BIG NEWS: My new book Jesus: A Field Manual is out October 3, 2023! You can pre-order the ebook in the Kindle store right now, and the paperback is out on Oct. 3. a.co/d/c5CuJgb For updates on the book and all my other work, contact me through withjonadams.com to sign up for my new email newsletter.
“Obedience to the Bible is not the point of the Bible, a conversation with god that makes you obedient to Christ and helps you become the image of God you were always created to be that’s the point of the Bible” 🙌🏼🕊️❤️🔥
Summary of the 6 steps to reading the Bible spiritually: 1. Before opening the Bible, I confess what I'm bringing with me to the text (negative/positive expectations, assumptions, biases) 2. I listen quietly to the text and let scripture speak to me for itself 3. I learn what I don't understand - especially the context of the ancient writers of the Bible (worldview, rituals, traditions) 4. I face the challenges presented to me by the writers and the challenges of the Spirit for my life 5. I wait for the mystery of God to be revealed in the text I've read 6. I live in the new world that's created by my new understanding and the Spirit's work in my life
I often tell people that they sell the book short by only interpreting the text in a literal sense or taking it at face value. The text holds much more truth than what meets the physical eyes and senses. I write in a similar fashion myself, rich in the metaphorical sense. It's very entertaining, enlightening, interesting and fun.
Thank you for breaking down important points simply. Ive been a christian for 40 yrs and have been searching and hungrying for deeper and meaningful lifestyle with Jesus. Ive been stuck for a very long time....again thank you :)
I became Catholic when I was 30, and have been studying mysticism and living a life of prayer for 20 years. I wish I had access to this video when I started out - wonderful information.
Bear in mind - the Lord HIDES HIS FACE from those not seeking Him with a full heart. Being led of the Spirit is the only dynamic way to include the Scriptures in one's daily walk. As led by the Spirit, we STUDY, not simply read.
Edit: So much amazing insight. This is exactly what I was looking for, I want to reread the Bible now that I have grown so much spiritually. I have a feeling it’s going to be a wild ride this time around. I’m trying to focus. I’ve had to rewind so many times because I’m so fixated on that beautiful face and beard.
I felt that when you said that we see things and learn things in The Bible and see it in a different way and we tell others but it doesnt make sence to them or it may sound too deep to them... it comes with a lonliness.. but ive always been lonly.. my thorn is social anxiety and fear of people... it was given to me for some reason which i cannot see now, so i tell I AM WHO I AM {GOD} that i accept my thorns as gifts and that use them to do in me and transform me and shape me and mold me into the man you want me to be..when it comes to people i become timid.. its hard speaking but i Surrender and Accept with Acceptance, its all for a greater purpose!!
I came across your channel today and am so grateful and humbled. After hearing the first video, my life long struggle has ended. Thank God for His answer to my prayers.
wow , this is so informative! i never considered the confirmation bias i might be participating in when i go in trying to look for an answer to what i’m struggling with. whenever i see something i don’t like or that doesn’t answer the question i almost disregard it. but you’re teaching me that every word is significant and worth paying attention to! i’m obsessed with ur videos, i have learned so much. the way you speak is so genuine and non-shameful. you are a true light my friend
I like your channel! I'm someone who has explored Eastern religions to the point of taking refuge as a Buddhist, but I still have many Platonist (and therefore Christian Platonist) inclinations (to my surprise!) I never didn't believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, but I came to doubt the efficacy of the Christian Church (and that hasn't changed.) But your material on Christian mysticism is very helpful, I'm starting to connect the dots between the various faith traditions, and your outlook is refreshingly ecumenical.
Thanks for sharing. I also very much struggle with the “efficacy of the Christian church” as you put it, but the old mystical reading of the gospel and Scripture has helped a lot with my ongoing experience of Christ. It’s interesting that you mention a lingering Platonism - one of my personal projects has been to separate my spirituality from Platonic ideas as much as possible, but I think that is a conversation for another time and would probably make a good video.
