posted on July 23, 2001 01:48:57 PM
We often speak when addressing political topics about the founding fathers of the American nation and what their thoughts were - as much as we can tell from another's writings.
Therefore I found this information very interesting that Jefferson for his own use created an edited bible of a unique nature. removing the material he considered a corruption of christian principle. Many scolars see a diversion from christian principles in the 2nd and 3rd centuries but Jefferson starts with Paul in the time frame that saw the writing of the gospals. Surely this is significant in understanding how he felt about religeous issues as they related to government.
posted on July 23, 2001 04:32:04 PM
As a side note, the History Channel likes to run documentaries on Christianity in conjunction with archeology. Then, once in a while, they dig directly into the history of Christianity itself.
I watched one program that was about how Christianity got started. In it was the original church which was run by Jesus' older brother James and Jesus' mother. It was very enlightening. It was Peter (or Paul, I get those two names confused. He was the one that was a Jew born in Turkey and was a Roman governor who turned Christian?) who created what we now accept as the Story of Jesus. He was supposed to have had a visit in the spirit from Jesus, who relayed the history of his life and his message. Of importance, he reported, was that the new church forego circumcision and strict adherence to the Kosher dietary laws.
When Peter met James and Mary, there was reportedly a lot of contention, notably that James and his mom felt that since they had known Jesus all his life, went around with him on his ministry, and was there for his death, that maybe -- just maybe, their version was correct and Peter was, well, less than forthcoming. However, Peter insisted that he was going to go with what Jesus told him and that was that.
Interesting. Since they are no surviving records of what the church that James and Mary carried forward after Jesus' death was about, there could be any kind of speculation. What is not in doubt was the bad falling out between James and Peter over the true story and teachings of Christ. I'd like to know more about the specific details if any exists -- maybe get just a gleam of what may have been the REAL story.
posted on July 23, 2001 10:56:43 PM
It all started with Plato and Diogenes. These two laid down the Christian ethics centuries before Christ.
As far as the "savior" rising from the dead mythology, it exists in all recorded cultures. Get the book by Joseph Campbell, I think the title is 'The Hero With 10,000 Faces'.
