Realtime Spiritual Discussions

[Spice]

Probably because it’s not a typical story.

I consider it more of a study guide and it takes a lifetime of study to comprehend everything in it.

If you can keep interest in reading Genesis and Revelations in depth then my hats off to you.

Genesis I absolutely love! Revelation, not so much. But my favorite is Ecclesiastes.

 

[JustGeorge]

This is so true. In a recent lesson of the new order of druids we were asked to enter a sacred place and give an offering to the elder spirits of the place and learn from them. After opening up to their wisdom the place opened up to me and I learned more about the fern bluff than I have ever learned before. In that time, I became aware of things and connected with things that I had not understood before. It took time to brew on the three cauldrons within me but when it did it was illuminating. It didn't hurt that the bluff gave me the gift of a barred owl feather on leaving then be visited by a barred owl in a tree in my front yard and then to listen to a long conversation between two barred owls in my back porch that evening. It's just wyrd.

My middle son was nonverbal for a long time. Before he spoke, he made a lot of strange noises.

Years ago, a nest of barred owls were born on the block. The whole neighborhood kinda came together to watch these owlings grow.

One day, my son was playing in the yard, making his noises. An owling flew to a low branch near him. Then another. My son scooted down the sidewalk. They followed, cocking their heads. They got awfully close, watching, curious.

I realized the noises he was making sounded like the noises they make. They were trying to figure out if he was human or owl.

 

[Bear Wild]

My middle son was nonverbal for a long time. Before he spoke, he made a lot of strange noises.

Years ago, a nest of barred owls were born on the block. The whole neighborhood kinda came together to watch these owlings grow.

One day, my son was playing in the yard, making his noises. An owling flew to a low branch near him. Then another. My son scooted down the sidewalk. They followed, cocking their heads. They got awfully close, watching, curious.

I realized the noises he was making sounded like the noises they make. They were trying to figure out if he was human or owl.

The barred owl is seen as the keeper of wisdom. It acts as a bridge between the mortal world and the spiritual realm. It also serves as a sign of spiritual messages and insights. It signifies transformation and the connection between the material and spiritual planes. The Barred owl acts as a guardian to those it appears to, and in some cultures, it can also bring the gift of sacred knowledge.

 

[King Phenomenon]

I live in one of the most religious states in the usa. kentucky.

Which is majority christian.

Given that, when I encounter religious folks and they bring up religion or spirituality, I'm all ears and mouth. But I've noticed they really don't engage after I start asking questions about their belief systems. I've yet to meet anyone who has read the whole bible. Might have met one that read it once but otherwise they seem disinterested.

Any ideas of why that might be?

I've read it multiple times, using multiple translations, and still like looking things up in the strong's concordance to insure I know all the definitions of what is being implied.

Because beliefs are personal.

 

[Tinkerpeach]

Genesis I absolutely love! Revelation, not so much. But my favorite is Ecclesiastes.

If you don’t get bored reading through who begot whom you have more patience than I do.

On top of that it’s a huge generalization on the creation part and it’s impossible to put any timeline to it.

Like Revelations it’s a giant riddle.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

I live in one of the most religious states in the usa. kentucky.

Which is majority christian.

Given that, when I encounter religious folks and they bring up religion or spirituality, I'm all ears and mouth. But I've noticed they really don't engage after I start asking questions about their belief systems. I've yet to meet anyone who has read the whole bible. Might have met one that read it once but otherwise they seem disinterested.

Any ideas of why that might be?

I've read it multiple times, using multiple translations, and still like looking things up in the strong's concordance to insure I know all the definitions of what is being implied.

First of all, it is considered impolite under most circumstances to bring up religion or politics. There are obvious exceptions to the rule, such as a religion forum, or a church. I was not there, so I can't make any absolute statements. But if I had to gamble money, my guess would be that you made people uncomfortable. It's one thing to make general statements that are non-threatening. It's another to dig into details.

You, like me, are an unusual person in that you really enjoy learning religious things. That's just not the case with most people. Even among religious people, they pretty much only have a basic faith. They go to church (sometimes) and know what the basic teachings are. But they are not interested in studying theology or church history, etc., and they will be put off if you try to corner them into such discussions.

It is actually pretty uncommon for Christians to have read the Bible cover to cover. They mostly go to church, Sunday school, and church led Bible studies, where the sections of the Bible that are more important to their faith are studied. The epistles of Paul are a huge devotion. Song of Solomon, not so much. Think about what the main Christian teachings are, and which books you find those in, and you will have your answer.

 

[ChristineM]

How long would it take to read the whole Bible?

The first one i read took about 7 months but in excuse, i was only just learning to read then.

