Cool thoughts from my forum and fb friend, David L. Allen:
“I took me awhile, but I have come to a place where I feel the presence of a non-supernatural god-type non-being sense of oneness. Ain't that a mouthful?
I can tell you about it, but you can only get there on your own. No one can convince another of what to believe. Right? You either believe something or you don't. The only way to really believe something is to arrive at the conclusion on your own.
Here is my summary of 5 Things. After this list, read on if you want to know how I got there.
1. Everything in the Universe is integrally connected through particle physics and, therefore, is one. The Universe is God. It is both the Creator and the Creation.
2. Our consciousness, as thinking beings, is part of this oneness and compassion is its highest achievement. Our consciousness is the mind of God.
3. Morality is the direct result of the application of compassion. Our compassion is the origin of the Golden Rule.
4. As everything is connected, when I look out at Nature, I see an extension of myself. Every thing in the Universe is worthy of our compassion.
5. By extension, when I take care of others, I am taking care of myself, quite literally, and God (the integrated Universe) is taking care of me.
I believe that everything is physically connected through physics. That is, quantum physics.
On an ordinary level, Newtonian physics, every thing, living and non-living, is treated as a separate object. When the force of one object hits another object, it causes the other object to move, like a billiard ball.
That's our everyday perceived reality. You are an object. I am an object. If I run into you, it will likely hurt both of us.
Instead of thinking of the Universe as a place with a bunch of things floating in it (like a bowl of soup, the Milky Way galaxy would be like a potato in it), I think of the Universe as soap bubble. With the soup, I can take a potato out and look at it. It is a separate thing from the soup, even if it is an important ingredient in making a good soup.
On a soap bubble, we can also see things floating around: rainbow-colored swirls. However, you can not take a swirl off of the bubble and examine it. The whole bubble would collapse. It looks separate. it even seems to move independently, but it is completely integrated. It is all made from the same stuff. Unlike a potato in a bowl of soup, the idea that the swirl is a separate thing is an illusion.
Likewise, all the things in the Universe are completely integrated. Every thing is made of the same stuff.
I am not a human being in the Universe. I *am* the Universe. So, are you. So is this rock and that horse. I can not be taken out of the Universe to be examined by a supernatural being.
In my ordinary reality, I feel pretty lucky to be one of the clumps of particles that reside around here that can think. In fact, I feel a responsibility to take care of the rest our Universe. As a thinking being, I know that animals can suffer and that our well-being relies on the health of other living and non-living things, most of which are incapable of defending themselves. And I don't want others to suffer, because I know that it really sucks to suffer. That is compassion.
The conclusion is that if we are all integrally connected by physics and we are psychologically connected by compassion, then every good thing I do for others, I do for myself. And the Universe. And when my friend does a good thing for a dying child in Haiti, he has done that for me. And the Universe.”
~ David L. Allen
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
thought of the day.410
Evidence that Jesus is a Myth, Part 1: The Elijah/Elisha Connection
(Revised 3/21/10)
Two thousand years ago, people worshiped Osiris, Glycon, Simon, Apollonius of Tyana, Pythagoras, Orpheus, Dionysus, Zalmoxis, Kore, Samothrace, Attis, Adonis, Horus, Mithras and others. Just like Jesus, these gods’ claims to fame included being born of a virgin, walking on water, healing lepers, raising the dead, turning water into wine, and dying and rising again. However, my argument is not that Jesus was copied from “pagan” religions (though these certainly had an influence) but was largely created from the stories of the Old Testament itself, and in particular, the escapades of the god-like characters, Elijah and Elisha.
Elijah is such an important character that he is mentioned 75 times in the Old Testament and 29 times in the New. God promises to send Elijah as a savior (Ml 4:5), an angel says that John the Baptist would have “Elijah’s spirit and power” (Luke 1:17) while Jesus suggests John the Baptist “is Elijah” (Mt 11:14). Jesus says Elijah (as John the Baptist) was mistreated just as he would be mistreated (Mt 17:11-12), speaks about Elijah coming to get everything ready for him (Mt 17:11-12) and compares himself to Elijah and Elisha (Lk 4:25-27). Elijah even makes an appearance and converses with Jesus (Lk 9:30-31). Some people think Jesus is actually Elijah (Mt 16:14) and as Jesus dies, others think he is calling Elijah and that Elijah may come take him down from the cross (Mk 15:35-36). Even the names mean the same thing — Elisha being “God (Jehovah) is salvation” and Jesus, “Jehovah saves” while Elijah is “my God is Jehovah.”
