Does the new Gospel found.changes the way you think about God?
347038
nope. there are quite a few false "gospels" that different sects like the gnostics wrote that are not in accordance with the rest of the Bible. its interesting historically and teaches us more about these sects, but it doesnt mean that it was ever part of maintstream Christianity or that its true. the gospel of judas sounds like pretty typical gnostic stuff- the flesh is bad, the spirit is good, judas was helping Jesus get rid of the bad flesh, only certain special people get special knowledge... nothing particularly new, just dealing with judas.
380186
This is one of the realizations that I came upon after studying what I believe, and not what I was taught to believe. I'm 18 years old, and I have (as of a year ago) quit the Roman Catholic religion. I no longer believe in any religion because religion is just a set of beliefs that have changed over time. Throughout the thousands of years that man has existed, can someone actually say that every sin has not been committed? By this, I mean that if every sin has been committed, then the bible has been changed (because that is a sin). For every letter of the bible that is changed, one month of a person's portion of food will be taken away from them in heaven (food being the Tree of Life's fruit). It is absurd to follow a belief system that is outdated, sexist, prejudiced, close-minded, and just plain fallible. The Bible was "inspired" by God, not written. And since then, there have been many changes/compromises. I am thankful to say that I worship God without a religion to restrain me. Ethics, morals, and faith are my guiding stars. I can only hope that more people realize what I have realized.
989631
let me ask you this, what will it change for you? what does it matter? people tend to use their creation theories - god vs. evolution, as reason to discredit the other. it's all ego. what does knowing change? just accept. we're here. something put us here. follow your heart to decide what. but don't let not knowing for sure take up any more of your time. finding out isn't possible beyond faith. both sides have evidence, not proof. it doesn't matter.
206540
I personally do not believe that any church in particular will help the body and soul. What will help that, is a deep personal spiritual life and devotion to having a greater understanding and meaningful personal relationship with the Creator (which often one refers to as "God".)\n\nI assume by denomination and church you are referring to Christianity. There are many other religions of the world that could loosely fit into the categories you have given here. Since you mentioned "Gospel", that is why I focused on Christianity. There have been many who have studied the question you ask, myself included. One of my favorites was a professor of humanities who specialized in mythology. His name was Joseph Campbell. He likened denominations to a computer program (not the most elegant of analogies, but it will do for this example). Campbell said that we each view the world and our concept of "God" in a unique and individual way. So, what your perception of God is and what my perception of God is are two different things.\n\nIn Christianity, we are taught in the Gospels that Jesus was God who loved the world so much that He gave his only Son to the world by becoming incarnate (born into the flesh and not just a spirit) of a virgin woman of Nazareth in ancient Israel named Mary. He lived among us until he was accused, tried and crucified for teaching people to love one another, have a personal relationship with God and know that God loves each one of us no matter what. Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice of the sins of everyone dead, alive and yet to be born. This was something different from every other religion. Three days after He died, witnesses testified they saw him and that He had risen from the dead. This is something that all Christians take on faith. We have no proof, we do not know for a fact. We only believe. Now comes the rub.\n\nAfter Jesus died and resurrected He ascended into Heaven. We do not know if this was meant literally or figuratively because we only have the word of those who were present and even at that, what was written down was hearsay, passed from one person to another before it was written down. There is much debate and it has been argued that one of the gospels was written by one of Jesus' original twelve apostles. Because this was all shrouded in obscurity and the early Christian church was small and did not worship openly (it was punishable by death if they did), people began to worship in slightly different ways. \n\nThe Roman Catholic Church was the Church in Rome. There were also other early churches but the first church of Christ was in Rome. There was also a church in Constantinople (today Istanbul, Turkey) where the Pope originally resided and later moved to Rome. When that happened, there was a rift in the Church and one became the Roman Catholic (from Rome and 'catholic' meaning 'universal') and the orthodox church. Today there are two major branches: The Greek (Eastern) Orthodox and the Russian Orthodox. As time went on, church doctrine and biblical interpretations caused yet more conflict and in 1520 A.D. a German named Martin Luther (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther) wrote a treatise in which he declared the Pope in Rome to be the antichrist. This caused quite a stir and eventually Luther's writings and influence caused many Germans to break from the Holy Catholic Church and both the Lutheran and Protestant Church developped from his teachings and writings.\n\nIn the 1530s, King Henry VIII of England (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_VIII) was married to Katherine of Aragon. He wished to divorce her so he could marry Anne Bolyn. The Roman Catholic church (Pope Clement VII specifically) would not allow divorce so Henry defied the Pope and the Catholic Church by separating from the Church. Clement excommunicated Henry and Henry declared himself supreme ruler on Earth and head of the Church of England. Thus, the Anglican Church was
529525
yes but my views have changed. The bible is an amazing story that offers insights into the spiritual development of man. I'm not a christian but i believe there are many great lessons to be learned from this book. The biggest hoaxes of all time is 1)God is a man in the sky that favors christians and sends you to hell if you don't get your weekly quota of church in.2) Jesus was a whiteman who was the son of god. 3) you need to go to church and pray to worship god. \nGod is individual and god is everything. The good and the bad make god just as the teacher and the taught make up the teaching.
