Posts by Tiresias

17

THREE REASONS WHY MODERN CHRISTIANITY IS A MYTH

by Tiresias in

modern christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the first century.

however, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied.

1) the "world" into which jesus was sent was israel.

Tiresias

Hello Crazyguy,

The social-science commentary I quoted above states: "Bible translators and interpreters are essentially anachronistic when they assert that the New Testament Greek word "Ioudaios" means Jew and that "Ioudaismos" means Judaism in the sense of Jewishness." The authors submit that "Ioudaios" means the behavior typical of and particular to those from Judea." They quote the late second-century Roman writer Cassius Dio, who described all people living in Palestine as Judeans (p.4).

When used by Israelites, the binary term Judeans and Greeks applied as follows: "Judeans refers to Israelites resident in Judea, Galiliee, Perea, and nearby cities with high Israelite population (Antioch, Damascus, Alexandria). "Greeks" were Israelites in Roman Hellenistic cities with low Israelite populations" (p.371). To Hellenized Israelites, Judeans were "barbarians," "weak," and uncivilized.

The Scripture4all online interlinear translation of the scriptures accurately renders the term "Jew" as Judah-an.

T

17

THREE REASONS WHY MODERN CHRISTIANITY IS A MYTH

by Tiresias in

modern christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the first century.

however, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied.

1) the "world" into which jesus was sent was israel.

Tiresias

Hello Terry,

Thank you for the site. Lots of fun!

Your post reminded me of a statement by adult educator Jack Mezirow: "Our interpretations are fallible and are often predicated upon unreliable assumptions" (p.35). The goal of transformative learning involves "a critical examination of the history, context, and consequences of their assumptions and premises" (p.225). I believe this forum has the potential to foster this kind of analysis.

Bye for now!

T

Reference:

Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning (1991)

17

THREE REASONS WHY MODERN CHRISTIANITY IS A MYTH

by Tiresias in

modern christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the first century.

however, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied.

1) the "world" into which jesus was sent was israel.

Tiresias

Hello Jgnat,

"Instead of attempting to claim authenticity by looking to the past, perhaps Christianity is better served by embracing it's evolution."

Symphony in print! Thank you!

I think you and I will agree that any claim to "authentic" Christianity is an attempt to control a set of ancient documents. That control results in "orthodoxy" [i.e. the correct way to think] and "ideology" [i.e. a system of ideas and ideals which tell us how to behave]. I continue to read the Bible, not as a blueprint for modern worship, but as a treasure trove of ancient wisdom. I see the Bible as an anthology of Israelite literature, as I have stated elsewhere.

My anxiety is aroused when I see biblical interpretations congeal into systems of power and control. As the playwright Vaclav Havel put it, people then 'serve systems rather than vice versa.' As Maria Montessori stated, our purpose in life is to create paradise for one another. Any evolution which creates an environment wherein we can cultivate our gifts, express our better humanity, and be seen, not as a means to an end, but as the goal itself, has my vote.

Bye for now!

T

17

THREE REASONS WHY MODERN CHRISTIANITY IS A MYTH

by Tiresias in

modern christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the first century.

however, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied.

1) the "world" into which jesus was sent was israel.

Tiresias

Hello Garyneal,

A very thoughtful question. Basically, I believe that First Century Christianity completed Judaism. I don't simply mean that Judaism was the soil out of which Christianity grew. I mean Christianity was the capstone of Judaism, its "crown," so to speak. A modern analogy may illustrate my point: When we speak about union-management relations, we are usually referring to two entities within a specific company. Similarly, Judaism/Christianity were dual entities within the same religion. Both passed away in the First Century.

Consequently, I consider modern Judaism and Christianity to be mythical constructs, echoes of an obsolete religion.

Thank you.

T

17

THREE REASONS WHY MODERN CHRISTIANITY IS A MYTH

by Tiresias in

modern christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the first century.

however, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied.

1) the "world" into which jesus was sent was israel.

Tiresias

Hello Jgnat,

Well said!

Attempting to re-create a "world" which passed away in the First Century [e.g., Jerusalem and its system becomes the modern world and its system] results false hope and unfounded fear.

The authors, whose research I cite, state: "Modern Christianity in all its forms has little to do with its ancestral expressions in the Jesus groups of Paul's day" (Malina and Pilch, p.3).

Thank you for responding.

T

17

THREE REASONS WHY MODERN CHRISTIANITY IS A MYTH

by Tiresias in

modern christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the first century.

however, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied.

1) the "world" into which jesus was sent was israel.

Tiresias

Modern Christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the First Century. However, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied. Here are three:

1) The "world" into which Jesus was sent was Israel. The "world" is John's name for Israel. This would explain the seeming contradiction between Jesus’ statement that he was ‘sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’ and John’s statement that Jesus was ‘sent to save the world’ rather than to 'condemn' it.

2) The "nations" to which the Apostles were sent were Israelites among non-Israelites. This explains the Apostle Paul's synagogue circuit in the Acts of Apostles. Those Israelites were 'the uncircumcised' to which Paul confined his outreach. His mission was to announce something new (i.e. 'good news' that the Messiah had appeared) so that they could become beneficiaries of the Abrahamic covenant.

3) The "Jew/Gentile" dichotomy is a misreading of Judean and nations. Judeans were those who practiced the customs of Judea; "Nations" and "Greeks" were Israelites living outside of Judea who largely practiced the customs of Hellenists.

If the above assertions are correct then no current version of Christianity is true. All versions are but flawed attempts to replicate the worship and worldview of Judaism's closing chapter. This would explain why Hebrew terms and concepts characterize "Christian" religions--especially those more zealously steeped in the study of the scriptures.

I welcome discussion of the above.

