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A big consideration for numerous students is how to spend their “gap year” during the time between school/college and uni, or even the period after graduation. Although traveling is the usual choice, there are different options to consider, such as voluntary work, or even to plunge yourself into a christian discipleship course for amost a full year with the organization DNA (dna-uk.org). This article looks in more detail this latter choice.
DNA are providing an almost year long experience of total immersion into Christian Discipleship, ranging from October to August. This is seen as a practical experience, involving the participant to live inside a Christian surrounding - either within your own church if you presently belong to one, or a designated church if you’re not currently a member of a church. Your typical day will require helping out with the day to day projects of the church, and to be trained by its fellow members in bible studies. The course promises faith in action, so those who enroll can anticipate a rather practical experience of Christian faith, and not just the theoretical study.
More advantages of the courses include:-
- being risky, refreshing and life altering
- preparing you for the workplace
- your development in understanding, character and skills
- dependence on the person and power of the Holy Spirit in and through you
- offering an accredited programme via the National Open College Network
- relational, non religious Christianity; it’s fun!
There are three sorts of course open : Track 1 is the most common access point to DNA - it is the richest DNA expereince. The over-whelming majority of individuals select this as the best-fit selection for them. Track 2 is more suited to you if taking a complete “year-out” is not pragmatically achievable. This could be for issues like job or family commitments. Track 2 consequently provides some tractability. Track 3 offers people the chance of joining us for as many specific training sessions or days as they want.
A primary issue for many students is how to occupy their “gap year” during the time between college and university, or even the year after graduating (which many students take now as their “gap year”). Although travelling is the common pick, there are further choices to think about, like voluntary work, or to plunge yourself into a christian discipleship course for amost a full year with DNA (dna-uk.org). This article looks in greater detail this particular option.
DNA are offering an 11 month long experience of total submergence into Christian Discipleship, running from October to August. This is seen as a practical experience, requiring the enrollee to live inside a Christian environment - either within your own church if you already belong to one, or a specified church if you’re not presently a member of a church. Your regular day will involve helping out with the everyday projects of the church, and to be coached by its fellow members in bible studies. The course ensures faith in action, so those who sign up can anticipate a rather pragmatic experience of Christian faith, and not only the study of it.
More plus points of the placements include:-
- equipping you for church based leading
- training you for the workplace environment
- your growth in understanding, character and skills
- supplying an accredited programme via the National Open College Network
- relational, non-religious Christianity; it’s fun!
There are 3 types of course open : Track 1 is the predominant access point to DNA - it is the most complete DNA expereince. The vast bulk of people select this as the best-fit selection for them. Track 2 is more suited to you if taking a complete gap year is not practically feasible. This could be for issues like work or family commitments. Track 2 thus provides some flexibility. Track 3 provides individuals the chance of coming in to be with us for as many particular training sessions or days as they want.
At first, some thought Eliezer ben Yehudah (1858-1922), was idle dreamer, but today he is known as the restorer of Hebrew as a modern language. When he moved to Jerusalem, Ben-Yehuda became a teacher at the Alliance School, and with his efforts, became the first school where some courses were taught in Hebrew.
By the age of twelve he had been studying in Hebrew for nine years and had read large portions of the Torah, Mishna, and Talmud. His parents hoped he would become a rabbi, and sent him to a yeshiva. Upon graduation he went to Paris to study at the Sorbonne University. Among the subjects he studied there were history and politics of the Middle East, but the one that had the most lasting effect was Hebrew - specifically, his advanced Hebrew classes taught in Hebrew.
In 1882, he son Itamar Ben-Avi was born. He got his wife Deborah to agree to raise Itamar as the first all-Hebrew speaking child in modern History. Ben-Yehudah had to invent words for household objects that did not exist in Biblical or prayer-book Hebrew, such as: ice-cream, omellete, towel, and bicycle.
The resurrection of an ancient language to a modern society would only succeedd if the younger generation would learn to speak Hebrew fluently. Upon moving to Israel, he started teaching at the Alliance Isralite Universelle School, where the children were from a variety of Jewish communities around the Europe and the mid-East, and thus Hebrew was their only common language. Ben-Yehudah began to use the “direct system” of learning Hebrew (this means teaching the HEbrew language without translations from other languages). After a short time, the students were able to chat with each other about daily topics.
Ben-Yehudah was always a prolific and dedicated writer, often writing for the local newspapers. Eventually, in order to teach adults, he founded his own newspaper, Hahavatzelet. Hebrew lacked many words such as telegramme, subscriber, fashion and many others, so he was able to use his scientific study of linguistics to introduce new words.