Subsequent ones 4 or 5 weeks.a few hours per day

 

[Quintessence]

..... But shouldn't the ' clergy ' be teaching the flock of God.
I find all should keep in mind the words found at Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8 to read Scripture daily - 1st Timothy 4:15

It depends on the religious tradition. Clergy - or more specifically the folks within a religious tradition that are dedicated specialists to a tradition and its crafts - may or may not be deeply involved in instruction or regard other practitioners as a proverbial flock. There are many roles these specialists can play in a community. Research and study. Outreach and community building. Charity and assistance. Lots of things. Teaching may or may not be the biggest part of a particular specialist's time.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

..... But shouldn't the ' clergy ' be teaching the flock of God.

I agree, that's the idea.

Some do a better job than others. Some are simply talented teachers, and others stink. Some groups have their sacred texts as their central focus, but other groups may prefer clergy that are best able to assist in certain rituals or who are experts in their religion's rules. Some churches choose clergy who have dedicated years of their life to formal study of their faith and have a degree to verify that before ordination. But other churches are suspicious of education and prefer to choose pastors who are charismatic gifted orators, believing them to be led by the Holy Spirit. So really, the quality of the teaching varies from group to group.

I find all should keep in mind the words found at Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8 to read Scripture daily - 1st Timothy 4:15

I'm a little confused. I would say that only Joshua 1:8 mentions anything about a book. The other two speak more about obeying, not studying.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

I agree, that's the idea.
Some do a better job than others. Some are simply talented teachers, and others stink. Some groups have their sacred texts as their central focus, but other groups may prefer clergy that are best able to assist in certain rituals or who are experts in their religion's rules. Some churches choose clergy who have dedicated years of their life to formal study of their faith and have a degree to verify that before ordination. But other churches are suspicious of education and prefer to choose pastors who are charismatic gifted orators, believing them to be led by the Holy Spirit. So really, the quality of the teaching varies from group to group.
I'm a little confused. I would say that only Joshua 1:8 mentions anything about a book. The other two speak more about obeying, not studying.

Thank you for your reply. At Psalm 1:2 we find mentioned the Law of the LORD (KJV)
* That Law was the written Constitution of the Mosaic Law aka Scripture to meditate (think about) daily.
One person said that God's holy spirit is frozen in the Bible.
The only way to thaw out God's spirit is by prayer, reading and studying the Bible.
* That Law was a Law of Action or Rule of Action - Deut. 30:16; 17:18-19
Even by the time of Jesus' day MANY were proving false - Matthew 7:21-23; 15:9
In other words, the corrupted Pharisees where ' throwing God's Word behind them '.
Going against what is written - 1st Samuel 15:22-23 - like many clergy teaching their tradition as being Scripture.
The 'book of the law ' (Josh. 1:8) was the written Mosaic Law.
What good would it do to just read instructions and Not obey it.

I find the quality or qualifications for teaching is found at 1st Timothy chapter 3 and Titus chapter 2.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

It depends on the religious tradition. Clergy - or more specifically the folks within a religious tradition that are dedicated specialists to a tradition and its crafts - may or may not be deeply involved in instruction or regard other practitioners as a proverbial flock. There are many roles these specialists can play in a community. Research and study. Outreach and community building. Charity and assistance. Lots of things. Teaching may or may not be the biggest part of a particular specialist's time.

Jesus I find did address ' religious tradition ' at Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7
Even in Isaiah's day religious tradition was a factor to consider - Isaiah 29:13
In other words, religious leaders were teaching their traditions or customs as Scripture when they were Not Scripture.
Sure we should be like the neighborly Good Samaritan (charity and assistance) in that we should broaden out, widen out, in showing practical love to one in their time of distress. Even an atheist can do that.
But, what atheist will tell others about the ' good news of God's kingdom' (Dan. 2:44) as Jesus instructed to do at Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8
Jesus did Not give that 'good-news commission' to a specialist but to all his followers.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

First of all, it is considered impolite under most circumstances to bring up religion or politics. There are obvious exceptions to the rule, such as a religion forum, or a church. I was not there, so I can't make any absolute statements. But if I had to gamble money, my guess would be that you made people uncomfortable. It's one thing to make general statements that are non-threatening. It's another to dig into details.
You, like me, are an unusual person in that you really enjoy learning religious things. That's just not the case with most people. Even among religious people, they pretty much only have a basic faith. They go to church (sometimes) and know what the basic teachings are. But they are not interested in studying theology or church history, etc., and they will be put off if you try to corner them into such discussions.
It is actually pretty uncommon for Christians to have read the Bible cover to cover. They mostly go to church, Sunday school, and church led Bible studies, where the sections of the Bible that are more important to their faith are studied. The epistles of Paul are a huge devotion. Song of Solomon, not so much. Think about what the main Christian teachings are, and which books you find those in, and you will have your answer.

