"If God didn't want me to have more than one female, then why do these women outnumber us so much?"
This is one of the most ridiculous urban legends out there. And the reason being... you can EASILY verify the veracity of the claim. But, nonetheless, I've heard a statement either identical or similar spoken time and time again, either in movie or directly from men. The most odd thing about this, even if you didn't take the time to research the data, though that would not be hard to do... just go outside. C'mon. See, these are the most frustrating cases. One of my biggest weaknesses (my personal white whale?) is that I try to convince people too much. Now, there are cases where I understand it may be hard or time consuming to convince people of things. If you say that "gravity is a force inherent in all mass, and big ones just pull harder" and I say, "no, Newton was wrong, Einstein proved that gravity is due to large objects displacement of space-time, [space-time curvature.]" I know we're going to be a while.
But this? you could just go outside. Or look at the numbers. Here are the 2000 Census numbers...
African Americans
Men 16,465,185 47.5%
Women 18,193,005 52.5%
General Population
Men 138,053,563 49.1%
Women 143,368,343 50.9%
The 2006 ESTIMATES have the gender demographic of the general populace as 49.2/50.8, so there is relatively no change over that 6 year period. Now, there are more women than men, and the gap is slightly larger for African Americans, however, if you're in a room with a 1000 people, you will not be able to look out and notice any gender disparities when its 475/525. And most people who even DARE to say that we are outnumbered, usually have some outlandish numbers like 3 to 1 or 5 to 1. 5 to 1? Really. C'mon. Are you serious? Lets say it was ONLY 3 to 1 (we'll take the low number)... you dont think we could tell if of every 100 people... 75 were women? To me, it just seems like one of those things people dont really think is true... (you dont really believe this crap, do you?) yet say... never wanting to find the evidence... and put on those "I'm purposely retarded" visors on, so that they can explain a way their actions and or views.
"Nah, Im not the villain... look how we're outnumbered... men were meant to be with many women... if it were say... basically a 1 to 1 ratio... then I would act differently... but since God has us outnumbered 5 to 1... thats why I do what I do... ya know?"
The more I search for empirical truth... the more I think those that reject it fall into one of two categories... (willfully) ignorant or (hopelessly) delusional. And if you believe (as I've heard many a man say) that women outnumber men 5 to 1 or 8 to 1... then you willingly live in ignorance or you are DEEEEEEEEELUSIONAL... (the former, is perhaps, sadder than the latter)
You need to wear an aluminum foil "helmet" so we can readily identify you when you're coming.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Oh, How I HATETH Thee, Republicanism...
...LET ME COUNT THE WAYS!
I dont get it, I really dont understand it. This supposed "split" in terms of the political landscape of our country. Can there really be that many Americans that support Republicans? How is that possible? I could be wrong, but it has to be based on a lack of involvement and awareness of all things political, because Republican views and agendas SURELY dont represent the majority of the country.
One thing that Republicans use to get voters are "wedge" issues. These are those hot button issues that people who are "for" or "against" usually are REALLY REALLY for or against. And this is my biggest problem with political Christians. Because, lets take gay marriage for example... its a subject that has been taboo for a very long time and will probably continue to be. Its an issue, that doesn't affect anyone outside the gay community, however, people choose political affiliations because of it.
My personal view, I'm not in favor of gay marriage... however, thats my personal view, and I do not want to legislate my personal opinion to the country as a whole. This is a libertarian issue to me. I'm personally conservative, but I believe that people have the right to be as socially liberal (and liberated) as they want to be... as long as it doesn't harm their neighbor. And if Adam and Steve want to be together, though I might skip the ceremony... their life doesn't affect me. Now look, lets be reasonable... if an abusive drunk pimp and a drug-addict prostitute can go to a sleazy Elvis "Marriage-n-Go" in Vegas, why can't two men who love each other get married? Not even at the courthouse? The Republicans are suppose to be the party of civil liberties, but only when its convenient it seems. And, remember, the ONLY time civil liberties should be infringed upon, are when they potentially harm the freedom and safety of others.