1177688
It depends. I spoke to our Parish priest about that, (^_^) and he said that it was INSPIRED in the prophets who wrote it, so in reality it was not really what Jesus exactly says (or said).\n \n(^_^)
877013
True, and it is what I've been saying all along. When I was a Christian, I still didn't believe in the letters of Paul. Was it not the prophets of the ancient times that brought laws and the word of G-d through revelation (ie. a burning bush, the direct voice of G-d)? Then years later, the "new" testament is revealed through letters and secondary sources written by people who weren't even there.  Another great point, thanks for the question.
930937
Hello, my friend. This book--"Mere Christianity"--and especially this bit about Christ's being either a lunatic or else the Son of God, was instrumental in my opening up to Jesus, simply on account of the fact that I had, for years, "respected" Jesus of Nazareth as a great teacher, ever ignoring the (what I then thought to be) creepier things he was quoted as saying in the Gospels (such as "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light")...and Lewis, with this very simple and basic observation, blew my cozy little respect for Jesus of Nazareth out of the water.\n\nWhich did something to a door. Meaning, I then had to face the very choice that Lewis proposed in this book. In other words, I was either going to have to open the door all the way (and believe Christ was who he said he is) or else close it (and believe Jesus of Nazareth to be deranged and blasphemous).\n\nUltimately, I would say that I chose to believe that Christ is God's Son, but truly God gave me the knowledge that Christ is his Son (John 6:44)...and perhaps he gave me the gift of faith for the sole reason that I was seeking it.
304035
I have grown up in a Baptist church all of my life. I believe 100% in our God. I have the same question as you. It actually all came about this last week that I have been doing a lot of research on religion. I could not help myself from thinking your same question yesterday while in church. I felt quilty myself for even thinking this but it just puzzles me to no end. \n\nMy question is where did God come from. I agree there had to have been a beginning with him. Who put him here. Who sent him to Heaven & made Heaven for him to live? He was here on Earth so did he create all the disciples & the ones that crucified his son? \n\nI will keep a watch on this question b/c I would like to see the answer or an idea of where to look for it.
1144145
My proof that Jesus is the Son Of G--?\nLove one another as I love you. Only then, will people know that you are my disciples. Why argue?\nIf Jesus is G-- or of G--, does it change your Faith in Jesus? If the Holy Spirit is G-- or of G-- does it change your Faith in the Holy Spirit? \nSharing is Caring...Jesus is Alive!?\nI would like to share my story with any Christian or non-Christian who is still struggling and faith is not all together there. \n\nI hold G-- to the highest, and to lie would be not only against what I believe, but against G--'s laws. Nothing here is a lie, although it might seem like it. This is the reason I type this. G-- bless you all.\n\nI am 30 years old. I am a mathematics teacher. Since the day I was born I was Catholic. I never practiced it, and Catholic was simply a family label. I considered myself Atheist for 30 years until that day in March, I believe. I was painting my Mom's house. The face of Jesus appeared before my Mom and I. She asked me, "what does this look like to you?" But, before she finished the question I KNEW IT WAS HIM. The long hair, the beard, mustash, garments. Similar to the "Jesus" from "passion of the christ," except the eyes. Those eyes cannot be described. They translated into love, love, and love. If I had to describe them, I would say that the closest to that has been Mother Teresa's eyes. Not to take anything from her, but still, only close.\nI thought that had changed me, but it didn't. It did start me off though. But, now as I researched and spent countless hours learning more about him, I started hating Jews and easily angered at anyone who spoke against Jesus. It had actually made me a worse person.\nAs I stuggled one morning with Currency Trading, he appeared again on the cabinet drawers of my room. He faded and came back over and over until He appeared very clear and said to me: WHY DO YOU WORRY ABOUT THINGS FROM THIS WORLD?" I think he said it two or three times. I started crying, as am right now. This was the first time that Faith came into my heart. \nMy life started changing, slowly. Same struggles, but different attitude and determination. I prayed day and night and went to Church. But, the real test, is the acts. "YOU WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS" is one of my favorites. \nIn one of the Churches he said to me: "YOU ARE MARKED WITH MY BLOOD." I told my Mom and tried to make sense of it. \nThe last thing that he told me was: "I AM NOT YOUR FATHER. I AM YOUR BROTHER. THE SON DOES NOT EXIST WITHOUT THE FATHER, BUT WITHOUT THE SON THE FATHER IS ALWAYS."\nAt moments I wonder if it was all just in my imagination. This is the mistake that I keep making for this is where my Faith is tested. \nNo matter what, I am a better person for it. I love G-- with all my heart now, and I could never go back. Nothing in this world could ever shake or disturb my Faith. Finding G-- will always be a win-win situation. Now, I live everyday to make G-- proud of me and in the process I fulfill my obligations as human and husband.\nI know that I should be doing more for G--'s glory. I am shy, but will soon find the strength and power to glorify him more and more. I am still in my learning stages, but live everyday to follow Jesus Christ's footsteps.\n"pourdawg" could not be altogether wrong. But, what I know for certain is that if we are all lost souls, then we need to find G-- so that we can find ourselves in H--\n"marty" tells you not to rely on feelings for that is wrong. I say to you, the problem I always made was that I thought too much and searched for contradictions here and there so that I could justify myself. But, if you think with your heart the truth will always ccome to you. \n\n~ADIOS~ \n\nI am not here to tell you to quit your religion for they all share the great love that Jesus proclaimed. Be just, compassionate, humble and love G-- with all your heart. S
1028350
There is nothing New to God, but Mortals have a lot to learn, there has been many things New to Man Since Ecclesiastes.  all our Modern Technology is a part of Gods Plan. and we will continue to see New things.
