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btplayer · 7 years

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Here’s my latest installment

PARS DUO

“And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him… (Rev. 6:7-8) And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (Rev. 19:14) And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. (Rev. 6:8)

“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” (Rev. 16:3)

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

“He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, And the world knew him not. He came unto his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:6-12) He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.” (John 3: 33)

I can “see” how it could be argued that the primary purpose of the Bible has always been to increasingly empower the “common man.” Of course there’s a considerable difference between the standards of living practiced by the “common man” of our own modern day times, and the “typical” quality of life experienced by the “common man” who lived back when “Christianity” was first beginning to take root throughout Europe.

For one thing, for example, the “common European” of the 4th Century AD had absolutely no access to anything that requires a steady current of “electricity” to power it. There simply were no computers, microwave ovens, TVs, radios, lightbulbs, etc.

The earliest “Christians” lived during the “Agricultural Age.” I suppose the “most common” occupation of the times was that of the “common farmer.” And then I’m sure similarly “common” occupations – like blacksmiths, millers and bakers, etc… – supported the agricultural-based economy of the time. It must’ve been a relatively “simple” time – with little to distract the “common man” of the time from his work and family (however joyful or joyless that may have been).

I’m pretty sure, though, that “if” the “common man” of the 4th Century AD had been left alone to his own devices, there would have been perpetual chaos. Petty – and not so petty – disputes arise between neighbors and family members all the time. Who decides what is “right” and “fair” when violence is at hand? “Someone” has to maintain some order if the “common man” ever hopes to live in peace with his neighbor.

So I can see that it is with such “peace” in mind that the Bible provides the “common man” of the times with a sort of “Father Figure” – someone who the “common man” can easily relate with being an absolutely divine, God-like figure – someone who only has the best interests of the “common man” in mind.

(And, of course, to help “guide” the “common Christians” of the time, I can also “see” how the Bible also empowers the various “Christian” authority figures, like priests and popes, etc.)

Even so, I certainly know that there are still a lot of people who are confused by the Bible’s interpretation of “God.” Especially when – in one sense – “God” is referred to as some kind of 3rd-person-singular being (i.e. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” John 1: 10); but then – in other instances – “God” could be referred to as the “Father,” the “Son,” or even something like a “Holy Spirit” (i.e. “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4: 22-24)!

But I don’t get all caught up by any of this type of “metaphysical” confusion; I understand that the Bible was written specifically just for such times of “confusion.”

It is Mankind’s “evolution” – and the role “Christianity” has played within it – which makes me curious about the legend of Jesus…

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together [before they had sex, that is – implying that Mary was a virgin], she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

[It’s true: The legend of the Lord Jesus Christ begins with his “immaculate conception” within his virgin mother. Surely such a “virgin” birth had to lend some credibility to Jesus’ divinity – at least to those who do believe in it all…]

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. [In other words, “Joseph,” relax, your girlfriend Mary is not some kind of so-called “whore” – “God” got her pregnant!] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BRING FORTH A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME EM-MAN-U-EL, which being interpreted is, God with us.

[Ah yes, it’s rather remarkable how the legend of Jesus so closely relates with the Jewish prophecies regarding the Jewish “Messiah”…]

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matt.1:18-25)

“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

“And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

“And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son,why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

“And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

[Doing the will of God was more important, apparently, than his relationship with his mother…]

“And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. (Luke 2: 40-51) And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.”(Luke 4:37)

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. (Matt. 9:36)

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matt. 4:17) And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2: 52)

“And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. (Luke 13:10) And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, [the supposedly wise writers/ philosophers/ lawyers/ prophets, that is] which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts… and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. (Mark 12: 38-40)

“Lay not up for yourselves upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matt. 6: 19-21)

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 7: 21) But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6: 27, 31)

(Incidentally, the most recent verse – as simply stated as it is – happens to be “Christianity’s” way of stating the basic universal rule of individual righteousness…)

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Luke 6; 45, 44, 43) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, [maybe even preaching Jesus’ “good words” word-for-word, for instance] but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matt. 7: 20, 15)

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matt. 7: 28-29)

According to my own understanding of the legend of Jesus, I believe the primary mission of this “Jesus” was to ultimately unite the “common laborers” into a truly potent “political” force; specifically a force with the collective strength to practically demand Liberty and Justice for All (especially DEMAND it from their very own individually strong and powerful “rulers”)!

In this chapter’s opening sermon, for example, we see Jesus preaching some “good words” in a “fair speech” that appealed directly to the basic goodness of the “common man” of the time. I’m sure, for instance, the “common man” of Jesus’ time knew just the type of person Jesus’ described in the above sermon.

Nowadays, in comparison, there are tons of these pretentious people in contemporary America – the type who love to wear the very latest fashion trends, to be seen with the very most important people and celebrities, to be seated in the front row and/ or hang out ONLY in the most exclusive VIP sections at events, and perhaps even talk about how the “less fortunate” have only themselves to blame.

It seems as though this is another one of those seemingly timeless, “The more things change, the more things stay the same” kind of situations…

The “Reality” of Jesus’ alleged lifetime, though, included the fact that the masses of common laborers were largely uneducated – most often assuming the same occupation as their parents before them. Such a distinct lack of any “formal” education practically prevented the “common man” of the time from ever being able to otherwise overcome the distances between society’s “haves” and “have-nots.”

“Jesus” therefore needed to recognize the undeniable fact that the “common laboring masses” had a relatively immature understanding about the “true” ways of the world (not to mention the Universe as a whole).

In fact, it seems “Jesus” recognized that the “Reality” of his alleged time – particularly the undeniable “Reality” of the relatively-ignorant masses of “common laborers” (relatively-ignorant in the sense of understanding complex math, science, political, military and/ or historical concepts that is); all of which also consequently FORCED any relatively-righteous government to relate with any individual member of the relatively-ignorant masses in much the same way that any caring Father would to his own beloved child.

And so Jesus’ legend does include many examples where Jesus uses “good words and fair speeches” to appeal directly to the “common laborer” of the time(s) – all to help unite the then-undeniably-ignorant masses of “common laborers” into an ultimately potent force for liberty and justice for all…

“JESUS went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. (John 8:1-2)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit; for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matt. 5: 3-12)

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

“Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Luke 6: 37-38, 28) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any; that you Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11: 25-26)

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matt. 7: 7-8) For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11: 23-24)

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matt. 6: 26)

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11: 28-30)

“AND it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed… “(Matt. 19: 1)

“Good words and fair speeches” have proven to be one good way to appeal to the inherent goodness of the common man, sure enough. But it also seems that – simply due to all the superstitious beliefs of the times – the “common [superstitious] people” of the times just might have needed their legendary “Lord” to possess some miraculous, superhuman abilities all his own…

(In other words: Anyone who could make such seemingly-impossible “miracles” happen – at will – must surely be a divine, God-like figure…)

“And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this?

“They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

“But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. (Matt. 9: 27-31) Many of the people therefore, when they had heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the prophet. (John 7: 40)

“And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Ju-dae-a, and throughout all the region round about. (Luke 7: 16-17)

“And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? (John 10:20) Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Beth-le-hem, where David was?

“So there was a division among the people because of him.” (John 7: 41-43)

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (Matt. 9:35)

“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool… (John 5:2) And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. (Matt. 19:2) And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

“The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. (John 5: 5-8) And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 18: 27) And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

“And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (John 5: 9, 16-17) For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.” (Matt. 12: 8).

Of course, with all of the “bottom-up” (instead of the usual “top-down”) REVOLUTIONARY talk Jesus was reported to have spoken – particularly in support of “Christianity” (and NOT “Judaism”) – “Jesus” was bound to run afoul of the local authorities. Still, though, I’m sure that, early on, the legendary “Lord Jesus” was more concerned with winning the hearts and minds of the “common man” of the times – building up his own “army” of “spiritual soldiers”…

“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. (Matt. 9: 2-7)

“As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marveled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

“But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. (Matt. 9: 2-7, 32-34)

“But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. (Matt. 9: 8) And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? (John 7: 31)

“Then said Jesus…, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” (John 4: 48)

Regardless of the superstitious beliefs of the time, I believe that the legends of Jesus’ various miracles are all simply “parables” – albeit parables with considerably-significant, symbolic meanings…

For example: Take the reports of Jesus’ alleged abilities to heal the blind, deaf, dumb and lame – and even his alleged ability to restore the spirit of life to the dead: Well, I simply believe all that is simply symbolic of the ultimate power of “Christianity” – particularly its power to have ever-so-gradually enabled the many past generations of (relatively-ignorant) Christians to ultimately create the very types of “environmental conditions” which we now enjoy here in our own contemporary times – which practically enables ALL OF US, in the end, to realize World Peace and individual enlightenment (if, that is, we only had “the eyes to see” the need to move beyond the faith of our [relatively-ignorant] Fathers, and thereby actually realize such potential peace and enlightenment)!

And as for Jesus’ alleged “miraculous” ability to “walk on water”: I “see” that symbolically representing Jesus’ authority – as though “He,” as Lord, was/ is “superior” to the whole of the Sea of Humanity.

Impossible miracles aside, I do believe that if someone like “Jesus” had lived, “he” could’ve very well begun the process of organizing and uniting the masses of non-Jewish individuals living near him – simply by encouraging them to similarly believe in themselves as being equal members of the Lord God’s Chosen People (similarly to how the Jews believe themselves to be, in other words)…

III

So according to the legend, we are seeing Jesus’ fame grow and grow; but he’s also begun to draw the ire of some of the local Jewish authorities with his seemingly critical and revolutionary style of preaching.

In any event, maybe it was time for the legendary Jesus to recruit some people to help him control all his new followers…

“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, Now as he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Mark 1: 14, 16)

“And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land…(Luke 5:3) And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. [In addition to the legendary Jesus’ miraculous power over the weather, of course, this particular verse could also symbolize the power of “Christianity” to civilize the relatively-ignorant “Sea of Humanity”…]

“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4: 37-39, 41)

“And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. (Mark 5: 21)…And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. (Luke 5:3)

“And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: (Matt. 13: 3-7) And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and have fruit an hundredfold.

“And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [Because we read of the legend of Jesus in the Bible, we often see him speaking in timeless parables – creating imagery that contains meaning to anyone with the “ears to hear” these words of wisdom; no matter how rich or poor anyone is, nor even how long it has been, now, since the legendary Jesus was crucified…] And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? And how then will ye know all parables?

[Basically, “MAN” is capable of being evil; but then again, “MAN” is also capable of being good. In other words: No amount of “preaching” is ever going to change this certain fact of Man’s “nature;” there are bound to be a whole spectrum of personalities exhibited within any particular “group” of human beings (ideally, I suppose, the hope is that – on the whole – the majority would be “good”…]

“The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan [some “corrupted” thought] cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; Who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves [no self-confidence and/ or “blind faith”], and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

“And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, [and willing to exploit another, they choose to] choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

“And these are they which are sown on good ground, such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (Mark 4: 13-20)

“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitudes in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS WHICH HAVE BEEN KEPT SECRET FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

“So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then has it tares?

“He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay: lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matt. 13: 34-35, 24-30)

“And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? And there was much murmuring among the [Jewish] people concerning… [the legendary Lord Jesus]: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.” (John 7:15, 12)

“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. (Luke 5: 4) And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. (Mark 1; 17)

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had [miraculously] taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zeb-e-dee, which were partners with Simon.

“And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” (Luke 5: 5-11)

“AND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matt.10: 1)

[Because of the subtle and ironic manner in which the Bible addresses the subject of “EVIL” in the world, I think it’s important to once again call attention to the “Reality” of Jesus’ alleged lifetime – particularly the undeniable “Reality” of the relatively-ignorant masses of “common laborers” (relatively-ignorant in the sense of understanding complex math, science, political, military and/ or historical concepts that is); all of which also consequently FORCED any relatively-righteous government to relate with any individual member of the relatively-ignorant masses in much the same way that any caring Father would to his own beloved child...]

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matt. 16:24)

[Ah yes, what better place for “Jesus” to begin instructing his disciples about the ways of the world than with the Biblically-prescribed lifestyle of “self-denial.” To start with, of course, as long as the laws of the land “DENY” individual equality and justice to the “common laborer,” the “common laborer,” to begin with, is already living a life of “self-denial.”]

[But as often happens throughout the Bible, however, while the above verse certainly appears to suggest that there’s a most definite “VIRTUE” to humbly accepting the “Christian” lifestyle of self-denial; this same verse also happens to be like a sort of “double-edged sword” – in that it also seems to create a sort of trap for the rich and/ or powerful “Christians,” themselves…]

[Again, for instance, the rich and/ or powerful “Christians” would obviously prefer a passive and compliant workforce…. And the “Christian” lifestyle of self-denial does serve their interests perfectly – especially in that it still allows the rich and/ or powerful “Christians” to continue to enjoy the various perks and privileges of their own individually-respective wealth and/ or power!]

[But once the local masses of “common Christian laborers” began to accept the various burdens associated with living their own particular, individually-respective “Christian” lifestyle of self-denial –ONLY now collectively united in support of their like-minded “Christian” beliefs – the collectively-united masses of “common Christian laborers” actually had the power to demand that their own “Christian” rulers/ priests similarly “take up the cross” which is symbolic of the “Biblical” lifestyle of self-denial!]

[Over time, of course – with both the Christian “Haves” and the Christian “Have-nots” perpetuating the Biblically-prescribed lifestyle of self-denial – the “common Christian laborers” have indeed managed to put a stop to some relatively-gross examples of injustice and corruption which were once committed even by some of their local “Christian” rulers/ priests. Nowadays, in other words, there are fewer and fewer “Haves” able to get away with acting as though they are somehow above the law…]

“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? (Luke 12:49)

[So just for the record, the following are the basics of “the Biblical Fire of Ignorance” – the commandments, in other words, which perpetuate the relatively-ignorant lifestyle of “self-denial;” as it is written:]

“Thou knowest the [Biblical] commandments, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT KILL, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Defraud not, HONOUR THY FATHER AND MOTHER. (Mark 10:19) AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH [INCIDENTLY: This “LOVE THE LORD THY GOD…” clause is largely how the locally-dominant “Christians” have perpetuated their relative oppression over the years, by the way – since it then becomes some kind of “crime” to refuse to conform with any given aspect pertaining to the “Christian” way of life; especially, for example, if one refuses to “deny” his or her own relatively-divine/ natural EQUALITY to all others, and thereby fails to see Jesus as his or her own personal “Lord” and “Savior”]: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 30-31)

[Of course, it’s easy enough to portray the legendary Lord Jesus as saying such “good-sounding” things – after all, “Jesus” has served as the “standard” for absolute perfection and righteousness in the world. That noted, though, as long as the Bible-believers FAIL to realize their own individually-respective, equally-divine relationship with all others – and instead continually believe in the alleged “superiority” of some singular “Lord God” personage – they will continually perpetuate the Biblically-prescribed lifestyle of “self-denial”…]

“And the disciples said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? (Matt. 13:10)

[I happen to believe that by presenting the legendary Jesus as one who preaches through such subtly-inspired parables, one ends up with a “situation” wherein both “classes” of Christians – the “strong” and powerful Christian rulers, as well as the obedient masses of common Christian laborers – are both able to find significant meaning(s) from their own individually-respective interpretations of the very same parable (appropriate for their own individually-respective, rule or be ruled Christian lifestyles, that is).]