For the need of standardization, he also needed to create a dictionary a found a language academy. Ben-Yehuda founded “Va’ad HaLashon”, the predecessor of the Hebrew Language Academy. He had to become a scientific lexicographer; the results of hisarduous labours, working sometimes 18 hours a day, culminated in his “Complete Dictionary of Ancient and Modern Hebrew.” In 1910 he published the first of six volumes, but the ultimate edition completed by his second wife and son was 17 volumes.
In 1922, the British mandate authorities recognized Hebrew as the official language of the Jews in Palestine. This culiminated in his life-long dream being fulfillled, but one month later, he died from tuberculosis which had plagued him numerous years. Cecil Roth’s penned the famous quote: “Before Ben-Yehuda… Jews could speak Hebrew; after him they did.”
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Saturday(April 2, 2005) night, I had four very vivid dreams. Here they are:
1. I dreamed I had preached a woman’s funeral and was getting ready to preach another. This one was for Ricky, a resident of the nursing home where I preach. He had no wife but had two sisters there. The crowd was gathering at the funeral home chapel (I recognized Mr. Pearson, the funeral home director) as he brought in Ricky (He is the one I wrote the story Ricky Sings a Song He Did Not Know, posted elsewhere on this forum). Ricky was on a stretcher, and not in a coffin. Suddenly, he sat up and began to sing. I was shouting “Praise the Lord!” and everyone was amazed and rejoicing because Ricky came back from the dead.
2. I went to my family cemetery where folks were gathered to clean up. As I opened the double chain link fence gates, I looked down and saw some concrete. I got a shovel and removed the dirt. I uncovered two grave slabs (they were only covered by about two inches of dirt) at the gate entrance. On one was the inscription, John Milton Winn, (my mother’s maiden name was Winn). The other grave was covered by a three hinged door, and as it was opened, I could see the body of a 60 year old woman through the clear glass that was the coffin lid. She looked serene, was wearing glasses, and had on a beautiful blue dress. Her hands were folded over her stomach, and I asked who she was. Someone nearby said, “That was one of John Winn’s daughters”. Nearby these graves, we uncovered a cabinet of wood about six feet tall, and four feet long. On it were displays of Indian artifacts, miniature horses of various colors, arrows with razor sharp edges, feathers, and necklaces and beads. The cabinet had a built in musical device; I wound it up and it began to play beautiful gospel music. The folks that were cleaning the cemetery began to sing and praise Jesus.
3. I dreamed of one of my high school classmates, Danny. He was the most athletic and popular guy in my high school but sadly, he was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 22 (30 years ago). In my dream, Danny and I were sitting at a table discussing things. He was asking my advice and listening intently to what I had to say. We stood up, and I noticed I was about four inches taller than Danny. In High school, He was about 6 feet one inch, and I was 5′11″ (still am). Then I woke up.
4. I was flying as a passenger in a small airplane. The windshield was out and I could feel the cold air flowing. I was sitting in the rear of the plane, the cargo bay was open, and I was dangling my bare feet out. They were warmed by the exhaust of the engine. The only people in the plane was the pilot, one more passenger and me. I could look down and see the scenery passing by and could feel the sensation of the warm exhaust on my cold feet.
The Lord has often spoke to me in dreams. He has revealed the meaning of these dreams to me.
ACTS 2 verse 17 “AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAITH GOD, I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH: AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS.”
About the Author
author, preacher, retired military
Before we begin lets look at what this cult believes.
Scientology;
Philosophical religion founded by Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, 191186, b. Tilden, Nebr. Hubbard’s book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950) first set forth the basis of his philosophy, offering an alternative path to overcoming physical and mental stress. The church believes that a person’s spirit can be cleared of past painful experiences through a process called “auditing,” freeing the person of the burdens that interfere with happiness and self-realization.
The first church was established in Los Angeles in 1954. A prolific author, Hubbard wrote many works on Scientology and is also noted for his science-fiction novels and short stories. The church has confronted suspicions from many sides during its history.
The American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association questioned the tenets of Scientology during the 1950s, and in the 1960s, the governments of England, Australia, and the United States opened investigations into church activities, particularly for suspected practices of tax evasion. The church’s status as a religion was, however, ultimately established in those and many other countries.
The church has continued to face governmental challenges, perhaps most notably in Germany, where it has been accused of being anti-democratic and its members have experienced personal discrimination. Some, including some former members, view the church as an elaborate cult, a charge the church and many religious scholars deny. In 1996 there were more than 3,000 churches, missions, and groups worldwide, with headquarters in Los Angeles.