We have murder rates higher than European nations... why...? Because they have sense enough to have GUN CONTROL. But we'll never have it here. The Republicans even kept the assault rifle ban from being renewed. Its now legal to have an AK-47 in America!!! Lets have even more guns! Yeah! And we wonder why we see these crazy stories on the news. And what is the reason they say gun control is unAmerican? Because of civil liberties? So, its okay to own a weapon that is made for one purpose (to kill, stupid), but its not okay for two people to get married. Yeah... um... I dont get that. Now, again, Im not personally campaigning for gay marriage, but thats my personal opinion... who am I to tell others what to do?
Wedge issues like gay marriage are used as tools to blind people from the truth. You never hear anything about gay marriage... other than... oh... once every 4 years. As if there is this pool of straight men... in hiding... waiting for gay marriage to be legal, so they can divorce their wives and come out of the closet. Because a law banning gay marriage is that ONE thing stopping our society from decaying into utter chaos.
"Dude, I am so dying with this farce. I've been living this lie for 20 years. But there's been only one thing holding me back. There's been one thing stopping me from corrupting myself, and influencing all my male associates. Only one thing keeping me from decaying into a lifestyle of utter DEBAUCHERY. I've been counting the days to gay marriage being legal. Then I'm gonna paint the town PINK and PURPLE, darling!"
This is the type of thing the religious figures who support Republicans say. "Social issues." Gotta save American from those crazy liberals. What exactly are we being saved from? I keep up with politics. Did I sleep in the day the conservatives saved me from the bill to require middle schoolers to read up on the benefits of 'shacking up?'
So, Joe Bloe votes republicans, because he hates gays... but what else is he voting for?
In the constitution, there is a right of the people to "petition their government." That is now interpreted to mean... lobbyists. That is, people who go to government to get things done on behalf of their "group." I wont go into detail about what I think of lobbyists, but there are many different groups who do it. I'll only mention two. Those that represent unions... and those that represent big business. Unions, as in, a large collections of workers, who come together for protection against their employers. Think they aren't needed? Read up on Jimmy Hoffa and what working conditions in this country were like before the Teamsters. Anyway, there are the (afforementioned) Teamsters, and auto unions, and teachers unions... and unions on behalf of many different groups of workers. They represent the ECONOMIC interests of the middle class. And not surprising, all the major workers unions in this country support one political party. Hmmmmm... let me think... Democrats. Now, that would imply, that of the two major parties... the unions of America feel that the Democrats best represent their values... and thus... the values and interests of the working class American. And with big busines being the opposite of a workers unions... who do the big businesses usually support... take your time... you'll figure it out...
If you live in Tennessee... you're 40 years old... you are a manual labor steel worker... and you make $17/hr... I understand that you feel that gays have the cooties... ("cooties? eeeew, yuck!") but... um... how does that really affect you? Here's a secret. Psssst... pssst... dont be shy... come closer... I'll tell you the answer... you ready... (looks both ways before whispering) it doesn't!
And if you've read any of my previous posts... you already know how I feel about the Republicans using FEAR-MONGERING ["the terrorists could hit us again at any moment, be afraid! close your eyes... trust me!"] to further their agenda.
But the guy in Tennessee is voting for a political party which doesn't have his best interest at heart. Certain wedge issues will be brought up when its time for you to vote, but the 4 years in between, the big business lobbyists are putting hundreds of millions of dollars into Congress to further an agenda, and let me tell ya... it aint yours.
If you are rich, I can at least "understand" why you'd vote for Republicans. I'd still think it was immoral, but I could at least see how you see them representing you. But for people who are Christian... the religious guys... Billy Graham, Albert Mohler, Kirbyjon Caldwell, and many others...
