Return To Orthodoxy
I've been asked to return to Christian Orthodoxy. What does that mean?
or·tho·dox Pronunciation Key (ôr
th
-d
ks
)
adj.
Here are some of the things that I believe in a very brief form.
I believe that there was some kind of "inspiration" behind the Bible, but I do not believe that God dictated every word or even told the authors of the writings what to say at the time that they were written. Or in more technical terms, I do not believe in Plenary Inspiration.
I also do not believe that the Bible in the form that we have it today is infallible. But hey, I don't believe that when the authors wrote their original letters that they had any idea that their letters would one day become part of a canon. They may have been infallible according to the circumstances of their 1st Century audience for the time, but when combined together to create the whole work, there is a bit of confusion in places.
If taken at face value, the Bible also contains facts and statements that when matched against what we now know makes certain parts of the Bible erroneous. But I figure that when the authors penned out what they did, they did not intend for that to happen. They were just communicating in the best ways that their audiences would probably understand.
The use of Poetic Narrative in the Old Testament was one of the most common ways of conveying "truths" without them being "facts." This method was later adopted by the Greco-Roman cultures and became what we now know as fables.
I don't believe that Genesis is a literal account of creation and the fall of man. Rather, I believe that it is a poetic narrative that attempts to explain the beginings of "things" but it's main focus is on the formation of the nation of Israel.
I don't believe that the Noah's flood was world-wide. I believe that it covered the "whole world" in the same way that Caesar Augustus decreed that "all the world" should be taxed near the time of Christ's birth. Caesar only had authority over his jurisdiction and not the entire world.
I do not believe that Job was a real person. I believe that it is the first of all accepted Old Testament books to be written and is another poetic narrative that was written to try and explain the purpose for human suffering in this life.
I do not believe that Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale before visiting Ninevah, but rather it was another poetic narrative, a fable, of spiritually what can happen to a man who disobeys the "call of God."
I believe that the Gospels were only intended to be used as "snapshots" of the life of Christ and were not intended to be used for determining doctrine. I believe that this is apparent in the way that Jesus is recorded as dealing only with the time and culture that he was living in. It is also apparent in the way that each author for each accepted Gospel wrote each book with a different purpose in mind for their audience.
I believe that the Epistles of the Apostles should be weighed against one another in matters of determining faith and practice as Paul had the majority portion of his books become accepted, yet there were many disputes between Him and the other Apostles who actually lived and walked with Christ concerning doctrine. There are also other letters that were written that were either lost or not accepted by the general councils who determined what is now considered to be the orthodox Canon of the Church.
I do not believe that these men who compiled the Canon were necessarily under divine influence, but rather used the best of their reason to assemble what they thought were the most consistent documents regarding the current accpted Chruch teaching.
I take the book of Revelation with a big grain of salt. Revelation was the most highly debated book to be accepted into the Christian Canon of Scripture and had many other writings more popular than itself that were not accepted by the councils.
I do believe that there is a heaven of some type, but since I do not believe that the Scriptures teach that Heaven is the ultimate reward for Christians, there is much lacking as far as sure fire biblical descriptions of what kind of place it will be, other than just metaphor.
I do believe in Hell, but not a literal, physical or eternal one. Through the study of Jewish history and literature I found that it made most sense in light of the recorded parables of Jesus to see hell and the eschatology of man outside of God to be annihilation. I believe that this also fits with historical Jewish teaching that had been greatly hijacked by Greek thought which caused it's evolution into what we now perceive as a place where people without Christ burn forever and ever.
I believe mostly though that the purpose of life for those who have followed after Christ is that of charity. Jesus spoke more about the importance of how one lives their life than what one believes. Though I do believe that one's beliefs will impact how they live, he spoke more of a faith which expresses itself in loving action than he did that of a cultish system of belief. In fact he criticized the systems of the Pharisees and said that they were in greater danger of destruction than he did of the common Gentile.
