The "End Days" : 2050 the end of the era of Jesus the Christ

This is a fantastic movie for the open-minded. I'd follow this up with a careful reading of Thomas Harpur's "The Pagan Christ".

Thanks for sharing this. :)

Feithline

Thank you for the info Feithline. I have not heard of this title...
I appreciate you taking the time to stop by...

Jared,

" . . wishing to move beyond the harsh wall of Christian superiority and the threats of eternal damnation . . "

Ain't nothin' stopping you from "moving beyond" your imaginary walls and threats, dude, just quit imaging the freakin' walls and threats.

I am beyond these machinations; millions are crushed under the perceived threat. Our human race is fixated on evil. I say LIVE!!

You are badmouthing those who see things differently than yourself, Jared, and getting all self righteous about it. BFD.

Jared,
Do you hail from the Age of Bull? :>)
-Mark

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When I was a kid I tried to blow a shofar a few times. It's not that easy.

Christianity, like all religions, has it's positive and negative aspects. It will probably persist since the teachings of Jesus are universal but now accreted and overlaid with much questionable stuff. We now know much of the bible was added by others, not words of God as alleged. Spirituality without the belief in religions seems the way of the future.

I submit doctrines and belief are not important though they cetainly govern how believers behave. Extremists who behave badly, killing for their beliefs, shed a bad light on their religions. The Perennial Wisdom of living peaceablyobserving the Golden Rule is what true sprititual belief is.

Frank,

" . . but now accreted and overlaid with much questionable stuff."

You can question all the stuff, of course, but if the God of Abraham is real, there is absolutely no logical reason to assume anything at all about the Book is not accurate and true to what Jesus actually spoke and did on earth.

To assume that anything is seriously amiss with the accounts we have in that Book, is simply to assume the God which it revolves around, is not real, I say. Naturally, if He is not, then the whole Book is a great big pile of lies and silliness . . . so, it is really just being redundant, to point our each individual aspect of it, as though a separate issue were being addressed.

NO, the existence of an all powerful God, covers such minor details as might appear in some sense amazing or unnatural to us, in a communication from that God, without recycling the question of His ability to do amazing things, over and over and over again. God's just plain get to do amazing things, and the question is merely whether that God exists . . .

John, re: the above:

It would seem that even for devout believers that by now we know that the bible is a work of many contributors. OK, the prophets were perhaps more in touch with God, if their belief was so intense, and that connection may still exist in our times. For most, I submit, that connection has become very faint for the most part in our secular times. I won't use the term "sheeple" but it hints at what I believe is what Christians and Christianity have come to, IMHO. I know you will want to protest.

Frank,

If there were an all-powerful heart knower (along the lines of the God of Abraham), what exactly would prevent Him from seeing to it that a collection of writings said what He wanted it to say?

Hi Frank,
You are quite right that the bible was written by many people. In fact the Holy Scriptures was written over a period of around 1500 years. However, an interesting fact that few know is that by examining the Book of Luke, we can see that there were only five overlapping generations during that 1500 year period.
It is true that some interpreters of the ancient documents have changed some of the contents to suit their own beliefs, but overall the message the bible contains remains accurate. The King James bible contains some inaccuracies that has confused many because these are inconsistent with other parts of the Holy Scriptures. By being inconsistent, they stand out as inaccurate.

So, I appreciate the comments. Just last night I saw how CNN, I believe, had one of its anchors suggesting that Tiger Woods would do better to become a Christian as there is more possiblity for salvation/forgiveness than as a Buddhist. Actually, I am not sure that Tiger is a Buddhist. However, it was interesting to see/hear this outlandish commentary on the heels of my post.

Does anyone else feel slighted when some person of Christian faith proclaims that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their lord will be doomed to an eternity of hell? As a practicing Nichiren Buddhist, I may believe that the teachings I follow are the highest; however, the vast ocean is always welcoming and does not turn away the river or a stream. I have acceptance for others ways and beliefs and encourage dialogue. I do not resort to dry dogma and scriptural passages with obscure meanings.

"Do you hail from the Age of Bull? :>)
-Mark" - - - That was funny. There IS a connection, I believe, between the fact that the golden statue was of a calf. Its destruction indicated the end of the age of Taurus; heralding the age of Aries, the ram.

I wish all the best; and hope that clarity of mind comes to the human race in time. Has anyone else, besides me, seen the movie, "Avatar?" I liked it and found strong support for the view of life that recognizes the eternal and interconnected (tangled) nature of all life. I tend to hold common sense up on a high level. Not much of that in most of the world religions, I'm forced to say...Peace.

Jared,

"Does anyone else feel slighted when some person of Christian faith proclaims that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their lord will be doomed to an eternity of hell?"

Who cares? Do you worship the god of slights or something? Are you hard wired into Universal Wisdom, such that your feelings of being slighted mean doodley squat in the grand scheme of things?

