2014-07-30

Although I am very glad for the bible we have, for its beautiful literary value -- and for the unique description of events and feelings that can be important to us in life today, ..   its 'sacred' and 'unquestionable' status in Christian religion  puzzles me.

It is rather interesting how a book without a single reference from the story and documentation of Jesus life,  has attained “divine” and 'unquestionable' status for so many folks claiming Christianity.

Two thirds of the book is very obviously the textbook of Judaism – and as such, its relevance to Christian teaching at all can be brought into question. Jesus himself clearly distanced himself from the Jewish teachings that the old testament is most relevant to. It is rather hypocritical to suggest that any other group beside Judaism come close to, or even try to implement its vast multitude of ceremonial laws and counter-Christian ordinances  into  modern life.

Regarding the New Testament – It wasn't compiled as a work at all until 3 or 4 hundred years after Jesus was crucified – and even then, it was after considerable debate and differing opinions that the Catholic church finally came to somewhat of a political decision as to the suitable contents of this compilation. A questionable compilation of separate personal writings that was finally approved by the Catholic church 'fathers' the end of the 4^th century..

The political process was obviously traumatic , and is described in one historical description as “In 367, Athanaseus lobbied for the full canon of 27 books, which were adopted by the major factions of the church at two major meetings, called synods. One was held at Hippo Regius in 393, the other at Carthage in 397.” The new testament creation was by political decision – and it was NOT unanimous - and was made by a number of people with obvious organizational agendas..

How these political figures could give their mix of documents a 'sacred and holy' status – is remarkable. None of the new testament authors even claimed divinity in their opinions. The 'sacred status' it has been given, could seem to be mostly a clever political move to enable the 'priesthood' to claim monopoly on wisdom and moral status in their attempt to control the masses for their own political ends.

It wasn't until a thousand years later that the invention of the printing press gave this religious political masterpiece the distribution capacity that has enabled it to be used as it has done the last 500 years.

Has it become the 'Golden Calf' of modern religious history? Jesus himself promised to guide his followers by the gift of his spirit to their hearts ….

 Can we not trust the simplicity of this 'spirit of love' he promised us?  Do we need a printed textbook compiled by religious activists  to know what we believe?

Edgar

The translation and translational approvals of the bible into the different languages (including English) is another story filled with differing opinions and sometimes obvious selfish agendas .

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