Republicans REGULARLY vote against legislation:
that would ensure FREE healthcare for all Americans (health insurance lobbyists)
that would raise the minimum wage to a reasonable rate (big business lobbyists)
that would make cheaper international prescription drugs legal (pharmaceutical lobbyists)
that would regulate businesses that negatively affect the environment (oil lobbyists)
I just can't imagine Jesus saying: "Well, if you had a better job... you'd have health coverage, now wouldn't you, Paco? And what are you complaining about... who can't live off $6/hr anyway? Thats not even the minimum, be thankful to God you're not getting $5.15. Your boss is worth $140K/yr. Bless him like I have, Paco. And drugs from Canada. C'mon... you dont really trust a third world country like Canada to make good drugs do you? You pay 8x their rates because these drugs have been prayed over. Blessed drugs. And the environment... listen Paco... I made the earth in 6 days... surely I can do it again, right? Dont you have faith? See... those Oil Lobbyists... they have faith. You just want to waste. They want to take what I have created, put in on the free market for a substantial profit... and bring a service to you. Besides... they gotta make a living right.. I know about that, right? If it gets too bad, go believe in Word of Faith church, and give the rest of your money to some preacher who has never worked a real job in his life and let him tell you how to get wealth as you give yours to him! Be blessed, Paco. Be blessed"
Now, maybe Billy Graham and Kirbyjon Caldwell can see Jesus saying that... after all, they're pretty wealthy... but, I can't. I dont know if it would be quite like that. I think Jesus would like to see all people with full health coverage. Europeans, South Americans, Canadians... even Cubans... they all have free health insurance. They dont have to worry about hearing things "pre-existing condition" (translation: sorry, you were sick before we met you, we wont be covering that!) or "experimental procedure" (sorry, thats just wishing on a star, you might as well meet us at a pool and we'll give you a nickel, we wont spend our money on that!)
I know the religious hate gay people, but do they hate the rest of us? Because, we'd like a decent wage and full health benefits... if that would be okay? "Can I get some extra fruit-cocktail, please?"
And at the same time, these Republicans give these huge tax breaks for the top 10% of Americans and repeal the estate tax, a tax on dead rich people which brings in billions of dollars in revenue for the country. Its all about rich people:
"We didn't forget about you guys... we're giving everyone a tax break... DURING A WAR... (which has never happened)... for $300 dollars. Yeah! Just imagine its 1903, instead of 2004. You know what you could do with $300 dollars? Oh boy... you could get that... that... small tv, just like you always wanted... the democrats want to take away your small tv. You're not gonna let that happen are ya? No sir... they wanna take from you... we wanna give back to you. Huh... how much... are my friends... going to get... well... $30,000K in tax breaks... but... you still want that tv right? Yeah... sure ya do. Vote for me... I'll get you that tv. God bless you and God bless our troops! We support our troops! Yeah!!!"
Support the troops? What... he can't even get all his medical covered. The VA... the US Dept of Veteran Affairs, recently said that 25% of all homeless people are veterans of some war. 100,000 ex-US soldiers on any given night, and 200,000 at some point each year! The Veterans are putting out those numbers! Do the rich still support the troops? Where does that slogan go then? We support the troops... or we support pushing an agenda?
I've mentioned this before, but George Bush's guy in the administration who was checking the claims of Global Warming.. "global warming needs more study" remember that quote. He was a former Oil Lobbyist! When his past came out... he went back to Oil Lobbying! These guys have everyday lay-people in their party thinking "hmmm... maybe global warming DOES need more study..." and the guy pulling the strings works for an industry that is DIRECTLY affected by ignoring greenhouse emissions.
Lets be honest, when is the last time you woke up in a cold shiver and said...
"Huh... wha... wha... whats happening... whats happening... am I goin' crazy... oh no... no... wha... wha... wait... where am I... oh... it was... all a... a dream... gosh... I was... so scared... for a second... I thought... the ban of gay marriage... had been repealed... whew. Good... now... I can go back to sleep in peace. Thank you, Republicans... for keeping me safe... from gays...
...and terrorists."
I dont get it, I really dont understand it. This supposed "split" in terms of the political landscape of our country. Can there really be that many Americans that support Republicans? How is that possible? I could be wrong, but it has to be based on a lack of involvement and awareness of all things political, because Republican views and agendas SURELY dont represent the majority of the country.
One thing that Republicans use to get voters are "wedge" issues. These are those hot button issues that people who are "for" or "against" usually are REALLY REALLY for or against. And this is my biggest problem with political Christians. Because, lets take gay marriage for example... its a subject that has been taboo for a very long time and will probably continue to be. Its an issue, that doesn't affect anyone outside the gay community, however, people choose political affiliations because of it.
