…and above all Latin, Greek, and Hebrew

http://triablogue.blogspot.nl/2015_04_26_archive.html

Models for Study in the Era of the Reformation:

Andreas Hyperius’ massive De theologo, seu de ratione studii theologiae carries on this model for theological study in vast detail. Hyperius understood theological study as a carefully constructed discipline but also as a spiritual or pious exercise, not merely a form of knowing or scientia, but also a wisdom, sapientia.

Study ought to be grounded in the recognition that “the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge (scientia)” (Prov. 1:7) and the student should “prepare [his] soul for the diligent reading of sacred letters” through prayer for personal humility and spiritual illumination. This piety is to be the foundation for a rigorous course of study.

Hyperius’ catalogue of the kinds of study “necessary” to theological training is daunting: grammar, logic, and rhetoric (the trivium), arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy (the quadrivium), philosophy, physics, ethics, politics, oeconomics, metaphysics, history, architecture, and agriculture, and above all Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.

In theology itself, he distinguishes a series of subdisciplines: Scripture and its interpretation, doctrine as gathered in the loci communes, and practice as identified in the history and governance of the church, its polity, worship, and preaching.

Comment: Finally. Someone who understands things. Now study your Arabic, people…

 

 

Groveling?

You Were Right, I Was Wrong; Danios’s Mea Culpa by Danios

Recently, I published another part of the Understanding Jihad Series.  In the series itself, I tackle the Islamophobic claim that Islam is somehow a uniquely violent religion.  I point out that all religious traditions, not just the Islamic one, have their violent aspects to them.  To drill this point home, I explored the violent aspects of other religions, including Judaism and Christianity, the two religions many of the Islamophobes follow.  The intent was to: (1) disprove their thesis, and (2) bare their rancid hypocrisy.

The articles on Christianity were well-received.  On the other hand, the ones on Judaism were not.  My most recent article on Jewish law received especially critical reviews by some of our readers.  Given the backdrop of a long history of Anti-Semitism in the world, I realize there is a certain sensitivity when it comes to such issues (which I think is reasonable).

Because I had become obsessed with disproving the anti-Muslim thesis–that Islam is a uniquely violent faith (which I believe is the Mother of all Islamophobic Myths)–I was bulldozing through, without realizing the harm that I was putting forth at the same time.  Initially, I was resistant to hearing any criticism and pushing through it.  Yet, after reading through some of the well-written comments by our readers, I decided to pause and reflect.  Criticism is not something easy to take, but I decided to really think about what was being said to me and consider if there was an element of truth to it.

After reflecting on the matter, I realize that I was wrong.  It’s as simple as that.  Although it’s intellectually valid to note the violent aspects in various religious traditions in order to prove that Islam is not somehow uniquely violent, the style and tone I had adopted to do so were completely inappropriate.  This is a very touchy matter, and it requires the calm and detached voice of the scholar, not the belligerent mannerisms of the pugilistic polemicist.

The book I am writing employs a much more softer, inoffensive tone.  I think there is something about the internet that encourages an exaggerated, even bombastic style.  It begins with the choice of title.  The intention when forming a title is to goad readers to click.  My recent title choices were designed to shock.  Although an asterisk did clarify my real viewpoint, what is a tiny asterisk and fine print compared to a blaring headline?  The title then set a negative tone for the rest of the article.  Beyond just the tone, I should make sure to realize that these are very sensitive matters, and require finesse.

In any case, I have heard your criticisms, reflected on them, and have conceded.  Therefore, going forward, I will make sure to be more responsible.  It can be said that I was fighting fire with fire.  But, as someone pointed out, the only proper way to fight fire is with water.  I apologize to you and seek your forgiveness

Similarities: both cannot stand blood and death

 

Feminists

Neo-Nazis

Comment: Nevertheless, I do not consider abortion nor (other) genocide to be inherently immoral. Sometimes tough choices have to be made, but I am able to stomach both blood and death. I am willing to see the consequences of my actions. I do not hide from truth. Others do, and will burn in hell.

