God of Abraham vs God of Moses (and other gods)

by cameo-d 16 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • Robdar
    Robdar
    It would appear that the name of the god also identifies the name of the Amorite city. The NWT translates this god Shaddai as also being Jehovah. So here we go, rolling all these gods into one.

    Shaddai is still one of the Jewish names for God. It's been awhile since Hebrew school but I seem to recall at least 77 names being discussed. I can pray to El, Adonai, Shaddai, Hashem, etc. All the names have different meanings relating to God who is unknowable (except through his attributes) and who is all things (the Lord is One). The name I use depends upon my intent.

    If you are interested, here is a glossary of the many names of God.

    http://www.bibletopics.com/BIBLESTUDY/154.htm

  • cameo-d
    cameo-d
    Shaddai is still one of the Jewish names for God.

    Then "Jehovah" would not be an "exclusive" god nor an exclusive name for god.

    77 names for god depending on his/her/its attributes sounds both convenient and tribal to the patron, but rather like a multiple personality disorder for the monotheistic god.

    Depending on whether you are invoking a curse or a blessing, you would call for god Jekyll or god Hyde. 77 gods all rolled into one.

  • Robdar
    Robdar

    Well, Cammy, if that is your interpretation, I must say, it is rather interesting.

    77 gods all rolled into one.

    But I think you misunderstand what I am talking about. There are at least 77 names trying to explain God, who is unknowable and is all things (God is One).

    Christians (esp fundamentalists), who have more of a western mindset, forget that Judaism is first of all an eastern religion. I like Judaism, it is sort of an east meets west religion.

    I believe that as we seek God, we learn more about ourselves than we do him. I like it that way.

  • Doug Mason
    Doug Mason

    A most excellent book that throws light on the overall scene is:

    "Who Wrote The Bible?", Richard Elliott Friedman, HarperCollins

    Doug

  • cameo-d
    cameo-d

    Robdar: "Shaddai is still one of the Jewish names for God. It's been awhile since Hebrew school but I seem to recall at least 77 names being discussed. I can pray to El, Adonai, Shaddai, Hashem, etc. All the names have different meanings relating to God who is unknowable (except through his attributes) and who is all things (the Lord is One). The name I use depends upon my intent. "

    If these names were simply to describe or allude to god's attributes, then they would be adjectives. However, these are used as proper nouns and capitalized. That would indicate that each is a distinct entity or being.

    The word Elohim is plural. This refers to more than one god. I suspect that these angels set themselves up to be gods in mans eyes.

    So all of these names that you are praying to are various deities or angel guides.

    The 72 names of god are not just nicknames for the "One Unknowable" as you call it. These are actually the names of various angels/alien/messengers, not the names of a single Creator.

  • DaCheech
    DaCheech

    i pity the fool who believes the bible god.

    the majority of the bible contradicts itself and can be proven wrong using science

  • DaCheech
    DaCheech

    i enjoyed the points made by the thread maker

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