The New Testament accounts are obviously not word for word copies of these earlier stories, but there are over 50 themes common to both Elijah/Elisha and Jesus. When considered collectively, the following comparisons along with parts 2, 3 and 4, are convincing evidence that the Jesus of the bible was not a historical person, but a literary Frankenstein, cobbled together from dozens of pre-existing myths.
1. MIRACLE BABY
> A woman was miraculously impregnated with a son through Elisha (2K 4:8-17)
> A woman was miraculously impregnated with a son promised to be “like the prophet Elijah” and told what to name him— John (the Baptist) (Lk 1:5-17)
> A woman was miraculously impregnated with a son and told what to name him—Jesus (Lk 1:26-31)
2. FASHIONISTA
> Elijah (Elisha’s predecessor) wore animal skins tied with a leather belt (2K 1:8)
> John the Baptist (Jesus’ predecessor) wore animal skins tied with a leather belt (Mk 1:6)
3. PASSING THE MANTEL
> Elijah passed the mantel to Elisha to carry on God’s work (2K 2:9-16)
> John the Baptist* passed the mantel to Jesus to carry on God’s work (Lk 3:1-22)
*Elijah (Mt 11:14)
4. BEHEADING
> The king wanted to behead Elisha (2K 6:31)
> The king beheaded John the Baptist (Mt 14:10)
5. SAVIOR
> Elijah is sent to save people from God’s wrath (Ml 4:5-6)
> Jesus is sent to save people from God’s wrath (Mk 16:16)
6. GIFTS
> Elisha was given precious gifts (2K 8:8-9)
> Jesus was given precious gifts (Mt 2:9-11)
7. HUNTED
> A wicked king ordered an extensive search for Elijah in order to kill him (1K 18:1-10)
> A wicked king ordered an extensive search for Jesus in order to kill him (Mt 2:3-20)
8. SENT INTO HIDING
> Elijah was commanded by God to travel to another place and hide (1K 17:2-3)
> Joseph was commanded by God to travel to another place and hide Jesus (Mk 1:1)
9. HOLY RIVER
> Elisha received the spirit at the Jordan (2K 2:9)
> Jesus received the spirit at the Jordan (Mk 1:1)
10. FORTY DAYS & FORTY NIGHTS
> Elijah went 40 days & nights in the wilderness without food (1K 19:4)
> Jesus went 40 days & nights in the wilderness without food (Mt 4)
11. MINISTERING ANGELS
> An angel helped Elijah before his wilderness trip (1K 19:5-9)
> Angels helped Jesus after his wilderness trip (Mk 1:12-13)
12. GROUPIES
> Elisha had a group of followers (2K 6)
> Jesus had a group of followers (Mk 13)
13. THE CALLING
> Elisha was busy working when called to stop and follow Elijah (1K 19:19-21)
> Simon, Andrew, James and John were busy working when called to stop and follow Jesus (Mk 1:16-20)
14. GOODBYES
> Elisha said he would follow Elijah after saying goodbye to his parents (plow in story) (1K 19:20)
> A man said he would follow Jesus after saying goodbye to his family (plow in story) (Lk 9:61-62)
15. PROPHET
> Elijah was called a “prophet” (1K 1:3)
> Jesus was called a “prophet” (Lk 7:17)
16. MASTER
> A group of men called Elijah, Elisha’s “master” (2K 2:3-5)
> A group of men called Jesus, “master” (Mk 13)
17. SERVANT
> Elijah is called God’s “servant” (2K 9:36)
> Jesus is called God’s “Servant” (Acts 3:26)
18. YES MAN
> Elijah did as God commanded (2K 1:4)
> Jesus did as God commanded (Jn 4:34)
19. GOD’S SPOKESMAN
> Elijah spoke for God (1K 17:1)
> Jesus spoke for God (Mt 7:21-23)
20. TRAVELING MAN
> Elijah traveled throughout Judea, Samaria, Galilee and Syria going town to town doing God’s work (1K, 2K)
> Jesus traveled throughout Judea, Samaria, Galilee and Syria going town to town doing God’s work (Lk, Mk, Mt, Jn)
21. DRINK OF WATER
> Upon entering a town, Elijah had a woman get him a glass of water, worked a miracle of abundance and the woman called him a prophet (1K 17:10)