Psalm 137:9

http://carm.org/bible-difficulties/job-song-solomon/why-does-psalmist-speak-about-killing-children

New International Version (NIV)

9 Happy is the one who seizes your infants
and dashes them against the rocks.

Psalm 137:9

King James Version (KJV)

9 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

 

Also, the critics need to provide an acceptable, objective moral standard by which they can criticize biblical morality.  It is one thing to complain.  It is another to offer a justification for the validity of the complaint.  By what right and by what objective ethical standard do the critics offer moral condemnation against Biblical morals?  This is a serious question that if not answered by the critics, renders the critics’ complaints moot.  After all, you must first have a standard against which to measure good and bad and without a standard, no complaints can be legitimately offered.

Comment: It is not possible to criticize moral systems using morality. After all, morality presumes a moral system. How un-Christian is it to promote abortion among enemies of Christianity? Answer that, please.

 

Why Christians should learn Hebrew

What idiot worships a Jewish god without learning Hebrew?

Why language skills are important

http://www.destroyzionism.com/2013/06/03/goyim-will-clean-our-shoes-after-moshiach-comes/

Comment: Self-evident. Of course, Jews are hardly unique in their desire to have power over others.

Your father: the Devil

http://europa-soberana.blogia.com/2011/101201-the-new-racial-classification-i-.php

Here the hard genetic proof for what will shock many members of the Jewish and Muslim religions, and many people who consider themselves ethnic Semites. Very likely the haplotype-IJ invaded the Middle-East from Europe in a Stone Age Zionist Crusade. That is, most Arabs can trace their paternal lineage to people like him:

http://bible.cc/john/8-44.htm

New International Version (©2011)
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

New Living Translation (©2007)
For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

English Standard Version (©2001)
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars.

International Standard Version (©2012)
You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and has never stood for truth, since there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

NET Bible (©2006)
You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
“You are from your father The Devil, and the desire of your father you are willing to do; from the beginning he has been murdering men and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him; whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from what is his, because he is of falsehood and is also its father.”

GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995)
You come from your father, the devil, and you desire to do what your father wants you to do. The devil was a murderer from the beginning. He has never been truthful. He doesn’t know what the truth is. Whenever he tells a lie, he’s doing what comes naturally to him. He’s a liar and the father of lies.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

American King James Version
You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

American Standard Version
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth 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 thereof.

Douay-Rheims Bible
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he stood not in the truth; because truth is not in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.

Darby Bible Translation
Ye are of the devil, as your father, and ye desire to do the lusts of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks falsehood, he speaks of what is his own; for he is a liar and its father:

English Revised Version
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood 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 thereof.

Webster’s Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
The father whose sons you are is the Devil; and you desire to do what gives him pleasure. *He* was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand firm in the truth–for there is no truth in him. Whenever he utters his lie, he utters it out of his own store; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.

World English Bible
You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn’t stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and its father.

Young’s Literal Translation
‘Ye are of a father — the devil, and the desires of your father ye will to do; he was a man-slayer from the beginning, and in the truth he hath not stood, because there is no truth in him; when one may speak the falsehood, of his own he speaketh, because he is a liar — also his father.

Nithing

Those who understand, will understand.

Canaanite child sacrifice and euthanasia

We read in the Bible that the Canaanites sacrificed their children, as well as ran around naked, and engaged in sodomy. The Canaanites are not accused of euthanizing their elderly. This can mean two things. Either they didn’t euthanize, or the Bible doesn’t have a problem with euthanasia. In the first case we see that these values inevitably lead to a screwed up demography. And not just that. Abortion is far more at odds with the Golden Rule than is euthanasia. If the fetus is not human, if the fetus is a parasite, then the elderly suffering from dementia are doubly so. Abortion is always without consent of the fetus, while euthanasia can be consensual. Everybody agrees that the Golden Rule doesn’t apply to those who break it. Conservatives believe murderers deserve the death penalty. Liberals believe fascists deserve a beating by antifascists. This solves the question how to square the demands of large families (no abortion) with the demand not to attack your neighbours (large families can require wars of aggression). Both people who consider abortion not as bad as euthanasia and people who consider euthanasia a less important right than abortion are highly immoral. They are either cowardly or oversexed (or both). If anyone qualifies for conquest and genocide, it is them.