Reference:

Social-Science Commentary on the Letters of Paul. Malina, Bruce J. and Pilch, John J. (2006). Fortress Press

THREE REASONS WHY MODERN CHRISTIANITY IS A MYTH

by Tiresias in

modern christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the first century.

however, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied.

1) the "world" into which jesus was sent was israel.

Tiresias

Modern Christianity is based on the notion of a universal outreach to the nations, begun in the First Century. However, a closer examination of the scriptures suggests that biblical concepts have been misunderstood and misapplied. Here are three:

1) The "world" into which Jesus was sent was Israel. The "world" is John's name for Israel. This would explain the seeming contradiction between Jesus’ statement that he was ‘sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’ and John’s statement that Jesus was ‘sent to save the world’ rather than to 'condemn' it.

2) The "nations" to which the Apostles were sent were Israelites among non-Israelites. This explains the Apostle Paul's synagogue circuit in the Acts of Apostles. Those Israelites were 'the uncircumcised' to which Paul confined his outreach. His mission was to announce something new (i.e. 'good news' that the Messiah had appeared) so that they could become beneficiaries of the Abrahamic covenant.

3) The "Jew/Gentile" dichotomy is a misreading of Judean and nations. Judeans were those who practiced the customs of Judea; "Nations" and "Greeks" were Israelites living outside of Judea who largely practiced the customs of Hellenists.

If the above assertions are correct then no current version of Christianity is true. All versions are but flawed attempts to replicate the worship and worldview of Judaism's closing chapter. This would explain why Hebrew terms and concepts characterize "Christian" religions--especially those more zealously steeped in the study of the scriptures.

I welcome discussion of the above.

Reference:

Social-Science Commentary on the Letters of Paul. Malina, Bruce J. and Pilch, John J. (2006). Fortress Press

74

7 Reasons Why Babylon the Great was Jerusalem

by Tiresias in

authors david chilton (1987) and james stuart russell (1878) propose that the revelation is primarily a prophecy of the destruction of ancient jerusalem by the roman armies.

the revelation is jerusalem's armageddon (mountain of assembled roman troops).

i see the revelation as a war siren warning the first century christians of the imminent destruction of the city.

Tiresias

Hello Stirredbutnotshaken ,

I searched for a detailed description of Jerusalem's destruction but discovered but an enormous gap between "Caesar gave orders" and "the wall was laid even with the ground." Well, I gave it my best shot! What is remarkable about the siege is Titus' initial intention to preserve as much of the city as possible, impressed as he was with its splendor. But, as far as I can determine, it was the obstinacy of the Jews and the rage of the Roman soldiers that was the real tinderbox. Interestingly, both Titus and Josephus ascribe the Roman victory to divine intervention.

"Caesar gave orders that they should now demolish the entire city and temple, but should leave as many of the towers standing as were of the greatest eminency; that is, Phasaelus, and Hippicus, and Mariamne; and so much of the wall as enclosed the city on the west side. This wall was spared, in order to afford a camp for such as were to lie in garrison, as were the towers also spared, in order to demonstrate to posterity what kind of city it was, and how well fortified, which the Roman valor had subdued; but for all the rest of the wall, it was so thoroughly laid even with the ground by those that dug it up to the foundation, that there was left nothing to make those that came thither believe it had ever been inhabited. This was the end which Jerusalem came to by the madness of those that were for innovations; a city otherwise of great magnificence, and of mighty fame among all mankind."

Bye for now!

T

74

7 Reasons Why Babylon the Great was Jerusalem

by Tiresias in

authors david chilton (1987) and james stuart russell (1878) propose that the revelation is primarily a prophecy of the destruction of ancient jerusalem by the roman armies.

the revelation is jerusalem's armageddon (mountain of assembled roman troops).

i see the revelation as a war siren warning the first century christians of the imminent destruction of the city.

Tiresias

Hello Stirredbutnotshaken,

Regarding the melted gold, I just completed an exhaustive search of Josephus and found nothing, notwithstanding the number of references to the event in his War VI,6,1. Curious! I'll resume my search later on and update you accordingly.

Thank you!

Bye for now!

T.

74

7 Reasons Why Babylon the Great was Jerusalem

by Tiresias in

authors david chilton (1987) and james stuart russell (1878) propose that the revelation is primarily a prophecy of the destruction of ancient jerusalem by the roman armies.

the revelation is jerusalem's armageddon (mountain of assembled roman troops).

i see the revelation as a war siren warning the first century christians of the imminent destruction of the city.

Tiresias

Hello Kalk,

You make an excellent point about Jerusalem's wealth when you say, "the temple was indeed loaded with wealth…even leftover grain and grapes for the poor was taxed."

This is why I believe the Revelation records "mariners and merchants standing at a distance" from the Royal City (Jerusalem:Yahweh's bride) and declaring "What city is like this great city," "Your huge riches are all destroyed within a single hour" (Rev.18:27). "Edersheim cites ancient Jewish writings which identify no fewer than 118 different articles of import from foreign lands.”

Concerning Jerusalem's extensive commerce, Edersheim reports:

“In [Jerusalem's] streets and lanes everything might be purchased: the production of Palestine, or imported from foreign lands – the rarest articles from the remotest parts. Exquisitely shaped, curiously designed and jeweled cups, rings, and other workmanship of precious metals; glass, silks, fine linen, woolen stuffs, purple, and costly hangings; essences, ointments, and perfumes, as precious as gold; articles of food and drink from foreign lands – in short, what India, Persia, Arabia, Media, Egypt, Italy, Greece, and even the far-off lands of the Gentiles yielded, might be had in these bazaars" (Quoted in Chilton, p.182). (Parentheses mine).

TD,

I enjoyed your post about the history of the Jewish Priesthood.

Bye for now!

T