Thank you so much for your perspective. This is not common as far as typical channels on YT which discuss the Bible. I'm a big fan of the Christian Mystic, Emmanuel Swedenborg. I became "sold" on the reality of the Bible as a result of reading his book Heaven & Hell. It really changed the trajectory of my spiritual life and I'll be forever grateful. I highly recommend Swedenborg to others who might be "on the fence" about the veracity of an afterlife.
great content, thank you! So funny to hear you talking about those books- my mystical experience drew me to Song of Songs specifically, and I find that it somehow resonates with me more than any other book in the Bible. And most people who are serious about their spiritual journey realize that "practical success" in the world means very little when it comes at the cost of our most fundamental identity, what our soul truly is. Suffering is so much more bearable when you have done all in your power for good, followed the ways of the Lord, and clung to God. But when you are confronted by the hell of your own creation, and you realize how your sin and wickedness has hurt yourself and the people around you- THAT feeling is true suffering. But when you have walked in righteousness and done the will of the Lord, all things are bearable. When you have lived in Jesus Christ then with a light heart and a joyful spirit you really could sing on your way to the gallows (or the poor house, or the hospital room, or whatever else the world throws at you). Keep making videos man this is such good content!!
Boy, there were so many choices out there it was seemingly overwhelming. I ended up settling for the NASB. I wanted something that was translated accurately and faithfully from the original Greek; not an interpretive translation.
That's a great version. I preached out of the NASB for about 7 years. In grad school they had us use the NSRV, and I've switched to it because I find it a little easier to read aloud. But both were done by really solid translation committees. Good choice.
I read the bible 3 times before I realized that I should have been studying the bible. I'm still not an expert but I do get more out of it each time I study.
I enjoyed this message and resonate with the sentiment to a great extent. However I do think a newbie can be misled, as the explanation lacks the necessary checks and balances of cross referencing with other scriptures before one can establish a foundation based on a particular revelation received directly by an inner voice . More so because you introduced the conflict that may arise in comparing the different books and concepts within.
This is a good point. I have fuller instructions for this practice in my book (Jesus: A Field Manual) which comes out Tuesday, and there are a couple of paragraphs that deal with those concerns specifically. This work is an evolving process and I’m slowly growing in my understanding of how to do it well for the different needs that people may have.
I also think it may just look to us as if our choices to be good don't produce any results but the results will always be there we may not see it . the good is being reaped in another area of our lives or in our children or it will show up sometime in the future. same goes with bad choices.
Thank you for your videos. I have recently come from the new age to Christianity and the mysticism within it attracts me. I have spent time recently studying the different denominations from Roman Catholicism to Eastern Orthodox to protestant denominations. I struggle to understand the true biblical meaning of church as they all say different things. I was wondering what your take on the definition of the church and if any Christian mystics spoke on the matter?
The holy spirit comes by Grace and we are immediately reborn, then there is nothing to transform. A new firmware is added with the installation of the Holy Spirit. Then it is the Spirit acting in us, and not ourselves. Then we are at peace in the union with the Spirit, nurtured and loved by the spirit, and our life stands to serve the needs of the Spirit as it is revealed to Us. As we choose to take Gods love within ourselves and then to give that love to others, we fulfill our purpose and experience a type of equilibrium with existence, despite it's glaring problems. As light in the darkness, none can boast because He is the light and life, and we are His.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18 'We are being transformed' is a present passive indicative verb that implies an ongoing process. Throughout Paul's, Peter's, and John's writings, the transformation that the Holy Spirit causes in the life and soul of a follower of Christ is described as a process of growth.
@@withjonadams I like the new living translation: "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." So what I am getting at is that it is God who gifts us the Spirit and the Spirit replaces our natural ambition without effort. Just belief! The word, 'change' sounds mundane and quick while 'transformation' sounds more involved and exciting of course. Every life unfolds in it's own story, at different speeds, but all by Grace. But the simple truth for me is that God has done it all, all of the saving and improving is done by His Grace. "For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Mathew 11:30
If your seeking truth my friend you need a word for word literal translation I would recommend young’s literal translation it’s not a Bible meant for casual reading because it’s very literal and some words don’t translate into English or they translate very poorly into English but unlike most bibles we have he didn’t try to interpret it for us it’s just what it says but any literal translation will do nasb is a literal translation but not word for word they did some interpretation as well but not nearly as much as the kjv or niv
Hi just wanted to know what are your thoughts on 1.Swedenborg 2. Genocide in Bible 3 . Gods silence in Holocaust . I thought of asking a mature Christian because I know it may hurt a faith of immature Christians . I know God is true but these questions torment me.
