The following book is another good beginning read. I say beginning because I would consider it a primer into the content to the Nag Hammadi Library. It is not bogged down with a lot of scholarly commentary (in fact it has none other than an introduction) or historical data. It is simple and clear and contains many of the popular Gnostic pieces. The translation is meant to be understood by the layperson. In my opinion, it has a very nice flow, giving the newcomer to Gnosticism a reasonable understanding of these scrolls / codex. It includes The Gospel of Thomas and The Gospel of Mary Magdalene.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Word...By Any Other Name
A word by any other name would be just that....another object of perception. Relative to the subject matter of this blog, it seems as though the smallest, simplest of words can make a huge difference in ones perceptions.
About two years ago I finally had the opportunity to read the Bible cover to cover (or as close to it as I had ever been...still lacking some psalms, proverbs, and 2 minor prophets). This, coupled with a home Bible study, more extensive reading of Nag Hammadi (Gnostic) resources, and vast internet research, has led me to realized what an important issue the wording is.
One of the most common debates in Christianity is based on the insertion or omission of a simple "a" in John 1:1. In the King James Version John 1:1 reads: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In the New World Translation it reads: "In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god."
The argument being for or against the trinity. May be it is my Jewish upbringing or perhaps my current leaning toward a "Gnostic" label, but , despite having read countless articles on both sides, I still don't get that one. In my opinion, the statement is inconclusive either way.
The New World Translation has a bigger concern (in my opinion) with its version of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11 (also in Luke). Most of the traditional version of the Bible use the word "blessed" in the Beatitudes. The New World Translation uses the word "happy". Most people perceive divine intervention when they hear the word "blessed" whereas, "happy" (happiness) could have any internal or external source.
A Gnostic might also find concern in the differences in Col. 1:27.
I invite my readers to site other examples as well as voice their opinions of these passages.
About two years ago I finally had the opportunity to read the Bible cover to cover (or as close to it as I had ever been...still lacking some psalms, proverbs, and 2 minor prophets). This, coupled with a home Bible study, more extensive reading of Nag Hammadi (Gnostic) resources, and vast internet research, has led me to realized what an important issue the wording is.
One of the most common debates in Christianity is based on the insertion or omission of a simple "a" in John 1:1. In the King James Version John 1:1 reads: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In the New World Translation it reads: "In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god."
The argument being for or against the trinity. May be it is my Jewish upbringing or perhaps my current leaning toward a "Gnostic" label, but , despite having read countless articles on both sides, I still don't get that one. In my opinion, the statement is inconclusive either way.
The New World Translation has a bigger concern (in my opinion) with its version of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11 (also in Luke). Most of the traditional version of the Bible use the word "blessed" in the Beatitudes. The New World Translation uses the word "happy". Most people perceive divine intervention when they hear the word "blessed" whereas, "happy" (happiness) could have any internal or external source.
A Gnostic might also find concern in the differences in Col. 1:27.
I invite my readers to site other examples as well as voice their opinions of these passages.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Gnostic Beginnings
Okay folks this is the Gnostic book that I started with. I admit that at the time I read it (first time), some of the material was beyond me. Not beyond my comprehension but beyond that which I had been taught, etc. I was completely alien to some of the concepts discussed. Now I know that Stephan A Hoeller is one of the leading authorities on Gnosticism.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Starting Point
The following video is a good starting point for anyone interested in the combined subject(s) of religion and science. It is an introduction to quantum physics in layman's terms. It contains interviews with professors, theologians, and other such global smarties. The version below is an extended version and, compared to the regular version at the same price, is a must have.
Ion_Truth Mission Statement
The purpose of this blog is to look at that which we all seek: The Truth. Most people think of religion when "The Truth" comes up, but I would like to look at the combined topics of religion, science and mythology. By no means am I an authority on any of these subjects, but in my own searching I have come across many interesting books, videos and web articles which I hope to share. At times it may seem like I am leaning more towards religious topics, but that is because it is an interesting subject and I became hooked. Most of the religious material offered will fall under Gnosticism and other forms of Judeo-Christianity. Please don't think I am offering "The Truth". I am just putting some food for thought on your plate.
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