[Again, once all of the local “Christians” became relatively united by their “like-minded” beliefs in Christianity – whether they were one of the individually strong and powerful Christian rulers, or a member of the collectively strong and powerful Christian masses –– there was bound to be a certain sense of political stability over time. And simply as a result of such unity of purpose, and political stability, the united, organized and collectively stronger masses of “common” Christians HAVE managed to force – albeit ever-so-gradually – the individually strong ruling Christians to continually increase the degree of practical justice becoming available for the common Christian laborer over time…]

“And the [legendary] Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? And to what are they [REALLY] like [– particularly, that is, when considering the relative level of “maturity” that, in this sense, pertains to the scale of Humanity’s evolution within “God’s Big Picture”]? They are [as yet] like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. But wisdom is justified of all her children. (Luke 7: 31-32, 35)

[In other words: When it comes to interacting within a functioning, otherwise justly-administered “Capitalistic” economy, the generations of (relatively-ignorant) Bible-believers – while practically living their lives of enforced “self-denial” – act just like “immature” children;” seemingly unable – at least as of yet – to reach a “more mature and enlightened” point within our species’ ongoing evolutionary history…]

“Then opened he [, allegedly,] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke 24:45) And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God: but unto them that are without [a “more mature” understanding of a REALISTIC sense of self and purpose], all these things are done in parables: That SEEING [THE WORLD THROUGH THEIR EYES] THEY MAY SEE, AND NOT PERCEIVE; AND HEARING THEY MAY HEAR, AND NOT UNDERSTAND, LEST AT ANY TIME THEY SHOULD BE CONVERTED, AND THEIR SINS SHOULD BE FORGIVEN THEM. (Mark 4: 11-12)

[That is to say: Despite the fact that (1) the Christian masses still have to eat, drink, sleep, breathe and reproduce before they die (just like everyone else, of course); and even though (2) the Christian masses are practically encouraged to believe in the alleged “superiority” of their own individually-respective Christian beliefs and lifestyle (particularly in comparison to all other attempts at explaining the so-called “meaning of life”); the fact inescapably remains that, on the whole, (3) the Christian masses continue to be “blind” to the idea that, NOWADAYS, We already do have all the political leverage we need, BY GOD, to actually demand the very types of “JUSTICE” which helps to perpetuate a strong and stable sense of peace amongst communities of “Equal Common Men.”]

“And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Mark 9: 35)

[This “first shall be last” parable appears a few different times throughout the New Testament; and since it is a parable, it could also have several different meanings. In the scene involving the above verse, for instance, I can see a couple of different meanings – in particular – to this scene of Jesus instructing his new disciples:]

[(1) First of all – and with particular respect to the fundamental necessity of “LAW AND ORDER” – the words are at the very least bound to “sound good” to the masses of “common laborers” (those who are ultimately to be governed by the “Christian” rulers/ priests); particularly when they “hear” such “good sounding” words that seem to suggest that their “Christian” rulers are supposedly there to serve the “common Christian good.”]

[At the same time, too, it then becomes in the best interests of the Christian rulers/ priests, themselves (naturally desirous of maintaining and improving on their own individually-respective positions of social power), to keep their subjects obedient to the eventually-established “Christian” law of the land. On the one hand, for example, simply by demanding conformity to “Christianity,” the “Christian” rulers can truthfully claim that THE LORD JESUS commands the basically decent, good-natured and hard-working “common Christian laborer” to be obedient to their own individually-respective “Christian masters.” On the other hand, the “Christian rulers” could certainly benefit from the fact that such “conformity” helps prevent revolutions from the common laboring masses over time; thereby allowing “Christianity” to perpetuate itself over time…)]

[(2) I also suppose this “first and last” parable could even be an extremely subtle nod to modern-day Capitalism – in that money generally flows to those who demonstrate that they CAN provide a valuable service to their fellow man. In other words: Generally speaking, the more people you can “serve,” the more money you’ll earn…]

“And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? [Trick question, “Jesus;” of course I believe we really are all equal…] but I am among you as he that serveth. (Luke 22: 25-27)

[Incidentally, the above parable also helps to create Jesus’ “image” of absolute perfection: He’s not only been born to a virgin; and of course he also possess absolute grace and wisdom – even capable of miraculous, SUPERHUMAN powers (by “God”); but here we now see that Jesus is also bound to “serve” all – even to the ultimate end of becoming a martyr for the cause of liberty and justice for the common man…]

“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the [corrupt and vain] prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (John 12: 31-32) And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22: 29-30)

“They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? (John 6: 30)

“And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation [of superstitious and relatively-ignorant fools] seek after a sign? Verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. (Mark 8: 12)

[It’s true: In my REALITY, “God” is NOT simply going to give all of us whatever we want. We all generally have to do our own individually-respective work in order to survive…]

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6: 28-29)

[And that, really, is all “the Christians” have to do: Just believe in the Lord Jesus! The “common laborers” have generally always been expected to continually work in the very same occupations which their fathers had also worked before them. Only now the “common Christian laborers” can actually have faith in the idea that the “REWARD” for accepting such a stable “Economic” system (wherein one generally always works in the same trade as one’s father before him), would be nothing less than eternal peace in the company of their Divine Lord Jesus! Meaning that the basic “job” for the “Christian” priests and rulers would have simply been to keep everyone working for “the good” of a stable and prosperous, “Christian-dominated” community. …]

“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. (Mark 4: 9, 26-29)

[As “the saying” goes, of course, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Building such a monumental system – of liberty and justice for all – was also bound to occur at an incredibly “slow” pace; often with “progress” occurring in almost imperceptible increments. Remember, way back when Christianity was first taking root in the world – back in Humanity’s “Agricultural Age” – there weren’t even such things as computers, televisions, radios, spaceships, even electrical outlets; farming was the most “common” occupation… ]

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Luke 12: 29-31)

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matt. 6: 26)

“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he suffer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him. (Luke 11: 11-13) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil therof. (Matt. 6: 34)

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? (Luke 12: 25)

“Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. (John 5: 19-20)

“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it growth up, and becometh greater than all the herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Mark 4: 30-32)

[In other words: The creation of World Peace and Justice – as accomplished by such a mortal, albeit perpetually-evolving species as OURSELVES – was bound to take a whole hell of a lot of time. Building such systems of Justice – from the bottom up – has been an ever-so-gradual, day-by-day process; having already taken US thousands of years to get to the point where we are nowadays. The message for the “Christian” rulers and priests, therefore, was simple: Just keep the easily-exploitable common laborers involved in their daily, necessary tasks. The rest (evolution and peace and all) would surely follow in time…]

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

[“The rock,” in this case, being the collective strength manifested by the simple unity of the masses of like-minded, equally obedient “Christian” parents (as led by their “Christian” priests and rulers of course)…]

“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (Matt. 7: 24-27)

“And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. (Luke 12: 22-23) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6: 27)

[Ah yes – the promised reward for all those who are “good” Christians: Eternal peace in the presence of their Lord upon the conclusion of their individually-respective human lives. Something that just might give them “hope” for a brighter future…]

“And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

“Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

“And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

[Another miracle!]

“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17: 14-21)

[Although it may seem like a stretch, I can see the above parable subtly referring to the undeniable fact that there were always going to be many young men/ boys who – just by our very natures – have been BOUND to resist the STRICT Christian way of life and the “self-denial” that accompanies it. But with the Christians in power – when they have had “the faith as a grain of mustard seed” – they’ve been able to impose their will however they’ve liked. And surely “prayer and fasting” could be used to practically FORCE any stubborn young man/ boy to accept the Christian authority system; either that – conform to Christianity – or else be exiled from the nearby, “Christian-dominated” communities and/ or starve to death.]

“AFTER these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest, Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. (Luke 10: 1-3)

“And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. (Luke 9: 3-4)

“When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man placed; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. (Luke 14: 8-10, 13-14)

“And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. (Luke 9: 5)

“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

“And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. (Luke 12: 4, 8-9, 11-12)

“And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall in the ditch? (Luke 6: 39)

[Sad – but true! There’s still so many blind followers following their blind religious leaders right into the proverbial ditch!]

“And he sent them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.” (Luke 9: 2, 6)

In the “Big Picture” sense of things, meanwhile, the Ancient Roman Empire had matured to the point where there was definitely a sort of “Capitalistic Economy” governing the “common laborers” of the time – including the practice of using “money” to help divide the property and resources of the land. I imagine, therefore, that it must have been likely for any particular “common man” who [allegedly] listened to Jesus and/or his original disciples to have already known there was quite a difference between those who had money and those who didn’t have any money.

I’m sure, in any case, that when “Christianity” was recognized as the “official” religion of the Ancient Roman Empire – around 400 AD – “money” was still highly valued.

But then the Ancient Roman Empire would go on to disintegrate over the course of the 5th Century AD. Along with the disintegration of the Ancient Roman Empire, too, came the collapse of “Capitalism” throughout much of Europe.

(I understand that very same period of time also marked the beginnings of the so-called “Dark Ages” of the Western Civilized World.)

Eventually, of course, the spread of “Christianity” throughout Europe helped to provide some stability to much of the continent. Such stability allowed for increasing amounts of prosperity; which naturally led to increasing amounts of trade. The growth of trade – particularly with civilized cultures from “foreign” continents – had a great deal to do with the reintroduction of “Capitalism” to Europe.

(Of course I believe “money” happens to be the perfect “tool” to enable the Human Race to “FAIRLY” distribute and share the various resources of the land; rather than continually fight to control the land’s resources, that is – as “WE’VE” done since we first evolved as hunter/gatherers…)

In the “Big Picture” sense, therefore, it appears as though “Jesus” was also bound to speak to his followers in such a way that made it possible for any “common” Christian to not only relate with being led by Religious Authorities during an “Agricultural Age” where “money” had practically no value to him or her at all; but also in such a way that, in time, the “common Christian” could also relate to such “things” as Christian Kingdoms, Capitalistic Economies, Government Taxation and even “Christian” Soldiers and Armies…

“AND Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. (Luke 19:1) And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. (Luke 13: 22)

“And, behold, there was a man named Zac-chae-us, which was chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zac-chae-us, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

“And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner. (Luke 19: 2-7)

“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I WILL HAVE MERCY, AND NOT SACRIFICE: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matt. 9: 11-13)

“And Zac-chae-us stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

“And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.

[So here’s just a couple of “things” I see happening here: On the one hand, by arranging to be a guest at this rich man’s house, Jesus appears to suggest he really has nothing against “Capitalism” being used as a means to share the world’s resources (insofar as such “business” is conducted honorably and fairly that is). I also suppose, too, that there may even be some subtle lesson in there about forgiveness of past sins and acceptance into Jesus’ flock…]

“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. (Luke 19: 8-11) And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall these things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12: 16-20)

[I’m pretty sure that any relatively-wise, rich “Christian” man could find something like the following meaning from the above parable: In fact, the so-called “kingdom of God” is almost always available – here and now on Earth – at least for any “rich” man to enjoy. What’s more, it would also be wise of any rich man to take the appropriate steps to ensure that, upon his inevitable death, all of his accumulated wealth will be passed down to whomsoever he chooses.]

“While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

“And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

“But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

“And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. (Matt 9: 2-8, 18-24)

“And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and they which see might be made blind. (John 9: 39)

“But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.” (Matt 9: 25)

[God knows, of course, just how long “women” have been denied equality throughout the entirety of our past history. So I suppose – given how subjective these parables are – that it is conceivable for someone to “see” how the above parable could even be symbolizing the inevitability of “Liberty and Justice for All,” including women!…]

“And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they [– in their relative ignorance of such “things” as to how to justly administer a Capitalistic Democracy, for example –] were able to hear it.” (Mark 4: 33)

“And when they were come to Ca-per-nae-um, they that received tribute money [i.e. “taxes”] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

“He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their children, or of strangers?

“Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.” (Matt. 17: 24-27)

[Ok, so the “common” Christian may have a lot of trouble finding the “good” in a “Capitalist” system of economy – especially when it clearly seems to favor a certain amount of “Haves” at the expense of the majority of “Have-Nots.” Nonetheless, the above parable does seem to suggest that “Jesus” approved of “taxation” as a means of financing a government in control of any given area. “Jesus” also appears to suggest that – when it comes time for the Christians, themselves, to levy taxes – the Christians should try to finance their governments as much as possible by “taxing” visitors and “strangers” to the local area; thereby allowing for the local “Christian” population to be “taxed” as little as possible for the various NECESSITIES of government (cops, courts, fire control, emergency health care, etc…).]

“And when Jesus was entered into Ca-per-na-um, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

“And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me; and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth: and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

“When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self-same hour.” (Matt. 8: 5-13)

[In the above parable, I see Jesus touching on the subject of war. In particular, I see how Jesus could even be encouraging the Christians to maintain “Armies” of “Christian” soldiers dedicated to preserving the Christian way of life….Then again, I also see how this same parable shows “Jesus” speaking of the then-inevitable time(s) when a foreign power WOULD come in and conquer Israel; driving out as many Jews as possible in the process…]

“Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. (Matt 12: 14)

“But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Ju-dae-a, And from Jerusalem, and from Id-u-mae-a, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Si-don, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. (Mark 3: 7-8)

“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (John 6: 15)

“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold, the world is gone after him. (John 12:19)

“And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Be-el-ze-bub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. (Mark 3: 22) Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: (John 12: 42)

“There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. (John 10: 19)

“And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. (Luke 20: 20)

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned; but what sayest thou?

[Here’s what Moses wrote – from Leviticus 20:10; “And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”]

“This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. [See? According to legend, the Jewish elders of Jesus’ time – the scribes and Pharisees – did NOT trust Jesus to be their Savior. On the contrary, at least in this alleged occurrence, they wanted him busted for preaching false doctrine…] But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. (John 8: 3-6)

“Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

[I can imagine Jesus’ sadness: “Weeping” over the apparent fact that – when it comes to a person’s own “private” life – people just can’t seem to mind their own God-damn business! It really could drive a strong man to tears at times. I mean, just think of how peaceful our neighborhoods could be if only people minded their own God Damn business…]

“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

“And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

“She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more. (John 8:7-11)

“The woman saith unto him, I know that Mes-si-as cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

“Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:25-26) [Powerful stuff, by the way: Jesus admits to being the “Mes-si-as,” the “Christians” Lord and Saviour] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) I and my father are one.” (John 10:30)

[And here – in the above verse – we see another example of the “self-denial” which the Bible ultimately prescribes: In this instance, we see the implication that EVERY human being is naturally inferior to God’s only begotten Son, Jesus…]

In “The Big Picture,” meanwhile, the strong and powerful individuals have always “dominated” the masses of “common” people; and those same strong and powerful individuals have also coincidently been some of the wealthiest individuals within the Capitalistic economies of any of the “Christian” governments we’ve had.

Of course, if the strong and powerful “Christians” really practiced what “Jesus” [allegedly] preached about justice and kindness, then “we” would already be experiencing the type of “social peace” which would consequently accompany such “Christian justice…”

But it seems the strong and powerful individuals – no matter what creed, nationality or color – have always at least been tempted to abuse their power…

It seems that WE – the slowly-maturing Human Race – were practically bound to take quite some time for to root out the entire variety of corruption and abuses of power which have long plagued US.

So in this sense of slowly rooting out corruption and injustice, it would seem that – in addition to encouraging the laboring masses to be submissive to their “lawful” leaders (helping to perpetuate a certain stability to the locally-dominant “Christian” government…) – there are also several cases wherein the Bible also criticizes corruption and abuses of power (allowing the “Collective Strength” of the like-minded “Christian” masses to then collectively fight obvious abuses of power over time…).

And who better than the Legendary Lord Jesus to boldly speak out against such corruption and abuse?