If the Bible doesn’t have a problem with euthanasia (possible if we see the cases of Abimelech and Samson, supported by the fact that the Old Testament is rather vague about the Afterlife), it is obvious that the Bible agrees with me.

Hell is better than Nukes

http://vnnforum.com/showthread.php?t=149773

It’s always been my contention that Christianity’s main grip on the minds of it’s followers is not the promise of some dubious reward in the hereafter; but it is the fear of punishment in the hereafter for non-conformity in the here and now.

I believe that you could actually completely remove the offer of an eternity spent in heaven from Christianity and people would still chose to be Christians and would still struggle to obey its precepts as long as you still included the possibility of being fated to endure eternal damnation and torment in hell if you didn’t walk the proverbial line of pleasing Yahweh in the here and now.

A reward of heaven in the afterlife is not necessary to Christianity in any way; it is the fear of eternal punishment that motivates Christians.

Christianity is like a strict, overbearing, parent that keeps its children in line through fear of pain.

The Christians are like pathetic children who cry out “I don’t care about the candy, daddy; just please don’t beat me and I’ll behave.”

That  has always been the rub with religion. Religion is basically coercion and control through punishment, be it social, financial or physical. There isn’t too much good going on with it and there is an awful lot of shame and fear and punishment so what do these guys describe really well?

Their present reality+fire and pointy things.

Religion is great with the punishment, awful with the reward. Heaven has never been described, depicted or sold as well as Hell.

Jews simply don’t have an afterlife, or so they tell you. The Talmud goes into great detail about the punishment of the minim and goyim and apikoroses and doesn’t have much to say about kike Heaven except they’ll have money and about 3000 slaves. I guess in Heeb Heaven, every kike becomes a banker.

Islam is The Desert, if it weren’t a Desert, plus some hookers. The Koran and the hadiths go on FOREVER about how to punish people and very little about how to reward. The Koran speaks ENDLESSLY of Hell and then Heaven is “Imagine the desert. It isn’t a desert anymore. You get some hookers.”

Christianity really dropped the ball on their Heaven. It is a freaky deaky never ending church service. No, not one that feels like it never ends: One that actually never ends. People like Augustine and Aquinas realized that Christian Heaven was pretty bogus and lame. They said every now and again there would be an interlude in the praise and you’d get to see people getting tortured. Boy, doesn’t that sound fun? It doesn’t sound morally perfect to derive pleasure from watching people get tortured, but whatever. Church+Abu Ghraib Photos=Heaven

Quote:

“That the saints may enjoy their beatitude more thoroughly, and give more abundant thanks for it to God, a perfect sight of the punishment of the damned is granted them.” – St. Thomas Aquinas

Tertullian said that he’d be able to see the kings and queens and monarchs and merchants in Hell and that he’d get a real jolly kick from it. Christianity is insanity plus jealousy. Given the choice I think the average Christian freak would rather masturbate, would rather get a little dirty thrill from a dirty little glimpse of the Abyss than sing another song or sit through another sermon.

Edit: Sorry to make it longer, but religion is punishment based and would survive without paradise. Check it out, tell some Christian or Muslim wacknuts you don’t buy into it. What do they tell you. “WOAH! CHANGE YOUR MIND FELLA! YOU’LL MISS OUT ON THE COOLEST PARTY EVER!” They say “Fine, fuckin’ asshole. Go to Hell, burn with Satan’s spike-cock in your colon, see if I care.” Hell is the first thing on their mind, the first threat out of their mouth and always mentioned to you by the believer with some degree of a smile on his or her face.

As you all know, my religion takes it to the next level. In the highest heaven, you can torture the enemies of God for all eternity with your own hands.