It's a 6" NRSV without the Apocrypha. It's my current "working Bible," it goes everywhere with me and the size is really handy. You can find them that size looking for "compact" or "slimline."
@@withjonadams Thanks very much for getting back to me. I have a Renovare NRSV, but it's a tad chunky, so I'll definitely look that one up. Keep up the good work and thanks again!
I guess the most concise way to put it is that many of us grow up with the Bible as a norm for behavior within the Christian community. Our community’s interpretation of the Bible is the source of “correct doctrine” so we know who to exclude, our debates about social issues take place around the Bible, when we’re disciplined the Bible is used as justification, and so on. But whatever our parents and teachers may say, the Bible is not presented as a way to encounter God for yourself. If you grow up seeing the Bible as a weapon that your elders use to enforce their ideas of good behavior onto you and onto the world, it can be hard to detach yourself from your community’s authority and read the Bible in fresh ways when you’re old enough to think for yourself.
Most of these problems are solved by the Magisterium of the Church. Protestants don't have that structure to instruct them on the context and nuances of Scripture, and so come up with many ideas to explain away the difficult parts of the Bible.
I don't agree with you my brother.God is my father and all knowledge that leads to peace in my soul is of God. Ignoring my inner compass is also of God.If you can't explain it to an 8yr. old you are not enlightentend yourself. Read what you will,pray what you will,believe what you will think what you will,do what you will.The lessons will follow because God is love. In my 50 yrs . Of reading the bible the one thing that God was driving into my soul is if you live to serve yourself there is darkness within me.Serve others and there will be light in me.What does that light consist of is Love,Joy ,Peace ,Harmony, self control .If the holy spirit is not my conscious ,then its just my imagination.Learn to see the Flow of the universe and you will see everything is perfect as it is and so are you and I .thinking that iam separate from that flow is the real meaning of hell. See how the Lillie's of the field grow....Peace.
So, the Bible, which is really difficult to interpret correctly, then you have another book that’s even thicker than the Bible that’s suppose to explain the Bible. Really? Unless you’re going to be a scholar in biblical studies or become a monk, then, sure you should read these two books and hopefully reach enlightenment. But for most of us, this unrealistic. I mean come on who is going to spend the time and energy is needed to understand the Bible in a way that can have a true transformational effect? In William James book “the varieties of religious experiences” he interviewed many people who had spiritual awakenings but are not devout Christian. How is that possible? Well this approach is well intended, it just makes things more complicated and I find it hard to believe anybody would actually pick up these two books and diligently read them in hopes of finding God or some kind of spiritual awakening. There are other ways to awaken spiritually, I don’t think this is one of them. Monks spend their entire lives in rigorous ascetic meditative practice to find God. What makes us think we can do the same reading two very complicated books? We would be lucky to achieve it in a lifetime.
Understanding the scripture at a deeper level does not make you a mystic or have anything to do with mysticism. A true Christian who seeks to know God through studying and meditates on His Word will, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, receive deeper understanding. This does not make you a mystic, it makes you a true child of God being taught through the Holy Spirt. This thought of transcending does not bring us closer to God, the opposite is true. Want proof? Just look how followers of God began following mystical teachings that led to them to following the Talmud and Zohar, words of men, rather than the Torah, the words of God. They were/are so spiritually enlightened in their minds that they are no longer worshipping God but Satan. This is a slippery slope. I do not disagree with your methods on reading God’s word so much as you labeling a deeper spiritual understanding as some sort of mystic ability.