“WHEN he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. (Matt 8: 1) Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by E-sa-ias the prophet, saying, BEHOLD MY SERVANT, WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN; MY BELOVED, IN WHOM MY SOUL IS WELL PLEASED: I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM, AND HE SHALL SHEW JUDGMENT TO THE GENTILES. HE SHALL NOT STRIVE, NOR CRY; NEITHER SHALL ANY MAN HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS. A BRUISED REED SHALL HE NOT BREAK, AND SMOKING FLAX SHALL HE NOT QUENCH, TILL HE SEND FORTH JUDGMENT UNTO VICTORY. AND IN HIS NAME SHALL THE GENTILES TRUST. (Matt. 12: 17-21)

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as [honest as] little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. (Matt 18: 2-3)

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I might have eternal life?

“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.

“He said unto him, Which? Jesus said, THOU SHALT DO NO MURDER, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER: and, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF.

“The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (Matt 19: 16-20)

“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

“And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

[Hmmm…. Maybe it does seem oh-so-easy for someone with wealth and authority to succumb to the temptation to exploit others. But then, wouldn’t that also consciously prevent that same individual from realizing that certain “peace of mind” which only comes from continuously following a certain “straight and narrow path” – particularly the path which thereby enables one to actually reside in the so-called “Kingdom of God?”]

“And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Mark 10: 21-25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (Luke 9: 25)

“And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. (Mark 8: 32-33)

[That’s another of the Bible’s clever, subtly-expressed ironies, by the way: Here we see the legendary Jesus comparing the very same guy who he would later name to serve as the very first leader of the Christian “church,” to being some greedy, Satanic figure…]

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

[THIS IS the “self-denial” which the Bible preaches: All Bible-believers – as long as they continue to believe that they are somehow “inferior” to their “Lord God” — ultimately end up “DENYING” their own individual equality with God. It really is that simple.]

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospels, the same shall save it. (Mark 8: 34-35) And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (Matt 11: 6)

[Ironically, it seems that by simply proclaiming it to be some kind of “virtue” to live lives of “self-denial” – particularly for Christ’s sake – we also see “Jesus” providing a rather clever explanation of/ cover for the various sufferings and burdens experienced within the common laborers’ day-to-day lives.]

“But woe unto you that are rich: for you have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you: for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6: 24-26)

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophecied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matt 7: 22-23) For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matt 12: 50)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matt 6: 24)

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: (Luke 18: 9) Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know ye not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last. (Luke 13: 24-30)

[Here we see another meaning to the New Testament’s “First will be last, last will be first” parable: Perhaps the greatest “virtue” associated with living lives of “self-denial,” is really no less than the alleged fact that the poor and humble will be among the “first” to enter the kingdom of God, while the rich will be “last”…]

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matt. 7: 12-14)

[Personally, I believe “individual enlightenment” only comes along with the experience gained, over time, while individually practicing a rather “strict” sense of emotional/ sexual discipline…]

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

“Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. (Matt 5: 21-22, 38-40, 25-26)

“Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (Luke 6: 28) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11: 23-26)

“The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. (Luke 6: 40) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all, neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if you salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” (Matt 5: 48, 27-28, 33-37, 42, 45-47)

“THE same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him… (Matt 13: 1-2) THE Pharisees also with the Sad-du-cees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

“He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring.

“O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the sign of the times?” (Matt 16: 1-3)

Here I see Jesus subtly criticizing his fellow Bible-believers with particular respect to “THE BIG PICTURE”: Apparently, the Bible-believing “Jews” already understood just enough of some relatively basic scientific principles, that at least they managed to accurately forecast the weather to some degree; and yet they still failed to take full advantage of Humanity’s unique, even divine niche atop the Earth’s “food chain.”

In other words: All of “US” could easily realize “World Peace” — if only “we” stopped fighting ourselves! After all, “WE” no longer need to fight such deadly creatures as lions, tigers and bears, etc…, just to survive, comfortably, on the face of “OUR” Earth…

Still, though – and with particular respect to “THE BIG PICTURE” (specifically, in this instance, the continuously-adapting/ evolving Human Race’s “moral” pursuit of liberty and justice for all) – let us return to the times in which we see the legendary Jesus criticizing his fellow Bible-believers as though they were all a bunch of “hypocrites”…

To start with, of course, there will always remain the fundamental need to bring order to the land. Typically, of course, the STRONG and POWERFUL individuals have always enforced the rule of law to their own benefit. And then along came the Bible, and “everything” got turned upside-down.

The Bible practically united and empowered the LOCAL masses of “common laborers.” The collective will of the like-minded masses of the Bible-believing masses became considerably greater than any one person’s individual will – no matter how STRONG and POWERFUL any single individual may have otherwise been!

Even so, of course, the Bible also recognizes the fact that the LOCAL masses of “common laborers” were like children in need of a father’s guidance…

As for guidance, there is no doubt that Moses’ Ten Commandments sure do emphasize, among other things, such relatively-universal “family values” as individual accountability and responsibility, self-reliance and the value of monogamy. What’s more, the Bible also makes it seem – at least during the alleged time of Jesus – that the Jewish “culture” was actually thriving within their relatively-little part of the world.

(In fact, the very existence of the modern day “Jewish” nation of Israel, in the Middle East, continues to prove that the Jewish Culture can thrive in their relatively-little part of the world.)

So since it appears to have worked so well with the Jews, why not simply impose the Biblical lifestyle upon “distant” lands then?

During Jesus’ alleged lifetime, though, the STRONG and POWERFUL were still in the long process of determining which globally-powerful “Culture,” if any, would ultimately dominate the whole world…

Apparently, Moses realized it would be impossible for the “Jews” to rule the whole world – imposing their Jewish Culture and values upon the whole of the rest of the civilized world. Moses seemed to recognize the fact that the rest of the world’s largely-illiterate masses needed some “Saviors” of their own to believe in for a time.

(It would seem that LOCAL governance – ensuring liberty and justice for all – appears to be the ONLY POSSIBLE solution…)

To that end, then, it seems the legendary Jesus (born to a “Jew” – and basically preaching the need to adopt practically the very same “self-denying” lifestyle originally prescribed by Moses’ Ten Commandments) has served the practical effect of uniting and organizing the relatively-ignorant laboring masses of Europe, the Christians.

In short: Moses practically gave the LOCALLY-POWERFUL Jewish masses control over their little part of the world in the Mideast; the LOCALLY-POWERFUL masses of Europe were given Jesus and Christianity…

“And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign: And there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jo-nas the prophet,

[Jo-nas, according to Biblical legend, was once stuck inside the belly of a whale – only to survive the whole alleged ordeal, and thus return to preach repentance of carnal sins to his fellow Jews. Symbolically, therefore, it could seem like Jesus is comparing “the Bible-believers” to someone who is blind to all that’s going on in the world outside of him, in need of some serious “soul-searching”…]

For as Jo-nas was a sign unto the Nin-e-vites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

[Incidentally: This happens to be another instance in which – although we see the legendary Jesus criticizing his fellow “Jews” – the “Christians” have been/ now are practically “guilty” of committing the very same kind of “sins” that Jesus once allegedly accused his fellow Jews of committing. In the above parable, for example, instead of “the Jews” realizing that the relative degree of sophistication already present in their civil government practically enabled all of them to live in peace with one another – if only the Jews acted justly to one another; that “evil generation” of Jews instead demanded to see “signs” that heralded the arrival of some true “Messiah” ushering in some era of peace. Only now we see a similar case with the Christians (including many of Today’s Christians): Even while perpetually WAITING to personally witness some “signs” CLEARLY pointing to their Lord Jesus’ [alleged] 2nd Coming to Earth, today’s Christians also fail to REALIZE how truly sophisticated our own modern day Capitalistic Democracies really are. By law, in fact, “We” can now legally take advantage of our species’ uniquely-divine niche atop the Earth’s food chain – practically enforce laws promoting Justice and Common Sense for all citizens – and thereby ultimately enable all of us to live in peace with each other, right now!]

“The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nin-e-ve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jo-nas; and, behold, a greater than Jo-nas is here. (Luke 11: 29-32)

“And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. (Matt 22: 33) “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7: 16-18)

“It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. (John 8: 17-18)

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. (John 5: 30-31)

“The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy report is not true.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true:

[Again, please don’t get all caught up in the Bible’s apparent inconsistencies – it’s all just word games after all. It seems that while we live in denial of our individually-divine equality, we’ve needed some cleverly crafted word games to cover for our relative ignorance of self. In this instance, for example, I’m sure it’s “common” for a man to examine his conscience from time to time – perhaps even trying to discover something that would justify a sense of “self-worth;” but then just see that same “common man” try and express his sense of self-worth – particularly to some authority figure who actually declares that any such “bearing witness of self” is untrue by the law – and you’re likely to end up with a frustrated and oppressed “common man” (with little sense of self-worth). Again, though, the Bible’s cleverly-crafted word games are for just such times when the laws of the land unjustly judge the “worth” of the “common man”…]

For I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh, I judge no man. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

“Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

“Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him:

[As I “see” things, of course, nobody knows of this “third-person-singular” type of “God” – simply because “He” doesn’t exist. In my opinion, We – “first-person-plural”—are God…]

but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (John8: 13-15, 50-56, 28-29)

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16: 15) For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side. And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knowest not the time of thy visitation. (Luke 19: 43-44)

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there: for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17: 20-21)

[Another “truth” sprinkled into the Bible…]

“But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. (John 10: 26) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (Luke 16: 26)

“Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6: 47-49)

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6: 35, 44) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost [– which I see as simply symbolizing our individual “souls/ consciences –] was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7: 38-39)

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

“The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? (John 6: 53, 52)

“Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. (John 8: 25-26)

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6: 32, 40)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10: 27-29)

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8: 31-32)

“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE HATH APPOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR; HE HATH SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PREACH DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERING OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET AT LIBERTY THEM THAT ARE BRUISED, TO PREACH THE ACCEPTABLE YEAR OF THE LORD. (Luke 4: 18-19)

“While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Luke 9: 34-35)

“And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. (Mark 11: 18) Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out… through the midst of them, and so passed by.” (John 8: 59)

“And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Ca-per-na-um. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

“But he said unto them, It is I, be not afraid.

“Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately [– as if by miracle –] the ship was at the land whither they went.” (John 6: 16-21)

VII

“Now Herod the te-trarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; And of some, that E-li-as had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him. (Luke 9: 7-9)

“And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all… (Luke 9:10) Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called E-phra-im, and there continued with his disciples.” (John 11: 54)

So after really stirring up the anger of the LOCAL Jewish authorities, the Legend of Jesus then finds him going into exile with his disciples for a time.

I imagine this would have been an excellent time to pass on some wisdom specifically intended for the administrators of his Christian “church”…

“And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. (John 6: 3) And Jesus said…, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. (Luke 9: 58, 22)

[Here it seems Jesus is preparing his disciples for his legendary death – ensuring that they are committed to completing “his” vision of peace and prosperity…]

“Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. (Mark 10: 28) And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. (Luke 7: 40)

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? (Luke 12: 42)

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. [I’m sure the point, here, is for the “Christian” administrators to put “Jesus” ahead of all other relationships they may have…] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

[More “self-denial” – just do whatever your Christian elders tell you to do kind of logic…]

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14: 26-30, 33)

“Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? (John 6: 60)

“And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospels, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Mark 10: 29-30)

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory [that is, when “Christianity” has become the POWER of the land], ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

“But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. (Matt 19: 28, 11)

“And James and John, the sons of Zeb-e-dee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

“And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

“They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

“But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

“And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. But many that are first shall be last, and the last first.

“And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (Mark 10: 35-40, 31, 41-44)

“And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: (Luke 20: 34-35) For there are some eunochs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunochs, which were made eunochs of men: and there be eunochs, which have made themselves eunochs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. (Matt 19: 12)

“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 14: 11) For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10: 45)

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” (Matt 16: 21)

VIII

As I understand the Biblical legend of Jesus Christ, I can easily imagine that – while exiled with his disciples – Jesus did more than simply preach about the virtues associated with [at least giving the appearance of] taking on the “clerical” vows of humility, poverty and celibacy.

In fact, I imagine there couldn’t have been any better time in Jesus’ life – than when he was [allegedly] in exile – for Jesus to have really “covered” the deepest depths of Christianity with his inner-most circle of disciples…

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” (Matt. 12: 25)

Please remember, to start with, that “Jesus” spoke in parables because of the undeniable REALITY of the time: “The masses” did NOT know how to administer peaceful and just communities; the laborers, on the whole, did not receive any “formal” education and were largely illiterate; so it was relatively easy for the strong rulers to exploit the relative ignorance of the masses. Even so, “History” has taught us that there was bound to be “a price” paid for any such corruption…

In any event, I see Jesus using this “divided kingdom” sermon to specifically speak about “THE BIG PICTURE;” the Human Race’s ongoing EVOLUTION towards ultimately realizing our World at Peace in particular.

Once again, though, I see Jesus speaking in the particular sense as though the whole of the Human Race – born knowing only comfort and discomfort, and thus compelled to learn as much as we possibly can about comfort and convenience while we continue to mature (both as individuals, and as a species at the top of the Earth’s food chain) – were just like children in need of a father’s guidance.

But just given the absolutely ironic “fatherly guidance” provided by this particular “divided kingdom” parable, I think it might be best if I first provided the parable in its entirety; then I will break it all down and discuss its layers a chunk at a time…

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

“And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

“And if I by Be-el-ze-bub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.

“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matt. 12: 25-30, 33-34, 36-37)

Now to break all that down into chunks….

“And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:” (Matt 12:25)

I see this “divided kingdom (etc.)” parable reflecting the fact that – on a certain “fundamental” layer – the Earth[ly “Kingdom of God”] is presently “divided” up into at least two distinctly different “types” of people: The wealthy and/ or ruling class (the so-called “haves”), and then the rest of the masses (who “have not” nearly as much wealth and/ or influence as those in power).

At the same time, I can also see how this same “divided kingdom” parable also refers to the relatively-unnecessary “division” of any given land which – on the one hand – allows itself to be under the authority of a [potentially-corruptible] “secular” system of authority (with LAWS “stating” liberty, equality and justice for any individual “common man”); even while practically supporting any of the [potentially-corruptible] “sectarian” systems of authority (with their “stated” religious interest in the good of the “common man”) at the very same time…

“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” (Matt. 12: 33)

In this verse, I believe “Jesus” is using a “tree” to symbolize a system of government…

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matt.12: 30)

That is to say, of course, that there is a certain strength in numbers. And in our species’ past history, there was a timely need to organize and unite more of the world’s relatively-ignorant laboring masses behind a somewhat “like-minded” sense of self and purpose, with a seemingly common set of beliefs and values.

The land NEEDED a certain amount of “political stability” in order for the Human Race to have “progressed” and matured in any significant manner…

Ironically, though, any given “common” individual who DID NOT willingly choose to accept “Jesus” as his or her own alleged “Lord and Savior” – particularly while living in any given neighborhood/ city/ nation that was dominated by the “majority” of the neighboring “Christians” – would NOT have been “trusted!”

In other words: Conform to Christianity or else! The united and organized masses of locally-dominant Christians – simply seeking to perpetuate a stable, ”undivided” system of “sectarian/ religious” authority – have been encouraged (by none other than their “Lord Jesus”) to either ostracize, or even kill, any and all “non-like-minded” people attempting to survive amongst their own relatively-prejudiced and discriminating kind…

“And if I by Be-el-ze-bub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.” (Matt. 12:27)

In other words: The Bible’s cleverly-crafted and exceedingly-ironic word games (“if I by Be-el-ze-bub cast out devils”) HAVE been used to effectively organize and unite much of the world’s masses of relatively-ignorant “parents.”