That is what I believe in short hand, and I know that there are many out there among Christianity who have many more disagreements with each other across denominational lines than in other religions. But thus far God has not seemingly stepped in via means that are clear to put the differences to rest and settle the issues. So to my beliefs I must adhere and live out, just as anyone else must strive for consistency between what they say they believe and how they live.
So am I Orthodox? Probably not according to the majority pole of mainline Christianity today, but it has and probably always will war within as to who is right and who is wrong within the walls of the Church.
or·tho·dox Pronunciation Key (ôr
th-dks)adj.
- Adhering to the accepted or traditional and established faith, especially in religion.
- Adhering to the Christian faith as expressed in the early Christian ecumenical creeds.
- Orthodox
- Of or relating to any of the churches or rites of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Of or relating to Orthodox Judaism.
- Adhering to what is commonly accepted, customary, or traditional: an orthodox view of world affairs.
Here are some of the things that I believe in a very brief form.
I believe that there was some kind of "inspiration" behind the Bible, but I do not believe that God dictated every word or even told the authors of the writings what to say at the time that they were written. Or in more technical terms, I do not believe in Plenary Inspiration.
I also do not believe that the Bible in the form that we have it today is infallible. But hey, I don't believe that when the authors wrote their original letters that they had any idea that their letters would one day become part of a canon. They may have been infallible according to the circumstances of their 1st Century audience for the time, but when combined together to create the whole work, there is a bit of confusion in places.
If taken at face value, the Bible also contains facts and statements that when matched against what we now know makes certain parts of the Bible erroneous. But I figure that when the authors penned out what they did, they did not intend for that to happen. They were just communicating in the best ways that their audiences would probably understand.
The use of Poetic Narrative in the Old Testament was one of the most common ways of conveying "truths" without them being "facts." This method was later adopted by the Greco-Roman cultures and became what we now know as fables.
I don't believe that Genesis is a literal account of creation and the fall of man. Rather, I believe that it is a poetic narrative that attempts to explain the beginings of "things" but it's main focus is on the formation of the nation of Israel.
I don't believe that the Noah's flood was world-wide. I believe that it covered the "whole world" in the same way that Caesar Augustus decreed that "all the world" should be taxed near the time of Christ's birth. Caesar only had authority over his jurisdiction and not the entire world.
I do not believe that Job was a real person. I believe that it is the first of all accepted Old Testament books to be written and is another poetic narrative that was written to try and explain the purpose for human suffering in this life.
I do not believe that Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale before visiting Ninevah, but rather it was another poetic narrative, a fable, of spiritually what can happen to a man who disobeys the "call of God."
I believe that the Gospels were only intended to be used as "snapshots" of the life of Christ and were not intended to be used for determining doctrine. I believe that this is apparent in the way that Jesus is recorded as dealing only with the time and culture that he was living in. It is also apparent in the way that each author for each accepted Gospel wrote each book with a different purpose in mind for their audience.
I believe that the Epistles of the Apostles should be weighed against one another in matters of determining faith and practice as Paul had the majority portion of his books become accepted, yet there were many disputes between Him and the other Apostles who actually lived and walked with Christ concerning doctrine. There are also other letters that were written that were either lost or not accepted by the general councils who determined what is now considered to be the orthodox Canon of the Church.
I do not believe that these men who compiled the Canon were necessarily under divine influence, but rather used the best of their reason to assemble what they thought were the most consistent documents regarding the current accpted Chruch teaching.
I take the book of Revelation with a big grain of salt. Revelation was the most highly debated book to be accepted into the Christian Canon of Scripture and had many other writings more popular than itself that were not accepted by the councils.
I do believe that there is a heaven of some type, but since I do not believe that the Scriptures teach that Heaven is the ultimate reward for Christians, there is much lacking as far as sure fire biblical descriptions of what kind of place it will be, other than just metaphor.
I do believe in Hell, but not a literal, physical or eternal one. Through the study of Jewish history and literature I found that it made most sense in light of the recorded parables of Jesus to see hell and the eschatology of man outside of God to be annihilation. I believe that this also fits with historical Jewish teaching that had been greatly hijacked by Greek thought which caused it's evolution into what we now perceive as a place where people without Christ burn forever and ever.