Sounds as if you are also then saying that ' sports should only be discussed in a sport's stadium or arena '.
Was Jesus being impolite by bringing up his teachings and sending others out to do the same - Luke 10
Yes, think about what main Christian teachings of Jesus are such as Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8

 

[URAVIP2ME]

If you don’t get bored reading through who begot whom you have more patience than I do.
On top of that it’s a huge generalization on the creation part and it’s impossible to put any timeline to it.
Like Revelations it’s a giant riddle.

Unlike a novel, but Bible is Not written to just be read as one would read a novel.
Rather, the Bible is chock full of corresponding or parallel cross-reference verses and passages.
In that way we can get a clear picture of the Bible's theme and the theme of Jesus' teachings.

Remember the Genesis creation account is more about the creative days; Not dealing with matter or the material, but more about arranging and preparing Earth for mankind to inhabit the Earth.

No need to time-line each creative day ( there is nothing to say how long each creative day was or even if they were of the same or of differing lengths of time )
Plus, there is nothing out of harmony with CMBR (cosmic microwave background radiation) and the Bible time line.
Also, in Genesis there are two (2) accounts of creation:
1st account is constructed chronologically being divided into six (6) consecutive days or time periods.
2nd account starting at Genesis 2:5 adds some details ( which do Not conflict ) but just takes up a point in creative day three (3) that simply adds somethings in addition to the first account.
For example: first God ' created ' the sun and moon, then in day three (3) God ' made ' the already created sun and moon do something (Gen.1:16-18) so their light would reach the Earth as He wanted it to do.
All of this takes place before Day Seven (7) which is still on going.

Revelation is about the Happy climax for earth's nations - Revelation 22:2 - that Jesus will bring ' healing ' to earth's nations. - 1st Corinthians 15:24-26; Isaiah 25:8

 

[IndigoChild5559]

Jesus I find did address ' religious tradition ' at Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7
Even in Isaiah's day religious tradition was a factor to consider - Isaiah 29:13
In other words, religious leaders were teaching their traditions or customs as Scripture when they were Not Scripture.
Sure we should be like the neighborly Good Samaritan (charity and assistance) in that we should broaden out, widen out, in showing practical love to one in their time of distress. Even an atheist can do that.
But, what atheist will tell others about the ' good news of God's kingdom' (Dan. 2:44) as Jesus instructed to do at Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8
Jesus did Not give that 'good-news commission' to a specialist but to all his followers.

I'm sure you are familiar with the fact that the Torah (first five books of the Bible) has God designating the Levites as religious leaders, and the descendants of Aaron as priest. Are you of the opinion that the Torah was God talking to Moses? Or do you believe that it is the "tradition of men"?

 

[IndigoChild5559]

Sounds as if you are also then saying that ' sports should only be discussed in a sport's stadium or arena '.
Was Jesus being impolite by bringing up his teachings and sending others out to do the same - Luke 10
Yes, think about what main Christian teachings of Jesus are such as Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8

No, and I'm not sure why you are concluding that.
1. Jesus lived in a different culture with its own norms.
2. There is no societal norm that says it is not appropriate to discuss sports in regular conversations.

The following article is from the Miss Manners column, a woman who is paid to give advice for what is socially appropriate:

Keep Politics and Religion Out of the Conversation​

Keep Politics and Religion Out of the Conversation - Miss Manners

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is wrong with people? What happened to the politics and religion rule?...

www.uexpress.com

 

[URAVIP2ME]

I'm sure you are familiar with the fact that the Torah (first five books of the Bible) has God designating the Levites as religious leaders, and the descendants of Aaron as priest. Are you of the opinion that the Torah was God talking to Moses? Or do you believe that it is the "tradition of men"?

Thank you for your reply and I think you know that I think the Torah was God speaking to Moses.
Yes, the Levities were responsible for preserving sacred Scripture.
The other tribes were separate from the task the Levities had.
Question was Judah also included in preserving Scripture _________

 

[URAVIP2ME]

No, and I'm not sure why you are concluding that.
1. Jesus lived in a different culture with its own norms.
2. There is no societal norm that says it is not appropriate to discuss sports in regular conversations.
The following article is from the Miss Manners column, a woman who is paid to give advice for what is socially appropriate:

Keep Politics and Religion Out of the Conversation​

Was Jesus socially appropriate _____________
What occasion did Jesus keep 'worship' out of the conversation ________
When Jesus was asked about 'paying taxes' (political) did Jesus remain silent _______

So, if is only appropriate (okay) to discuss religion in a church, then why should there be a separate standard for sports?
Why should it Not also be appropriate (okay) to discuss sports in a sports arena or stadium but not elsewhere _____
After all, Not all people back the same sports team.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Because beliefs are personal.

In backing a sports team or a sports figure isn't that also personal ___________

 

[IndigoChild5559]

Question was Judah also included in preserving Scripture _________

I know of no specific requirement of the tribe of Judah to preserve the scriptures. However, simply given the dominance of Judah over the other tribes, I would imagine they did a lot in this regard.