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is jesus laughing? |
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Posted By: churchpundit
I borrowed a book from a friend of mine, at his insistence. It is called "The Laughing Jesus", which is basically a book calling for the return and renewal of pure Gnosticism. I just want to issue a warning I guess. Basically, what these new gnostics would like us to believe is that the early Christians were gnostics who never believed that Jesus was an historical man who came to save us from our sins at all, but that the gospels are basically "truth-stories", myths meant to convey spiritual truth that is universal and not confined to Christianity. I have friends who find this book and its ideas very appealing and even convincing. People are changing their minds over this material! The warning I want to issue is that we need, like scripture suggests, to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within us. We need to not just live our faith, but understand it as best we can. There are arguments coming against the faith and the faithful that would even deceive the elect. Gnosticism has been the oldest and most prevalant opponent to Christianity and its most pernicious heresy. Let's stand guard! churchpundit!
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Posted: 09/19/06 5:31am - Total Views: 1,291 - Category: Apologetics & Theology
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clayonmyeyes |
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Posted by:
clayonmyeyes 
(Posted: 09/19/06 11:59am)
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churchpundit,
Agreed. This is the type of belief that knowing whatever makes you feel good and right is equivalent with God. It tames an un-tamable God. It contains and un-containable God within man. While the human spirit is truly fantastic and approaches infinity, it must ever bow to its Creator.
Grace to you,
clayonmyeyes
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venomx |
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Posted by:
venomx
(Posted: 09/20/06 1:27am)
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When I started to feel called to apologetics ministry, the so-called "Christ Myth"--that Jesus was not a real, historical person--was one of the first bits of insanity that I encountered.
I searched this book out on Amazon.com. Here is one of the reviews I found:
First and foremost, I find it fascinating that the book doesn't try to claim that Moses and Mohammed are anything but real, historical figures. It only tries to claim that Jesus isn't a real, historical figure. The reason for this being in the Bible itself:
1 Corinthians 15:11-17[11]Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. [12]Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? [13]But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: [14]And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. [15]Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. [16]For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: [17]And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Put another way, if Jesus never lived and was never raised from the dead, our faith is completely worthless. Isn't that the real point of the entire body of work dedicated to "proving" Jesus didn't exist? Merely more of Satan's lies, I think.
Second, I remember watching a special on the Discovery Channel--not necessairly known for defending Christianity per se--that quoted theologians and historians as doubting that the Exodus took place when archeologists proposed because they didn't believe that monotheism as a philosophy could have existed in that time period. Though evidence of a small one-god cult could be found from the same place and time, most still did not accept that proposed date for the Exodus because they thought that monotheism was too advanced for the culture. That's important to note, and I really wish I could cite my source! 
Well, I'd want to read this book if I had time just to write a better reasoned reply to it. But in the meantime, I think that we should pray for the audience and authors of these works, that God may reveal His truth to them and that they can see the error of their ways.
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clayonmyeyes |
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Posted by:
clayonmyeyes
(Posted: 09/20/06 6:51am)
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I've read some material on Gnostic Christianity. Elaine Pagels is the best authority (that I know of) among its followers (she's a professor of religion at Princeton and received her Ph.D. from Harvard). This is all stuff that has gained tremendous popularity since the Da Vinci Code book/movie. Everybody loves a juicy conspiracy. Really though none of this controversy is new and started during Christianity's infancy. While I agree with some of their ideas (as all goodness is from God); I disagree with their conclusions. It's all the same God=man stuff that the secular world embraces as it imparts no real responsibility to anyone but oneself.
When I read material like this at first my beliefs are shaken because of my intellect. Later after processing and prayer they are strengthened because of my faith. (My intellect eventually comes around to seeing things clearly as well )
The opposition against Christ began with His public ministry and climaxed with His crucifixion. It continues to this day. Judas made money at Christ's expense (understatement of the century).
Grace to you,
clayonmyeyes
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churchpundit |
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Posted by:
churchpundit
(Posted: 09/20/06 7:24am)
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Thanks venomx and clayonmyeyes. I appreciate your comments and insights. It's good to know there are others out there! 8)
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Nickname: churchpundit
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Age: 50
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I came to faith when I was 16, and because of the youth leader, instantly fell in love with scripture. I've been studying and teaching it since. Married to Lisa in 1980 and we're still going strong. Studied all over. Ordained Presbyterian in 1987. Served as pastor for years, then...
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