The more you try to reconcile the old testament God with Jesus the more confused you get.There is no reconciliation.The mystery of Christianity is that the devil is truly the god in the old testament.
![ถามตรงๆ กับ อาจตุพร ทำไม ประเทศไทย ใครเป็นนายก ก็โดนด่า พอออกเเล้วคนคิดถึง!!?? l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3YFLMXxBGAs/mqdefault.jpg)
BIG NEWS: My new book Jesus: A Field Manual is out October 3, 2023! You can pre-order the ebook in the Kindle store right now, and the paperback is out on Oct. 3.
a.co/d/c5CuJgb
For updates on the book and all my other work, contact me through withjonadams.com to sign up for my new email newsletter.
“Obedience to the Bible is not the point of the Bible, a conversation with god that makes you obedient to Christ and helps you become the image of God you were always created to be that’s the point of the Bible” 🙌🏼🕊️❤️🔥
Summary of the 6 steps to reading the Bible spiritually:
1. Before opening the Bible, I confess what I'm bringing with me to the text (negative/positive expectations, assumptions, biases)
2. I listen quietly to the text and let scripture speak to me for itself
3. I learn what I don't understand - especially the context of the ancient writers of the Bible (worldview, rituals, traditions)
4. I face the challenges presented to me by the writers and the challenges of the Spirit for my life
5. I wait for the mystery of God to be revealed in the text I've read
6. I live in the new world that's created by my new understanding and the Spirit's work in my life
Thanks!
❤
As an ex-Christian seeking a true and meaningful faith, this is a game changer. Thank you!
I'm glad you found it helpful :)
I often tell people that they sell the book short by only interpreting the text in a literal sense or taking it at face value. The text holds much more truth than what meets the physical eyes and senses.
I write in a similar fashion myself, rich in the metaphorical sense. It's very entertaining, enlightening, interesting and fun.
Thank you for breaking down important points simply. Ive been a christian for 40 yrs and have been searching and hungrying for deeper and meaningful lifestyle with Jesus. Ive been stuck for a very long time....again thank you :)
I became Catholic when I was 30, and have been studying mysticism and living a life of prayer for 20 years. I wish I had access to this video when I started out - wonderful information.
Bear in mind - the Lord HIDES HIS FACE from those not seeking Him with a full heart. Being led of the Spirit is the only dynamic way to include the Scriptures in one's daily walk. As led by the Spirit, we STUDY, not simply read.
Agnostic here.... always appreciated the wisdom from the world religions. Great take on the Bible
Edit: So much amazing insight. This is exactly what I was looking for, I want to reread the Bible now that I have grown so much spiritually. I have a feeling it’s going to be a wild ride this time around.
I’m trying to focus. I’ve had to rewind so many times because I’m so fixated on that beautiful face and beard.
to be respectfully admired, he is married with kids.
@@auradiana hahahah it’s like you’re the admiration police - I don’t think the author was inviting him back to a hotel lol
I felt that when you said that we see things and learn things in The Bible and see it in a different way and we tell others but it doesnt make sence to them or it may sound too deep to them... it comes with a lonliness.. but ive always been lonly.. my thorn is social anxiety and fear of people... it was given to me for some reason which i cannot see now, so i tell I AM WHO I AM {GOD} that i accept my thorns as gifts and that use them to do in me and transform me and shape me and mold me into the man you want me to be..when it comes to people i become timid.. its hard speaking but i Surrender and Accept with Acceptance, its all for a greater purpose!!
That's a great attitude to have!
I came across your channel today and am so grateful and humbled. After hearing the first video, my life long struggle has ended. Thank God for His answer to my prayers.
It's an honor, Lynne :)
Songs of Solomon was my very first book I read in the Bible.
Wow, that's very uncommon!
