Re: Religion

On 27 Sep, 02:41, "Pete Dashwood" <dashw...@removethis.enternet.co.nz>
wrote:
> "Alistair" <alist...@ld50macca.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
>
> 
>
> (Both John the Baptist and Jesus were members of the extreme sect, the
> Essenes, so it is likely they would share a few ideas :-) Notice that both
> of them came to a sticky end, also. Probably a club best avoided...)

It is my understanding that St. John The Baptist was aware of Essene
teachings but, because of his respect for his parents, was not a whole-
hearted follower of the Essene creed. JC was a follower of SJTB with
some adjustments to that creed. There is an interesting documentary
about this (I think it may have been by the Naled Archaeologist but
I'm not 100% on that) that turns up to UK TV from time to time.

>
> Or is it the teaching of Jesus as modified and interpreted by the
> Organization set up after His death?
>

Despite the Spirit of God speaking through the followers, I have no
doubt that the creed as preached by JC has been adulterated by man
ever since:

1.  Mary Magdalene (in the Gnostic Gospel bearing her name) recounts a
dream which she uses to explain what JC would want (I don't believe my
dreams so why should she believe hers?);

2.  The previous statement about Paul being a nasty piece of work. It
is known that he changed the interpretation of JC teachings to his own
end (don't ask me for citations).

> Unless we were actually at the Mount and heard the sermon, who knows what
> was actually said? As the technology of the time did not admit to actual
> voice recording, and we don't have a Time Machine to take us back there, i
t
> has to be subject to question. We can agree that what has come to us is
> beautiful and inspiring, but we don't know how much is what Jesus actually
> said and how much has been "improved and gilded" by the Scribes.

Check out the four official Gospels for contradictory witness
statements of the crucifixion.

>
> (I love the scene in "Life of Brian" where the people at the back of the
> crowd have trouble hearing and start fighting amongst themselves... "Did H
e
> say the Grs will inherit the Earth?...I knew a Gr once..." " Shut up
,
> Big nose, I can't hear what He's saying." Although it is very funny, it is
> also very real.)

And a truly brilliant piece of work. How can one take the Bible
seriously (or any other work from any religion) having watched that
film?

>
> The best we can do is take what is useful and inspiring, whether it came
> from Jesus or not...
>
> Is it an inner "faith" that lets us do this, or is it just plain common
> sense?
>

Or just Hope?