But far more significantly, it doesn't matter in the slightest ; ) what you say "a Christian" says. It matters what the Book says, and it doesn't say that "anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their lord will be doomed to an eternity of hell?". Playing silly sock puppet games, with little pretend Christians that say this or that for you to attack, is creepy bigot style slandering.


You're bashing people that don't agree with your personal philosophies, and annoy you in some petty way, I say.

John, re: "Who cares?"

Your tone in responding to another whom I recognize as spiritual though not Christian seems uncalled for, IMO. As a spiritually awakened person you could show more regard for others, even those who may not concord with your outlook, it would be more seemly and we would recognize your spirituality more. Sprituality is as spirituality does.

Does anyone else feel slighted when some person of Christian faith proclaims that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their lord will be doomed to an eternity of hell?

Hi Jared,
Since you seem to know definitively what we can't possibly deserve at the hands of a thrice holy God, then what is it that we do merit?

-Mark

Frank,

"Your tone in responding to another whom I recognize as spiritual though not Christian seems uncalled for, IMO"

Your little reactive impulses ain't any more of an Oracle of Delphi to me, than Jared's, or my own, or anyone else's. Consider, please; The spoiled child feels that their every twitch of personal outrage is a big deal, that everyone ought to take very seriously, and do something to rectify; Does that make it so?

Are those twitches in you or me, any different really? Isn't assuming that such feelings are arising because we are good and righteous, and anything that does not cause us to feel good about ourselves must be a sign that something unjust has happened, rather silly? Don't we need to be careful about such self righteousness, if we are to be mature and open-minded? Surely even the most unjust among us, feel all sorts of twitches and pangs of personal affront, each and every day . . So, the fact that such feelings of being "slighted" arise, cannot rationally be accepted as real indications of what is truly just or not.

Thank you for your addition, Frank. It appeared after I completed my previous comments.

Yeah, just another "Dear John" post:

"Enter through the narrow gate. The gate that leads to damnation is wide, the road is clear, and many choose to travel it. But how narrow is the gate that leads to life, how rough the road, and how few there are who find it. [Mathew 7:13-14]

Yes...very welcoming...Our way or the Hell way.

John, you are a beautiful example of the type of person that allows so many others to grow and gain; merely by the example you provide. Thank you for reminding me why I practice true Buddhism.

As I said;

Do you worship the god of slights or something? Are you hard wired into Universal Wisdom, such that your feelings of being slighted mean doodley squat in the grand scheme of things?

Can you explain why YOUR sense of discomfort about this or that idea is important, and a valid indicator of the true nature of whatever you happen to be thinking about . . but MINE isn't?

I'm afraid I just cannot catch your freequency dude.

Let's try this, Jared;

Ought all the people of the world, take up vilifying and defaming those whom they happen to personally feel offended by, when they speak of what they believe? Ought I, for instance, take up doing that? . . Or just those who feel slighted by the same words as you?

Are only the Buddists, to check for those feelings, and attack those they are in disagreement with? Or ought the Muslims do that as well, and the atheists, and Christians, and Jews, and "blacks", and liberals, and conservatives, and animal rights advocates, and environmentalists, and scientists, and anti-abortionist, and pro-choice proponents, and on and on and on . . Or just you, and those who feel slighted by the same things as you do?

Ok John Knight! So, you feel that my defense of a great mass of humanity against the blatant faction in this country of far-right, fundamental Christianity and the doctrines spewed by these followers is opening a carte blanche mandate to all manner of uncivil behaviors. Well, I see your point.

You have shared in the past that you believe there are "too many gods." I personally believe that you are safe to assert this, unless you wander into some of the spiritually darker regions of our country, where you may run into violent vigilantes who will defend their beliefs ‘to the cross.'

The point I am making here is that in our country, fundamental Christianity and its influence is not that far removed from the difficulty caused by fundamental Islam abroad. Now... the days of the crusades are in the past, and the KKK is not what it used to be; yet, it is within the ranks of Christian church groups that I believe we find the most intolerance for others' rights and dignity and beliefs than among any other single religious group.

The initial premise for this post, you may recall, is to 'enlighten' people to the historical precedents that pre-date the Christian's story of Jesus the Christ. Please be open enough to recognize that the fact that we must swear on a bible in the courts; have ADDED the phase, "one nation, under God" to our Pledge of Allegiance; and that on our currency, we read, "In God We Trust," is a STRONG indication of which religion has bludgeoned its way to the position of assumptive power in this country.

The fact that I practice Buddhism may say more about the perceptions I have been able to gain, than any bias I hold within. Previously, you also have shared the following opinion: "Life is short (pending scientific investigation), let's all just get along." What if this were being stated by individuals with dark and evil intentions for all? Should we just "make nice" and let "all hell break loose?!" Furthermore, your parenthetical caveat belies a fundamental lack of spiritual belief on your part. You seem to hold the scientific method up as the litmus test for truthfulness. The gate to wisdom cannot be entered with even the greatest intellect. Faith alone is what ultimately matters most. The heart only can see things rightly, a great writer has stated (French aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in his most famous novella).

