Resurrection part four.

We are still in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. Verse 29 says, "if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?" Good question. In fact I've got another question. Why are Mormons the only people I know of who baptize for the dead. Why doesn't all of christendom practice this? It's biblical.

If we move on to verse 35, Paul tells us what resurrection is like. According to him, there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. Earthly bodies that die are metaphorically like seeds that are being sown. The body that is sown is perishable, but what rises up after death is imperishable. "It is sown a natural body and raised a spiritual body." Here is Paul's logic for that: Adam was made a living being, then he was given a spirit. That means spiritual stuff comes after natural stuff. Therefore spiritual bodies come after natural bodies. Duh!

Further proof of  spiritual bodies, offered by Paul, is this: Adam, who was the first man, came from the earth. All earthly men are like Adam. The second man (Jesus?) came from heaven. All men are going to be like the second man. As usual, no women are mentioned. Further more, Paul says, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of god, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.....we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." Paul promises the Corinthians immortality. He says nothing here about judgment on that day, or what happens to non-believers.

In Philippians 4:10-11, Paul says he wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, so he can also attain resurrection some day. In Hebrews 6, the author says the resurrection of the dead is one of the elementary teachings about Christ, along with repentance, faith, baptism, and eternal judgment." In Hebrews 11:35 tells of those who were tortured for their faith and refused to be released so that they might have a better resurrection. (!!) That is so messed up.

1 Peter chapter one speaks of a hope of an eternal inheritance for the suffering faithful being kept in heaven and the coming salvation of souls in the last times. This hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus.  1 Peter chapter three tells  the reader that baptism with water saves people by the resurrection of Jesus.

Finally, we come back to Revelation 20, where we read of a first resurrection of Christian martyrs and a second resurrection of the rest of the dead, from the sea and Hades. Then comes judgment and second death for anyone whose name is not written in the lambs book of life.

Does this give you a sense of why Christians are so keen on martyrdom? It should also show you that these beliefs are what many Christians believe they are living for, an eternal reward  of an imperishable body, for the price of faithfullness. Any alternative is unthinkable to so many. It's hard not to feel sorry for them, wasting so much precious time and thought on a delusion.

Heaven part eleven

Are you getting tired of heaven? We aren't done yet but it should go faster because I don't think there is much left that is not redundant. One thing I have noticed is that heaven is thoroughly populated with angels. Angels are not discussed much in the churches of Christ, the faith tradition I came from.
Galations 1:8 says that if an angel from heaven, or anyone else, teaches you a gospel other than the one you learned from Paul, he will be eternally condemned!

Ephesians 3:15 says that god's whole family on earth and in heaven derives its name from him. Ephesians 6:9 says god is everyone's master in heaven. Philippians 3:20 says that a Christ believer's citizenship is in heaven, not on earth. Colossians 1:5 says that hope is stored up in heaven for believers. 1Thessalonians tells us believers are waiting for god's son from heaven.

In Hebrews chapter 9, we are introduce to the idea that some earthly things are copies of heavenly things. The copies of the heavenly things were purified with blood sacrifices in an earthly sanctuary, which is a copy of the true heavenly one, by earthly priests. Christ entered the true sanctuary as the heavenly high priest to appear once and for all before god and offer himself as a sacrifice instead of an animal. Basically, everything on earth is supposed to be a kind of analogy, symbol, or shadow of the "real" things, which are in heaven. Believing this could lead to mental problems, in my opinion.

In 1 Peter 1:4, the reader is told an inheritance waits for him in heaven. In 3:22, Jesus is at god's right hand in heaven, with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

At last we move on to Revelation. We should learn some good stuff about heaven there. Maybe? In Rev. 3:12 a new Jerusalem will come down out of heaven. Chapter 4 has a description of heaven, with a throne, a person on the throne who looked like he was made of jewels, with a jeweled rainbow encircling him. There were also 24 other thrones with 24 elders, dressed in white with crowns on their heads. Lightening and thunder came from the main throne. Seven lamps were burning in front of the throne, these were the seven spirits of god. Whoa! God has seven spirits? That's interesting. Not something you hear every day. There was also a sea of glass in front of the throne. "Around the throne were four living creatures" all covered with eyes. (Heaven is getting crowded) They looked like an ox, a lion, a man, and an eagle. They each had six wings and the never stopped praising the god who lives forever. Whenever the god was praised the 24 elders fall before the guy on the throne and lay their crowns in front  of him. Monotonous.

