http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/14286321.htm\n\nThere's tons more info on it if you do a simple google search (if you want). \nI'm just not sure what this kind of text means for modern Christianity. I do have my own ideas on it, but I'm sure I'm biased :) Anyone else out there have any input?
209480
Its another fake Gospel written by an early christian sect who obviously had no contact with Jesus, the disciples or the disciples followers. It was common for christian sects with no direct link to church founders to create bogus gospels to support there beliefs.\nIf the gospel is real it would have been mentioned somewhere in the ancient history or copies of it would have surfaced elsewhere. Not to mention a true gospel always matches with what the rest of the bible says.\nPeople have a bad habit of thinking if a text is old then it must be a part of Gods word.  This is not true!
354426
I think that verse reveals a lot of modern evanglicalism to be out of step with Scripture. We have a very friendly, easy gospel preached in America where salvation is all up to us. John 6 teaches its not up to us at all in fact we contribute nothing to our own salvation including the will to believe. We are so totally depraved in our sin that we cannot even worship God unless he makes us worshippers. Very humbling.
70509
The article is interesting, but it seems to have some flaws. It was too long and involved to read carefully, but I skimmed the points it was trying to make. One that jumped out at me was worshipping on Sunday. The article says we do that because the Pope said to. The fact is that the earliest church worshipped on Sunday. Paul says the day doesn't matter, as long as we worship.\n\nAnother problem is that the Bible tells us that once the antichrist comes to power, we only have 7 years left before the end. The catholic church has been around for far longer than 7 years!\n\nThere are more, but I'm a very slow typer, so I'll let it go at two.\n\nI have a big problem with some of the catholic beliefs, but I really don't think this article should be taken seriusly. When I have more time, I am going to look at it more closely, though.
326493
Without sitting down and looking at all the specifics, I think I'm already doing what he commanded.  The beatitudes and golden rule are fairly good descriptions of how I live my life.  \n\nI'm highly skeptical of the supernatural claims of Christianity, but I agree wholeheartedly that Jesus was a wise man with very good ideas.\n\nEDIT:\nJeff, the text of the KJV is styled in medieval verse (no I don't believe that the translators were divinely inspired).  The beatitudes in particular are poetic in form, and not subject to strict interpretation.  By saying that the poor are blessed, Jesus identified with their suffering and said that it would be recognized.  The beatitudes as a whole are an exhortation to live well and love one another, with specific examples.  They are an example of how the world could be if we lived in peace: a beautiful concept and one I attempt to live.  (Occasionally I succeed, though not often).\n\nAs far as dying in order to live (I assume that you're referring to John 12:24), I've already stated that I'm skeptical about the supernatural aspects of Christianity.  I'm sure that Jesus and I differ on many matters of religion and theology.  That doesn't change how I feel about his philosophical and social ideas.  He's not my savior, but he's a very good example to the world.  I don't worship him, but I'd definitely buy him a beer and listen to what he had to say.\n\nHonestly, I'd probably do the same for you, if we ever met.
