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.