> Upon entering a town, Jesus had a woman get him a glass of water, promised a miracle of abundance and the woman called him a prophet (Jn 4:5)
22. CROSSING THE WATER
> Elijah walked across divided water (2K 2:8)
> Elisha walked across divided water (2K 2:14)
> Jesus walked across the top of water (Mk 6:45)
23. SEEING IS BELIEVING
> Elisha made the blind see (2K 6:20)
> Jesus made the blind see (Mk 8: 21-26)
24. HEALING THE LEPER
> Elisha healed a man with leprosy (2K 5)
> Jesus healed a man with leprosy (Mk 1:41)
25. FEEDING THE MULTITUDE
> A servant expressed doubt but Elisha used loaves of barley bread to feed a multitude and had left overs (2K 4:42-44)
> A disciple expressed doubt but Jesus used loaves of barley bread to feed a multitude and had left overs (Jn 6:1-13)
26. VINEYARD MAYHEM
> Elisha says a king will be killed as punishment for wanting to take over a vineyard after the owner was murdered (1K 21:1-19)
> Jesus says tenants will be killed as punishment for wanting to take over a vineyard and murdering the owner’s son (Lk 20:9-18)
27. ARMY OFFICER
> Elisha helped an army officer (2K 5:1-15)
> Jesus helped an army officer (Mt 8:5-6)
28. SUPERNATURAL KNOWLEDGE
> Elijah knew details of a person’s private life (2K 6:12)
> Jesus knew details of a person’s private life (Jn 4:17-18)
29. SUPERNATURAL SIGHT
> Elisha could see a man in another place (2K 5:26)
> Jesus could see a man in another place (Jn 1:48-49)
30. IMMINENT SEIZURE
> Elisha knew he was about to be seized (2K 6:30-32)
> Jesus knew he was about to be seized (Jn 6:15)
31. COMMANDER OF THE ELEMENTS
> Elijah controlled the weather (1K 17:1)
> Jesus controlled the weather (Mk 4:39)
32. AUDIENCE OF THOUSANDS
> All of Israel gathered to hear Elijah (1K 18:19-21)
> 5,000 gathered to hear Jesus (Mk 6:30-44)
33. JARS OF WATER
> Elijah instructed people to fill 4 jars with water as part of a miracle (1K 18:33)
> Jesus instructed people to fill 6 jars with water as part of a miracle (Jn 2:7)
34. LEGACY OF THE 12 TRIBES
> Elijah used 12 stones to rebuild the altar (1K 18:32)
> Elisha used 12 teams of oxen to plow (1K 19:19)
> Jesus used 12 disciples to build the Church (Mt 10:1)
35. FAMILY MATTERS
> Elijah will be sent to unite the family (Ml 4:5-6)
> Jesus came to divide the family (Mt 7:36)
36. AT THE FOOT OF THE MASTER
> A distraught woman held Elisha’s feet (2K 4:27)
> A distraught woman held Jesus’ feet (Lk 7:36)
37. SIGN OF SUBJECTION
> A man bowed down before Elijah (1K 18:7)
> 50 men bowed down before Elisha (2K 2:15)
> A man knelt down before Jesus (Jn 9:38)
38. HEARTLESS DISCIPLES
> Elisha’s servant wanted to push away a mother distraught over her dead child but Elisha worked a miracle (2K 4:27)
> Jesus’ disciples wanted to send away a mother distraught over her suffering child but Jesus worked a miracle (Mt 15:21-28)
39. MAGIC MOUNTAIN
> Elijah experienced a supernatural change after he and a servant climbed a mountain (cloud in story) (1K 18:42-46)
> Jesus experienced a supernatural change after he and 3 disciples climbed a mountain (cloud in story and Elijah appears) (Mt 17:1-13)
40. WORDS FROM ON HIGH
> Elijah climbed a mountain where God spoke (1K 19:9)
> Jesus climbed a mountain where God spoke (Mt 17:5)
41. FINANCIAL WIZARD
> Elisha worked a financial miracle (2K 4:1-5)
> Jesus worked a financial miracle (Mt 17: 24)
42. SAVIOR OF THE PARTY
> Elisha transformed food for a group of people (2K 4:38-41)
> Jesus transformed water for a group of people (Jn 2:6)
43. GO IN PEACE
> Elisha said “Go in peace” (2K 5:19)
> Jesus said “Go in peace” (Lk 7:50)
44. PROPHET OF DOOM
> Elijah saw the future and told of coming horrors (2K 8:12)
> Jesus saw the future and told of coming horrors (Lk 21:10-33)
45. CURSE OF DEATH
> Elisha’s curse caused death (2K 2:24)