Gal 1:7-10 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade (To convince by argument, or reasons offered; or to convince by reasons suggested by reflection or deliberation, or by evidence presented in any manner to the mind.)men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
We as ministers of Christ are not in the people pleasing business, just as Paul stated, but we are sent into the world as sheep to preach the truth. Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Scientology, as well as all other false religions are in the business of pleasing man, offering an easy fix for all of man-kinds problems. Scientology has taken the basic fundimentials of the Bible and twisted it around to suite their own agenda. Scientology takes the weaknesses of an individual and prays upon them. The reason I decided to write to you about this subject is for the simple reason that this cult is growing like a cancer, decieveing the rich and the poor.
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Ref.Gal 1:8, Gal.1:9; 1Co.16:22; 2Co.11:13, 2Co.11:14; 1Ti.1:19, 1Ti.1:20; Tit.3:10; Rev.22:18, Rev.22:19)
L. Ron Hubbard is one of these false prophets. I have read about this cult. Any Gospel that is not of God is a cult and a deception. I am just an old country boy, and when a dog has flees we say a dog has flees. This cult says when a dog has flees it is a physiological problem that is in need of restructuring of its mind to get rid of its problems. Paul stated;”do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” The statement states plainly that we are not to please man but to please God. For by us in an attempt to please mankind and His ideas of sanctification we would become not the servants of God but the servant of Satan.
For you cannot serve two masters, you cannot serve God and Satan. Scientology believes and teaches that for any problem of the body or mine, doctors and medications are detrimental to the security of the mind and body. Which is to say that medications that people receive are harmful to the individual. But we must look at one of the writers of the new testament, Luke, The evangelist, was a Gentile. The date and circumstances of his conversion are unknown. According to his own statement (Luke 1:2), he was not an “eye-witness and minister of the word from the beginning.”
It is probable that he was a physician in Troas, and was there converted by Paul, to whom he attached himself. He accompanied him to Philippi, but did not there share his imprisonment, nor did he accompany him further after his release in his missionary journey at this time (Acts 17:1). The last notice of the “beloved physician” is in 2Ti. 4:11.
He is here mentioned as a physician, and in his Gospel, and in the Acts , there are incidental evidences that he was acquainted with the science of medicine, and that he observed the events which he has recorded with the eye of one who practiced the healing art.
There are many passages in Paul’s epistles, as well as in the writings of Luke, which show the extent and accuracy of his medical knowledge. Paul wrote of Luke; “Luke the beloved physician” (one of “my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God which have been a comfort unto me”) is distinguished from those “of the circumcision.”
If being a sin or detrimental to the health of mankind, Paul would have never called him the beloved physician, nor would God have called Him as a minister of the Gospel.
Jesus also noted in Mat 9:12, But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Jesus never stated that the physician was a demonic practice but He used physicians as an example to explain the spiritual side of mankind and his sickness of the spirit. As we look further into this cult we find many rejections of the Bible in its belief.
Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these are:
1. Man is an immortal spiritual being.
2. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.
3. His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.
4. Scientology further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.
5. Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to believe anything on faith. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by applying its principles and observing or experiencing the results.
6. The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom for the individual.
Lets deal with these six statements.
1. Taken from the Bible. Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Mar 9:44 Where their worm (Soul, Spirit, Immortality) dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
2. Contrary to Scripture. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
3. Contrary to Scripture. “Capabilities are unlimited.” 1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
4. Contrary to Scripture “further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself ” Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
5. Contrary to Scripture. “Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to believe anything on faith.” Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The margin here is, “ground or confidence.” There is scarcely any verse of the New Testament more important than this, for it states what is the nature of all true faith, and is the only definition of it which is attempted in the Scriptures. Eternal life depends on the existence and exercise of faith Mark 16:16, and hence, the importance of an accurate understanding of its nature. The word rendered “substance” hupostasis - occurs in the New Testament only in the following places. In 2Co.9:4; 2Co.11:17; Heb.3:14, where it is rendered “confident” and “confidence;” “Faith gives reality or substance to things hoped for.”
The word properly means “that which is placed under”; then “ground, basis, foundation, support.” Then it means also “reality, substance, existence,” in contradistinction from what is unreal, imaginary, or deceptive. “Passow.” It seems to me, therefore, that the word here has reference to something which imparts reality in the view of the mind to those things which are not seen, and which serves to distinguish them from those things which are unreal and illusive.
