An Easter Message

Yesterday was Good Friday, a very special day for Christianity, a prelude before Easter Day that commemorates the victory of Jesus Christ against death. It is a tradition for Christians to attend mass and churches to remember what the founder of Christianity represents and the covenant with God.

Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur not at the ways of Providence.
Thomas Jefferson

Those who are not Christians use the day to gather with family for a traditional feast enjoying the unity of the family nucleus, an entity that has slowly disintegrated in the society of the United States.
In a speech given by Ronald Reagan, he stated:

I have said that we must be cautious claiming that God is on our side. I think the real question we must answer is: Are we on His side?

On the day of resurrection [John 20:1-9] …

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.' So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.

A Treatise Concerning Christians and the 21st Century

I, like Thomas Jefferson, values logical philosophy; especially when discussing theology and politics. Those are two subjects where people turn off the logical portion of their brain and let emotion cloud their judgment and belief. Tradition can be a good thing, but only if it is supported by logic and facts, not superstition and blind faith. Thomas Jefferson created his own reference Bible, concerning the New Testament where he gleaned the myth from Jesus of Nazareth's parables and wise statements. He was more concerned with the spiritual world rather than the physical one. The Jefferson Bible has been reprinted several times and still available today. Indeed, the subtitle of the book is: “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth”. Using his original name description instead of “Christ”.

What prompted me to write about this is people sharing the myriad commentary and memes on my FaceBook board. They seem to ignore the fact that religion is the product of humans, not the Creator/God of the Old/New Testaments. Christianity was not founded by Jesus of Nazareth (aka Jesus of Galilee), but by his disciples who became apostles after his death.

Theology of our world's religions has fascinated me, especially the religions whose foundation and doctrine are based on an element of philosophy. It is those religions that have lasted through the centuries with 'cult' or denomination offshoots sprouting along the way.

Of course, I have paid for my use of logic instead of blind faith concerning religious clergy whose purpose of existence is to keep their flock, either by fear or indoctrination or both.

Morality is Consciousness

Suppressio Veri : Tolerance or Submission?

Christianity has evolved in terms of its church doctrine and Christian theocracy is extinct. Witches no longer are burned at the stake nor does the Inquisition no longer exist. The general concept is to follow the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who even stopped a stoning session against a woman accused of adultery. He did this not just on a humanitarian level, but to emphasize that it is better to change a person other ways than punishment by being stoned to death. He was more concerned about spirtuality than materialism. 

Treatise: Personal Thoughts on Religion, Tolerance, and the Soul

After writing chapters, essays and a treatise about the world's religions, from the point of views of people of a particular religion I discussed, I would like to set aside some time to write about my conclusions concerning the spiritual aspect of life that many have turned into a religion.

First, I would like to say that it has confounded me that during a long period of history, that Christians and Muslims cannot seem to get along for any period of time – and too often demonstrated during that history that some Christians (groups) and Muslims look upon Hebrews (Jews) as a scapegoat and inferior “race”. With that concept in mind, it already begins with misinformation in that being Jewish is not a race, but a Hebrew religion that is much older than both Christianity and Islam. In regards to history, Islam is the newcomer on the scene. Literally, a "Jew" can be of any race believing in Judaism.

History and Evolution of Early Christian Hymnals

When one examines the rise of Christianity and literary development from scattered early text, from the period of its inception through the disciples-turned-apostle after the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth one can see a growth form the original followers to a number in the millions as Gentiles became the prime converts over the Jewish population.

In that respect examining what is available in Greek and Latin text, one wonders about the origin of hymns that developed along with Christianity, especially as organized Christianity became more complex after the Edict of Milan in 313 and First Council of Nicaea in 325; where doctrine was prescribed and text was filtered for its authenticity and incorporation into Canon that became the Holy Bible divided between Old and New Testaments.

On Freedom of Religion and First Amendment, an Essay of Common Sense

A Madison County school board voted unanimously to alter a monument at the entrance of a Georgia high school football stadium in order to remove biblical scripture. The monument was erected in August and two different groups sent letters to the school stating that the monument violates the separation of church and state, demanding it be removed. There were two references to scriptures:

Romans 8:31: If God be for us, who can be against us?

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

 

Religion as a Racket: Beware of Pastors with Expensive Clothing Allowance Driving Cadillacs and Mercedes

Doug Giles wrote an article about how churches and their pastor/minister takes advantage of their tax exclusive business. He explains the reason why church members went to another church ...