> Jesus’ curse caused death (Mk 11:21)
46. RAISING THE DEAD I (The Widow’s Son)
> Elijah raised a widow’s dead son, gave him to his mother & was called a prophet (1K 17:21)
> Jesus raised a widow’s dead son, gave him to his mother & was called a prophet (Lk 7:11-16)
47. RAISING THE DEAD II (The Child)
> Elisha raised a dead child in a home (2K 4:27-37)
> Jesus raised a dead child in a home (Mk 5:22-43)
48. RAISING THE DEAD III (The Man in the Tomb)
> Elisha’s bones raised a dead man in a tomb (2 K:21)
> Jesus raised a dead man in a tomb (Jn 11)
49. FIRE FROM HEAVEN
> Elijah called down fire from heaven to kill people (2K 1:10)
> Jesus’ disciples asked to call down fire from heaven to kill people (Lk 9:54)
50. DUPLICITOUS UNDERLING
> Elisha’s duplicitous servant asked for 3,000 silver coins & suffering followed (2K 5)
> Jesus’ duplicitous disciple accepted 30 silver coins & suffering followed (Mt 26:14)
51. TROUBLEMAKER
> Elijah was considered “the worst troublemaker in Israel” (1K 18:17)
> Jesus was considered the worst troublemaker in Israel (implied) (Jn 2:13-18, 19:6)
52. WANTED MAN
> The Jewish people wanted Elijah killed (1K 19:10)
> The Jewish people wanted Jesus killed (Mt 27:20)
53. HEAVEN BOUND
> It was revealed Elijah would soon ascend to heaven (2K 2: 1-12)
> Jesus revealed he would soon ascend to heaven (Jn 20:17)
54. ANGUISHED PRAYER
> Afraid for his life, Elijah went off by himself, sat and prayed for God to take his life and was then strengthened by an angel (1K 19:3-6)
> Afraid for his life, Jesus went off by himself, knelt and prayed for God not to take his life (but that his will be done) and was then strengthened by an angel (Lk 22:39-43)
55. PLEDGE OF LOYALTY
> As Elijah’s “death” approached, Elisha swore he wouldn’t leave him—twice (2K 2:4-6)
> As Jesus’ death approached, Peter swore he wouldn’t leave him—twice (Mk 14:4-29-31)
56. MOCKED
> Elisha was made fun of (2K 2:23)
> Jesus was made fun of (Mk 15:20)
57. DEATH CRY
> As Elijah “died,” Elisha cried out, “My father, my father!” (2K:2:12)
> As Elisha died, the king cried out “My father, my father!” (2K 13:14)
> As Jesus died, he cried out, “My God, my God...” (Mt 27:46)
58. TORN CLOTH
> Upon Elijah’s death, Elisha tore his cloak in two (2K 12)
> Upon Jesus’ death, the Temple’s curtain tore in two (Mt 27:51)
59. UP, UP AND AWAY!
> Elijah was visibly taken up to heaven (2K 2:11)
> Jesus was visibly taken up to heaven (Lk 24:51)
more to come...
IN CONCLUSION
The True Believer may rationalize all of this away, but there’s no disputing that there is clearly little about Jesus that is unique. Further study of comparative religions reveals Christianity took all of its ideas—from the virgin birth to Jesus’ prophesied thousand year reign—from “pagan” religions. In fact, Christianity IS a pagan religion. It simply has outlasted most of its competition, aided by two millennia of persecuting them.
Further evidences that Jesus is a myth can be found in Part 2: Likely OT Sources, Part 3: Indisputable OT Sources and Part 4: Extra-Biblical Sources.
(Revised 3/21/10)
Two thousand years ago, people worshiped Osiris, Glycon, Simon, Apollonius of Tyana, Pythagoras, Orpheus, Dionysus, Zalmoxis, Kore, Samothrace, Attis, Adonis, Horus, Mithras and others. Just like Jesus, these gods’ claims to fame included being born of a virgin, walking on water, healing lepers, raising the dead, turning water into wine, and dying and rising again. However, my argument is not that Jesus was copied from “pagan” religions (though these certainly had an influence) but was largely created from the stories of the Old Testament itself, and in particular, the escapades of the god-like characters, Elijah and Elisha.