6. Contrary to Scripture. “is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom” James 1:26-27 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Wesley states;”
The only true religion in the sight of God, is this, to visit - With counsel, comfort, and relief. The fatherless and widows - Those who need it most. In their affliction - In their most helpless and hopeless state. And to keep himself unspotted from the world - From the maxims, tempers, and customs of it. But this cannot be done, till we have given our hearts to God, and love our neighbor as ourselves.”
The choice is yours are you going to kill flees with changing the mind of the dog or are you going to get some flee powder? ARS
ly once a month on topics ranging from the proper use of the semicolon to correct use of “effect” and “affect,” “lay” and “lie,” and “who” and “whom.” Written by two experienced college English teachers, these articles explain issues related to English grammar, mechanics, and usage in clear, straightforward language that is easy to comprehend. Each writing tips is archived on the Get It Write Web site at http://www.getitwriteonline.com
Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Sermons International
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/
Dear Editor,
Evolutionists claim that the genetic and biological similarities between species is evidence of common ancestry. However, that is only one interpretation of the evidence. Another possibility is that the comparative similarities are due to a common Designer who designed similar functions for similar purposes in all the various forms of life. Neither position can be scientifically proved.
Although Darwin was partially correct by showing that natural selection occurs in nature, the problem is that natural selection itself is not a creative force. Natural selection can only work with those biological variations that are possible. The evidence from genetics supports only the possibility for horizontal evolution (i.e. varieties of dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc.) but not vertical evolution (i.e. from fish to human). Unless nature has the ability to perform genetic engineering vertical evolution will not be possible.
The early grooves in the human embryo that appear to look like gills are really the early stages in the formation of the face, throat, and neck regions. The so-called “tailbone” is the early formation of the coccyx and spinal column which, because of the rate of growth being faster than the rest of the body at this stage, appears to look like a tail. The coccyx has already been proven to be useful in providing support for the pelvic muscles.
The fossil record appears to contain fossils of only complete and fully-formed species. There are no fossils of partially-evolved species to indicate that a gradual process of evolution ever occurred. Even among evolutionists there are diametrically different interpretations and reconstructions of the fossils used to support human evolution from a supposed ape-like ancestry.
The fact is, there is no solid scientific evidence that humans evolved from ape-like ancestors anymore than there is solid scientific evidence that apes evolved from four-legged (dog-like) mammals.
Of course, how animal and plant species would have been able to survive at all while their vital organs (i.e. brain, reproductive organs, immune system, etc.) were still in the process of evolving over supposedly millions of years is still a major problem for evolutionists. Even a partially-evolved eye would be a significant biological hindrance rather than asset for survival!
Natural laws are sufficient for explaining how the order in life, the universe, and even a microwave oven operates but that doesn’t mean mere undirected natural laws are sufficient for fully explaining the origin of such order.
We also know from the law of entropy in science that the universe does not have the ability to have sustained itself from eternity. The existence and complexity of the universe point to a Supreme Designer and Creator!
No human being observed, either directly or indirectly, the origin of life and the universe, by either chance or design. Thus, neither position can be scientifically proved. The issue is which position has better scientific support.
These are just some brief examples of the varying assumptions, arguments, and interpretations on both sides of the issue. And both sides should be presented to students. That is all that is being asked by the advocates of intelligent design.
There are many questions that cannot be fully addressed in the space of this letter. For a more in-depth analysis of the evolution/intelligent design debate addressing various issues (i.e. the origin of life, mutations, comparative anatomy and physiology, vestigial structures, the fossil record, the age of the earth, etc.) please read my essay on the subject at www.religionscience.com.
Sincerely,
Babu G. Ranganathan*
(B.A. Theology/Biology)
*As a religion and science author, I have had the privilege of being recognized in the 24th edition of Marquis Who’s Who In The East.
Resources from scientists who support intelligent design:
www.creationscience.com
www.icr.org
www.ChristianAnswers.Net
Scientific Evidence for a Young World:
http://www.icr.org/index.php?module=articles&action=view&ID=1842
The author, Babu G. Ranganathan, is an experienced Christian writer. He has his B.A. with academic concentrations in Bible and Biology. As a religion and science writer he has been recognized in the 24th edition of Marquis Who’s Who In The East. The author has a website at: http://www.religionscience.com
Scriptures from the Bible and Koran contradict one another!
Should members of these powerful religions have conflict? This
article examines the foundation of Christianity and Islam to
discover that the conflict and possible resolution begins there.
______________________________
The Christian-Muslim Conflict!