My personal view, I'm not in favor of gay marriage... however, thats my personal view, and I do not want to legislate my personal opinion to the country as a whole. This is a libertarian issue to me. I'm personally conservative, but I believe that people have the right to be as socially liberal (and liberated) as they want to be... as long as it doesn't harm their neighbor. And if Adam and Steve want to be together, though I might skip the ceremony... their life doesn't affect me. Now look, lets be reasonable... if an abusive drunk pimp and a drug-addict prostitute can go to a sleazy Elvis "Marriage-n-Go" in Vegas, why can't two men who love each other get married? Not even at the courthouse? The Republicans are suppose to be the party of civil liberties, but only when its convenient it seems. And, remember, the ONLY time civil liberties should be infringed upon, are when they potentially harm the freedom and safety of others.
We have murder rates higher than European nations... why...? Because they have sense enough to have GUN CONTROL. But we'll never have it here. The Republicans even kept the assault rifle ban from being renewed. Its now legal to have an AK-47 in America!!! Lets have even more guns! Yeah! And we wonder why we see these crazy stories on the news. And what is the reason they say gun control is unAmerican? Because of civil liberties? So, its okay to own a weapon that is made for one purpose (to kill, stupid), but its not okay for two people to get married. Yeah... um... I dont get that. Now, again, Im not personally campaigning for gay marriage, but thats my personal opinion... who am I to tell others what to do?
Wedge issues like gay marriage are used as tools to blind people from the truth. You never hear anything about gay marriage... other than... oh... once every 4 years. As if there is this pool of straight men... in hiding... waiting for gay marriage to be legal, so they can divorce their wives and come out of the closet. Because a law banning gay marriage is that ONE thing stopping our society from decaying into utter chaos.
"Dude, I am so dying with this farce. I've been living this lie for 20 years. But there's been only one thing holding me back. There's been one thing stopping me from corrupting myself, and influencing all my male associates. Only one thing keeping me from decaying into a lifestyle of utter DEBAUCHERY. I've been counting the days to gay marriage being legal. Then I'm gonna paint the town PINK and PURPLE, darling!"
This is the type of thing the religious figures who support Republicans say. "Social issues." Gotta save American from those crazy liberals. What exactly are we being saved from? I keep up with politics. Did I sleep in the day the conservatives saved me from the bill to require middle schoolers to read up on the benefits of 'shacking up?'
So, Joe Bloe votes republicans, because he hates gays... but what else is he voting for?
In the constitution, there is a right of the people to "petition their government." That is now interpreted to mean... lobbyists. That is, people who go to government to get things done on behalf of their "group." I wont go into detail about what I think of lobbyists, but there are many different groups who do it. I'll only mention two. Those that represent unions... and those that represent big business. Unions, as in, a large collections of workers, who come together for protection against their employers. Think they aren't needed? Read up on Jimmy Hoffa and what working conditions in this country were like before the Teamsters. Anyway, there are the (afforementioned) Teamsters, and auto unions, and teachers unions... and unions on behalf of many different groups of workers. They represent the ECONOMIC interests of the middle class. And not surprising, all the major workers unions in this country support one political party. Hmmmmm... let me think... Democrats. Now, that would imply, that of the two major parties... the unions of America feel that the Democrats best represent their values... and thus... the values and interests of the working class American. And with big busines being the opposite of a workers unions... who do the big businesses usually support... take your time... you'll figure it out...
If you live in Tennessee... you're 40 years old... you are a manual labor steel worker... and you make $17/hr... I understand that you feel that gays have the cooties... ("cooties? eeeew, yuck!") but... um... how does that really affect you? Here's a secret. Psssst... pssst... dont be shy... come closer... I'll tell you the answer... you ready... (looks both ways before whispering) it doesn't!
And if you've read any of my previous posts... you already know how I feel about the Republicans using FEAR-MONGERING ["the terrorists could hit us again at any moment, be afraid! close your eyes... trust me!"] to further their agenda.
But the guy in Tennessee is voting for a political party which doesn't have his best interest at heart. Certain wedge issues will be brought up when its time for you to vote, but the 4 years in between, the big business lobbyists are putting hundreds of millions of dollars into Congress to further an agenda, and let me tell ya... it aint yours.
