proof that John 19 was recorded by an eyewitness, and that Christ died on the cross

[Fear_nam_Beanntan]

Originally posted by BatEl
Wow, so much sympathy 4 a Jewish Rabbi, who "Died" just that, a Rabbi!

Actually, Jesus taught many revolutionary ideas that were not in line with normative Judaism. For example: turning the other cheek, perfection being required for salvation, placing greater emphasis on the world to come (as opposed to obeying God on earth), and solitary, layman prayer. Also, He repeatedly claimed divinity, which, if He wasn't actually God, would make Him either a lunatic who didn't know any better, or one of the most vile heretics the world has ever seen. Clearly, He meant to break with tradition, and I think the early Christians were justified in breaking off from Judaism and forming a new religion.

The Christian "Experience" only took place 500 years of so after the recorded death of the Preacher of Galilee! It has since became an Instituation of Great Wealth & Splender, and about as far removed from the "Rabbis" views on Life as could b! Go figure???? Peace & Light

Um, I think you need to read a few more history books. The Christian Church may have been small, but it was at its most passionate and most pure in the time between Jesus's death and its becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Though most of its adherents aren't nearly as passionate about ther beleifs as they should be, Christianity is still faithfull to Christ's teachings.

[Fear_nam_Beanntan]

Here is an essay by a Jewish Rabbi on the differing attitudes towards evil found in Judaism and Christianity.

http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/...loveichik.html

[BatEl]

Call any1 Stupid,? never!. We all have our own points of view on everything. Am just saying,Jeshu the Rabbi, had certainly unorthodox ideas for his "time", however He was Preaching 2 the Jews,his own people, not any1 else! The Establishment of the New Religion, followers of whom where called Christians,only happened about 500 years after the death of the so called Christ, which means Annointed One! A good read of History, up untill recent years, will certainly prove, that the Powers that B in all the forms of the Christian Church, did not in any way, copy, in word or deed, the Teachings of their so called Leader! Peace & Light

[emballantine]

Originally posted by BatEl
The Establishment of the New Religion, followers of whom where called Christians,only happened about 500 years after the death of the so called Christ, which means Annointed One!

I have to agree with Fear in this case (and this is rare). My knowledge of modern day christianity I admit is somewhat limited by my personal experiences. However, I am a student of religion, and though Scottish on one side, Greek on the other. The Greeks being the original Christians, formed the religion that followed Christ much sooner than 500 years AD. And as Fear said, they were the most passionate and most pure.

It was only when Christianity was adopted by the Romans that it became corrupter.

And on that note, I agree with you also:

A good read of History, up untill recent years, will certainly prove, that the Powers that B in all the forms of the Christian Church, did not in any way, copy, in word or deed, the Teachings of their so called Leader!

It is evident throughout history that 'the powers that be' as you call them have "edited" and altered the bible and the teachings of Jesus to fit their political needs. Wherein the amount of scripture left out of the New Testament far exceeds the amount left it. And certainly Christianity in its church form has historically been far removed from the actual teachings of Christ.

I would venture to say Buddhists make better Christians than most Christians, because they usually live more along the same lines that Jesus would have had his followers live.
I would even venture to say that Jesus and Buddha (whether they be considered god or prophet) may very well ne interpretations of the same thing. Perhaps the Christian idea of the apocolypse is simply a different interpretation of Nirvana.

[emballantine]

TomSawyer,

Perhaps it is better that if you know nothing of what you are speaking of, you do not speak at all.

For if you understand anything in this world, Buddhism is not one of the things you understand.

[Fear_nam_Beanntan]

Originally posted by emballantine
It is evident throughout history that 'the powers that be' as you call them have "edited" and altered the bible and the teachings of Jesus to fit their political needs. Wherein the amount of scripture left out of the New Testament far exceeds the amount left it. And certainly Christianity in its church form has historically been far removed from the actual teachings of Christ.

Actually it isn't very evident. Yes, the Catholic Church rejected several Gospels which were written in the 2nd century. These are legendary in character, and contain only a shadow of the truth. They are the products of non-Christian religious groups, such as the Gnostics, who wanted to adapt the life of Jesus to fit their own political/religious goals. The other Gospels are distortions, not the 4 which are in the Bible.

The Catholic Church has treated the Bible with revrence for its entire history, and has not taken its stewardship of the Word lightly.

I would venture to say Buddhists make better Christians than most Christians, because they usually live more along the same lines that Jesus would have had his followers live.
I would even venture to say that Jesus and Buddha (whether they be considered god or prophet) may very well ne interpretations of the same thing. Perhaps the Christian idea of the apocolypse is simply a different interpretation of Nirvana.

G.K. Chesterton, in Orthodoxy gives a good synopsis of the differences between Buddhism and Christianity. Buddhism is introspective: it is conducive to inner peace, and its adherents are generally non-violent. However, Buddhism is not conducive to decisive action for the good. It tells its followers to retreat from the world and practice meditation. But then, what if a ruthless dictator is terrorizing a neighboring country? Christianity looks outward, and tells its followers to be actively engaged in the world. Far from preaching the supression of passion, like Buddhism does, Christianity preaches the perfection of passion. Go out into the world full of desire to heal, to feed, and to love. Take up arms against oppression. Tell the Buddhist monk to get of his arse and help the less fortunate! Buddhists may be good, peaceful people who never create problems, but neither do they solve them.