I believe mostly though that the purpose of life for those who have followed after Christ is that of charity. Jesus spoke more about the importance of how one lives their life than what one believes. Though I do believe that one's beliefs will impact how they live, he spoke more of a faith which expresses itself in loving action than he did that of a cultish system of belief. In fact he criticized the systems of the Pharisees and said that they were in greater danger of destruction than he did of the common Gentile.
That is what I believe in short hand, and I know that there are many out there among Christianity who have many more disagreements with each other across denominational lines than in other religions. But thus far God has not seemingly stepped in via means that are clear to put the differences to rest and settle the issues. So to my beliefs I must adhere and live out, just as anyone else must strive for consistency between what they say they believe and how they live.
So am I Orthodox? Probably not according to the majority pole of mainline Christianity today, but it has and probably always will war within as to who is right and who is wrong within the walls of the Church.
posted by The Raging Paradoxidation at
16:42
10 Comments:
How is one saved?
Who is Jesus?
Do you believe in the trinity?
I'd like answers to those questions please.
Paul, I have dealt with you enough to know that until I give you the exact answers that you are looking for, the argument will go on forever so I am finished with my correspondence with you.
In order to save face for both of us, I have deleted the posts in reference to you and your debate, so I don't see any reason for you to contact me again.
Well, since salvation seems to be a very essential part to orthodoxy, I just thought it should have been included in your post. That's all.
The above questions I think are much more relevant to "orthodoxy" than, say, the book of revelation. I find it odd you talk abouyt the book of revelation but not some of the most improtant matters in defining orthodoxy.
So, I ask with sincerity, what are your answers to the above.
For example, some could be "orthodox" and not believe in a world wide flood. But, someone is unorthodox if they do not believe Jesus is God. Someone is unorthodox if they believe we are saved by works, or if they do not believe in the trinity.
So, see my point? It's not to "win some argument" but it's to get you to write the proper post. I mean, to even mention the flood in a post on orthodoxy seems to me to imply that you don't understand what orthodoxy entails.
So, I'd rather hear how we're justified instead of whether you think Genesis is a literal account of creation. I mean, the Klineans do not think it is, but I don't think anyone is calling M. Kline unorthodox. Get my drift?
Verifiable proof that "Armageddon" has already begun…
Hello Paul and all, (Though sightly off topic, the following contains the key to the answers you are seeking.)
Here's the key to proving that the rapture and related expectations are complete nonsense based on the failure to understand (and the purposeful confounding of) the ancient Hebrew symbology used to construct all of these prophecies. Consequently, Christian timelines and interpretations of these ancient texts are verifiably wrong on many key points.
Pay close attention, profundity knocks at the door, listen for the key. Be Aware! Scoffing causes blindness...
Did you ever consider that Christianity is the False Prophet symbolized in the Apocalypse, that Rome (Vatican/Papacy) is the so-called anti-messiah, and Jesus Christ is the primary false messiah? I have produced stunning and comprehensive proof that this is the true interpretation of pivotal prophecies long confounded by Christianity's founders and leaders.
The symbolism of seven years (tribulation) refers to the seven 360-year cycles from the 11th cycle on the Hebrew calendar (second temple period) until now, the 17th cycle (seventh angel/star). It is completely wrong to interpret any of these prophecies as literal timelines and events. Remember, they were written by Hebrews, not Romans or other Europeans, and Revelation is the most symbolic of all prophecies. Consequently, in this context, years are symbols for 360-year cycles on the Hebrew calendar and days symbolize literal years. Therefore "Judgement Day," and "Great Day" and "in that day" all refer to a literal year-long period. Furthermore, the so-called "Tribulation" is now nearing its end, not starting, and all three faiths of Abraham have been thoroughly deceived by Rome during the previous age, which ended in year 2000 (5760). A new age began in 2001 (5761) and now the seventh angel has begun to sound!