Of course it was ONLY NATURAL for those same Bible-believing “parents” to have wanted “only the best” for their own individually-respective children…. So, over time – generation by generation – the united and like-minded Bible-believing parents have exercised their collective will to have ever-so-gradually “built up” the amount of justice available for their own Christian children…

So, in the end – simply because the Bible-believing “parents” have always NATURALLY tried to increase upon the relative amount of Justice available to their own individually-respective children – “you” ultimately get what we have here, nowadays, in the “secular” United States of America: A “secular” system with the potential to grant liberty and justice to all!

“Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.” (Matt. 12: 29)

OK. Within the above verse, we “see” Jesus speaking of that certain “Survival of the Fittest”-type of REALITY relative to our species’ ongoing evolutionary history. In particular, Jesus is speaking of that aspect of our evolutionary history which has enabled “THE STRONGEST” human beings (whether physically strong or mentally strong) to rise to positions of power and authority…

In this instance, then, Jesus is referring to that certain aspect of Biblical authority which, on the whole, practically compels the masses of Bible-believing laborers to be absolutely obedient to their (often corrupted) Bible-believing authority figures.

(All of which “obedience” thereby reduces the chances for there to be any organized rebellion/ revolution from those same masses of Bible-believing laborers; thereby giving the local area the political “stability” needed for the growth of that same local area…)

Except that such “obedience” from the masses of common laborers has also carried “a cost” for the “strong” and powerful Bible-believing rulers (and “elders”) too. What many of the “strong” Bible-believing rulers have seemingly failed to perceive is that – simply by accepting Judaism/ Christianity (so long as it has kept the masses obedient to their authority, of course) – the “strong” Bible-believing rulers have also consequently “BOUND” themselves to be subjected to the Bible’s authority as well.

In short: Thanks to the collective “STRENGTH” (political leverage, in other words) being exercised by the like-minded Bible-believing laborers, the fortunate few, “strong,” powerful and/ or wealthy Bible-believers have practically “Bound” themselves in such a way as to actually be held somewhat accountable to the law of the land, themselves; essentially prevented from acting as though they were above the law…

“And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?” (Matt 12: 26)

OK. So in a certain sense, I know that most Bible-believers believe this so-called “Satan” figure is, supposedly, an immortal, individual manifestation of the most evil figure imaginable.

But with that said, I also know that others, including myself, understand that this legendary “Satan” could simply be symbolic of any absolutely evil, individual human being.

Beyond all that, though – and particularly in the sense of this “divided kingdom (/ etc.)” parable – I believe this “Satan casting out Satan” is a direct reference to the way in which the Bible ironically fights the “fire of relatively-ignorant Humanity,” with the “fire of intentionally-misleading and deceitful word games/ parables” …

If one stops to think about it, for instance, shouldn’t the “primary” purpose of any [allegedly] justly-administered system of authority – whether it be “secular” or “sectarian” – simply be to ensure the enforcement of certain laws meant to promote generally “righteous” human behavior (wherein such “righteous” conduct promotes peaceful relations within the local masses)?

After the practical disintegration of the Ancient Roman Empire, in any case, “Christianity” soon came to fill the “vacuum(s) of power” throughout much of Europe, becoming the dominant “system of Authority” over the land.

And of course the primary purpose/ goal of any Christian system of Authority – no matter the “sectarian” name it’s known by (i.e. Roman Catholic; Greek Orthodox; Protestant; Methodist; Mormon; etc…) – is to promote peace and justice among the masses. (Right?)

But we now know that “Christians” – when given the Authority to administer justice – have often FAILED to provide liberty and justice for all. THE FACTS pertaining to the history I’ve been taught to understand – including such “facts” as the Christian Crusades, the Christian Inquisition, the enslavement of dark-skinned human beings by light-skinned “Christians,” even the modern-day imprisonment of “drug users” by morally-outraged “Christians” (to name just a few of the more notable examples) – provide me with more than enough “proof” to indicate that “something” is missing from any “Sectarian system of Authority.”

When those who are supposed to be responsible for administering “justice” fail to administer justice, who then holds them responsible?

In any event, and thanks largely to the “fatherly guidance” provided to our “Christian” ancestors, the Humans of the Western Civilized World have matured over the years – very much like the case as when a child eventually grows into a man. For example: As more and more “Christians” began discovering the certain limitations associated with their “sectarian” form(s) of government – and/ or their Christian-ruled Empire and kingdoms – more and more “Secular systems of Authority” were [re]introduced, over time, to the Western Civilized world.

In fact, the “Secular system of Authority” controlling the land that I now live on actually goes so far as to guarantee “That all men are created equal….That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, among these life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

In other words: Long before there was ever such a thing as “The United States of America,” the Bible was “fighting the fire of ignorance” with the “fire of ignorance.” But now that there is such a “secular,” potentially-justly-administered United States of America, all “sectarian” ideological systems attempting to govern human behavior have now become practically obsolete here in America!

“Satan” has served to cast out “Satan.” Satan’s “kingdom” – “sectarian-influenced” governments of Man – cannot stand in comparison to any potentially-justly-administered Capitalistic Democracies.

“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” (Matt.12: 28)

In other words: Talk’s cheap! Haven’t the previous generations of “supposedly-faithful Christians” already made it possible for any “common” American living nowadays to enjoy experiencing a REAL, practical sense of Justice (and all that by God, of course…)?

And that, basically, is “The end result” of the Bible’s influence in our modern-day world: That is, helping to create a potentially-justly-administered system of Human government (exactly like the one we have here in the U.S.A.) Within our United States of America’s secular system of government, for example, we not only elect our rulers based in large part on the words they use while campaigning; but when it comes right down to it, one is judged in a court of law according to the relative truth of “the words” used during the course of any given case being tried…

“This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they [—in the unavoidable degree of their relative ignorance –] understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.” (John 10: 6)

Of course, so many of the legendary Jesus’ parables have NOT been fully understood…

“He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it. And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” (Luke 13: 6-9)

This parable about a “fig tree”, I believe, is actually meant to symbolize the growth, over time, of ultimately-justly-administered Capitalistic Democracies. That is to say, Moses – many years earlier –had already planted the fig tree’s seed. But Moses’ “fig tree” needed the fertilizing “dung” of Christianity – in and for its own due season – before that fig tree could gradually evolve to the point where it could consistently begin to produce its righteous “fruits”…

All the while, though, it seems it’s also been somewhat natural for the residents of any relatively-ignorant culture to have believed in themselves – and their individually-respective cultural way of life – as somehow being “superior” to all others…

“And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

“No man also having drunk old wine straightaway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better. (Luke 5: 36-39)

“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the [Jewish] scribes and Pharisees [– who, of course, consider themselves to be among the Lord’s Chosen People], ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:20)

I believe the above-noted parable is symbolic of the following fact of my Reality: It’s relatively-impossible to maintain an effective degree of control – much less a sense of practical justice – over any given area of land which also happens to be located some considerable distance away from the seat of one’s centralized power and authority (at least for any extended period of time, anyway).

In other words: I believe that in order for us to inevitably come to realize World Peace, the whole of the civilized world must yet come to be “divided” up into more-effectively-manageable, locally-administered, justly-governed Capitalistic Democracies.

Moses, of course, had already begun this process of “dividing the land up” (when he used the Old Testament to practically convince his fellow Jews that they were the rightful rulers of the Middle Eastern land of Israel). So that meant that Emperor Constatine – when he put together the New Testament – similarly realized that he was practically “bound” to help further “divide” up the rest of the world into more manageable, locally-administered governments (particularly through the means of presenting the legendary “Jesus Christ” as an absolutely divine preacher).

In other words: Since Moses had already managed to convince the Jews of the fact that they were the rightful rulers of their own “Promised Land” of Israel – particularly as their Lord’s “Chosen People” – very few Jews would’ve ever therefore been likely to convert to Christianity. And so the Jews have remained united by their “old” wine, so to speak. Which has, of course, left the Christian masses to be somewhat united by the “new” wine of Christianity…

“Jesus” – within this parable in discussion – has seemingly been used to encourage the relatively-ignorant Christian masses to believe in their own allegedly “superior righteousness”; and not just “superior” in comparison to the Jews, but also “superior” to practically every other culture as well.

(Realistically, of course – and particularly given the tremendous amount of WARFARE the Christians were/ are seemingly “bound” to be involved with – it does seem as though such a strong-willed, “superior” mindset was just what the relatively-ignorant Christian masses have needed in the past…)

Given the vast distances covering Europe, however – along with the fact that it’s relatively impossible to effectively govern some far distant territory – I’m still sure that Emperor Constatine also realized/ foresaw that Christianity would become even further divided, still, as “it” spread itself out over the so-called Western Civilized world.

In fact “Christianity” – to begin with – was originally “divided” in two. The westernmost masses of Christian laborers were originally organized and effectively-managed by the Roman Catholic Church’s authority over the westernmost portion of the then-still-standing Ancient Roman Empire; while the easternmost citizen-laborers were effectively placed under the “religious” authority of the Greek Orthodox Church.

In any event, here’s yet another somewhat “ironic” parable which, I believe, the “common Christian” may never fully understand:

“Suppose ye that I [the legendary Jesus] am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from… [Christianity’s effect on the world,] there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father. The mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12: 51-53)

“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” (Matt. 19:30)

OK. So in this particular “Divided Houses” parable, I do see how there could be several different meanings to this particular parable…. In this instance, however, I’m going to briefly comment on Christianity’s ability to practically “force” one to live a relatively-ignorant lifestyle of “self-denial”:

To start with, it’s important to recall that the “common man” of Biblical times was largely illiterate and knew little more than he could learn from his relatively oppressive lifestyle. The “common man” of the times didn’t know any “better” than how to live a lifestyle of “self-denial”…

One of the more considerable effects of Christianity, in any event, is how “it” respects the sanctity of marriage. By placing such a high value on monogamous marriages, the common Christian can be assured that severe punishment will come to anyone – Strong Ruler or just some Strong bully – who chooses to violate the sanctity of one’s own religiously-approved marriage.

(In other words: No longer would the Christian masses “tolerate” such an egregious abuse of authority as, say, whenever any Strong Ruler simply decided to bed any “common” lady he wanted – whether or not that “common” lady was married, or even whether or not she “consented” to his advances to begin with!)

In addition to such “marital security,” meanwhile, Christianity has also provided the commonly-hard-working Christian parent with a certain amount of individual liberty and opportunities within his or her own home. As such, therefore, it would stand to reason that the typical Christian parent would naturally want to do all they could to improve upon the relative “quality of life” experienced by their own individually-respective children.

Over time, then – as “Christianity” bestowed the common Christian parent with such unprecedented liberties and opportunities – the common Christian parent undoubtedly tried to teach their own children to not only value, but also to similarly believe in the Biblical philosophy of self-denial…

But what has often REALLY happened – particularly within any individual Bible-believing household – is a case wherein one (or more) of the somewhat curious, self-confident and even boldly-willful adolescent children (of that same Bible-believing household) practically ended up becoming “frustrated” by the various demands expected of them by the Biblical philosophy of “self-denial”…

(For example: Imagine a case where it seemed like every time any such a boldly-willful, adolescent Christian kid wanted to exercise some individual free will of his or her own, he or she was instead practically ordered to continually do exactly as their Christian elders have always commanded them – as such constantly prevented the opportunity to exercise his or her own free will.)

Still, though, these same adolescent offspring of Bible-believing households eventually grow up and become young adults – albeit still living within the midst of a community that is largely dominated by their neighboring mass of Bible-believers…. They are then faced with the seemingly inevitable REALITY that – in order to be deemed “trustworthy and employable” (and thereby continually survive within a community that expects ALL of the local adults to be entirely self-reliant [and NOT otherwise become ostracized by their relatively-prejudiced, Bible-believing neighbors, in other words]…) – they have practically become “bound,” themselves, to accept the very same type of relatively-ignorant religious beliefs held by their Bible-believing parents. In fact, many of those who were once so rebellious to the Bible’s idea of “Family Values” during their youth – once they’ve become Christian “parents”(and thereby “see” the relatively-civilizing effects resulting from the Bible’s method of community organization), themselves – end up becoming some of the most zealous supporters of “Biblical Family Values” as Bible-believing adults…

In any case – by choice or by force – Christianity has been passed down from one generation of Christian parents to the next generation of Christian parents for centuries by now.

(DEEP down, of course, I’m sure the “common” Christian parent is really no different than the “common” parent belonging to any of the world’s other, equally-sophisticated cultures; that is to say it sure seems to be some kind of universally-shared family value for any parent to want only the best for his or her own children…)

But even with all that noted, it’s always important to bear in mind that – when it comes to the Bible – there are all sorts of ironies taking place. Take the “First and Last” verse which I chose to include at the end of the most-recently cited parable for instance:

It may, in fact, be true that the Bible’s doctrine of “self-denial” has practically served to make it impossible for the “common Bible-believer” to exist on this Earth within the so-called “First” state of Man (that is, as a bold, self-confident and willfully-disciplined adult). But even with that noted, the fact also remains that the “effects” of Christianity inevitably served to encourage the Christian masses to finally create systems of government with the potential to administer practical justice – all of which sincerely respect the principle of individual adult human equality.

Nowadays, at last, our “secular laws” practically guarantee that ALL of the land’s “common laborers” (as well as everyone else, too, of course) are equally entitled to live according to the standards which follow from our niche atop the Earthly Food Chain – as though we can now rightfully reclaim “The First State of Man” – living according to our own individually-respective, boldly-willful, aggressively-disciplined, self-confident and individually-divine Human natures!

“NOW the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. (Luke 22:1)

“Then… saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Ju-dae-a again.

“His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? (John 11: 7-8)

“But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matt 15: 24)

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” (John 6: 66)

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caes-a-re-a Phi-lip-pi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

“And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, E-li-as; and others, Jer-e-mi-as, or one of the prophets.

“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jo-na: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt 16: 13-19)

(And that’s how the legendary Peter became the first “Pope” of the Catholic church…)

“Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. Go ye up unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

“When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.” (John 7: 6, 8-10)

Here’s another fact of my reality: Those in positions of “power” know there’s a certain kind of “uncommon wisdom” which comes to those who are in power and/ or possess great wealth. It all basically relates to the historical principle of “MIGHT makes right.” It seems there’s a certain type of “wisdom” in the STRONG having the POWER to subjugate the masses, particularly in such a way that life may even be luxurious for those in power.

(Even so, the smarter people in power also know that – simply through the experience of having made good and smart decisions over the years – even a “common” man can obtain a similar degree of that very same kind of “uncommon wisdom”; even a “common man” can “see” how “MIGHT makes right,” for instance. Now if only there was a way to unite these “common” men, somehow, and get “them” to see how the “MIGHT” of their collective numbers practically gives them the power to “make right” the application of liberty and justice for all “common men and women”…)

Of course the Ancient Roman Civilization was quite sophisticated during Jesus’ alleged lifetime. Even the Jews were given a certain degree of self-governance at the alleged time. So I’m also sure that many of the wealthy and powerful Greeks, Romans and Jews of the time came to earn their individually-respective wealth and power through relatively honest means; and that they had a certain respect for the “Rule of Law” which governed them.

I like to think that – in a culture as sophisticated as the contemporary American culture I belong to – MOST of those with wealth and power are “good” people. But I’d also be a fool to NOT recognize just how many hypocrites we now have in power that – although claiming to be the best kind of Christian around – corrupt the laws to suit their own greedy, lustful purposes.