Is there really a conflict between Christians and Muslims? There
were said to be nine crusades from 1095-1272. This was where
Christians got together to fight against Muslims. What is
happening in the world today? Maybe we should take a look at the
Christian Bible and Muslim Koran before tensions escalate too
far? Millions of people revere the writers of these sacred
books. The question is, can and will this promote love and
respect between neighbors in differing religions?
Have you ever asked yourself who actually wrote the New
Testament and Koran? Should you examine the foundation of
Christianity, known from the writers of the New Testament? Many
of Paul’s epistles are recognized by Biblical scholars as actual
letters, the first written some 18 years (about 51 AD) after
Jesus died. Paul clearly states that he never physically met
Jesus. Paul only mentions three of the apostles by name
(Galatians 1:18-20, 2:9)! When it comes to meeting Peter, as
Jesus’ key apostle, Paul states: “When Peter came to Antioch, I
opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong…”
(Galatians 2:11)
Early letters and other writings do exist from those referred to
as “Apostolic Fathers,” yet the apostles are not mentioned by
name. (Papias was ‘quoted’ as having mentioned Matthew; see the
footnote below.) Beyond writing more of the New Testament than
any other, Paul, in fact, appears to be the primary spokesmen
for what became Christianity, even according to the Apostolic
Fathers.
“I exhort you all, therefore, to yield obedience to the word of
righteousness, and to exercise all patience, such as ye have
seen before your eyes, not only in the case of the blessed
Ignatius, and Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among
yourselves, and in Paul himself, and the rest of the apostles.
… If a man does not keep himself from covetousness, he shall
be defiled by idolatry, and shall be judged as one of the
heathen. But who of us are ignorant of the judgment of the Lord?
‘Do we not know that the saints shall judge the world?’ as Paul
teaches. But I have neither seen nor heard of any such thing
among you, in the midst of whom the blessed Paul laboured.”
[From Chapters 9 and 11 of “The Letter of Polycarp to the
Philippians,” see footnote 1.]
The main objective of later Biblical writers — including the
writers of the Gospels — was to make traditions fit together
and convince others that Jesus was the Christ, the chosen
Messiah. Was this viewpoint of Jesus intolerant of other faiths?
The Christocentric view is stressed in the oft-quoted John 14:6
where Jesus was claimed to have said, “I am the way and the
truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me.”
For more than a thousand years the large majority of Christians
(strongly) believed that all non-Christians would eternally
suffer in hell. For some, this has given Christians the right to
coerce and even murder. Currently, many Christians may
understand that all good people with or without religion can
worship God in their hearts. The priority of love and compassion
can save people from damnation. It seems that anyone can go
“through Jesus” (referring to the scripture above) by accepting
what Jesus established as the priorities in life.
The New Testament stresses to “Love God with all of your heart
and mind, and your neighbor like yourself.” Christianity has
great spiritual power through the example of Jesus. Good
individuals in every religious tradition have loved God, at
least their understandings of God. Love and compassion are
experienced throughout the world; however, abuse in the name of
religion is also a very real experience.
Muhammad was the founding prophet of Islam. If a Muslim, you
believe that Muhammad is the seal of the prophets. [3] As the
authoritative seal, his prophecies or revelations provide the
complete and final truths. As people questioned the authority of
prophecies that were developed and expressed throughout the
months and years of Muhammad’s life, further revelations sought
to clarify given situations.
“When we change one verse for another God knows best what He
reveals they say: ‘You [Muhammad] are an impostor.’ Indeed
most of these people do not understand. Say: ‘The Holy Spirit
brought the revelation down from God in truth, in order to
strengthen the faithful, and to give guidance and good news to
those that submit.’ We know they say: ‘A mortal taught him.’ But
the man to whom they allude speaks a foreign tongue, [4] while
this is pure, clear Arabic. God will not guide those who
disbelieve that these are His revelations. Woeful punishment
awaits the disbeliever.” (Koran 16.101-104)
Muhammad’s viewpoint of Jesus’ divine authority clearly
contradicts what mainstream Christians believe!