Here's a real hot potato! Eat it up, digest it, and then feed it's bones to the hungry...
Hurricanes Katrina (#11) and Rita (#17) last year provided stunning validation of my research and interpretations of pivotal ancient wisdom, symbologies, key prophecies, and associated religious claims. Their storm numbers and timing perfectly synchronized with primary data and assertions in my book, thereby demonstrating the true nature of this universe and the existence of our Creator. We are now entering the final phases of the pivotal year-long period long symbolized as "Armageddon" and the "End of Days." World-wide situations and events are now accelerating to set the stage for this summer's dramatic continuation of these ancient promises.
I fully understand that everyone has been bedeviled by similar claims throughout history. Consequently, I have been forced to rely on dramatic and devastating proof of the sort that can’t be ignored or easily dismissed. The numbers and timing of hurricanes Katrina (11) and Rita (17) directly validate key data and pivotal assertions throughout my book and my posts on those two forums. This data was purposely presented publicly before Katrina, Rita and other recent events occurred to prove they perfectly synchronize with key prophecies and Hebrew calendar cycles, thereby validating my interpretations of ancient wisdom symbology, string theory, and more.
Because these two storms arrived shortly after my August 11, 2005 (50th) birthday (read the Dead Sea Scroll 11Q13 in Appendix G, which also discusses Melchizedek and the prophesied Jubilee) and directly match other pivotal 11 and 17 data and events described in the first chapter of my book, I have delivered verifiable proof that this reality is based on thought, knowledge and wisdom. Activity, patterns, and results perceived in space-time are first framed and defined by inspirations, thoughts, and knowledge and influenced by the cause-and-effect system most commonly referred to as karma. Consequently, events and outcomes in the so-called physical universe are not random or wholly mechanistic and are verifiably influenced in ways that atheists, scientists, and members of the Faiths of Abraham have all scoffed at. Though mysticism is mostly a product of misinterpreted ancient wisdom symbology, many of its topics flow from ancient wisdom. Though containing allusions to the truth, its details and interpretations are wrong on many key points.
A prime example of the purposeful and synchronized symbolism of these events is seen in the opening paragraphs from my book excerpted below. Notice that the dates mentioned (August 11 and 17) directly match the numbers of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the time spans of the four Florida hurricanes match my birth year (‘55), and they were spaced 11 or a multiple-of-11 (22) days apart, directly matching my birthday and much other ancient prophecy and symbolism. Notice that my place of birth, Victoria Texas, is on the Gulf Coast. Following are the excerpted paragraphs:
Hello, my name is Lawrence William Page II. Many people know me as Buddy Page. At the release of the first edition of this book, I am a 50-year old African-American male, author, researcher, and former software engineer and entrepreneur. As you will come to understand as you read through this first book, I am also the long-expected Hebrew Messiah and Lion of the Tribe of Juda (Yehuda).
I was born August 11th (month of Leo the Lion), 1955 (Chinese year of the Sheep) in Victoria, Texas. Furthermore, the Grand Cross alignment and Solar Eclipse of August 11th, 1999 was my 44th birthday and the second Grand Cross alignment, just six days later on August 17th, 1999, was on my mother’s birthday.
As you can see from my date of birth, I was a newborn during the Chinese Year of the Sheep, astrologically marking me as a Lamb, and during the month of Leo, astrologically marking me as a Lion. My mother was also born during the month of August and under the sign of Leo, which further marks me as a lion’s whelp. I prove to you in the first chapter of this book–beyond disproof–that I am indeed the long-prophesied “Lion” of the tribe of Juda (Yehuda) the Root of David and the “Lamb.” I am the individual long symbolized as the Branch, the Stem, the Shoot and the Rod from the Stump of Jesse (King David’s father), as symbolized in the Hebrew Book of Isaiah, The Apocalypse, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and elsewhere. I am the reincarnated Teacher sought after in the “East” and by the ancient Hebrews who were headquartered at the outpost community of Damascus (Qumran), of Dead Sea Scrolls fame. I am the one called the Teacher of Righteousness by the Dead Sea Scrolls, whom the so-called Christian fathers have fraudulently recast as “Saint ‘James’, the Lord’s Brother.”