It was the first I intentionally read after Proverbs. The controversy really reeled me in 😊 lol
wow , this is so informative! i never considered the confirmation bias i might be participating in when i go in trying to look for an answer to what i’m struggling with. whenever i see something i don’t like or that doesn’t answer the question i almost disregard it. but you’re teaching me that every word is significant and worth paying attention to! i’m obsessed with ur videos, i have learned so much. the way you speak is so genuine and non-shameful. you are a true light my friend
Spiritual reading- Indeed sometimes it comes with loneliness 😔
This is amazing content. I truly appreciate having access to this. God bless you brother
I like your channel! I'm someone who has explored Eastern religions to the point of taking refuge as a Buddhist, but I still have many Platonist (and therefore Christian Platonist) inclinations (to my surprise!) I never didn't believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, but I came to doubt the efficacy of the Christian Church (and that hasn't changed.) But your material on Christian mysticism is very helpful, I'm starting to connect the dots between the various faith traditions, and your outlook is refreshingly ecumenical.
Thanks for sharing. I also very much struggle with the “efficacy of the Christian church” as you put it, but the old mystical reading of the gospel and Scripture has helped a lot with my ongoing experience of Christ. It’s interesting that you mention a lingering Platonism - one of my personal projects has been to separate my spirituality from Platonic ideas as much as possible, but I think that is a conversation for another time and would probably make a good video.
How do I grow the beard?
I’m so excited
Thank you so much for your perspective. This is not common as far as typical channels on YT which discuss the Bible. I'm a big fan of the Christian Mystic, Emmanuel Swedenborg. I became "sold" on the reality of the Bible as a result of reading his book Heaven & Hell. It really changed the trajectory of my spiritual life and I'll be forever grateful. I highly recommend Swedenborg to others who might be "on the fence" about the veracity of an afterlife.
great content, thank you! So funny to hear you talking about those books- my mystical experience drew me to Song of Songs specifically, and I find that it somehow resonates with me more than any other book in the Bible. And most people who are serious about their spiritual journey realize that "practical success" in the world means very little when it comes at the cost of our most fundamental identity, what our soul truly is. Suffering is so much more bearable when you have done all in your power for good, followed the ways of the Lord, and clung to God. But when you are confronted by the hell of your own creation, and you realize how your sin and wickedness has hurt yourself and the people around you- THAT feeling is true suffering. But when you have walked in righteousness and done the will of the Lord, all things are bearable. When you have lived in Jesus Christ then with a light heart and a joyful spirit you really could sing on your way to the gallows (or the poor house, or the hospital room, or whatever else the world throws at you). Keep making videos man this is such good content!!
This video is really amazing. Thank you and congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Boy, there were so many choices out there it was seemingly overwhelming. I ended up settling for the NASB. I wanted something that was translated accurately and faithfully from the original Greek; not an interpretive translation.
That's a great version. I preached out of the NASB for about 7 years. In grad school they had us use the NSRV, and I've switched to it because I find it a little easier to read aloud. But both were done by really solid translation committees. Good choice.
This is the most helpful video I have come across all year
Wow, thanks!
This is important stuff. Thanks
Im glad I found you
Song of Songs is one of my favorite books. 😉🥰
What about the book of Daniel
@@theguyver4934 I haven’t really studied it. I’ll add that to my lists of books I want to study! Thank you 😊
I read the bible 3 times before I realized that I should have been studying the bible. I'm still not an expert but I do get more out of it each time I study.
Well said!
This was excellent - instructive, insightful, illuminating, and liberating. Thank you for sharing this video. (1/30/22)
Thank you for this video
Thank you John.
I enjoyed this message and resonate with the sentiment to a great extent. However I do think a newbie can be misled, as the explanation lacks the necessary checks and balances of cross referencing with other scriptures before one can establish a foundation based on a particular revelation received directly by an inner voice . More so because you introduced the conflict that may arise in comparing the different books and concepts within.
This is a good point. I have fuller instructions for this practice in my book (Jesus: A Field Manual) which comes out Tuesday, and there are a couple of paragraphs that deal with those concerns specifically. This work is an evolving process and I’m slowly growing in my understanding of how to do it well for the different needs that people may have.
Thanks for sharing 🙏💫✨💖💖🔥🔥🔥🔥✝️
I also think it may just look to us as if our choices to be good don't produce any results but the results will always be there we may not see it . the good is being reaped in another area of our lives or in our children or it will show up sometime in the future. same goes with bad choices.