Elijah is such an important character that he is mentioned 75 times in the Old Testament and 29 times in the New. God promises to send Elijah as a savior (Ml 4:5), an angel says that John the Baptist would have “Elijah’s spirit and power” (Luke 1:17) while Jesus suggests John the Baptist “is Elijah” (Mt 11:14). Jesus says Elijah (as John the Baptist) was mistreated just as he would be mistreated (Mt 17:11-12), speaks about Elijah coming to get everything ready for him (Mt 17:11-12) and compares himself to Elijah and Elisha (Lk 4:25-27). Elijah even makes an appearance and converses with Jesus (Lk 9:30-31). Some people think Jesus is actually Elijah (Mt 16:14) and as Jesus dies, others think he is calling Elijah and that Elijah may come take him down from the cross (Mk 15:35-36). Even the names mean the same thing — Elisha being “God (Jehovah) is salvation” and Jesus, “Jehovah saves” while Elijah is “my God is Jehovah.”
The New Testament accounts are obviously not word for word copies of these earlier stories, but there are over 50 themes common to both Elijah/Elisha and Jesus. When considered collectively, the following comparisons along with parts 2, 3 and 4, are convincing evidence that the Jesus of the bible was not a historical person, but a literary Frankenstein, cobbled together from dozens of pre-existing myths.
1. MIRACLE BABY
> A woman was miraculously impregnated with a son through Elisha (2K 4:8-17)
> A woman was miraculously impregnated with a son promised to be “like the prophet Elijah” and told what to name him— John (the Baptist) (Lk 1:5-17)
> A woman was miraculously impregnated with a son and told what to name him—Jesus (Lk 1:26-31)
2. FASHIONISTA
> Elijah (Elisha’s predecessor) wore animal skins tied with a leather belt (2K 1:8)
> John the Baptist (Jesus’ predecessor) wore animal skins tied with a leather belt (Mk 1:6)
3. PASSING THE MANTEL
> Elijah passed the mantel to Elisha to carry on God’s work (2K 2:9-16)
> John the Baptist* passed the mantel to Jesus to carry on God’s work (Lk 3:1-22)
*Elijah (Mt 11:14)
4. BEHEADING
> The king wanted to behead Elisha (2K 6:31)
> The king beheaded John the Baptist (Mt 14:10)
5. SAVIOR
> Elijah is sent to save people from God’s wrath (Ml 4:5-6)
> Jesus is sent to save people from God’s wrath (Mk 16:16)
6. GIFTS
> Elisha was given precious gifts (2K 8:8-9)
> Jesus was given precious gifts (Mt 2:9-11)
7. HUNTED
> A wicked king ordered an extensive search for Elijah in order to kill him (1K 18:1-10)
> A wicked king ordered an extensive search for Jesus in order to kill him (Mt 2:3-20)
8. SENT INTO HIDING
> Elijah was commanded by God to travel to another place and hide (1K 17:2-3)
> Joseph was commanded by God to travel to another place and hide Jesus (Mk 1:1)
9. HOLY RIVER
> Elisha received the spirit at the Jordan (2K 2:9)
> Jesus received the spirit at the Jordan (Mk 1:1)
10. FORTY DAYS & FORTY NIGHTS
> Elijah went 40 days & nights in the wilderness without food (1K 19:4)
> Jesus went 40 days & nights in the wilderness without food (Mt 4)
11. MINISTERING ANGELS
> An angel helped Elijah before his wilderness trip (1K 19:5-9)
> Angels helped Jesus after his wilderness trip (Mk 1:12-13)
12. GROUPIES
> Elisha had a group of followers (2K 6)
> Jesus had a group of followers (Mk 13)
13. THE CALLING
> Elisha was busy working when called to stop and follow Elijah (1K 19:19-21)
> Simon, Andrew, James and John were busy working when called to stop and follow Jesus (Mk 1:16-20)
14. GOODBYES
> Elisha said he would follow Elijah after saying goodbye to his parents (plow in story) (1K 19:20)