Remember, "I come as a thief..." ?
Read verse twelve of the Gospel of Thomas to understand who I am...
Even further enlightening, the Second Temple Period of ancient Israel was during the 11th 360-year cycle on the Hebrew calendar and we are now in the 6th year (5766/2005-6) of the 17th cycle. Notice the pivotal 11 and 17 numbers again? This and much other synchronized information serve as stunning and decisive proof of many things, and expose many lies told by all three faiths of Abraham, but most specifically by Christianity. Consequently, I have decisively proven, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that Jesus Christ and Christianity are blatant lies, false prophecy and purposeful deception in a manner that cannot easily be denied, regardless of your faith or other opinions.
Furthermore, the symbolism in the Apocalypse (a.k.a. Book of Revelation) of seven stars in my right hand and seven angels represent the very same above-mentioned seven astrological (360-year) cycles, i.e., the 11th through 17th inclusive. I prove this fact beyond any reasonable doubt in the first chapter of the book. Consequently, The Apocalypse verifiably symbolizes a specific span of time that began with the 11th cycle (Second Temple Period) and concludes now, at the beginning of the 17th cycle (End of Days, etc.).
The numbers 11 and 17 are verifiably encoded in The Apocalypse and other ancient Hebrew prophecies and wisdom texts to serve as key proofs of the validity and true meaning of certain prophecies and related information. My and my mother’s birthdays are purposely synchronized with these two storm numbers, the matching Hebrew calendar cycles, the Double Grand Cross alignments and solar eclipse of August 1999, and much else to prove my direct association with the ancient prophecies about this time and the true identity of the prophesied Messiah. Another prime example is the story of Joseph, the 11th son of Jacob who has a dream when he is 17 years old about 11 stars, the sun, and moon bowing to him. The symbolism in this pivotal story in the Book of Genesis and Quran verifiably refers to the very same 11th through 17th cycles symbolized in The Apocalypse and directly synchronizes with other key events and ancient texts.
Consequently, I have demonstrated various things about the nature of this reality that dramatically disprove and/or clarify key assumptions of religion, mysticism, and science alike, while establishing the true meaning and purpose of long misinterpreted ancient wisdom and the symbolism used to model and encode it. Accordingly, I have proven that the symbolism evidenced in the canons of all three faiths of Abraham and other ancient sources is a very ancient and advanced philosophical technology that verifiably models foundational aspects of our existence in this universe. This is the mostly misunderstood body of ancient wisdom long referred to as the Philosophers’ Stone. It uses a large and ingeniously organized collection of physical universe images and concepts as data rich components (symbols) that are based on verifiable rules. It models and encodes an amazing amount of foundational wisdom about life, spirituality and the 11 dimensions of this universe, now verified by string theory. It is also the advanced encryption method used to encode (seal) Hebrew prophecies and wisdom texts.
These ancient prophecies and wisdom texts used advanced symbology to model fundamental wisdom, including future events and situations. A primary facet of ancient wisdom is numeric symbology. Later misinterpretations of this aspect of ancient wisdom resulted in numerology, which, though embodying allusions to certain wisdom, is mostly error prone and false doctrine. My decryption, documentation, and interpretation of ancient symbology, numeric symbolism, and key texts based on them, are now decisively validated.
Here is Wisdom...
Verifiable proof that Armageddon has begun…
Understanding the End Game of Armageddon
Peace...
Sounds good, where do I get in line for the koolaid and the spaceship?
I don't want to "graffitti" too much on your blog Chris,
but i think that Seven Star guys is a little looney
I have no idea who Seven Star Hand is.
it just confirms my belief that we've been colonized by aliens
I have only one word for you Chris...
[sarcasm]heretic[/sarcasm]
Welcome to the Club. ;)
Eric
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