Amen, love it brother. God bless you!
Thank you for your videos. I have recently come from the new age to Christianity and the mysticism within it attracts me. I have spent time recently studying the different denominations from Roman Catholicism to Eastern Orthodox to protestant denominations. I struggle to understand the true biblical meaning of church as they all say different things. I was wondering what your take on the definition of the church and if any Christian mystics spoke on the matter?
Welcome! I’ll work on a video on this topic sometime in the next few weeks, thanks for a great question
Thankful for these steps! Appreciate it!
What if the story is in code? Enemies are not real persons,but wrong thoughts etc.
Good stuff, God Bless You!
Thank u this is si helpful
Loved it, thanks
hear hear!
..maybe David wasn't speaking on his physical enemies, but emotional or psychological enemies?
That's how the old mystics interpreted the Psalms for themselves.
The holy spirit comes by Grace and we are immediately reborn, then there is nothing to transform. A new firmware is added with the installation of the Holy Spirit. Then it is the Spirit acting in us, and not ourselves. Then we are at peace in the union with the Spirit, nurtured and loved by the spirit, and our life stands to serve the needs of the Spirit as it is revealed to Us. As we choose to take Gods love within ourselves and then to give that love to others, we fulfill our purpose and experience a type of equilibrium with existence, despite it's glaring problems. As light in the darkness, none can boast because He is the light and life, and we are His.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18
'We are being transformed' is a present passive indicative verb that implies an ongoing process. Throughout Paul's, Peter's, and John's writings, the transformation that the Holy Spirit causes in the life and soul of a follower of Christ is described as a process of growth.
@@withjonadams I like the new living translation: "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." So what I am getting at is that it is God who gifts us the Spirit and the Spirit replaces our natural ambition without effort. Just belief! The word, 'change' sounds mundane and quick while 'transformation' sounds more involved and exciting of course. Every life unfolds in it's own story, at different speeds, but all by Grace. But the simple truth for me is that God has done it all, all of the saving and improving is done by His Grace. "For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Mathew 11:30
20:12 never truer words were spoken.
Before you read the bible ask the lord to send the holy spirit to give you that deep understanding.
Definitely!
There are many versions of the Bible. Adam, which one would you recommend for one trying to follow the path of the mystics?
If your seeking truth my friend you need a word for word literal translation I would recommend young’s literal translation it’s not a Bible meant for casual reading because it’s very literal and some words don’t translate into English or they translate very poorly into English but unlike most bibles we have he didn’t try to interpret it for us it’s just what it says but any literal translation will do nasb is a literal translation but not word for word they did some interpretation as well but not nearly as much as the kjv or niv
Kjv the others were distorted because it was so harsh but remember what the Bible says about the dark sayings
I guess my only qualm with the Bible, is it seems to be too limiting.
I've been there too, but there's always more going on beneath the surface when I make time for careful consideration and study.
Which Bible is it you have in your hand 🤔 very helpful what you are sharing.
It’s a NRSV that I got because it fits in my backpack
@@withjonadams Thankyou
Hi just wanted to know what are your thoughts on 1.Swedenborg 2. Genocide in Bible 3 . Gods silence in Holocaust . I thought of asking a mature Christian because I know it may hurt a faith of immature Christians . I know God is true but these questions torment me.
Sorry for the late reply. I'm not sure TH-cam is the place for this conversation, but you're welcome to send me an e-mail :)
@@withjonadams Thank you . Can you send me your email address , please .
jon@withjonadams.com
Hi Jon. Great video. What's the compact Bible you're holding there? Looks like a handy size.
It's a 6" NRSV without the Apocrypha. It's my current "working Bible," it goes everywhere with me and the size is really handy. You can find them that size looking for "compact" or "slimline."
@@withjonadams Thanks very much for getting back to me. I have a Renovare NRSV, but it's a tad chunky, so I'll definitely look that one up. Keep up the good work and thanks again!