> A man said he would follow Jesus after saying goodbye to his family (plow in story) (Lk 9:61-62)
15. PROPHET
> Elijah was called a “prophet” (1K 1:3)
> Jesus was called a “prophet” (Lk 7:17)
16. MASTER
> A group of men called Elijah, Elisha’s “master” (2K 2:3-5)
> A group of men called Jesus, “master” (Mk 13)
17. SERVANT
> Elijah is called God’s “servant” (2K 9:36)
> Jesus is called God’s “Servant” (Acts 3:26)
18. YES MAN
> Elijah did as God commanded (2K 1:4)
> Jesus did as God commanded (Jn 4:34)
19. GOD’S SPOKESMAN
> Elijah spoke for God (1K 17:1)
> Jesus spoke for God (Mt 7:21-23)
20. TRAVELING MAN
> Elijah traveled throughout Judea, Samaria, Galilee and Syria going town to town doing God’s work (1K, 2K)
> Jesus traveled throughout Judea, Samaria, Galilee and Syria going town to town doing God’s work (Lk, Mk, Mt, Jn)
21. DRINK OF WATER
> Upon entering a town, Elijah had a woman get him a glass of water, worked a miracle of abundance and the woman called him a prophet (1K 17:10)
> Upon entering a town, Jesus had a woman get him a glass of water, promised a miracle of abundance and the woman called him a prophet (Jn 4:5)
22. CROSSING THE WATER
> Elijah walked across divided water (2K 2:8)
> Elisha walked across divided water (2K 2:14)
> Jesus walked across the top of water (Mk 6:45)
23. SEEING IS BELIEVING
> Elisha made the blind see (2K 6:20)
> Jesus made the blind see (Mk 8: 21-26)
24. HEALING THE LEPER
> Elisha healed a man with leprosy (2K 5)
> Jesus healed a man with leprosy (Mk 1:41)
25. FEEDING THE MULTITUDE
> A servant expressed doubt but Elisha used loaves of barley bread to feed a multitude and had left overs (2K 4:42-44)
> A disciple expressed doubt but Jesus used loaves of barley bread to feed a multitude and had left overs (Jn 6:1-13)
26. VINEYARD MAYHEM
> Elisha says a king will be killed as punishment for wanting to take over a vineyard after the owner was murdered (1K 21:1-19)
> Jesus says tenants will be killed as punishment for wanting to take over a vineyard and murdering the owner’s son (Lk 20:9-18)
27. ARMY OFFICER
> Elisha helped an army officer (2K 5:1-15)
> Jesus helped an army officer (Mt 8:5-6)
28. SUPERNATURAL KNOWLEDGE
> Elijah knew details of a person’s private life (2K 6:12)
> Jesus knew details of a person’s private life (Jn 4:17-18)
29. SUPERNATURAL SIGHT
> Elisha could see a man in another place (2K 5:26)
> Jesus could see a man in another place (Jn 1:48-49)
30. IMMINENT SEIZURE
> Elisha knew he was about to be seized (2K 6:30-32)
> Jesus knew he was about to be seized (Jn 6:15)
31. COMMANDER OF THE ELEMENTS
> Elijah controlled the weather (1K 17:1)
> Jesus controlled the weather (Mk 4:39)
32. AUDIENCE OF THOUSANDS
> All of Israel gathered to hear Elijah (1K 18:19-21)
> 5,000 gathered to hear Jesus (Mk 6:30-44)
33. JARS OF WATER
> Elijah instructed people to fill 4 jars with water as part of a miracle (1K 18:33)
> Jesus instructed people to fill 6 jars with water as part of a miracle (Jn 2:7)
34. LEGACY OF THE 12 TRIBES
> Elijah used 12 stones to rebuild the altar (1K 18:32)
> Elisha used 12 teams of oxen to plow (1K 19:19)
> Jesus used 12 disciples to build the Church (Mt 10:1)
35. FAMILY MATTERS
> Elijah will be sent to unite the family (Ml 4:5-6)
> Jesus came to divide the family (Mt 7:36)
36. AT THE FOOT OF THE MASTER
> A distraught woman held Elisha’s feet (2K 4:27)
> A distraught woman held Jesus’ feet (Lk 7:36)
37. SIGN OF SUBJECTION
> A man bowed down before Elijah (1K 18:7)
> 50 men bowed down before Elisha (2K 2:15)
> A man knelt down before Jesus (Jn 9:38)
38. HEARTLESS DISCIPLES