If you are rich, I can at least "understand" why you'd vote for Republicans. I'd still think it was immoral, but I could at least see how you see them representing you. But for people who are Christian... the religious guys... Billy Graham, Albert Mohler, Kirbyjon Caldwell, and many others...
Republicans REGULARLY vote against legislation:
that would ensure FREE healthcare for all Americans (health insurance lobbyists)
that would raise the minimum wage to a reasonable rate (big business lobbyists)
that would make cheaper international prescription drugs legal (pharmaceutical lobbyists)
that would regulate businesses that negatively affect the environment (oil lobbyists)
I just can't imagine Jesus saying: "Well, if you had a better job... you'd have health coverage, now wouldn't you, Paco? And what are you complaining about... who can't live off $6/hr anyway? Thats not even the minimum, be thankful to God you're not getting $5.15. Your boss is worth $140K/yr. Bless him like I have, Paco. And drugs from Canada. C'mon... you dont really trust a third world country like Canada to make good drugs do you? You pay 8x their rates because these drugs have been prayed over. Blessed drugs. And the environment... listen Paco... I made the earth in 6 days... surely I can do it again, right? Dont you have faith? See... those Oil Lobbyists... they have faith. You just want to waste. They want to take what I have created, put in on the free market for a substantial profit... and bring a service to you. Besides... they gotta make a living right.. I know about that, right? If it gets too bad, go believe in Word of Faith church, and give the rest of your money to some preacher who has never worked a real job in his life and let him tell you how to get wealth as you give yours to him! Be blessed, Paco. Be blessed"
Now, maybe Billy Graham and Kirbyjon Caldwell can see Jesus saying that... after all, they're pretty wealthy... but, I can't. I dont know if it would be quite like that. I think Jesus would like to see all people with full health coverage. Europeans, South Americans, Canadians... even Cubans... they all have free health insurance. They dont have to worry about hearing things "pre-existing condition" (translation: sorry, you were sick before we met you, we wont be covering that!) or "experimental procedure" (sorry, thats just wishing on a star, you might as well meet us at a pool and we'll give you a nickel, we wont spend our money on that!)
I know the religious hate gay people, but do they hate the rest of us? Because, we'd like a decent wage and full health benefits... if that would be okay? "Can I get some extra fruit-cocktail, please?"
And at the same time, these Republicans give these huge tax breaks for the top 10% of Americans and repeal the estate tax, a tax on dead rich people which brings in billions of dollars in revenue for the country. Its all about rich people:
"We didn't forget about you guys... we're giving everyone a tax break... DURING A WAR... (which has never happened)... for $300 dollars. Yeah! Just imagine its 1903, instead of 2004. You know what you could do with $300 dollars? Oh boy... you could get that... that... small tv, just like you always wanted... the democrats want to take away your small tv. You're not gonna let that happen are ya? No sir... they wanna take from you... we wanna give back to you. Huh... how much... are my friends... going to get... well... $30,000K in tax breaks... but... you still want that tv right? Yeah... sure ya do. Vote for me... I'll get you that tv. God bless you and God bless our troops! We support our troops! Yeah!!!"
Support the troops? What... he can't even get all his medical covered. The VA... the US Dept of Veteran Affairs, recently said that 25% of all homeless people are veterans of some war. 100,000 ex-US soldiers on any given night, and 200,000 at some point each year! The Veterans are putting out those numbers! Do the rich still support the troops? Where does that slogan go then? We support the troops... or we support pushing an agenda?
I've mentioned this before, but George Bush's guy in the administration who was checking the claims of Global Warming.. "global warming needs more study" remember that quote. He was a former Oil Lobbyist! When his past came out... he went back to Oil Lobbying! These guys have everyday lay-people in their party thinking "hmmm... maybe global warming DOES need more study..." and the guy pulling the strings works for an industry that is DIRECTLY affected by ignoring greenhouse emissions.
Lets be honest, when is the last time you woke up in a cold shiver and said...
"Huh... wha... wha... whats happening... whats happening... am I goin' crazy... oh no... no... wha... wha... wait... where am I... oh... it was... all a... a dream... gosh... I was... so scared... for a second... I thought... the ban of gay marriage... had been repealed... whew. Good... now... I can go back to sleep in peace. Thank you, Republicans... for keeping me safe... from gays...