...the reason they fled Babylon was because they found out that their pastor had an elder-approved clothing budget of $60,000 a year built into his financial perks for pastoring. What a dandy. Sounds just like the lowly Nazarene, eh? Five grand a month? Really, dude? Oh, and I almost forgot, he also never wears the same clothes twice when he appears on stage on Sundays. Who does he think he is? Mariah Carey? ... As a 51year-old I’ve had it with the Christian Glitterati obsessed with “success” using ministry as a means to get rich, wear Rolexes and play like they're Ryan Seacrest.
For what it’s worth, my brethren, here’s my advice to saints who might find themselves in a similar silly church situation.

• If your male pastor wears diamond stud earrings, leave.
• If your pastor is forty-plus years old and bleaches the tips of his hair blond, leave.
• If your pastor wears more hair gel than all five guys in the boy band One Direction, leave.
• If your pastor has a church funded clothing budget of any amount, especially a sixty grand a year allowance, leave.
• If your pastor quotes Oprah more than Obadiah, leave.
• If your pastor sounds more like Tony Robbins than the Apostle Paul, leave.

Chapter 21: Book of Revelation

Book of Revelation

CHAPTER 1, Verses 1-10 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John [1] who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. [2] Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. [3] John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from his which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; [4] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, [5] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [6] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. [7] I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. [8] I john, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. [9] I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, [10] Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Chapter 11: Gnostics - Threat to Early Christian Church Doctrine

According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Gnosticism is derived from the Greek word gnôsis, which translate to knowledge or insight. It is the name given to an ancient, as well as modern, organized religious and philosophical movement that flourished in the first and second centuries after the death of Christ, frequently called the Common Era in scientific/philosophical circles. But, archaeologically, it has been traced to have originated in 100 BC to 200 BC time period; established from the early treatises of the Corpus Hermeticum, Jewish Apocalyptic writings whose foundation was based upon Platonic philosophy and Hebrew scriptures.

Geneva Bible: Original English Translation for the People

The King James Authorized version of the Bible is familiar to many, but few know about the Geneva Bible, preceding the King James authorized translation by 51 years. It was the primary Bible of the 16^th century Protestants and used by William Shakespeare, Oliver Cromwell, John Knox, John Dunne, and John Bunyan (author of Pilgrim's Progress). It was one of the Bibles taken to America aboard the Mayflower. Oliver Cromwell had pocket editions printed for his soldiers at the time of the English Civil War.

Renewed Crusades: Not Learning From History or Common Sense Logic

Islamic conquest after the death of the prophet of the Muslims, Mohammad, was probably the most bloodiest in the history of mankind. One of the greatest historians who wrote the Story of Civilization, Volume 4: The Age of Faith (Our Oriental Heritage) in a multi-volume series, Will Durant, wrote objectively as he wrote about the dark history of Christianity during what is called the medieval period:

The Islamic conquest of India is probably the bloodiest story in history. It is a discouraging tale, for its evident moral is that civilization is a precious good, whose delicate complex of order and freedom, culture and peace, can at any moment be overthrown by barbarians invading from without or multiplying within.

Reflective Moments Concerning Theological and Philosophical Thoughts

In reflective moments I have decided to put away theology, in terms of theological philosophy around the world, but personal thoughts that make me, myself, an individual. I actually have been told I have the qualifications to be a certified minister, non-denominational, of course – but never had the inclination to do so. It is not within my character, or being, to stand before people gathered in some place to preach how they should run their lives, and other important duties of a true member of the clergy. 

Life and the Soul

How does one know if they have had a good life? How is it measured? What is the meaning of life?

The latter question has been the brunt of comical representation, and some regard it as: Whatever you want it to mean, which has its merits.

First, regardless of what you think about life or death, one thing cannot be denied that everyone has some element of consciousness, whether you believe one is born with it or it just miraculously develops at an early stage of life.

If you do not pay attention to the conscious then you are apt to have an evil life; and if you totally rely upon a specific aspect of that conscious you will be taken advantage of by those who have chosen to ignore consciousness and follow the path of evil and/or, thinking they have reached the spiritual plane dictate to others what is to become of another individual's soul. It really does not have having anything to do with what we call religion because that entity is only the creation of  humans that believe they can govern natural law.