511635
Find that which binds people in the group and in people in general.  Present how the gospel has changed your lives and how it resonates through you and your group no matter what your beliefs.  Jesus intended the gospel to be a uniter, it's up to you to find its uniting qualities.  It doesn't matter how mature you are, it's easy to share how something has affected you.\n\nGood luck!
694443
I agree.\n\n\nThe first thing that someone should be considering is whether the idea of sin is actually real.\n\nIf God is supposed to be perfect how could She have made anything or anyone that wasn't perfect.\nThink about it. The idea of sin assumes certain things about God that seem highly unlikely. \n\nFirst it assumes a God who is too incompetent to organize a simple educational field excursion and figure out a way to get all of the students home safely.\n\nHow likely is this that God would not be smart enough to come up with a plan for our salvation that is going to work?\n\nIt also assumes that God must have created us imperfect if we are sinners. \n\nOne might assume that God would be able to create someone perfect each and every time if he chose to. Assuming God is capable of this, then it follows logically that we must be perfect creations if we are actually creations of this perfect God.\n\nUnless of course you are saying that God chose to create us imperfect.\n\nIf God created us imperfect then anything that may go wrong is Gods fault, not ours. This seems a bit illogical at best so I think that we need to assume that What God creates would have to be perfect.\n\nIf this is the case and Gods creations are perfect, then nothing that we can do could change what God created perfect and make it imperfect unless we think that we are more powerful than God is. \n\nHow likely is it that we the creation could be more powerful than the creator. I personally find this idea somewhat amusing, and a bit absurd.\n\nReligion tells us that God is perfect. If this is true then it could hardly be logically for Gods creations to be considered to be anything less than perfect.\n\nIf this is the case and we are perfect creations of a perfect God then Nothing that we can ever do could possibly change this perfection that God willed, unless we were so powerful that our choices could override and change the will of God. \n\nHow likely is that????\n\nThink about it.\n\nThe idea of sin is simple nonsense; a lie made up about God by religion.\n\nLove and blessings\ndon\n\nSource --- Course in miracles
638907
I am excited for you!  God has put a burning question in your heart that most Christians don't even consider, which happens to be one of the reasons why Christianity is in its current divided state.\n\nThere's so many directions I could go with this...but I think I'm going to try to keep it short and sweet.  Here's the main verse:\n\n"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)\n\nThe soul is our thinking, emotional self-awareness; our mind.  The Spirit is as the body is to the physical realm; it is our spiritual extension and ***what receives messages from God.***  When we are "born again" it becomes alive -- and the good news is it's perfect!  See I Peter 1:23.  So it hears from God perfectly.\n\nThe soul has a problem called the carnal mind, which is "enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."  Paul right here is saying the Bible is crucial in telling the difference, able to divide between the two.\n\nSo like you said, we're dodging voices and we want Truth.  The Bible is crucial in this.\n\nSecondly, in John chapters 14-16, he describes the Holy Ghost as the "teacher."  Understanding the scriptures properly is necessary; else we are flailing this "sword" around in the dark.  This is where prayer comes in.  Pray for God to open up His Bible to you through the Holy Spirit.  Do so in faith.  See Matthew 7:9.  \n\nGetting to know His voice is a process and often trial and error.  Over time you recognize it and lean on it.  Let this goal be your prayer, and God will honor it!
293972
I do my very best to put Him before anything else.  I do love God.  Feel free to contact me through the link on my profile page.  Praise God!!\n\nI also put verses and thoughts out there on my 360 page.  As soon as the link is restored by Yahoo (for some reason everyone's link to their 360 page has been removed) you should check them out and see what you think..I would love some feedback on them.  I only started them a few days ago, so there aren't many.
459803
I was thinking about the same thing 2 days ago. I asked somebody who is a theolog and he told me that that's the way it is.That's not enlightening at all, is it?
1059606
I read the Universal Theology of the New Church by Swedenborg and there is plenty of proof in there if you give it a chance.  \n\nIf you don't give it a chance, may as well keep on asking questions for the rest of you life and saying nobody ever gave you the answers (even though it wouldn't be true - somebody did hand you the answers on a silver platter).\n\nhttp://www.mechanicsburgnewchurch.org