I am enjoying our repartee more and more, John, as I begin to see a kernel of sense in your arguments. Keep using your mind; and let your heart always inform your thoughts. Peace.

Jared,

Is your answer to my question then; All the people of the world, should take up vilifying and defaming those whom they happen to personally feel offended by, when they speak of their beliefs?

Or, are you claiming an inherent superiority in that regard, which renders you right and just, for doing what would be wrong and unjust, if others did it? Are you very special somehow?

Gentlemen! It should be remembered that ALL the worlds various religions stem from just one place! Babylon. That has been proven scientifically and archeologically.
ALL the religions contain parts of the original instructions from the ONE creator.
Christians should read about how Nimrod, a man that opposed God, wanted to stop God's command to spread throughout the earth and multiply. He persuaded the people to build a city so that they would all remain together.
God, in His wisdom, then "confused" their language which at that time was universal. They found that they were speaking in different tongues and could only understand those that spoke theirs. This caused them to separate and travel further afield, thus forcing them to obey God's command.
They took with them some knowledge of what they knew about God's commands and teaching. Unfortunately, not all the "knowledge" was accurate but the message of love, peace and goodwill toward others is incorporated in the various religions.
Again, as I have said elsewhere, much has been misinterpreted and used to create divisions.

I haven't yet watched the video but I have to say that it always brings a cynical smile to my face when someone mentions Eternal Damnation.
This fear of being damned forever has been created by religious leaders of Christianity to bring the humble people into line and is far from what the Holy Scriptures actually say.
Why did these powerful religious leader in the past murder anyone that possessed a bible? Why did they go to so much trouble in an attempt to destroy every bible they could find? The answer is that the common people were being taught things that were not scriptural.
Even today, this is still going on. They teach that sinners will go to a burning Hell or Hades to suffer eternally. This instills fear into the ignorant. They teach that Hell is the Lake of Fire. What they don't tell you is that death and Hades, (Hell) will be thrown into this Lake of Fire to be destroyed forever!
Just read the Scriptures with an open mind and see for yourself.

I pretty much agree with everything you said, Johnny, but I do not understand why you refer to those who intentionally misled people and oppressed them based on distortions of what the Book says; "religious leaders". Obviously, these were frauds, who didn't even believe in God, certainly if they were going to great measures to prevent people from seeing what the Book actually says . . If they believed the God of Abraham was real, the absolute LAST thing they would do, is the sort of thing you spoke of . . . They were clearly of the stripe spoken of as wolves in sheep's clothing, not Christian leaders at all.

You are quite right John. They were and are frauds. They claim to be Christians. The Crusades of long ago were instigated by these so-called Christians. Perhaps they really believed that what they did and are doing is right. But when you think about it more deeply, the one being that would gain from all those evil things is the being known as Satan.
Satan has been working on religious leaders and faithful ones since Man was created. Read about Job.
Jesus told the Pharisees and scribes that they followed the traditions of *men* and not the word of God. Today's "leaders" do exactly the same. They follow *traditional* teachings of men rather than the spiritual Word of God. They are being led by Satan.

Okay guys - enjoy the match.

I am reminded of the famous line in Hamlet spoken to Horatio, "There are philosophies..."

Ann, Liz, and all you bird-friends, for you. The rest of the poem is on Garrison Keillor's "Writer's Almanac" today.

Owls
by W.D. Snodgrass

Selected Poems: 1957-1987) --
— for Camille

Wait; the great horned owls
Calling from the wood's edge; listen.
There: the dark male, low
And booming, tremoring the whole valley.
There: the female, resolving, answering
High and clear, restoring silence.
The chilly woods draw in
Their breath, slow, waiting, and now both
Sound out together, close to harmony.

These are the year's worst nights.
Ice glazed on the top boughs,
Old snow deep on the ground,
Snow in the red-tailed hawks'
Nests they take for their own.
Nothing crosses the crusted ground.
No squirrels, no rabbits, the mice gone,
No crow has young yet they can steal.
These nights the iron air clangs
Like the gates of a cell block, blank
And black as the inside of your chest.

Thank you, Frank. I should send you a copy of the 2010 Hooters calendar...

"The shifts occured (sic) when we lost touch with the creator and entered a building or followed a leader of sorts while forgetting Nature and all it has to teach."

I believe this is way downstream of the significant events on Earth...

Thank you Lea and... c.

As Clifford Hayes said in his jug band recording of a mock sermon about bobbed hair and short skirts and the inevitable meeting of the hair and the hem line, "Don't miss it, brother."

Thank you for that hopping comment!!

If you are reading this, please take note of a new post I am adding today that relates to this topic and discussion. It introduces a classic podcast of a speech by Alan Watts on "Christian Imperialism." He makes my points in a clear and poignant fashion...PeAcE.