by LDH 4 Replies latest jw friends
I watched part last night but fell asleep. It was fascinating, discussing the 'history' of Yahweh and other important "Gods". If you didn't get a chance to see it, watch the schedule hopefully it will be on again, or you can order it here.
http://store.aetv.com/cgi-bin/ae.storefront/0/Ext/OutsideFrame/UT/32/Product/18212
hey Lisa,
I watched it last night - got a bit long (thus reaching my 25 spam limit for posts here).
From what I gather, the gist is that the concept of God started out as many gods, then started filtering down to the idea of a monogod, then came around again to a trinity god, then branched off to the Muslin concept, Budda concept, and a couple of other major religion concepts.
The name Yahweh I am that I am (they used something slightly different - but not "I will prove to be what I prove to be.") was given thought as to meaning - "It's really none of your business what my personal name is - it's enough that I'm your God and have power."
Thought that was pretty neat. Back then, persons would intone the names of their Gods in time of want, etc., and thought by knowing the God's name gave them some power over the God.
By Yahweh not giving a true name - but a poetic non-name - he remained untouched by man's perceived power.
And here we're discussing together - that's pretty neat also. Hope you're feeling better.
waiting
Waiting I am coming around but I am nowhere near 100%. If I'm up to it I'm going to lunch with Shauna tomorrow, will try to snap some pics for everyone.
Anyhow, I wish I hadn't fallen asleep. As I watched I couldn't help but think everyone on there had a MUCH MORE OBJECTIVE opinion about God/Bible than JWs do.
Interestingly enough, of all the shows I have ever watched about Jesus/God/Bible, not once EVER is a JW invited to speak on the subject. Not only are they unlearned for the most part, they'd probably try to convert the whole damn production team.
LDH:
I watched bits and pieces with my fervent JW wife. At one point Elaine Pagels was talking about how the account of Jesus' birth mirrors the earlier account of Mithra's birth. While doing so she mentioned that while we celebrate Jesus' birth on the same day as Mithra's, no one knows when Jesus was born. My wife immediately chimed in "That's why we don't celebrate Christmas. No one knows when Jesus was born." Of course, this is only partially true, but it was if she hadn't heard the part about the Biblical account of Jesus's birth mirroring a pagan god's. She only heard the part that justified her beliefs. While we all do this to some extent, it was interesting to see it in action and to the degree she did so. Makes me wonder if I'm as blind to things that threaten my beliefs as she can be.
Peace,
CPiolo
: The name Yahweh I am that I am (they used something slightly different - but not "I will prove to be what I prove to be.") was given thought as to meaning - "It's really none of your business what my personal name is - it's enough that I'm your God and have power."
: Thought that was pretty neat.
Yeah, me too! It's funny you should bring up the dub definition of God's name because my mother just yesterday said, "And don't forget to pray to Jehovah, who's name means 'I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be.'"
I said, "Mom! You just hit on the biggest problem your religion has! Everything for you is in the ever-elusive future! Your religion even has a "future tense" GOD fer Christ's sake! At least the other religons and even the Bible has a "present tense" God (I am that I am). Why don't you enjoy the NOW while you still can?" She said, "I'm too old for that anymore."
Over fifty years of her life serving a printing corporation and all she's gotten out of it is being old and worn-out. THAT is sad.
Farkel