For the purposes of my story, in any case, the Bible alleges that Jesus’ had some kind of secret liaison with an “uncommonly wise” and seemingly “good” Jewish ruler, “Nicodemus.” So I’ll go ahead and play along with this [alleged] secret meeting to suggest why the philosophy/ theology of the Bible – which in many ways is so critical of the Ruling class’ corruption, greed and hypocrisy – would seem so appealing to those who, just like Nicodemus, are so fortunate as to find themselves as the wealthy, strong and powerful Bible-believing RULERS…

(Why, in other words, would any rich and/or powerful person ever willingly choose to at least pretend to believe in all of the Bible’s relative “foolishness”…)

“THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nic-o-de’-mus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night [a secret meeting with the blaspheming rebel, Jesus…], and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do those miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (John 3: 1-2)

“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, THAT MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD. (Luke 4: 4) I am that bread of life.

[Jesus claims to embody the living word of God, in other words; as though he were some kind of “Savior”…]

“This [the legend of Jesus] is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat man’-na, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. Your fathers did eat man’-na in the wilderness, and are dead.

“Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6: 48, 58, 50, 49, 54) For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. (Luke 20: 38)

[All symbolic, of course, of the promised reward of eternal peace – in the company of Jesus – to all the faithful…]

“As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. (John 6: 57, 55)

“And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

[Now Jesus is explaining how – in a global economy – it’s generally best to allow “the locals” to self-govern their own local economies…. Like the Jews in the Middle East, for instance: They certainly DO NOT want the Christians to administer their local economies! (No matter the fact that – while administering their respective, albeit similarly-Capitalistic economies – both the Jews and the Christians use practically the same Biblical “values” system …) But Europe – the former Roman Empire – would seem to be ideal for “the new wine” of Christianity…]

“No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. (Mark 2: 22, 21)

“And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? (Matt. 15: 16)

“Nic-o-de’-mus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? (John 3: 9-10)

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

“But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented: (Matt. 11: 15-17)

[Here it seems Jesus is addressing the PRIMARY cause to all of the world’s troubles: That is, if we REALLY do just want to live in peace with one another, then why can’t the overwhelming MAJORITY of relatively like-minded “common” people simply DEMAND peaceful and just living conditions? Here, though, the answer seems simple enough: Despite the presence of a functioning marketplace, the overwhelming MAJORITY of the “common” people practically have a “childish” understanding of such profound things as “Science,” “Capitalism” and “Justice.”]

[THE PRIMARY CAUSE, therefore, cannot be denied; but the Bible certainly has helped facilitate the “evolution” of the relatively-ignorant common masses over the years…]

“THIS PEOPLE [the “common” Bible-believing masses] DRAWETH NIGH UNTO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOURETH ME WITH THEIR LIPS; BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. (Matt. 15: 8) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of E-sa’-ias, which saith, BY HEARING YE SHALL HEAR, AND SHALL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND SEEING YE SHALL SEE [how the Bible-believing RULERS are administering their local economies], AND SHALL NOT PERCEIVE [that the Bible repeatedly warns them to beware of corrupted “wolves in sheep’s clothing” – those in power who tend to ruin it for everyone else]: (Matt. 13: 14) BUT IN VAIN THEY DO WORSHIP ME, [as though it’s the fashionable and popular thing that MUST be done by all], TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN [as though they were “THE WORDS OF GOD”]. (Matt. 15: 9)

“Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing [powerful Bible-believers in their midst] see not [the hypocrisy of many of those same, powerful Bible-believers]; and hearing [warnings of corrupted officials who “pretend” to be good] they hear not [that it is directed in particular at so many of their very own Bible-believing rulers], neither do they understand [just how “ironic” many of the teachings of the Bible are]. (Matt. 13: 13)

“I am come to send fire on the earth: and what will I, if it be already kindled? [The “fire,” of course, is the Biblically-prescribed lifestyle of “self-denial” – as earlier “kindled” by Moses’ Ten Commandments; all of which WAS necessary in order to effectively unite and organize the “common” masses of Jews and Christians…] But I have a baptism to be baptized with [the legendary Jesus’ own “baptism of fire” – his crucifixion and resurrection]; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” (Luke 12: 49-50)

“He [Jesus]said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

“And he answering said, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL THY MIND; AND THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. (Luke 10: 26-27)

“And he [Jesus] said, Unto you [a powerful Bible-believing ruler, in this specific case] it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; THAT SEEING [how everyone has to eat and work] THEY MIGHT NOT SEE [how to make our economy of food distribution out to be entirely fair (whatever “fair” is, of course)], AND HEARING [of such things as peace, justice and brotherly love] THEY MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND [how it’s ultimately up to the “common masses” to practically create such a “kingdom of God” here on Earth]. (Luke 8: 10)

“He said therefore, [giving Nicodemus a parable about the economy that any wise ruler could relate with:] A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

“And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

“Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

“And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

“And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layest not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knowest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

“And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (Luke 19: 12-24) And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 25: 30)

“(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

“For I say unto you, That every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. (Luke 19: 25-27)

[Given the Jewish ruler Nicodemus’ “uncommon wisdom,” I’m sure he could relate to the type of economy Jesus was speaking of – one practically dominated by a “kill or be killed” mentality; complete with such things as commonly found in any civilized economy of the time, such as “Lords and servants,” “haves and have nots” and even banks.]

“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matt. 19: 30) And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matt. 23: 12)

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Laz’-a-rus, which was laid at the gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Laz’-a-rus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Laz’-a-rus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Laz’-a-rus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (Luke 16: 19-25) So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matt. 20: 16)

“And when he [Nicodemus] heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as [with the honest innocence of] a little child shall in no wise enter therein. (Luke 18: 23-25, 17)

“Thou knowest the commandments, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT KILL, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Defraud not, HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER.

“And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. (Mark 10: 19-20)

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

“Nic-o-de’-mus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3: 3-5)

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Matt. 10: 34) For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. (Luke 21: 22) [Including the Christians similar “baptism” into a life of “self-denial”…] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (John 12: 25)

“It is written in the prophets, AND THEY SHALL BE ALL TAUGHT OF GOD. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, [now] cometh unto me [– as Christians]. (John 6:45)

“And if I by Be-el-ze-bub [the ironic parables of the New Testament that is] cast out devils [– bring a sense of peace and order to the common masses of Europe…], by whom do your sons [– practicing a similar “lifestyle” as prescribed by Moses’ 10 Commandments, by the way –] cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. (Luke 11: 19)

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3: 7) [For all this “born again” business is really nothing more than cleverly using the Bible’s words as a means of uniting more and more of the world’s masses of relatively-ignorant – albeit still potentially rebellious – common laborers, into perpetually obedient and stable governments of the people. Remarkably similar, in fact, to how the Jews use the words of the Bible to perpetuate their own relatively stable and obedient “theocracy.”] All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. (John 6: 37-38)

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

[Now this particular parable is especially subtle: An uncommonly wise person may realize it’s actually referring to any particular government organized by Christians, themselves…]

“Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

“But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

[So many layers… but a couple worth noting, here, in particular: (1) Any wealthy, wise and/or powerful Christian could surely relate with the need to have strict laws prohibiting murder and rebellion. (2) An uncommonly wise person, on the other hand, may also “see” how it could also be referring to the evolution of human government over time. Such as how the “kingdom of heaven” – which was once available to the formerly-powerful rulers of the Ancient Roman Empire – was subsequently passed on to the organized “Christian” masses of Europe…]

“Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

“So the servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

“Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt 22: 2-13)

[Here an uncommonly wise person may understand that there are always going to be “good and bad” people in any government of the people. But this parable is really more about “how” to identify (supposedly) trustworthy people in any particular government of the people. Moses, for instance, gave the Jewish masses “circumcision” as a practical method of determining who among their masses was a fellow, trustworthy Jew. The “civilized” masses of Europe, on the other hand, have long had Jesus – their belief in him and in his teachings.]

[Incidentally, the “MARK” that the civilized masses of Europe have long used – as their practical method of determining who among them was a fellow, trustworthy Christian – has simply been one’s physical appearance, particularly one’s skin tone and “fashion” sense. A “civilized Christian,” in other words, has always done whatever he or she could to NOT appear as some wild and uncivilized “Barbarian.” It used to be, for example, that a trustworthy Christian was always “white.” But the evolving times have forced Christianity to become more tolerant of all skin tones. All the while, though, the “civilized” Christians have always conformed to the locally-accepted “Dress code” seen favored/ adopted by the masses of nearby Christians. And the more successful Christians have always been on the leading edge of the “fashion” trends favored by their surrounding Christian masses.]

[But it IS conform or be cast out. If one does NOT conform to the Christians’ “Dress Code,” one risks being ostracized, imprisoned and/or killed while living anywhere close to a government dominated by any particular local mass of Christians...]

[And another “thing”: An uncommonly wise person may have even picked up on the reference to the “kill them with kindness” style of governing the masses; such as, for instance, when the ruling King asked his “Friend” why he wasn’t properly attired – shortly before he ordered him arrested, bound and cast into outer darkness…]

“Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision [as a means of unifying the Jewish masses]; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers; [and the perpetuity of “the fathers” way of life]) and ye on the Sabbath day circumcise a man. (John 7: 22) I am the living bread which come down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh; which I will give for the life of the world. (John 6: 51)

“Verily , verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (John 5: 25)

“And have ye not read this scripture; THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED IS BECOME THE HEAD OF THE CORNER: THIS WAS THE LORD’S DOING, AND IT IS MARVELLOUS IN OUR EYES? (Mark 12: 10-11) And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, THE LORD SAID UNTO MY LORD, SIT THOU ON MY RIGHT HAND, TILL I MAKE THINE ENEMIES THY FOOTSTOOL. (Luke 20: 42-43)

“The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. (Luke 16: 16)

“And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (Mark 3: 24)

[In other words: Once the Christian masses become perpetually united by the words of the Bible, then they will be able to dominate the economies of all the lands which they control…]

[Except there’s a certain fact of my reality which yet remains: It’s practically impossible for the Christians to dominate the whole Earth. Meaning that our religiously-divided, “Global kingdom of God” simply cannot stand – until such a time, that is, as when ALL the many different economies of the world are finally able to peaceably trade our surplus goods to and from one another.]

[In short, War – since long before Biblical times – has been an inevitable fact of life.]

“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (Luke 11: 23) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matt. 10: 38) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (Luke 9: 25)

[Creating a truly just, GLOBAL economy – World Peace, in other words – has always been “a work in progress.” And as you’ll recall, Christianity originated during a time when the “common masses” were largely illiterate. So here Jesus seems to be telling Nicodemus that – if Europe were to have any hope of ever having an economy powered from “the bottom-up” (just like the Jewish economy, in other words, already well-proven to be most effective at perpetuating the Biblical lifestyle of “self-denial”) – then the REALITY of the times practically demanded absolute obedience to the Christian way of life. Surely Nicodemus knew how the real strength of the Jews was founded by their collective strength in numbers – their like-mindedness of purpose; and here Jesus is just trying to do the same for those of the Roman Empire…]

“Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: [Fuck Jesus, by the way…] But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: (Mark 3: 28-29)

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkest wither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee wither thou wouldest not. (John 21: 18)

“And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

[An uncommonly wise Bible-believer would likely “see” just what Jesus is practically saying here: There’s almost no limit to what a man with wealth can do in any economy governed by Bible-believers. But the “common” Bible-believers, on the other hand, are expected to live honest lives of self-denial – conforming themselves to the Christian/ Jewish way of doing things, respectively, or face the very real risk of being ostracized, even to the point of starving to death…]

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

[Even more for the uncommonly wise Bible-believers: Experience teaches us that it’s somewhat “common” for any “youngster” to desire to become “self-aware.” But in a WAR-filled world of chaos and injustice, it may be wise for “THE GOOD OF ALL” to outweigh the demands of the young to be “free.”]

[Eventually, of course, the “youngsters” will acquire the experience necessary to “see” the wisdom of a relatively-united local government. So youthful rebellion is tolerated – but only to a point. At some point – in such a war-filled world—that “spirit of independence and freedom” must be broken! The more mature “youngsters” MUST accept the Biblical lifestyle of self-denial practiced within their local areas.]

[But again, if you’re so fortunate as to be rich and powerful, almost anything is possible for you…]

“But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, [living according to his own free will, that is,] and is found [as a soul-beaten man]. And they began to be merry.

“Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh in the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

“And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

“And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luke 15: 11-32)

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? (Luke 12: 42) For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matt. 22: 14)

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

[Another subtle parable about the need to break the naturally-free spirits of the young in order to perpetuate the Biblical lifestyle of self-denial…]

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15: 4-7)

“But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. (Luke 17: 7-9)

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

“But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which know his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12: 43-48)

“FOR the kingdom of heaven [on Earth] is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard, And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

[Thereby implying, incidentally, Biblical consent and support for contracts and paid laborers within a Capitalistic economy…]

“And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

“Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

“And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

“So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

“And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

“And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

“But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? (Matt. 20: 1-15)

“The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. [This is just the stuff that the rich and powerful Bible-believers eat up…] (Matt. 10: 24) And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (Matt. 5: 29-30)

“For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. (Mark 9: 49) For [in any Capitalistic economy, such as those administered by the Jews and Christians over the years,] whosoever hath [power and/ or a surplus of goods], to him shall be given [privileges of power and/ or rewards for such surpluses – typically “money” exchanged for surplus goods], and he shall have more abundance: but [in any unjustly-administered Capitalistic economy, there ARE opportunities to exploit] whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (Matt. 13: 12)

[In other words: Life is hard – and it may not always be fair; establishing and maintaining “justice” has always been – and will always be – a work in progress…]

“But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. (Luke 11: 20)

[Being such a wise – seemingly honest and good – Bible-believing “ruler,” I imagine there’s no doubt Nicodemus already enjoyed the “kingdom of God” available to those with wealth and/ or power. Nonetheless, the easily-confusing words of the Bible have also served as a kind of “double-edged sword.” On the one hand, for instance, there’s an edge to this “sword” which encourages the rich and powerful to support the Biblical lifestyle of self-denial – as “confusing” as it all is – as “it” has PRACTICALLY served to keep the relatively-ignorant, potentially-rebellious MASSES somewhat obedient and submissive to the established rule of order (which allows the rich and powerful to enjoy all the privileges of their wealth and power, of course). But the other edge of this same sword has its own sharp irony: The rich and powerful – simply by enforcing the local masses to conform to the Biblically-prescribed lifestyle of self-denial – have also “BOUND” themselves (even unknowingly, as is likely the case) to PRACTICALLY appeasing the COLLECTIVE AND “LIKE-MINDED” STRENGTH OF THE MASSES at the same time!]

[The fact is, the Bible HAS served to unite the laboring masses into a PRACTICALLY strong “political” forces. They have used their collective strength to address wrongs committed by any individual – be he rich or poor.]

[Once the like-minded “Bible-believing” MASSES began exercising their collective willpower, of course, they also began, basically, fighting corruption and abuses of power – which, of course, has continually advanced the pursuit of liberty and justice for all…]

“And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. (Mark 3: 26)

[Mankind, of course, has come a long way since those long-ago times of the Bible. We’ve witnessed, for instance, the growth of Christianity over the years. We’ve also witnessed, often times, different “Christian” sects warring with one another (absolutely contrary to Jesus’ teachings, of course). We’ve even witnessed quite a few corrupted “Christian” priests and elders brought to justice over the years, too. Even so, we have also witnessed the times of America’s “Founding Fathers;” a time when – realizing how easy it is for either any “Kingdom”/“Empire” to become corrupted by their “royal” leaders, or likewise for any particularly “SECTARIAN” form of government to become corrupted by their “spiritual” leaders – America’s Founding Fathers created our (potentially justly-administered) “SECULAR” government of the people. (Particularly dedicated to the principle “that all men are born with certain unalienable rights, among these life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”) And because our SECULAR government does have the power to hold any individual accountable for his or her actions, we DO have the power to ensure liberty AND JUSTICE for all, equally!]