...and terrorists."
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Why Dont Jews Sacrifice Any More?
Israel should be the world's largest importer of livestock.
This is one of those thoughts that has been on my mind for about 10 years, I just... usually keep it to myself.
There are a lot of people who say that the major mono-theistic religions are essentially the same... and there is some truth to that. There are similarities between them. One reason being that Islam is from the 7th century AD and the creator would have been OBVIOUSLY familiar with (and influenced by?) both Judaism and Christianity, but thats neither here nor there. However, I would say that there is a major theme in "Judeo-Christianity" (as I prefer to call it) that is significantly different from Islam, and significantly different from all other forms of organized religion.
You are not capable... of saving yourself.
Its just that simple. Some other groups talk about meditation... or elevating your consciousness to a higher plane... performing good works... or perhaps just being somewhat more good than bad. But they all share the theme, that you are either fixing yourself... or HELPING something (or someone?) fix you.
The most fundamental difference, between Christianity... and all other forms of spirituality and religion... is this... there is nothing that you do... or even CAN do... to save yourself... and anyone who claims to be Christian who has a view of reconciliation (salvation) outside of that needs to start over.
From the very beginning, the Bible is narrating stories of sacrifice. Cain rose up against his brother due to jealousy over God's displeasure with Cain's sacrifice. We are tainted. We are born tainted. Babies are not born "neutral"... they are born with a propensity to sin. I was not taught how to lie... I was taught how NOT to lie. (with a belt!) I wasn't taught how to steal... I was instructed not to steal. From the very beginning... we are born with a bias towards sin. How can we save ourselves? We can not... and those who claim to... do not do it for a love of God... but rather for a fear of hell. Action, based on fear, is not authentic... and is not sufficient.
I shall point out here that Catholics (I should point out that I hate their "theology") believe its faith AND WORKS. Not works alone... but not faith alone either. Your actions do factor in to whether or not you will be saved. In my opinion, that really should change the view on people such as Mother Theresa. Her sacrifices are inspiring, we could use more people like her, but the altruistic nature in which she's viewed needs to be re-evaluated when she believes that works help get you in. "Oh, the blessed sacraments!" (Wont get into that today) I found it interesting that some of her private letters were found recently and there was a lot of doubt about her faith in them.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1655415,00.html
It seems, deep down inside, even she knew that working for salvation didn't feel right.
The Old Testament (i.e. "the Pentatuk") shows generation, after generation... after generation of Jews... who offered sacrificial offerings to God. There needs to be a purification. A cleansing. A way to wash away our taint so that we can be PURE in the eyes of God. That standard has never changed. The Islamic Allah may take people are who are 50.1% good... but the Judeo-Christian God demands 100% purity. If you read the Pentatuk, you see the elaborate rules for behavior inside the temple. For those allowed inside the Temple. For the priest who went into the MOST holy of holies. If you read the requirements of the law, you see the golden standard for perfection. For living a perfect life. The depths for which a life of pure and total obedience would take. Who could meet such standards? Who could go an hour in perfect obedience, let alone a lifetime? Thus the need for something pure to cleanse our imperfection. The priests were even required to find lamb that were spotless. No markings or physical imperfections.
When the man Jesus walked the earth the Temple still stood. From the time of Moses, hundreds of years later, the Jews STILL understood as it says in Hebrews, without blood... there is no remission.
The reason I like to say, Judeo-Christianity... is because the two are one in the same. You can't have Christianity without Judaism. There are "Christians" out there who dislike Jews and feel that Christianity dissolved Judaism. Or ended Judaism. Remember, for many years, it was The Church that persecuted Jews. Jews were among those killed in the Catholic Inquisition. (Wow, That Torquemada... a true man of God!) Christianity is a COMPLETION of Judaism. I dont mean completion in the sense that... "its over." but rather in the sense that... "it is now as it should be." A culmination of sorts. A finished product. Jesus himself says that he came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. Paul recognized that no man could live in total obedience under the law. Not a one. Noone other than Jesus. He seems to suggest that the Law was not intended for one to live in total perfection, but to SHOW that it was impossible for fallen man to do so. Yet, as Jesus says, he lived His life in total obedience.
