Tue, Jun 21, 2016
The Gospel of Judas was unknown to the modern world until the Codex that contained it was discovered and eventual translated and published by National Goegrphic in 2006. It is a Gnostic writing so it's perspective differs considerably from the Nicene Bible.
Tue, Aug 2, 2016
Although it provides considerable insight into the thinking of early Christians, the Gospel of Thomas was omitted from the Bible. The most likely reasons are the early preference for a four gospel collection and that the Gospel of Thomas was not particularly popular and in some circles, out of favor.
Thu, Jun 13, 2019
An interpretation for the Book of Reveleations in historical context focusing on The Beast.
Thu, Aug 27, 2020
The book of 1 Enoch is a compilation of dozens of writings based on two obscure verses from Genesis. One describes Enoch taken by God (presumable to heaven without first dying) and one describing the Nephilim. Briefly very popular with early Christians it established several of the concepts that are part of Christian, Jewish and Muslum dogma today, such as the place called Hell.
Thu, Oct 29, 2020
Wicca is a revival of the European pagan religions that were suppressed by Chirstianity in the mid-second millennium. Hence they are not Satan worshipers as Satan was never part of the pagan religions. Wicca began in the mid twentieth century and has spread around the world with a diverse set of beliefs among the sects. That spectrum is described here.
Tue, Feb 23, 2021
Satan as a fallen angel is not clearly referenced in the early books of the Hebrew Bible though some characters, such as the snake in the Garden of Eden are now though of as Satan. The stories of an evil one that struggles against God began to appear after the Babylonian Exile where the Jews were exposed to similar stories in the Zoroastrianism religion.
Wed, Apr 14, 2021
The first example of the Hebrew language dates to the 12th century B.C. and appears to be derived from the Canaaite language. Both were alphabetic languages which were rather innovative for their time and examples of the alphabets written out as abecedaries are know as are precursor alphabets that seem to be derived form hieroglyphs.
Thu, Jul 8, 2021
Confucious was born in a period of chaos following the collapse of the Zhou dynasty when local war lords ruled. Confucious was one of many scholars whose knowledge was sought by the warlords. Lessons taught by Confucius encouraged social cohesion. They were cemented in Chinese culture by the civil service exams of the Han dynasty and later in Japan by the Shoguns' schools.
Wed, Aug 25, 2021
Vodou is a Haitian religion based on the religion brought by slaves from Benin with some Roman Catholic Influences. Practicioners recognize a supreme god Bondye but normally interact with Lwa who are spirits that are like a combination of a Catholic angel and saint. Practitioners create a relationship with a Lwa by serving or celebrating him or her and in return receives protection and guidance.
Tue, Sep 28, 2021
After providing the cultural and political foundation in China for 2400 years Confucianism was abruptly suppressed under Sun Yat-Sen because it was seen as too traditional for a modern nation. The suppression continued under Mao Tse Tung as the communists were anti-intellectual. Later regimes have promoted Confucian concepts consistent with communism as an Asian alternative to western values.
Wed, Oct 13, 2021
In this first part of Andrew's series on Buddhism he provides an overview beginning with how Buddihism compares with the western or Christian concept of religion. He then turns to the origin of Buddihim and its basic tenants before briefly describing the diversity that now exists throughout Asia.
Sun, Nov 7, 2021
The second book of Enoch is an elaboration on the first book of Enoch but it's bona fides are not as well established since there are few manuscripts and two different versions of uncertain history. It also interweaves Old and New Testament symbolism making it uncertain whether it is of Hebrew or Christian origin.
Tue, Feb 22, 2022
The modern (western) inclusive practice of meditation for relaxation if very different from traditional Buddhism philosophy that viewed meditation as an advanced practice that required extensive training which few Buddhists participated in. But in both cases the goal in to eliminate negative states of mind.
Fri, Mar 18, 2022
The early Christian perception of the Antichrist was that of the heretics based on the Letters of John. The concept of the supervillain opposing Christ evolved over the next few centuries with reference to additional Biblical books until now it is a major being of some christian sects.
Wed, Mar 30, 2022
In Buddhism, in contrast to western religions, hell is represented in a variety of forms and it is not eternal, though equally horrifying, but a place to release bad karma before rebirth.
Thu, Feb 2, 2023
Pictures of angels based on Biblical passages are prevalent in popular culture. How accurate are they really?
Thu, Jul 20, 2023
The modern evangelical concept of The Rapture seems to have been solidified by John Nelson Darby based on verses in First Thessalonians, Isaiah, a few other non-Biblical passages and their interpretations by various writers over the centuries. It entered the mainstream of American thought through the writings of Hal Lindsey and a plethora of writers who capitalized on the popularity of Lindey writings.