> Elisha’s servant wanted to push away a mother distraught over her dead child but Elisha worked a miracle (2K 4:27)
> Jesus’ disciples wanted to send away a mother distraught over her suffering child but Jesus worked a miracle (Mt 15:21-28)
39. MAGIC MOUNTAIN
> Elijah experienced a supernatural change after he and a servant climbed a mountain (cloud in story) (1K 18:42-46)
> Jesus experienced a supernatural change after he and 3 disciples climbed a mountain (cloud in story and Elijah appears) (Mt 17:1-13)
40. WORDS FROM ON HIGH
> Elijah climbed a mountain where God spoke (1K 19:9)
> Jesus climbed a mountain where God spoke (Mt 17:5)
41. FINANCIAL WIZARD
> Elisha worked a financial miracle (2K 4:1-5)
> Jesus worked a financial miracle (Mt 17: 24)
42. SAVIOR OF THE PARTY
> Elisha transformed food for a group of people (2K 4:38-41)
> Jesus transformed water for a group of people (Jn 2:6)
43. GO IN PEACE
> Elisha said “Go in peace” (2K 5:19)
> Jesus said “Go in peace” (Lk 7:50)
44. PROPHET OF DOOM
> Elijah saw the future and told of coming horrors (2K 8:12)
> Jesus saw the future and told of coming horrors (Lk 21:10-33)
45. CURSE OF DEATH
> Elisha’s curse caused death (2K 2:24)
> Jesus’ curse caused death (Mk 11:21)
46. RAISING THE DEAD I (The Widow’s Son)
> Elijah raised a widow’s dead son, gave him to his mother & was called a prophet (1K 17:21)
> Jesus raised a widow’s dead son, gave him to his mother & was called a prophet (Lk 7:11-16)
47. RAISING THE DEAD II (The Child)
> Elisha raised a dead child in a home (2K 4:27-37)
> Jesus raised a dead child in a home (Mk 5:22-43)
48. RAISING THE DEAD III (The Man in the Tomb)
> Elisha’s bones raised a dead man in a tomb (2 K:21)
> Jesus raised a dead man in a tomb (Jn 11)
49. FIRE FROM HEAVEN
> Elijah called down fire from heaven to kill people (2K 1:10)
> Jesus’ disciples asked to call down fire from heaven to kill people (Lk 9:54)
50. DUPLICITOUS UNDERLING
> Elisha’s duplicitous servant asked for 3,000 silver coins & suffering followed (2K 5)
> Jesus’ duplicitous disciple accepted 30 silver coins & suffering followed (Mt 26:14)
51. TROUBLEMAKER
> Elijah was considered “the worst troublemaker in Israel” (1K 18:17)
> Jesus was considered the worst troublemaker in Israel (implied) (Jn 2:13-18, 19:6)
52. WANTED MAN
> The Jewish people wanted Elijah killed (1K 19:10)
> The Jewish people wanted Jesus killed (Mt 27:20)
53. HEAVEN BOUND
> It was revealed Elijah would soon ascend to heaven (2K 2: 1-12)
> Jesus revealed he would soon ascend to heaven (Jn 20:17)
54. ANGUISHED PRAYER
> Afraid for his life, Elijah went off by himself, sat and prayed for God to take his life and was then strengthened by an angel (1K 19:3-6)
> Afraid for his life, Jesus went off by himself, knelt and prayed for God not to take his life (but that his will be done) and was then strengthened by an angel (Lk 22:39-43)
55. PLEDGE OF LOYALTY
> As Elijah’s “death” approached, Elisha swore he wouldn’t leave him—twice (2K 2:4-6)
> As Jesus’ death approached, Peter swore he wouldn’t leave him—twice (Mk 14:4-29-31)
56. MOCKED
> Elisha was made fun of (2K 2:23)
> Jesus was made fun of (Mk 15:20)
57. DEATH CRY
> As Elijah “died,” Elisha cried out, “My father, my father!” (2K:2:12)
> As Elisha died, the king cried out “My father, my father!” (2K 13:14)
> As Jesus died, he cried out, “My God, my God...” (Mt 27:46)
58. TORN CLOTH
> Upon Elijah’s death, Elisha tore his cloak in two (2K 12)
> Upon Jesus’ death, the Temple’s curtain tore in two (Mt 27:51)
59. UP, UP AND AWAY!
> Elijah was visibly taken up to heaven (2K 2:11)
> Jesus was visibly taken up to heaven (Lk 24:51)
more to come...
