Trying not to be a bore but I have another Jesus question

JPB wrote:

Don't forget -- the Bible is not front page reporting. They are stories - some of them beautiful, some of the horrific that can be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Superman comics could also be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Don't forget -- the Bible is not front page reporting. They are stories - some of them beautiful, some of the horrific that can be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Chumly wrote:

JPB wrote:

Don't forget -- the Bible is not front page reporting. They are stories - some of them beautiful, some of the horrific that can be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Superman comics could also be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Be my guest.

JPB wrote:

Don't forget -- the Bible is not front page reporting. They are stories - some of them beautiful, some of the horrific that can be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Superman comics could also be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

I agree, Set. There's a baby in that bathwater someplace though, and not the one of the NT. Much of the midrash of the OT is very valuable when taken as just that. Also, the realization that only the small Letter of James (supposedly written by Jesus' brother) in the NT predates Paul's influence gives additional support to question the inspirational source. All of the canonical gospel-writers would have been aware of Paul's teachings, which is why I believe that modern day Christianity is closer to the religion of Paul than the teachings of Jesus. Martin Luther once said he wished the Letter of James had been omitted from canon because it didn't fit with the rest -- no big question why.

Paul, in his letters, focuses primarily on the divinity of Christ rather than the teachings and/or life of Jesus. The study of Paul's own life gives excellent insight into why he needed a redeemer rather than a teacher. The canonical gospel writers later wrote stories (additional midrash, if you will) that were eventually accepted as Truth by the early Church. Those gospels that didn't fit the party line were omitted and mostly destroyed as heretical. (I realize this isn't new news to you -- just putting it out there.) The idea of the populace being allowed to see heretical books and make up their own minds was anathema. The Church calls them "flocks" for a reason.

The belief that the end of the world was coming soon was pervasive. The idea of a redeeming Messiah (just accept Him and you too can be saved!) was like fresh milk to a starving baby. They wanted to accept the message. Then, over time, they had to accept it or be killed.

...the Kingdom of God is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living Father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty, and it is you who are that poverty.

I am the light that shines over all things. I am everywhere. From me all came forth, and to me all return. Split a piece of wood, and I am there. Lift a stone, and you will find me there.

Chumly wrote:

JPB wrote:

Don't forget -- the Bible is not front page reporting. They are stories - some of them beautiful, some of the horrific that can be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Superman comics could also be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Superman works. I personally used Spider-Man, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings as my moral authorities when I was growing up. Well, still do, really... Just tell Mo stuff like "anger, hate, agression--the dark side are they," and "with great power comes great responsibilty," and you're all set! I turned out pretty righteous.

The concept of hell is a pagan idea that has slithered its way into nominal christianity as a tool for the priesthood to gain control over their paying constituents.

JPB wrote:

Chumly wrote:

JPB wrote:

Don't forget -- the Bible is not front page reporting. They are stories - some of them beautiful, some of the horrific that can be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Superman comics could also be used to teach values and morals without getting bogged down by what is and what isn't historically accurate.

Be my guest.

What makes Superman Superman is not his Kryptonian heritage, and the yellow Sun of Earth, but his childhood in Kansas and his parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. It is his upbringing, the ideals and morals taught and lived out by Clark Kent that makes Superman a hero instead of the global conqueror that he was originally sent to Earth to be, sent to impose on humanity "proper Kryptonian ideals" as his mother put it.

An underlying moral theme of Superman is the recurring unasked, but obvious question to readers, of what would you do if you were Superman in this situation? What would you do with the powers of Superman if you had them?

The character of Superman was created by two Jews, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (a Canadian!) leading many to identify several Jewish cues in Superman's origin. Like Moses set loose on a river in his basket, the son of a doomed people, Superman was sent to Earth in a rocket ship, and like Moses, was raised in a mysterious land. However, most people don't know that Superman's powers are the unforeseen byproduct of Kryptonian eugenics, although this was added decades later as part of the back story to explain why Krypton exploded.

And here I thought Cat Woman would be your moral authority

You would encourage him to show deferential regard for all beliefs. I would teach a healthy skepticism for all unsubstantiated beliefs.