As the beautiful chapter of Isaiah 53 prophesizes towards, Jesus, a sheep, without blemish... who lived His ENTIRE life in perfect obedience to God... would be the Lamb. Rather than thinking that Jesus was symbolic of the Old Testament lambs being sacrificed, we should think that the Old Testament lamb was a foreshadowing of the perfect sacrifice. As the author (some believe to be Paul) of Hebrews points out... He was not only the Lamb, Himself... but also the High Priest. And in Hebrews you get the imagery and analogy to the inner workings of the Temple. The place that ONLY the High Priest could go, with the blood sacrifice, to give the offering as a cleansing on behalf of the people. The author of Hebrews says that, Jesus didn't go into the physical Temple (in Jerusalem), but died, rose from the dead (in a physical "glorified" body), and ascended into heaven, into the TRUE most Holy of Holies, to stand at the right hand of God as a permanent cleansing, for all who would believe on him.
There would be no more lambs. There would be no more sacrifices on Earth. They would not be required. The payment... the TRUE payment... the payment that was ALWAYS planned... the Lion from the Tribe of Judah... had come to fruition. But what of those who did not believe? The Jews did not accept Jesus or his message. He was a heretic. He was a blasphemer. His offer was not accepted. In their view... his cleansing... was not real. Which is how I got to my original question. If Jesus doesn't cleanse you... what does? The Old Testament Jews had a very elaborate (read Leviticus) and meticulate process of what to sacrifice and how. But the author of Hebrews clearly understood... without the sacrifice... there is no remission. So, how are orthodox Jews of today reconciling themselves to God? The temple was destroyed about 35 years after Jesus' death.. and it hasn't been rebuilt since.
One reason that the Temple (R.I.P. 70ad) has never been rebuilt is because the priest had to be from the House of Aaron... and after the first century... people simply do not know that lineage anymore. My response to that would be, if you are a Jew... and a blood offering is necessary for cleansing... and you reject that Jesus is now the permanent (perpetual) sacrifice on behalf of all who would have faith in him... why do you not sacrifice? We have come full circle.
Israel should be the world's largest importer of livestock.
This is one of those thoughts that has been on my mind for about 10 years, I just... usually keep it to myself.
There are a lot of people who say that the major mono-theistic religions are essentially the same... and there is some truth to that. There are similarities between them. One reason being that Islam is from the 7th century AD and the creator would have been OBVIOUSLY familiar with (and influenced by?) both Judaism and Christianity, but thats neither here nor there. However, I would say that there is a major theme in "Judeo-Christianity" (as I prefer to call it) that is significantly different from Islam, and significantly different from all other forms of organized religion.
You are not capable... of saving yourself.
Its just that simple. Some other groups talk about meditation... or elevating your consciousness to a higher plane... performing good works... or perhaps just being somewhat more good than bad. But they all share the theme, that you are either fixing yourself... or HELPING something (or someone?) fix you.
The most fundamental difference, between Christianity... and all other forms of spirituality and religion... is this... there is nothing that you do... or even CAN do... to save yourself... and anyone who claims to be Christian who has a view of reconciliation (salvation) outside of that needs to start over.
From the very beginning, the Bible is narrating stories of sacrifice. Cain rose up against his brother due to jealousy over God's displeasure with Cain's sacrifice. We are tainted. We are born tainted. Babies are not born "neutral"... they are born with a propensity to sin. I was not taught how to lie... I was taught how NOT to lie. (with a belt!) I wasn't taught how to steal... I was instructed not to steal. From the very beginning... we are born with a bias towards sin. How can we save ourselves? We can not... and those who claim to... do not do it for a love of God... but rather for a fear of hell. Action, based on fear, is not authentic... and is not sufficient.
I shall point out here that Catholics (I should point out that I hate their "theology") believe its faith AND WORKS. Not works alone... but not faith alone either. Your actions do factor in to whether or not you will be saved. In my opinion, that really should change the view on people such as Mother Theresa. Her sacrifices are inspiring, we could use more people like her, but the altruistic nature in which she's viewed needs to be re-evaluated when she believes that works help get you in. "Oh, the blessed sacraments!" (Wont get into that today) I found it interesting that some of her private letters were found recently and there was a lot of doubt about her faith in them.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1655415,00.html
It seems, deep down inside, even she knew that working for salvation didn't feel right.