IN CONCLUSION
The True Believer may rationalize all of this away, but there’s no disputing that there is clearly little about Jesus that is unique. Further study of comparative religions reveals Christianity took all of its ideas—from the virgin birth to Jesus’ prophesied thousand year reign—from “pagan” religions. In fact, Christianity IS a pagan religion. It simply has outlasted most of its competition, aided by two millennia of persecuting them.
Further evidences that Jesus is a myth can be found in Part 2: Likely OT Sources, Part 3: Indisputable OT Sources and Part 4: Extra-Biblical Sources.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
thought of the day.409
Toxic Power of Christianity
“Sadly I can not express my true religious beliefs on Facebook as I would lose 75% of my clients, [it] makes me a coward, but I do have to feed my family. So, I will live behind your strength, just know you are soooo not alone....Peace Brother.....”
~ A friend
“Sadly I can not express my true religious beliefs on Facebook as I would lose 75% of my clients, [it] makes me a coward, but I do have to feed my family. So, I will live behind your strength, just know you are soooo not alone....Peace Brother.....”
~ A friend
Friday, March 5, 2010
thought of the day.408
Reason is a “Whore”?
"Reason should be destroyed in all Christians."
— Martin Luther
"Whoever wants to be a Christian should tear the eyes out of his reason."
— Martin Luther
"Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God."
— Martin Luther
"Reason is the Devil's greatest whore; by nature and manner of being she is a noxious whore; she is a prostitute, the Devil's appointed whore; whore eaten by scab and leprosy who ought to be trodden under foot and destroyed, she and her wisdom ... Throw dung in her face to make her ugly. She is and she ought to be drowned in baptism... She would deserve, the wretch, to be banished to the filthiest place in the house, to the closets."
— Martin Luther, Erlangen Edition v. 16, pp. 142-148
"Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed. Faith must trample underfoot all reason, sense, and understanding, and whatever it sees must be put out of sight and ... know nothing but the word of God."
— Martin Luther
"Reason should be destroyed in all Christians."
— Martin Luther
"Whoever wants to be a Christian should tear the eyes out of his reason."
— Martin Luther
"Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God."
— Martin Luther
"Reason is the Devil's greatest whore; by nature and manner of being she is a noxious whore; she is a prostitute, the Devil's appointed whore; whore eaten by scab and leprosy who ought to be trodden under foot and destroyed, she and her wisdom ... Throw dung in her face to make her ugly. She is and she ought to be drowned in baptism... She would deserve, the wretch, to be banished to the filthiest place in the house, to the closets."
— Martin Luther, Erlangen Edition v. 16, pp. 142-148
"Reason must be deluded, blinded, and destroyed. Faith must trample underfoot all reason, sense, and understanding, and whatever it sees must be put out of sight and ... know nothing but the word of God."
— Martin Luther
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
thought of the day.407
Lying for Jesus
"And often it is necessary to deceive, and to do the greatest benefits by means of this device, whereas he who has gone by a straight course has done great mischief to the person whom he has not deceived."
~John Chrysostom, "Treatise on the Priesthood, Book 1,"
"To be right in everything, we ought always to hold that the white which I see, is black, if the Hierarchical Church so decides it"
~ Ignatius Loyola, Spiritual Exercises
"What harm would it do, if a man told a good strong lie for the sake of the good and for the Christian church … a lie out of necessity, a useful lie, a helpful lie, such lies would not be against God, he would accept them."
~Martin Luther
"And often it is necessary to deceive, and to do the greatest benefits by means of this device, whereas he who has gone by a straight course has done great mischief to the person whom he has not deceived."
~John Chrysostom, "Treatise on the Priesthood, Book 1,"
"To be right in everything, we ought always to hold that the white which I see, is black, if the Hierarchical Church so decides it"
~ Ignatius Loyola, Spiritual Exercises
"What harm would it do, if a man told a good strong lie for the sake of the good and for the Christian church … a lie out of necessity, a useful lie, a helpful lie, such lies would not be against God, he would accept them."
~Martin Luther
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
thought of the day.406
Perhaps the most noble, and at the same time, most empty sentence ever penned...
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The grand words of the Declaration of Independence must have stung black men and women of all colors as it took nearly a century for blacks to be considered “equal” enough to abolish slavery and a half century more before women were considered “equal” enough to vote.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The grand words of the Declaration of Independence must have stung black men and women of all colors as it took nearly a century for blacks to be considered “equal” enough to abolish slavery and a half century more before women were considered “equal” enough to vote.
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