637814
ok in relation to your stupid ADAM AND STEVE post in our gay section  read these QandA's\n\n\n\nThe condition of homosexuality:\nNowhere in Scripture is reference made to the condition of homosexuality, only to homosexual acts. \n\n"Aren't you trying to wriggle out of what the Bible clearly says about homosexuality?":\nWhat the Bible says about anything is selective, contradictory and liable to change in interpretation. People do not believe in " what the Bible says". People believe in traditions about what the Bible says. Judeo-Christian tradition certainly is homophobic but whether the words of Jesus are homophobic is another matter. The various Christian theological traditions are so different from one another that they cannot be identical with the words of Jesus. The believer must decide whether the words of Jesus are more important than Christian traditions. Arguing out of Christian traditions is circular. \n\nThe story of Sodom (Genesis 19):\nThe story about the destruction of Sodom is not about homosexuality. It is about the sin of breaching sacred hospitality. \n\nThe Old Testament prohibitions:\nThe Old Testament prohibitions against homosexuality in the Books of Leviticus (chapter 18, v.22; chapter 20 v.13) and Deuteronomy are essentially provisions of the Jewish Law. Those Christians who base their disapproval of homosexuality on them must be prepared to state whether or not they are prepared to keep the other provisions of the Jewish Law. \n\nRuth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, Jesus and the "Beloved Disciple":\nThese friendships, as described in Scripture, are not gay relationships. The first two friendships are about the righteousness of choosing those who are elected by God, namely, the Hebrew nation in the case of Ruth, and David in the case of Jonathan. The friendship between Jesus and the "Beloved Disciple" is a symbol of true faith and discipleship. \n\nThe Centurion's Servant:\nThis is one story in which a gay relationship may be mentioned. This is because the word used in Greek in the account given by Luke can mean "boyfriend"', we know that centurions and their personal servants often had sexual relations and it is stated that the centurion was very fond of the servant. If this story does mention a gay relationship, then it confirms that Jesus was less interested in what people did rather than in their faith and love. \n\nPaul's condemnations of Decadence of the Pagan World in his Letter to the Romans, (chapter 1 v. 26-27):\nThis is the one passage in Scripture that mentions lesbianism. The passage condemns the pagan world for failing to observe the will of God as revealed in creation. It depends, however, on whether you accept Paul's argument that this is what the pagans are doing in the behaviour he describes. If you do not, it adds nothing to Paul's remarks on homosexual behaviour. \n\nPaul's other condemnations of Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6 v 9):\nNo-one is sure what the words used in these passages refer to. They could refer to some types of homosexual behavior but it is not certain.
257266
Proof that our "friend" is a hypocrite and a mental case, see above.\n\nI ask myself every time I read the Bible, what does this mean FOR me.
145687
I'm guessing here, but I think he may be referring to the Christian idea of the "old covenant" in the Tanakh, and the "new covenant" of the New Testament. Two laws.\nOn a side note I find his Q&A fascinating. When he's on, he comes up with some really clever stanzas. Seems a little out there quite often, but he truly has the soul of a poet.
331660
"...can it be backed up with scripture?"\n\nCertainly not; it's not Scriptural.  It's a pseudo-religious phrasing of an old conservative attitude.
69297
These aren't errors, exactly, unless you're so fundamentalist that you take every single word literally. \n\nPeople today have expressions that aren't meant to be taken literally - including "to the four corners of the earth." (For example, "You're driving me crazy." Literally, this implies that I'm being driven, that I'm not already crazy, and that I'm a qualified mental health professional who can diagnose 'crazy' when I see it.)\n\nWhen certain verses appear to be incorrect, read them in context and then find other verses about the same topic to be sure how they should be interpreted. Anyone can pick a verse and question it's accuracy. For example, you could combine "Judas went and hanged himself" with "Go and do thou likewise" and come up with a pretty twisted doctrine! But is that how these verses were meant to be understood? I don't think so.
130454
First of all, you are to be commended for struggling to find the truth amidst misinformation and predjudices! Titus 2:7 says in "all things show yourself uncorrupted in your teaching,showing seriousness and speech which cannot be condemned, so that the man on the opposing side may get ashamed,having nothing vile to say about us." So keep up the good work!     When I study my Watchtower, I read it once, just to read it.Then I go through it with my daughter and we answer the questions together. The third time I go through it, I look up the scriptures mentioned and usually write them in the margins of my magazine. That way,even later, I can always go back and look in that magazine and see at a glance what scripures were brought out,the definitions of any words I did not understand or the pronunciation of any Biblical name I couldn't get right( which I also write in the margins) I also underline in pencil (I use colored pencils,different colors have different meanings for me)the scriptures in the Bible that have any sort of special meaning for me.  These are just MY studying methods;you will come into your own in time!! Good luck to you,and your efforts to come into the truth please Jehovah God more than you could know!!  By the way, real Christian-like ,your comments,Rev,Kipp. I'm sure God is real proud of you...
95516
My friend, you have hit on something that God is doing in this hour.  Pray!  He's leading you to a conclusion that the mainstream church may not agree with, but which God is expressing at this time.  God has a plan for His Church, and it is not to finish it's course on earth in corruption.  :)\nIf you want any further discussion, always feel free to e-mail me.