[In short: Thanks in large part to our “Christian” forefathers (long fighting each other over their different “Christian” beliefs), it really shouldn’t matter, nowadays, what religious “sect” one claims to belong to – because nowadays our “secular” laws do practically guarantee liberty and justice for all!]

[So in a sense, I imagine “Satan has risen up against Satan” (particularly with all the Satan-inspired “religious” warfare over the years) – to the ends of the practical obsoleteness, nowadays, of ALL such “SECTARIAN” forms of human governments. (Thank God!)]

[But back when the Bible practically served as the dominant “Authority” over the land, of course, there was very little to stop the rich and powerful “Bible-believers” from enjoying the lives they were so fortunate to lead…]

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

[And among the many different possible meanings to the above parable, I’m sure a “wise” Bible believer – such as Nicodemus – can “see” how it might also simply relate with the “heavenly” benefits of being a “landowner”…]

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matt. 13: 44-46)

[Yet another subtle nod to “Capitalism” – and the “value” which people (including Bible-believers) place on rare “things”…]

“And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (Matt. 8: 20)

[Now here it may “appear” as though Jesus is speaking of himself – being exiled and ostracized from the masses of Nicodemus’ fellow Bible-believers. A wise Bible-believer, though, may also “see” how it could also be that Jesus is figuratively speaking of the “common man of God” – that until such a time as when liberty and justice are guaranteed to absolutely every individual human being, then this figurative “Son of man” is figuratively homeless…]

“Hereafter [– as soon as liberty and justice is guaranteed to ALL individual human beings that is –] shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. (Luke 22: 69)

[In the meantime, of course, at least it’s still possible for the rich and powerful “Sons of man” to “see” what it’s like to experience “heaven” right here on this Earth…]

“And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. (John 1: 51)

[After all, there yet remains a practical purpose to the easily-confusing words of the Bible: The never-ending pursuit of a peaceful sense of order – all whilst we continually live within the eternally-ongoing, “present moment” of time…]

“THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

“Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matt. 25: 1-12, 46)

[I imagine an uncommonly wise Bible-believer – such as this Nicodemus character, for example – just might see the following bits of “practical” wisdom contained in the above parable: (1) It is yet another subtle way of supporting a culture that values marriage and chastity. (2) And notwithstanding the fact that the Bible being written during a time when the Bible-believers were NOT in the positions of social power (which they would ultimately come to dominate), this parable also serves as a sort of “confirmation” to the RIGHTNESS of the times when the rich and powerful Bible-believers ARE able to enjoy the various perks that accompany their wealth and power – for surely they could appreciate the wisdom of already possessing access to the “energy” which sustains their local economies. (3) Similarly, not only does this parable once again reflect support for a Capitalistic marketplace, but it could also suggest that a wise person could prosper within such a capitalistic setting – further appealing to the “EGOS” of the rich and powerful. (4) It also demonstrates clear support for the value of self-reliance; which any rich and/or powerful person could easily relate with. And (5), It reaffirms the NEED for the masses to be “righteous.” For only by being “good” – doing what THEIR BIBLE-BELIEVING ELDERS tell them to do – can the “common” masses of Bible-believing HOPE to live in eternal peace with their Lord; whereas the penalty for being foolish and evil is, supposedly, everlasting punishment.]

“Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. (Luke 13: 18-19)

[So here I imagine a wise Bible-believer may also “see” how this parable – a “mustard seed” growing into a “great tree” of diversity – could relate with the evolution of human governments over time…. Like, for instance, Moses – with his Ten Commandments – being the “mustard seed,” reorganizing governments from the bottom up; to the ultimate ends of truly just and tolerant governments of the people – much like our very own here, in the present day United States of America! But, again, all in its due time and season…]

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for [in any Capitalistic economy governed by potentially-corrupted, relatively-ignorant Bible believers, to] whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. (Luke 8: 11, 18)

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and wither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3: 8)

[Now, really, who can’t tell the direction the wind is blowing – especially if they really thought about it? Only someone really “ignorant” and “unaware” of his or her surroundings, that’s who. Yet this parable is practically equating the typical Bible-believer – “born of the Spirit” – with being similarly “ignorant.” At least with respect to such deep concepts as “Science” and justly-administered “Governments of the people” anyway…]

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them [our “natural” tendency to prefer honesty, peace and calmness] unto babes. Even so, Father: For so it seemed good in thy sight. (Matt. 11: 25-26)

[I suppose “life” REALLY is so simple, so sublime and elemental – our natural desire for peace, joy and liberty. So I guess it’s also so easy for one to lose sight of such simple innocence and goodness. Still, though, I imagine that if WE – AS GOD – had simply created our universe with the means to instantly gratify every single one of our desires, then surely “life” would soon come to be boring and quite pointless.]

[So it seems our lives are loaded with irony. After all, it does seem – at least to me anyway – that such “irony” does make it possible for US to “see” how awesome, amazing and beautiful “life” REALLY could be…]

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (Matt. 13: 16-17)

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. (Mark 9: 50)

[In other words: I suppose that it’s all well and good for our lives to be somewhat challenging – even including having our lives challenged by the “saltness” of the Bible (i.e. the Biblically-prescribed lifestyle of self-denial); at least for as long as we remain “ignorant” of our own divine individual equality, anyway.]

[Of course, once we become self-aware, we can remove the Bible’s “saltness” from our lives – and forever more live in peace with one another…]

“And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. (Matt. 8: 4)

[Creating “World Peace” is truly a most monumental event – and it has taken many generations of time for the “Bible-believers” to do their part. So here we “see” Jesus instructing the suddenly much wiser – and now more enlightened – Nicodemus to keep all this knowledge to himself; to be patient and to continue to behave as he normally would – as the good Bible-believing Jewish ruler that he was…]

[After all, it’s in our divine nature to prefer good to evil – meaning that the progress towards World Peace cannot be stopped; no matter how long it may seem to take for any such progress to creep onwards, or no matter how many setbacks we encounter along the way…]

“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

[In other words: Be humble and discreet in righteousness; NOT pompous or otherwise egotistical, drawing attention to your apparent “goodness”…]

“Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of [stupid] men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (Matt. 6: 3-4, 2)

“And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.” (Luke 19: 28)

XII

“And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (John 2:13) Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

“And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. (Luke 7: 12-15)

“And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. (Luke 19: 36)

“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: (John 12: 20) For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Sy-ro-phe-ni-cian by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. (Mark 7: 25-26)

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. (John 2: 4)

“The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. (John 4: 19)

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11: 25) Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

“God is a spirit: and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4: 22-24) And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

“She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (John 11: 26-27)

“But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

“And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.

“And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

“And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.” (Mark 7: 27-30)

[Ah yes, in a practical view of the world – wherein everyone does have a basic need to eat – I suppose it is a bit “devilish” the way we’ve fought over the “capitalist” way we’ve chosen to share our “daily bread.” Like suggesting something like let the Christian “children” of God eat first, before casting any remaining bread to any other dogs for example. In other words: If one is NOT a Christian – within any Christian-dominated community – one is most likely bound to scrounge and scavenge for one’s daily nourishment…]

Having thus created such miraculous spectacles, in any event, I’m sure it was only a matter of time before Jesus’ disciples caught word that their Lord was approaching the city, and soon thereafter rejoined his growing entourage…

“And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen: Saying, BLESSED BE THE KING THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: PEACE IN HEAVEN, AND GLORY IN THE HIGHEST.” (Luke 19: 37-38)

XIII

“AND when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Beth’-pha-ge and Beth’ –a-ny,at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereunto never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

“And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met: and they loose him. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him….(Mark 11: 1-2, 4, 7) And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon: as it is written, FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF SI-ON: BEHOLD, THY KING COMETH, SITTING ON AN ASS’S COLT. (John 12: 14-15)

“And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, HOSANNA; BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

“And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Beth-a-ny with the twelve.” (Mark 11: 8-11)

“And it came to pass, that on the next day, when the people were come down from the hill, much people met him. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples, (Luke 9: 37, 43) Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following… (Luke 13: 33)

[Now we are entering the final days of the legendary Jesus’ alleged life…]

“And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him. (Luke 21: 38) Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? (John 11: 56) Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?

“Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. (John 7: 11, 14) And straightaway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. (Mark 2: 2)

“And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4: 21) I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (John 15: 1-2, 4, 6) Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. (Matt. 10: 26)

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15: 7, 16, 14, 12, 9, 15, 8, 3, 5)

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8: 12) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3: 20-21)

“(For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.) (John 7: 4)

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. (Matt. 5: 14) I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

“Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. (John 12: 46, 44) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3: 18-19)

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, [if your eyes reflect a certain “level-headedness” that is] thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matt. 6: 22-23) Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. (Luke 11: 35-36)

“And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? (Mark 4: 21) No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. (Luke 11: 33)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5: 16)

“Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, [the “common man” WILL overcome “evil” with “good” that is,] and God is glorified in him.” (John 13: 31)

“AND as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Mark 13: 1-2)

[Incidentally, the typical Bible-believer most likely believes that “Jesus” was referring to the “then-future” destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem around the year 70 AD (when the historical record of the region claims that the Jewish temple in Jerusalem was destroyed during an ultimately successful Roman attempt to put down a rebellion by the Jewish masses of Jerusalem). Even so, I still believe it’s symbolic of the time when the then-standing Ancient Roman Empire would lose all its “top-down” Authority throughout Europe, and the Christians – with their “bottom-up” systems of government – would move in and fill the vacuum of power…]

“These things [– the then-standing Ancient Roman Empire’s inevitable fall from power, and then the subsequent rise of “Christian” power and authority, that is –] understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.” (John 12: 16)

“Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Ca-ia-phas. (Matt. 26: 3) Then gathered the chief preists and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. (John 11: 47-48) And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. (Luke 22: 1-2)

“Nic-o-de-mus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? (John 7: 50-51)

“And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. (Luke 23: 10) And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. (Matt. 26: 4)

“And Judas Is-car-i-ot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. (Mark 14: 10-11) Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.” (John 11: 53)

“The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

“And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” (Luke 13: 31-32)

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. (Mark 12: 41-44)

“And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

“And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12: 13-15)

XIV

“And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. (John 6: 3) Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. (John 12: 35)

“What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in the light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.” (Matt. 10: 27, 41)

It seems the Bible has Jesus saying quite a bit about how the Christian priests should exercise their power…

“AND he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

“Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

“So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

“Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

“And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of the light.

[Lesson being: The rich often make their own rules; as long as the rich support the priests – and claim to be a Christian – much can be forgiven…]

“And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

“And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16: 1-12)

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.

“When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? (Matt. 19: 23-25)

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12: 23, 26) For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; (John 5: 22, 27, 23) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5: 19)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

[Another confusing 3rd-person-singular reference to the ultimately divine consciousness/ “soul” which exists within each individual, by the way…]

“At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

“Judas saith unto him, not Is-car’-i-ot [– not Jesus’ betrayer, that is, just another disciple named Judas], Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If any man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, [blah, blah, blah…]and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost [– aka the “soul” – once again herein presented as some 3rd-person-singular form], whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14: 12, 16-17, 20-23, 2, 25-26)

“AND he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power. (Mark 9: 1)

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 24: 45-51)

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

“Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matt. 18: 21-22) But if ye had known what this meaneth, I WILL HAVE MERCY, AND NOT SACRIFICE, YE WOULD NOT HAVE CONDEMNED THE GUILTLESS. (Matt. 12: 7)

[Ah yes, another “mark” of a civilized culture: Unlike some of the superstitions practiced by “primitive” cultures – like warriors “sacrificing” innocent captives to their “god(s)” for example – at least Christianity, in theory, values mercy and forgiveness (of “forgivable” sins, anyway)…]

“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6: 36)

“Therefore is the Kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

“The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

“Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

“But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, that he should pay the debt.

“So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

[This is, of course, another of the Bible’s subtle acknowledgments of the REAL strength and power manifested by any UNITED AND LIKEMINDED collection/ mass of the local common people…]

“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: and his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due him.

[All this, meanwhile, is yet another example of the Bible seeming to give contradictory statements – after all, didn’t Jesus just get done telling his disciples to forgive seventy times seven? but here it seems the sin was so grievous that this guy wasn’t going to get any “third” chance to make things right. In any case, it does help illustrate the different “degrees of sin,” and the need for “common sense” to prevail in the process of administering Justice for the local people…]

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? (Matt. 18: 23-32, 34-35)

“And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us.

[Now here I see Jesus speaking of the inevitability of the increasing “divisions” of Christianity over the passage of time – particularly as it spread out to encompass the many different “local cultures” located too far from the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox respective centers of power and authority…]

“But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which can do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mark 9: 38-40)

[Ah yes, such “religious tolerance” – practiced in theory (if not always in actuality, that is) – HAS indeed helped lead to the creation of the potentially-justly-administered land that I was born and raised on!!!]

“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

“The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

“Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

[Of course, this above-mentioned “Son of man,” in particular, could also symbolize the POWER AND AUTHORITY manifested by any “locally” UNITED AND LIKEMINDED mass of common (relatively-prejudiced) Christian citizens…]

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matt. 13: 18, 38-39, 9, 19, 40-43)

“Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be [—as we continually “evolve” –] that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

“Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off [– whether they function as part of the “hand” of power and authority, or as a common “foot” soldier/ laborer, it should make no difference in this case…], and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

“And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, [the power and authority of the united and likeminded local masses, that is,] let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

[There REALLY is a POWER to a UNITED MASS of “common” individuals; that’s what’s made the Christian Churches so powerful over the years: the POWER to practically excommunicate/ ostracize any individual failing to conform to the locally-accepted practices and beliefs…]

“Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matt. 18: 7-9, 15-20, 6)

[Of course “God” only knows how MANY times the “Christian authorities” have taken these verses about punishment literally; like how could we ever really get an accurate count of all the people who suffered the punishment(s) of amputation, eye-gouging, burning and or drowning at the hands of the “Christian authorities” over the years?...]

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

“And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (Luke 10: 19-20, 23-24)

“But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

[For real: Despite whatever confusion the Bible may or may not have generated, it’s been necessary for at least the Christian authorities to keep all things in perspective…]

“Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21: 9-11) The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Matt. 11: 5)

“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. (Luke 21: 20) When ye therefore shall see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (Whoso readeth, let him understand:) (Matt. 24: 15) In your patience possess ye your souls. (Luke 21: 19)

“AND he spake a parable unto them to this end, that man ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18: 1-8)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, [and while you’re waiting for it to supposedly come to pass,] ye might believe. (John 14: 27-29)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

“These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, [when “Christianity” became the law of the land, that is,] then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. (John 12: 24, 16) For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. (John 20: 9)

“When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” (John 2: 22)

“WHEN he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. (Matt. 8: 1) And the Jews’ Passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. (John 11: 55)

“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught them, saying unto them, Is it not written, MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED OF ALL NATIONS THE HOUSE OF PRAYER? but ye have made it a DEN OF THIEVES. (Mark 11: 15-17)

[On the one hand, this is an extremely aggressive form of rebellion – BOUND to stir the wrath of the local Jewish elders/ Rulers! On the other hand, of course, it’s also a powerful message to the local masses of common Bible-believers: Do not tolerate the corruption of your collective, “common values.”]

[And by “common Bible-believers,” in this particular instance, I mean that even though Jesus appears to be criticizing his “Jewish” neighbors, this is yet another bit of timeless advice wherein so much of his criticism could just as well be applied to so many contemporary Christians – currently able to enjoy the fruits of our Capitalistic economies…]

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour [poor] widows’ houses [when they have lost their primary breadwinner], and for a pretence make long prayer: Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, [to break their free-spiritedness, that is] and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites: for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven [on Earth] against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

“Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, [could that be the “gift” of “Self-Awareness?”] or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

“Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

[Those of you, that is, who go all out to “punish” any relatively minor “sin” committed by someone from the “common” laboring masses; yet you’ve often practically allowed some strong and/ or wealthy “Bible-believer” to get away with such heinous acts, for example, as murder and rape…]

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, [“acting” all righteous, that is,] but within they are full of extortion and excess.