@@iceburna2529 the Renovare is a great Bible. But I gave mine to a friend exactly because it was too chunky haha
You’ve never been beaten or tortured if you did your perception on vengeance would change, it is all a metaphysical mental exercise for you.
The rabbis say but there are four different levels of understanding of the Bible...
What are the Rabbis' four levels? I haven't come across them
@Read Father Seraphim Rose all Pharisees we're not bad...
What is the baggage of the Bible? I wasn’t exposed to the Bible for majority of my life.
I guess the most concise way to put it is that many of us grow up with the Bible as a norm for behavior within the Christian community. Our community’s interpretation of the Bible is the source of “correct doctrine” so we know who to exclude, our debates about social issues take place around the Bible, when we’re disciplined the Bible is used as justification, and so on. But whatever our parents and teachers may say, the Bible is not presented as a way to encounter God for yourself. If you grow up seeing the Bible as a weapon that your elders use to enforce their ideas of good behavior onto you and onto the world, it can be hard to detach yourself from your community’s authority and read the Bible in fresh ways when you’re old enough to think for yourself.
Most of these problems are solved by the Magisterium of the Church. Protestants don't have that structure to instruct them on the context and nuances of Scripture, and so come up with many ideas to explain away the difficult parts of the Bible.
What is sticking out of his bible- bookmarks. Looks like mushrooms.
I don't agree with you my brother.God is my father and all knowledge that leads to peace in my soul is of God. Ignoring my inner compass is also of God.If you can't explain it to an 8yr. old you are not enlightentend yourself. Read what you will,pray what you will,believe what you will think what you will,do what you will.The lessons will follow because God is love. In my 50 yrs . Of reading the bible the one thing that God was driving into my soul is if you live to serve yourself there is darkness within me.Serve others and there will be light in me.What does that light consist of is Love,Joy ,Peace ,Harmony, self control .If the holy spirit is not my conscious ,then its just my imagination.Learn to see the Flow of the universe and you will see everything is perfect as it is and so are you and I .thinking that iam separate from that flow is the real meaning of hell. See how the Lillie's of the field grow....Peace.
So, the Bible, which is really difficult to interpret correctly, then you have another book that’s even thicker than the Bible that’s suppose to explain the Bible. Really? Unless you’re going to be a scholar in biblical studies or become a monk, then, sure you should read these two books and hopefully reach enlightenment. But for most of us, this unrealistic. I mean come on who is going to spend the time and energy is needed to understand the Bible in a way that can have a true transformational effect? In William James book “the varieties of religious experiences” he interviewed many people who had spiritual awakenings but are not devout Christian. How is that possible? Well this approach is well intended, it just makes things more complicated and I find it hard to believe anybody would actually pick up these two books and diligently read them in hopes of finding God or some kind of spiritual awakening. There are other ways to awaken spiritually, I don’t think this is one of them. Monks spend their entire lives in rigorous ascetic meditative practice to find God. What makes us think we can do the same reading two very complicated books? We would be lucky to achieve it in a lifetime.
Jesus Christ is our savior.
Live with the responsibility of what you've seen that nobody else has? Welcome back to Plato's cave.
Step 1:
Take a feminist class
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Understanding the scripture at a deeper level does not make you a mystic or have anything to do with mysticism. A true Christian who seeks to know God through studying and meditates on His Word will, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, receive deeper understanding. This does not make you a mystic, it makes you a true child of God being taught through the Holy Spirt. This thought of transcending does not bring us closer to God, the opposite is true. Want proof? Just look how followers of God began following mystical teachings that led to them to following the Talmud and Zohar, words of men, rather than the Torah, the words of God. They were/are so spiritually enlightened in their minds that they are no longer worshipping God but Satan. This is a slippery slope. I do not disagree with your methods on reading God’s word so much as you labeling a deeper spiritual understanding as some sort of mystic ability.
The more you try to reconcile the old testament God with Jesus the more confused you get.There is no reconciliation.The mystery of Christianity is that the devil is truly the god in the old testament.
The Christian gnostics would agree with you.
Ty 4 this