Saint Patrick's Day: March 17th

Saint Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17^th, in the dioceses of Ireland it is a solemn and holy day of obligation and is officially called Saint Patrick's Feast Day. The original color associated with Saint Patrick was blue, but over time the color association changed to green and green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of the day was early as the 17^th century. The phrase “the wearing of the green”, which means wearing a green shamrock on clothing comes from a song of the same name.

Saint Patrick is a national day in Ireland, but Irish in Europe have been celebrating it since the 9^th century; and later became known as the patron of Ireland. The Feast Day was officially listed in the liturgical calender in the Catholic Church, influenced by Luke Wadding, a Franciscan scholar in the early 17^th century. A solemn ceremony in the Roman Catholic Church, it is a great feast day in the Church of Ireland. 

What is "Kosher" Food?

Have you ever wondered what Kosher meat is or why some pickle jars have the words: Kosher Pickles printed on the label? Just what is Kosher?

Merriam-Webster dictionary -

1 a: sanctioned by Jewish law; especially : ritually fit for use like kosher meat.

b: selling or serving food ritually fit according to Jewish law, as a kosher restaurant.

2 being proper or acceptable, or satisfactory, as is the deal kosher?

It all has to do with Jewish dietary laws from the ancient text: Kashrut. 

The word is a Hebrew derivative of Kaf-Shin-Reish, which means fit, proper, or correct. Rabbis or religious officials do not bless food in order to make it kosher, as the urban legend goes. However, there are blessings that Jews observe and recite before food is eaten, just as Christians and Muslims do in certain tradition. 

Deification of Jesus the Christ

This essay is not intended to denounce the divine purpose or the holiness of intent of Jesus of Nazareth, called the Christ. It is to segregate facts and intentions as gleaned from the quoted words of Jesus that has been interpreted and reinterpreted from the days of the apostles to the founding of the Church as a religious organization intended to replace the established synagogue of the Hebrews called Jews who have been named in the Old Testament as the Children of God, God's chosen people. Jesus was a Jew whose mission was to reform, renew, and do away with the old ways of sacrifice of the lamb in the name of God. He never intended to replace God, which he referred to as the Father nor do away with traditions like Passover that had been established by ancient holy men.

Homosexuality: Theological and Civic Issues

In the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, homosexuality is addressed and not accepted as practices, but instead unnatural sin. Examples of presentation is that homosexuality does not occur in nature, nor is it acceptable to God, despite not being part of the Ten Commandments.

OLD TESTAMENT

The first mention of homosexuality is in the Book of Genesis 18:16-19:29 that details an encounter of the people of Sodom, specifically in Genesis 19:4-13 …

Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; and they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them." But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, and said, "Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof." But they said, "Stand aside." Furthermore, they said, "This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge; now we will treat you worse than them." So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door. But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway. Then the men said to Lot, "Whom else have you here? A son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the Lord that the Lord has sent us to destroy it." [wording is EMTV and not original King James version, but source link is directed to the KJV]

Daniel Project: A Look Into the Daniel Prophecy of the Rebirth of Israel

The Daniel Project was established in Israel in 2003 with cooperation [Project Daniel] from Jewish and Christian organizations and scholars, commissioned to assess the threat to the nation of Israel from surrounding states in the Middle East, particularly Iran. Initially it was a team of Israeli foreign policy and military experts but went beyond a political foreign policy project from Project Daniel to Daniel Project which primarily concerns the prophecies in the Bible, particularly the Book of Daniel. The prophecy revolves around the return of wandering Jews from many parts of the world, especially from Europe where they were severely persecuted in the 20^th century, to return to their original area of homeland – Jerusalem once again being the capital of the nation of Israel.

The project centers around a film created explaining the importance of scriptures and archaeological breakthroughs like the Dead Sea Scrolls; and how the prophecies are becoming truth – only the wise will understand. The film is available on DVD.

I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the Living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on Earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.

Daniel 6:26-27

The Daniel Project focuses on key cities in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, Syria, and Armenia.

Act of Consequence: Muslim March on Washington

A simple question to the federal government and Barack Hussein Obama …

Why fight against Islamic fascists and jihadists in foreign lands when they are subverting and plotting here in the United States?

The American Muslim Political Action Committee (AMPAC) planned and successfully received a permit to march on Washington DC today on September 11^th – tasteless (to say the least) considering it is scheduled for the anniversary of the worst domestic massacre in American history perpetrated in the name of Islam.