“They say, ‘We killed the Christ, Jesus son of Mary, apostle of
God.’ They did not kill him nor did they crucify him, though it
appeared to them so. Those that disagree in the matter are lost
in doubt. They have no knowledge about it other than conjecture,
for surely God did not kill him.” (Koran 4:157-158)
“They are certainly unbelievers who say, ‘God is the Messiah,
the son of Mary.’ For the Messiah had only said, ‘O Children of
Israel, serve God, who is my Lord and your Lord.’ Whosoever
associates others with God will have Paradise denied by God and
shall be cast into hell. None shall help the evil-doers. They
are certainly unbelievers who say, ‘God is one person of the
three.’ There is but one God. If they do not desist from saying
what they say, those of them that disbelieve shall suffer stern
punishment.” (Koran 5:72-73) [5]
The Koran mentions Jesus in numerous scriptures. Muslims place
Jesus with the other Jewish prophets. Jews reject Jesus as the
Messiah! Christians say the Jews killed Jesus! Muslims state
Jews and Christians require Islam! With the ever-popular Bible
and Koran, potential conflict is written and widely circulated
throughout the world. This is a fact!
According to recent statistics, Christianity and Islam are the
largest religions in the world, making up about 33% and 19.6% of
the population. [6] Many Christians and Muslims have experienced
God’s power in their lives. Both can agree that God represents
the qualities of love and compassion. For religion to survive in
the world, priorities must be established by leaders and members
within the major religions. Will this ever happen? Only God
knows. As an author, I recognize, respect and affirm the
spirituality within all world religions, yet discover
contradictions within the accepted foundations of each. Written
scripture and traditions can pass along what obviously has and
will lead to conflict. As intelligent humans, it is time to
discover the real world religions.
[1] Papias was said to have lived from 60-130 AD. None of his
writings were found. Bishop Irenaeus, born around 140 AD, quoted
Papias as saying, “And the presbyter said this. Mark having
become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately
whatsoever he remembered. It was not, however, in exact order
that he related the sayings or deeds of Christ. For he neither
heard the Lord nor accompanied Him … Matthew put together the
oracles in the Hebrew language, and each one interpreted them as
best he could.” Polycarp was said to live from 69-155 CE. Along
with Papias, the other Apostolic Fathers are: Clement of Rome,
Ignatius, Hermas, and the authors of The Epistle of Barnabas,
The Epistle to Diognetus, and the Didache. Selections from
Irenaeus and “The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians” are
translated by the Rev. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson
from Volume I of The Ante-Nicene Fathers; American
Edition, 1885; Electronic version, newadvent.org, 1997.
[2] My current book “Love Your Neighbors? Discover the Real
World Religions” mentions much more about the writer of this
Gospel, particularly the claim that Jesus brought Lazarus back
to life after being dead for four days (John 11).
[3] The “Twelvers” are the larger group of minority Shi’ite
Muslims. They believe the twelfth leader in Muhammad’s true line
of successors disappeared and will return to restore order. Some
might recognize similarities with Jesus’ second coming.
[4] This verse clearly hints at the fact that Muhammad had
corresponded with some individual, who was probably espoused
with some form of Judaism or Christianity. Some scholars point
out that the “foreigner” might refer to Salman the Persian, Adas
the Monk, or Suhaib bin Sinan. The issue of Muhammad and the
writing of the Koran are detailed in “Love Your Neighbors?
Discover the Real World Religions.”
[5] Muhammad knew Jews and Christians. During his lifetime
individuals and groups espoused various views of Jesus. One
group, Monophysites, flourished in Egypt and Syria. They said
Jesus Christ had only one nature that was divine. Because these
people completely associated the divine power of Jesus Christ
with God, it followed that the actual humanity and suffering of
Jesus were only apparent. Jesus was not actually crucified. The
Crucifixion was an illusion. This was an early Christian view
called Docetism, stemming from the Greek “dokeo”, “I seem.”
There are indications that Monophysites, which heavily
influenced the Christian traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy, held
essential elements of this view where Christ’s suffering was
“apparent,” or in other words an illusion. It might be noted
that in 1984 the Syrian Orthodox patriarch and the Catholic pope
signed a declaration proclaiming historical differences were due
to linguistic inadequacies and that everything was semantics.
[6] References for these and other statistics: Barrett, D.B.,
G.T. Kurian, & T.M. Johnson, “World Christian Encyclopedia: a
comparative survey of churches and religions in the modern
world.” Oxford University Press: NY, 2001; 2001 “Encyclopedia
Britannica Book of the Year”; “Time Almanac 2001″; and
Adherents.com
________________________________ Scot Aaron has a University
degree in Religious Studies. He also created Independent
Travel-Study Programs and spent years “backpacking” through many
countries to learn about religion, history and culture. “Love
Your Neighbors? Discover the Real World Religions” (ISBN
1-58916-777-5) is his most current book. Please visit his web
pages at PsalmPublishing.bei.t-online.de