The Old Testament (i.e. "the Pentatuk") shows generation, after generation... after generation of Jews... who offered sacrificial offerings to God. There needs to be a purification. A cleansing. A way to wash away our taint so that we can be PURE in the eyes of God. That standard has never changed. The Islamic Allah may take people are who are 50.1% good... but the Judeo-Christian God demands 100% purity. If you read the Pentatuk, you see the elaborate rules for behavior inside the temple. For those allowed inside the Temple. For the priest who went into the MOST holy of holies. If you read the requirements of the law, you see the golden standard for perfection. For living a perfect life. The depths for which a life of pure and total obedience would take. Who could meet such standards? Who could go an hour in perfect obedience, let alone a lifetime? Thus the need for something pure to cleanse our imperfection. The priests were even required to find lamb that were spotless. No markings or physical imperfections.
When the man Jesus walked the earth the Temple still stood. From the time of Moses, hundreds of years later, the Jews STILL understood as it says in Hebrews, without blood... there is no remission.
The reason I like to say, Judeo-Christianity... is because the two are one in the same. You can't have Christianity without Judaism. There are "Christians" out there who dislike Jews and feel that Christianity dissolved Judaism. Or ended Judaism. Remember, for many years, it was The Church that persecuted Jews. Jews were among those killed in the Catholic Inquisition. (Wow, That Torquemada... a true man of God!) Christianity is a COMPLETION of Judaism. I dont mean completion in the sense that... "its over." but rather in the sense that... "it is now as it should be." A culmination of sorts. A finished product. Jesus himself says that he came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. Paul recognized that no man could live in total obedience under the law. Not a one. Noone other than Jesus. He seems to suggest that the Law was not intended for one to live in total perfection, but to SHOW that it was impossible for fallen man to do so. Yet, as Jesus says, he lived His life in total obedience.
As the beautiful chapter of Isaiah 53 prophesizes towards, Jesus, a sheep, without blemish... who lived His ENTIRE life in perfect obedience to God... would be the Lamb. Rather than thinking that Jesus was symbolic of the Old Testament lambs being sacrificed, we should think that the Old Testament lamb was a foreshadowing of the perfect sacrifice. As the author (some believe to be Paul) of Hebrews points out... He was not only the Lamb, Himself... but also the High Priest. And in Hebrews you get the imagery and analogy to the inner workings of the Temple. The place that ONLY the High Priest could go, with the blood sacrifice, to give the offering as a cleansing on behalf of the people. The author of Hebrews says that, Jesus didn't go into the physical Temple (in Jerusalem), but died, rose from the dead (in a physical "glorified" body), and ascended into heaven, into the TRUE most Holy of Holies, to stand at the right hand of God as a permanent cleansing, for all who would believe on him.
There would be no more lambs. There would be no more sacrifices on Earth. They would not be required. The payment... the TRUE payment... the payment that was ALWAYS planned... the Lion from the Tribe of Judah... had come to fruition. But what of those who did not believe? The Jews did not accept Jesus or his message. He was a heretic. He was a blasphemer. His offer was not accepted. In their view... his cleansing... was not real. Which is how I got to my original question. If Jesus doesn't cleanse you... what does? The Old Testament Jews had a very elaborate (read Leviticus) and meticulate process of what to sacrifice and how. But the author of Hebrews clearly understood... without the sacrifice... there is no remission. So, how are orthodox Jews of today reconciling themselves to God? The temple was destroyed about 35 years after Jesus' death.. and it hasn't been rebuilt since.
One reason that the Temple (R.I.P. 70ad) has never been rebuilt is because the priest had to be from the House of Aaron... and after the first century... people simply do not know that lineage anymore. My response to that would be, if you are a Jew... and a blood offering is necessary for cleansing... and you reject that Jesus is now the permanent (perpetual) sacrifice on behalf of all who would have faith in him... why do you not sacrifice? We have come full circle.
Israel should be the world's largest importer of livestock.
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