465367
Dear ES,\n\nI agree with you and I enjoy reading it and giving away copies of the Bible.\n\nLong before I read the Bible from cover-to-cover I intended to re-write the Bible and take out all of the sexist language.  What a joke that was!  When I finally read it I didn't change it but it sure did change me!\n\nOne wonderful thing I noticed was that I had the feeling that it was written directly to me, even though I know it was written long before I was born.  It reminds me of looking at a photograph when it seems as though the subject is looking right back at you.\n\nEven though there have been several translations of the Bible they all say just about the same thing.  However I've seen a few that are not divinely inspired and there is no sense of the Living Word of God.\n\nYes, it is fascinating to look at the prophecies and realize that Jesus was the only person who ever had his biography written before He was born!
231859
i'm pretty sure you know the Christian view... this is something i've been thinking about a good bit lately - Genesis talks about 'when a man leaves his parents and basically takes a wife... they live together and become one.. sorry - paraphrasing i dont like... i'll add more as i research\nI'm curious more because of the jewish prophecy concerning the messiah; of a virgin, yet of the line of David. \n& my head hurts.
158853
I watched the special on National Geographic. Have they made the text available to read anywhere?\n\nBased on the information that was given on the National Geographic premiere...I firmly believe that Jesus chose Judas to sacrifice him. Someone had to do it and he wanted Judas to be the one. The thing that gets me is that when Jesus tells Judas that he will be known as deceitful person for many, many years but in the END, the truth will be known. Wow, that means we know now....does that mean that we are really close to the end?\n\nI would love to look at it more in depth when they release it; if you know anywhere it has been published, please let me know.
646177
hmmmm, this will be good!!\n\nFor: GINEVRA1WEASLEY, how is he pulling things of contexts when it's from your very own Bible? 32 (Bible) Scholars couldn't get it right and I doubt that you'll be able to get it right..
163588
This is one of those standard retorts that drives a stake through the hearts of bleedin' heart christians and their rabid war-mongering associates even.\nIt's a stumper for some, an opportunity for trotting out the prepared church answer for others.\nI am not one of either of these, thank the Dog!
163062
I found the language of the show to be quite interesting. Fore instance, during the first half of the show, they kept asking the question: "Is it real?" This isn't really what they meant, what they meant was "Is it old?" To me, they were implying that "real" = "true".\n\nThey also did not mention several Gnostic beliefs that would have discredited the movement in many people's eyes. You remember the scene at the last supper when they talked about Jesus laughing because the disciples were worshipping the wrong God, that the God who created the universe was actually an inferior God that was not worthy to be worshipped. What they didn't say was that Gnostics believed that this was the God of the Old Testament, so they ignored the Old Testament.\n\nAnother thing that stuck out to me was the phrase "When Jesus appeared on the Earth." Because they believed that the material world was evil, they had what is known as a Docetic view of Jesus. That is, that Jesus only appeared to be human, because God would have never become human and contaminated himself with the material world.\n\nI strongly agree with the speaker at the end who said that the Gospel of Judas provides valuable historical information about the history of Christianity and the movements within it. It shows us that there was never one single Christianity being practiced.  People have beein arguing about who Jesus was since a few minutes after he died.  With that being said, I do not personally believe it provides a historically accurate picture of the characters of Jesus and Judas.\n\nFinally, they seemed to think the fact that there were many Christianities unique. I have to disagree with that. There are many different versions of the Christian faith today, with different holy texts, etc. The book of Mormon is a prime example.\n\nIf you read the other Gnostic texts, you will find they have a lot in common with the Gospel of Judas.  For instance, both the Gospel of Judas and the Gospel of Thomas elevate one of the Disciples above the others.  The Gospel of Mary Magdalene does the same thing for Mary.  None of the four canonical gospels does this for their author.\n\nAnother thing that absolutely amazes me is that we have 4 gospels that tell very similar stories.  There are some minor differences in the order of events or the events included, but they are consistant for the most part.  One new gospel is found that offers a different story and many people jump on that and say, "Wow!  This is the real story."  It just doesn't make any sense.