (Deeper spiritual significance or sign?) Who knows. But either way, that is REALLY some coincidence, if you ask me. Just sayin'...

May not agree with EVERYTHING in this video, but thought it was interesting enough to post here, mostly in part, because it does seem to agree with what I think (and mentioned in a previous post for instance, in relation to the Nazis and the holocaust) and that is, the demonic (or dark spiritual) component that seems to be at play here for some reason. Such as in the case of some of the sick and sadistic atrocities committed by the Nazis (as just one example) and now recently by Hamas. In other words, one way or the other, there seems to be something else going on here, where certain predisposed individuals are deliberately being influenced by something so dark and malevolent, that it defies even natural explanation. 

Cannot fully explain it, but that's at least the feeling I get myself, in relation to all these things. As much of it (and the unjustified deep hatred that seems to even defy rational thinking) kinda' makes no sense to begin with. In my opinion anyway...

In other words, is it really because of  some deeper divine purpose for good, that this seemingly dark spiritual force is opposed? That would explain allot, if you ask me...

Because, that would mean, that goodness has a mind, and that mind would therefore be benevolent, and would have a purpose. For the absence of light is darkness. But light is greater, and overcomes darkness. But could it possibly be, that the darkness (so to speak) does not want to be overcome, and therefore it opposes the light and its purpose? If true, this would have significant implications for ALL people of good will, is the best I can explain what I am trying to say. And therefore, Israel would sorta' like be a sign, where these things are like, being played out in real time, if you will. "A sign for all peoples." "A light to the nations"?

And maybe, just maybe, if you had special glasses where you could see into the spiritual world, you would be able to see this battle going on (angels of light vs angels of darkness?) and being played out in the natural world. Just something to think about, I guess. But maybe, that is possibly why many in this world have seemed to become like warriors themselves. Just trying to find some kind of explanation here... For instance, could it be, that maybe, just maybe, this world really started out as some kind of experiment? A place where possibly Israel is like, destined to become this "light to the nations" (as foretold by the ancient Hebrew prophet) in an area of the world where like, civilization began? And maybe, could that be why it seems the darkness (so to speak) is so opposed to it? I don't know. Sounds nice. (Would be a miracle if it really happened). Especially, for many of the Jewish people who have been exiled, scattered, and persecuted throughout the world for all these centuries, without a home (and a land) to call their own...

The video commentary/teaching here, does seem to cover and explain allot, as well, about other things that also appears to be quite important, regardless of one's beliefs or views, if you at least have an open mind...