“Thou blind Pharisee, [or even “thou blind Christian,’ if the shoe fits…] cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, [spending an excessive amount of time and money on the dead, for instance, instead of spending more time and money on improving the relative “quality of life’ for the “common masses” now living…] And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

“Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. [“Ye,” that is, are no different than they – what with how easily “Ye” allow yourselves to become corrupted!]

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel unto the blood of Zach-a-ri-as son of Bar-a-chi-as, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

[True enough! Just how many righteous men – scientists, prophets or scribes – have the Christians persecuted and killed over the years?...]

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem [– or any community claiming to be righteous and civilized, for that matter], thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. (Matt. 23: 27-28, 14-15, 13, 23, 19, 24-26, 29-31, 33-39)

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 11-13, 7, 1-2, 8, 10)

“And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke of them. (Matt. 21: 45) And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? (Mark 11: 28) Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren James, and Jo-ses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matt. 13: 55)

“And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. (John 8: 23) And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath born witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, ye believe not.

[I “see” the above verses as another not-so-clear reference to OUR Human Nature(s)/ OUR Soul(s). It certainly speaks of this “Son of man” bestowed with something like Free Will; and seemingly bestowed with something like a Soul/ Conscience. But whereas the typical Christian “sees” this “Son of man” as referring strictly to their Lord Jesus; I happen to “see” it being a subtle reference to any “common man,” ALL of us the “Son of (some) man.”]

“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his father, making himself equal with God. (John 5: 37, 26-27, 38, 18)

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. To him the porter openeth: and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10: 9, 3-5, 14-16)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5: 24)

“And this is the will of him that sent me, That every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, might have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6: 40)

“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (John 2: 18-19)

[Could “he” have meant that Christianity was bound to become more powerful than Judaism over time? Or could he have meant that such a thing as “The Holy Roman Empire” would one day hold the power that the “Ancient Roman Empire” held during Jesus’ [alleged] day? Or could he have even meant that – through the slow but steady effects of Christianity over time – Equal Justice for All, once finally practiced, would also practically bound the enlightened masses of the world to “see” just how obsolete all of the world’s competing organized religious ideas on “common values” have NOW become? Or could he have meant something entirely different?]

“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

“Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of these works do ye stone me?

“The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I SAID, YE ARE GODS? Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemist; because I said , I am the Son of God?

“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (John 10: 31-34, 36-38)

“While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.” (John 12: 36)

“And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.” (Luke 21: 37)

XVI

“NOW the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. (Luke 22: 1) Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. (John 2: 23)

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come with me, and drink. (John 7: 37) And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. (Mark 6: 33)

“THEN spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

[This is a little more of what has helped cause the Jewish people to practically become the “scapegoats” for the whole violent world; again, though, couldn’t much of the following criticism be equally applied to so many of our contemporary “Christian” politicians? Or, in fact, could similarly be applied to much of the world’s politicians nowadays? – no matter what “God(s)” they claim to believe in!…]

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, [dressing themselves in the latest fashions, that is,] And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, [the “VIP” seats, that is,] and the chief seats in the synagogues, And [pretentious] greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, rabbi [or, if you prefer, Dr., Senator, Chief, Major, or what have you…].

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. (Matt. 23: 1-10)

[More heavy-duty word play – on the subject of “God(s) – reinforcing the perception that there is some 3rd-person-singular form of “Father” God, and supposedly only one Christ-like, 3rd-person-singular form of Lord and “Master.”]

“And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. (Luke 11: 53-54) And they sent out unto him their disciples with the He-ro-di-ans, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

[Surely a “trick” question! Surely even “Jesus” supports law enforcement through a government of the people. I mean, wouldn’t it just be chaos and disorder without effective government?]

“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites. Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

“And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

“They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. (Matt. 22: 16-21)

“Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.

“Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? [Apparently – as the legend goes – having faith in “Jesus” proves there’s an afterlife; but only for those who accept “Jesus” as their Lord and Savior, of course…] will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come? (John 7: 33-36)

“Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

“Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. (John 8: 21-22, 27)

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

[Another “trick” question. Except, of course, “Christian Law” is based on the same set of 10 Commandments which also happen to serve as the base of “Jewish Law.”]

“Jesus said unto him, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND. This is the first and great commandment.

“And the second is like unto it, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matt. 22: 35-40)

“And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

“And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.” (Mark 12: 32-34)

[Discreetly indeed! To understand that there IS only One Universal God would seemingly place “the kingdom of God” within reach of any “common” person. But as long as ALL of the world’s foreign cultures battle over whose foreign “God(s)” is the most superior “God(s) of ALL, we are BOUND to be at war with one another. At least – by showing love to our own like-minded neighbors – we may yet experience this so-called “kingdom of God” right here and now on our little corner of the Earth…]

“In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

“But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. (John 4: 31-32)

“Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sad’-du-cees.

“And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. (Matt. 16: 6-7)

“And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? (Mark 8: 17) How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sad’-du-cees? (Matt. 16: 11)

“Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long [pretentious] prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. (Luke 20: 46-47)

“Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine [of hypocritical self-denial] of the Pharisees and of the Sad’-du-cees. (Matt. 16: 12)

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for [with the Christian priests in POWER over the land,] they are white already to harvest.

“I sent you to reap that wherein ye bestowed no labour: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labours. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. (John 4: 34-35, 38, 36-37)

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. (Matt. 7: 6)

[In my “eyes that see,” by the way, I see how these “dogs” may also symbolize lazy and shiftless individuals; and these “swine” could be greedy, piggish people.]

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man [– “Humanity,” that is, particularly any “common man”] shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6: 27)

XVII

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. (Luke 10: 38) Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. (Matt. 26: 20) There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Laz-a-rus was one of them that sat at the table with him. (John 12: 2)

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8: 58) LET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14: 1)

“For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. (Mark 9: 31) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14: 3)

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. (John 16: 22) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (John 14: 4)

[Of course the part of Jesus’ legend wherein he is seen walking and preaching three days AFTER he was put to death – his “Resurrection from the Dead” – is largely meant to provide the “common” Christian with hopefully-peaceful answers for the inevitable questions surrounding our species’ mortality. If Jesus said, in other words, that “you” could enjoy an eternity of peace in the company of “your” Lord and savior upon “your” death – but only as a reward for having lived the kind of life a “Good Christian” should live – then it just might give the easily-exploitable common laborer hope for experiencing something greater in the afterlife; at the same time, meanwhile, such a message also encourages “them” to suffer the various indignities of the ways of their world with continued humility.]

[I “see,” though, that the so-called Resurrected “Son of man” is also meant to symbolize the time in our species’ evolutionary history when – after “Christianity” has helped to reorganize the World’s “Western Civilizations” into governments wherein the will of the collective masses set the rules (bottom-up vs. top-down, in other words; wherein “top-down” governments enabled the will of the strong few to set the rules for the many…) – “WE” finally realize that Liberty and Justice for all Human Beings is the only way to bring lasting peace to our world. In fact, I don’t “see” any good reason why “WE” can’t simply enjoy World Peace right here and now in our contemporary times! But back to the unjust times of Jesus…]

“His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man shall ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

��Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? (John 16: 29-31)

“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. (John 15: 22, 24)

[Now the united and organized “Christian” masses have the POWER of “Christ” to ensure their leaders act in a manner which would meet their Lord and Savior Jesus’ approval; but first there was bound to have been a lot of hell to pay…]

“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. (John 16: 2)

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15: 19)

“The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (John 7: 7) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

“But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE. (John 15: 18, 23, 21, 25)

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. (John 16: 20)

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your’s also. (John 15: 20) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13: 35)

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16: 33)

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. (John 14: 15, 24)

“These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” (John 16: 25, 23, 26-27)

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat, this is my body. (Matt. 26: 26)

[Here, of course, we “see” Jesus providing an example of a “traditional sacrament;” a mostly symbolic gesture – although it does subtly serve to encourage the “Christian sheep” to continually worship Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior AND OBEY THEIR CHRISTIAN PRIESTS!!!]

“And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. (Luke 14: 15)

“And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

“Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (John 2: 6-7)

“And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14: 24) He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. (John 6: 56, 64)

“And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. (Mark 14: 23)

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Is-car-i-ot the son of Simon: [one of the first (of MANY) “Bad Christians” to come…] for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve. (John 6: 67-71)

“And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. (Mark 14: 18) I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, HE THAT EATETH BREAD WITH ME HATH LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.

“Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of who he spoke. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breasts saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

“Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Is-car-i-ot, the son of Simon.

“And after the sop Satan entered into him.

“Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. (John 13: 18, 22-27)

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Is-car-i-ot, went unto the chief priests, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. (Matt. 26: 14, 4)

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jo-nas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord: thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” (John 21: 15)

“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Is-car-i-ot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God,, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to was the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

“Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

“Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

[Now we’re “seeing” more of what has “BOUND” the strong rulers to govern with the needs of the many in mind: Although the strong will always have power, Jesus commands the Christian priests/ rulers to serve the needs of others…]

“Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

“Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

“Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. (John 13: 2-11)

“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jo-nas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21: 16)

“So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13: 12, 15, 14, 16-17)

“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and annointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. (John 12: 3)

“And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

“And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. (Mark 14: 4-6, 8-9)

[And so we “see” another instance wherein Jesus appears to give another subtle nod of support for Capitalism; it could also provide the Christian priests with an answer for why they enjoy material possessions, themselves…]

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which is lost. (Matt. 18: 10-11)

“For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good; but me ye have not always. (Mark 14: 7) Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

[Another example of Jesus forgiving the sins of one who had many sins; an important lesson for all the Christian priests…]

“And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7: 45-48, 50)

“AND it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, (Matt. 26: 1) Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. (John 12: 27)

“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” (John 14: 30-31)

XVIII

“WHEN Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Ce-dron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. (John 18: 1)

“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

“Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

“Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? (John 21: 20-23)

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Geth-sem-a-ne, and saith unto the disciples, sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. (Matt. 26: 36) And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. (Luke 5: 16)

“And he said, Ab-ba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

“And he cometh, and finding them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? (Mark 14: 36-37) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jo-nas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21: 17) Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14: 38)

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22: 31-32)

“And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

“And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (Mark 14: 36-41)

“And immediately, while he yet spoke, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.” (Mark 14: 43)

“Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.” Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? (John 18: 3-4)

“Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. (Luke 22: 52-53)

“When they which were about saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? (Luke 22: 49)

“Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master; and kissed him. (Matt. 26: 48-49)

[Another “crazy” irony from the Bible: Betrayed by a kiss…]

“But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? (Luke 22: 48)

“Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. [Of course this is all a part of “the legend;” but just for fun, I also imagine that in this particular verse, Peter’s “sword” could also symbolize the words of the New Testament – binding the collective strength of the local masses of Christians to be exercised by the will of the Christian priests; and then there’s the part about weakening the powers-that-be, by cutting them off from their valuable aides for instance…] The servant’s name was Mal-chus.

“Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 18: 10-11) Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. (Matt. 26: 53, 56)

“Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, (John 18: 12) And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Ca-ia-phas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.” (Matt. 26: 57)

IXX

“Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

“And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (Matt. 26: 59-63)

“But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

“And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING ON THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, AND COMING IN THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN. (Mark 14: 61-62)

“And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

“Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smites thou me? (John 18: 22-23)

“The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. (John 18: 19)

“But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. (Luke 11: 17)

[Jesus lived, allegedly, during a time when many Jews began to follow him as Christians; so in a sense, the Kingdom of the Jews was divided, and therefore bound to fall. Similarly, of course, this same parable could also be read as a prophecy concerning the “fall” of the Ancient Roman Empire; as when the inevitable clash of the many different cultures of ancient Europe – which once made up the once-mighty Ancient Roman Empire – helped in large part to cause its decline. Still, though, I can also “see” how it could even relate to the land of my own birth, the present-day United States of America: As I “see” that our “house” is also presently “divided” – by a lawful “SECULAR” government of the people, divided by too many politicians who are NOT afraid of pushing their own personal, “SECTARIAN” Christian views on the whole of “the elect.” Perhaps soon, though, we will elect to be led politicians with the good of the “Common citizen” in mind – regardless of one’s “religious” beliefs!]

“Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? [As though the time was right for the Jewish “Christ” to walk the Earth…] Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12: 56-57) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8: 36)

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24: 27)

“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THE SAME IS BECOME THE HEAD OF THE CORNER: THIS IS THE LORD’S DOING, AND IT IS MARVELLOUS IN OUR EYES?

[In other words: Christianity/ The New Testament – which the Jews essentially rejected – has become the foundation of the Western “Civilized” World…]

“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: [specifically in one’s “spirit” – as the Bible’s prescribed lifestyle of “self denial” Does Not allow the “common man” the opportunity to live as a “free-spirited” individual] but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (Matt. 21: 42, 44)

[Again, that’s the collective strength of the organized and united masses of “common laborers” in effect: Being broken in spirit to begin with, the Christian masses – taught that “he that is not with me is against me” – practically became absolutely INTOLERANT of any non-Christians living anywhere near “them;” effectively “grinding to powder” the souls of any individual Non-Christian living in their midst…]

[Until, that is, more practical – secular – laws have only recently begun to correct many of the Christian masses’ past, INTOLERANT ways…]

“No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. (Matt. 9: 16)

[Here’s Jesus reciting one of his favorite parables – for this select audience this time: Christianity divides Europe up into more practically governable, “local” regions of control – in much the same way in which the “Old” Testament did for the Jews in the Middle East…]

“And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. No man also having drunk old wine straightaway desireth new: for he saith the old is better. (Luke 5: 37-39)

“Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. (Matt. 21: 43)

“And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. (Matt. 9: 3) And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6: 11)

“But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. That the saying of E-sa-ias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, LORD, WHO HATH BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HATH THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED? Therefore they could not believe, because that E-sa-ias said again, HE HATH BLINDED THEIR EYES, AND HARDENED THEIR HEART; THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, NOT UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED, AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM. (John 12: 37, 43, 38-40)

“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 18: 18)

[Sounds like it could’ve been Nicodemus – the Jewish ruler who had a secret meeting with Jesus earlier…]

“And Jesus saith unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. (Luke 18: 19) Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. (John 13: 13

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5: 39) But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. (Luke 9: 27) )

[Another reminder – to Nicodemus – that one can enjoy “the kingdom of God,’ here and now on Earth, if one had the wealth and/ or political power to do so…]

“They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. (John 7: 52)

“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. (Mark 6: 4)

“While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in Spirit call him Lord, saying, THE LORD SAID UNTO MY LORD, SIT THOU ON MY RIGHT HAND, TILL I MAKE THINE ENEMIES THY FOOTSTOOL? If David then call him Lord; how is he his son? (Matt. 22: 41-45)

“Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

“Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. (John 8: 46, 43) Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? (John 7: 19)

“They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? (John 8: 33)

“Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. (John 18: 20)

“Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceedeth forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

“They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

“I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. (John 8: 42, 39-40, 37, 45) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6: 47)

“He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. (John 8: 47) Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. (John 6: 46) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8: 44)

“Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophecy unto us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee? (Matt. 26: 65-68)

“And one of them, named Ca-ia-phas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” (John 11: 49, 51-52)

“AND the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. (Luke 23: 1)

[Pilate was the “Roman” Governor of Jerusalem at the time…]

“Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

“They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. (John 18: 29-30)

“And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. (Matt. 27: 23)

“And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. (Mark 15: 3)

“Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly. (Matt. 27: 13-14) And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

“When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement; but in the Hebrew, Gab-ba-tha. (John 19: 12-13)

“And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the king of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. (Matt. 27: 11)

“Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, [another subtle approval of “Christian soldiers,” by the way…] that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18: 35-36)

“When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. (Matt. 27: 19)

“Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

“When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. (John 19: 4, 6) For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. (Matt. 27: 18)

“The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. (John 19: 7) And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Gal-i-lae-an. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, [he tried to shift “responsibility” over the matter, and] he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.”

“And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned him in so many words; but he answered him nothing.

“And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.” (Luke 23: 5-9, 11)

“Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? (John 18: 33) …But Jesus gave him no answer.

“Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

“Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: Therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (John 19: 8-11)

[It really is kind of ironic just how much “Jew-bashing” the Christian’s New Testament contains…]

“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 10: 17-18)

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a King then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a King. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. (John 18: 37)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14: 6)

[The above verse, of course, is a big reason why so many Christians consider themselves to somehow be “superior” to any and all non-Christians…]

“Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? [Ah, yes, an excellent question Pilate! As far as I’m concerned, the Bible contains so many mistruths sprinkled in with “the truth.” In fact, I believe THE TRUTH IS THAT WE ARE ALL CAPABLE OF DEFINING “THE NATURE” OF OUR UNIVERSE FOR OUR OWN INDIVIDUALLY-UNIQUE SELVES.] And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. (John 18: 38)

“But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. (John 19: 15)

“Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. (Matt. 27: 15) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again unto them.

“And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (for of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) (Luke 23: 20, 13-17)

“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Bar-ab-bas, and destroy Jesus. (Matt. 27: 20) And there was one named Bar-ab-bas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. (Mark 15: 7) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Bar-ab-bas: And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. (Luke 23: 18, 23)

“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

“Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (Matt. 27: 24-25)

“And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.” (Luke 23: 24-25)

XXI

“THEN Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

“Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! (John 19: 1-3, 5) And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and led him away to crucify him. (Matt. 27: 30-31)

“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.” (John 19: 21-22, 20)

“And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cy-re-ni-an, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. (Luke 23: 26-27)

“And they bring him unto the place Gol-go-tha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS. (Mark 15: 22, 27-28)

“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads. And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and the elders, said, He saved others, himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. (Matt. 27: 39-44)

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. (John 19: 28) And straightaway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. (Matt 27: 48)

“And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.” (Luke 23: 49)

[Of course a big part of the past successes of “Christianity” has simply been due to just how amazing the “legend” of Jesus really is. I mean, we’ve already “seen” him perform some pretty “superhuman” miracles – some of which seem scientifically impossible! And of course he’s spoken such “good words” and “fair speeches” to the ears of the “common man,” that it’s no wonder so many “common men” are attracted by his obvious concern for their welfare. “Jesus” was so slick, in fact, that “he” even managed to give his support for Capitalistic-based governments of man – even while criticizing Man’s proclivity to succumb to the temptations of power and wealth at the very same time. Naturally, therefore, his death just had to be legendary; such as, for instance, being crucified as a martyr for the cause of the “Goodness of Man” (“love one another”) – as though he was nothing more than a common thief – even while his accusers stood off mocking him…]

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, E-li, E-li, la-ma sa-bach-tha-ni? that is to say, MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?

“Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for E-li-as. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether E-li-as will come to save him.” (Matt. 27: 46-47, 49)

XXII

“THESE words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (John 17: 1)

[Here’s Jesus praying over the growth of Christianity…]

If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightaway glorify him. (John 18: 32) As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world; and I am come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

[The Bible, of course, was written primarily for those who do not have a good understanding of such complex “things” as science, politics and religion/ philosophy. But in the preceding verse, we “see” a subtle reference to such a thing as “one, as we are.” In other words: Along with such definitions of the Biblical “God” in such third-person-singular forms as “He,” “Lord,” “Father,” etc…, we hereby also “see” the “One” Biblical God taking the shape of a first-person-plural form – as though “we are” the “one” Universal God. Again, though, the Bible has primarily been for those who are confused about the nature of “God;” most of whom “see” their “God,” typically, as some third-person-singular form “superior” to themselves…]

“O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

“And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (John 17: 2, 4, 8, 11, 25-26, 19, 22, 15) And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT; and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. (Luke 23: 46)

“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. (Matt. 27: 51, 54)

[Truly only “the legendary Son of God’s” passing would also cause an earthquake to occur at the precise moment of death…]

“But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (John 19: 34)

“And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.” (Luke 23: 49)

“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, THEY PARTED MY RAIMENT AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY VESTURE THEY DID CAST LOTS. (John 19: 23-24)

[I’ve got to hand it to the writers of the New Testament – “they” sure did a good job making sure the legend of Jesus matched up with the Old Testament’s prophecies…]

“And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.” (John 19: 35)

[In other words: If the Bible says it’s so, then it just has to be true!]

“And after this Joseph of Ar-i-ma-thae-a, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

“And there came also Nic-o-de-mus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. (John 19: 38-40) And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed. (Matt 27: 60)

“And Mary Mag-da-le-ne and Mary the mother of Jo-ses beheld where he was laid.” (Mark 15: 47)

“Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” (Matt 27: 62-66)

XXIII

“IN the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Mag-da-le-ne and the other Mary to the sepulcher. (Matt. 28: 1) And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” (Mark 16: 3)

The legend of Jesus’ resurrection, of course, helps provide “hope” to the common Christian. For instance: If the Bible says that Jesus rose from the dead – and we believe the Bible contains only the true words “of God” – then it lends further support to the New Testament’s additional claims that good and baptized Christians will be in the peaceful company of their Lord and Savior, Jesus, upon their own individually-respective deaths. And with such “faith,” a good Christian is thereby expected to bear the various burdens of his or her “common” life until their own individually-respective deaths (expected, that is, to constantly bear the various degrees of injustice they’re bound to face – within the “Haves and Have Nots” economies they create – while obeying the “self-denial” lifestyle prescribed by the Bible)…

And all of this patient obedience, of course, has helped allow “Mankind” the time We’ve needed to slowly-but-surely eliminate injustice from our lives – and ultimately create truly Just governments of Man! So along with providing hope for the common Christian, the legend of Jesus’ resurrection can also be perceived as being symbolic of the last days of Christianity – when justly-administered Capitalistic Democracies render all organized religious authority obsolete for all time!

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. (Matt. 28: 2)

“And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (Matt. 27: 52-53)

[Truly only the legendary “Son of God” could cause such miracles to occur!...]

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matt. 28: 2, 5-6)

“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. (John 20: 11-13)

“And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. (Mark 16: 5) And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.” (Luke 24: 5-9)

“Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” (Matt. 28: 11-15)

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Mag-da-le-ne, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Mark 16: 9) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rab-bo-ni; which is to say Master.

“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not: for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

“Mary Mag-da-le-ne came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. (John 20: 16-18) And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. (Mark 16: 11)

[Truly such a tale is hard to believe, right? I mean, it sounds impossible – but if the Bible says it’s true…]

“Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet he went not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. (John 20: 3-7) And they talked together of all these things which had happened.” (Luke 24: 14)

“After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. (Mark 16: 12) And it came to pass, that, while they communed together, and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

“And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

“And the one of them, whose name was Cle-o-pas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers have delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

“But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. (Luke 24: 15-22, 37)

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. (Matt. 22: 29, 31-32)

“Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? (Luke 24: 25-26)

[It is what “the prophets have spoken,” after all…]

“And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (John 20: 20) And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. (Luke 24: 31)

“Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. (John 20: 10) Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. (Luke 24: 34) And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. (Mark 16: 13) And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.” (Luke 24: 11)

[No wonder – such a seemingly impossible tale would need further “proof”…]

“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which has seen him after he was risen. (Mark 16: 14)

“Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? (John 14: 8-9)

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? (Mark 8: 21, 18) Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. (John 14: 10-11)

[In other words: Jesus is the Lord God – or so the New Testament would have you believe…]

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. And ye are witnesses of these things.

“And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

“And he said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24: 44, 48, 38-40, 46-47) And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

[Whom soever “hath ears to hear,” “hear” what Jesus had to say to his disciples on the future of Christianity…]

“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. (Luke 21: 24, 12) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

“But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13: 13, 11)

“And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matt. 24: 14, 35)

“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. (Luke 21: 8) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matt. 5: 18) For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

[Hmmm, what is this “the end” that shall come, when “all be fulfilled?” And how will we recognize the “real Christ” when “the end” does come?…]

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. (Mark 13: 19, 24-25, 20)

“And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. (Luke 17: 22) But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. (Mark 13: 23, 22) And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. (Luke 17: 23)

[For it is truly impossible, after all, for any long dead man to return to life on Earth. So anyone claiming to be the resurrected “Christ” has been seriously confused by the Bible…]

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none. (Matt. 12: 43) (For he commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) (Luke 8: 29)

“Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. (Matt. 12: 44-45)

[Christianity – like any fundamentally-unjust system of government – was practically “bound” to have become increasingly-corrupted over time. Sure, the original intentions of the earliest Christian priests were, most likely, “pure” and “honorable.” But just imagine the temptations that came along with all that power and wealth; it had to have been enough to corrupt just about anyone – even a “priest” – who had the authority to demand absolute obedience from the masses…]

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (John 3: 14) Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. (Luke 9: 44)

[Here, one with the “ears to hear” can “see” how Jesus is speaking of this “Son of man” as being symbolic of absolutely any single “Common Man.” Specifically, how the continuous evolution of “Mankind” – in part guided by the words of the Bible – will ultimately enlighten “us” to the potential for there REALLY to be “Liberty and Justice For All,” even the most “common man” among us…]

“For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. (Mark 13: 34) And at the season he sent to the husbandman a servant, that he might receive from the husbandman of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

“And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handed.

“And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some and killing some.

“Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

“What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard to others. (Mark 12: 2-9)

“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. (Mark 13: 32-33)

[Again, when is “the time” of “that day and that hour” of the Son of man?]

“And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses, unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Ju-dae-a, and in Sa-ma-ri-a, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1: 7-8)

“And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. (Luke 13: 6-9)

[Clearly this “fig tree” parable is about Moses planting his “fig tree” – symbolic of a potentially-justly-administered government of Man – with the seeds of his Ten Commandments; with “Jesus” coming along later to fertilize it; so it would ultimately produce its fruits for the resurrected “Son of man”…]

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree, When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. (Mark 13: 28-29)

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. (Luke 21: 28, 8, 34-35)

[In other words: Kind of like the way in which Capitalistic Democracies have spread over much of “the face of the whole earth,” particularly since the end of The Cold War in the late 1980s/ early 1990s A.D….]

“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. (Matt. 24: 43) [In other words: Be alert – as though you were on watch for “a thief in the night”…] And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (Mark 13: 26) Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. (Mark 13: 35-36)

“Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

“Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. (Matt. 13: 51-52)

[Like even me, for example – using “old” prophecies to help explain the ends of Christianity; wherein the “new” Capitalistic Democracies of our contemporary times have practically rendered “the salt” of the Bible and religious authority absolutely obsolete for our “new” times…]

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (Matt. 5: 13) Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. (Luke 19: 42)

“But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.” (Luke 9: 45)

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Did-y-mus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (John 20: 24-25)

“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be with you. (John 20: 26) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matt. 28: 17-18) Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hands, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20: 27-29)

[“Blessed are they” – the typical, relatively-ignorant Christian sheep – in other words; for here are more “good words” for them to ponder in the meantime…]

“Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. (John 13: 33) Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. (John 14: 19)

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13: 34) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14: 13)

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matt. 21: 22) Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16: 24) If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14: 14)

“Behold, the hour cometh, Yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

“A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16: 32, 28, 16, 6-7)

[This “Comforter,” incidentally, could easily be symbolic of one’s own “soul/ conscience”…]

“These things I command you, that ye love one another. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15: 17, 26) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16: 8-11)

[And I suppose this “Comforter” could also symbolize, in a way, someone like me coming along – encouraging Christians to move beyond the relatively-ignorant “faith of their fathers”…]

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill, but men cast it out. He hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Luke 14: 34-35)

“But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: Therefore said I that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. But now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

“Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? (John 16: 4, 12-15, 5, 19) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14: 18)

[And then, of course, this “Comforter” could also be symbolic of Jesus Christ returning to this Earth a Second Time; that is, the so-called “Second Coming of Christ” – which so many contemporary Christians believe will signify the end of prophecied times, and which they are still waiting to “see” with their own eyes…]

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (John 20: 21) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matt. 10: 37, 39)

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9: 23)

[Again, Christianity IS all about “self-denial” – denying one’s own DIVINE equality to all others…]

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. (John 20: 22-23) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

[Of course the Bible does “say” that only a “fool” or someone “slow of heart” would believe all that the prophets have spoken…]

“And these signs shall follow them that believe, In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16: 16-18)

[God knows how many so-called Christian ministers/ priests have vainly killed themselves over the years – pretending they could survive some lethally-toxic venom or poison in particular!]

“And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. (Luke 24: 51) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” (Matt. 28: 16)

XXIV

“AFTER these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Ti-be-ri-as; and on this wise shewed he himself.

“There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Did-y-mus, and Na-than-a-el of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zeb-e-dee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

“Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them. Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

“Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. (John 21: 1-6, 10)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Matt 13: 47-50) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

“And he said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (Mark 4: 23-25)

“As soon as then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

“Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

“This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. (John 21: 9, 12-14) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16: 15) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. A-men. (Matt. 28: 19-20)

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. A-men.” (Mark 16: 19-20)

“This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. A-men.” (John 21: 24-25)

Believe it – OR NOT!

PARS TERCI

The record of Human history does record the fact that the once-mighty Ancient Roman Empire essentially disintegrated over the course of the late 4th and much of the 5th Century A.D. From that point on, “Christianity” became the dominant system of Authority throughout Europe.

I interpret the Book of Revelation’s “Fifth Seal” (Rev. 6: 9, 11), therefore, as being symbolic of the times – following the alleged life of the legendary Jesus Christ – when “Christianity” became the dominant Authority over the land. Such as when – after Emperor Constatine had recently organized Christianity and adopted Christianity for himself – the Ancient Roman Empire later declared “Christianity” to be its sole “official” Religion (at some point late in the 4th Century AD); which, of course, was just a few short years prior to the ulitimate disintegration of the once-mighty Ancient Roman Empire.

“And when… opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Rev. 6: 9, 11)

So once “The Christians” began dominating the politics of Europe, I then “see” the “Sixth Seal” as symbolizing an absolutely huge and apparently unavoidable amount of time; a time beginning immediately following the decline of Ancient Rome (Christianity’s “Dark Ages”), up to and including my own contemporary times!

To me, it symbolizes the huge amount of time it’s taken for the succeeding generations of “Christians” to have slowly-but-surely built up potentially-justly-administered systems of government. Specifically, for instance, even to the point where we are now, here in The United States of America – where “Justice” is (theoretically) available to any “common” US citizen…

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Rev. 6: 12-13, 10, 14-17)

But now that Justice is guaranteed, to all, by our contemporary, SECULAR system of government (at least in theory), that should also mean that there’s really no longer any need to look for “religious” systems of government to provide the same thing.

In short: I believe Organized Religions have become obsolete for our contemporary times!

In fact, I believe we’ve reached a time in our evolutionary history when organized religions are now causing WAY MORE HARM than good! And perhaps what the world now needs – to finally seize the conditions supporting “World Peace” once and for all – is for someone just like me to come along and give my own opinion on things…

(It’s just my own perception of things; believe whatever you want, of course…)

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