The description of what goes on in heaven continues on through chapter 5, where we see a scroll, angels, and a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes.(The seven eyes are also the seven spirits, just like the lamps.) There is more praising, worshipping, and falling down. In chapter six the lamb does stuff with the seals on the scroll from chapter six. It releases four horsemen, War, famine, Death, and Hades. Under an altar were some dead martyrs who complained they wanted to be avenged. They were given white robes and told to wait a bit. In chapter seven, more stuff happens with angels and people wearing white robes. In chapter 8, there was silence in heaven for half an hour. Then we get more angels, trumpets, thunder, lightening, fire, destruction of earth from heaven. Things go on in this vein until chapter 12 when a woman appears in heaven, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and 12 stars on her head. A dragon also appears in heaven. He wants to eat the child the woman is about to have. The child was snatched up to god and his throne. Then there was a war in heaven between the angels and the dragon! It turns out the dragon was Satan! He is thrown to earth. As we go on, there are more angels, the lamb, more voices and signs from heaven, more symbolism, chapter after chapter. One thing is clear. We don't learn much, if anything about what heaven will be like for the multitudes of believers after all the battles are over. Yet.

More to come.

Philippians part 7 And wrap up.

We continue on in chapter 4, verses 10-20. Paul rejoices in the Philippians concern for him. Epaphroditus had brought gifts for Paul from the Philippians. It appears that in previous times, the Philippians had also given Paul aid when he was in need. They had previously done that when other churches did not. Paul doesn't actually thank them, but he shows his appreciation for the effort. Though technically speaking, he would have managed just fine without their help, says he. Paul has learned how to be content in all circumstances because his god gives him the strength to endure. He looks on the Philippians' gift as a kind of offering, or sacrifice, pleasing to god. But god didn't use the gifts, Paul did, just like the priests with the Israelites' sacrifices of old.

In verse 19, Paul tells the Philippians his god would meet all their needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I wonder how that worked out for the Philippians. Also, why didn't the gloriously rich god  meet all Paul's needs? Verse 16 clearly says he had been in need.

The letter ends with greetings to the Philippians from "the brothers" who are with him, especially those who belong to the household of Caesar. This is why it is assumed Paul was writing from Rome.

Now, what have we learned from this letter? It does not claim to be the word of god or to give the Philippians a particular message from god. It is basically a personal letter of encouragement, sermonizing, and thanks. It says nothing about angels, demons, Satan, or hell. It says nothing about the birth, life events, or teachings, of Jesus. It mentions not one single person from the four gospels and none of the other apostles. It mentions no events from Paul's travels, except that he has been hungry and in need. The only places it mentions are Macedonia and Thessalonica, but no things that happened there. The only person mentioned in the letter who has been mentioned in any other book of the bible, besides Jesus, is Timothy. There are no miraculous occurrences mentioned in this letter.

What it says about Jesus: he made himself nothing, took the nature of a man, had a human likeness, suffered, was obedient to death on a cross, and was resurrected from the dead. It does not say Jesus and god are the same being. According to Paul, Jesus has also been given the power to transform earthly bodies into indestructible heavenly ones. (I wonder if the earthly bodies have to be intact. Also, where did Paul get his info?) Paul does not explain WHY god needs Jesus, or why we need Jesus to save us from destruction. Why is it our belief in Jesus that saves us? Why does our non-belief doom us to destruction?

What does this letter say about god? God gives grace and peace. God can testify on Paul's behalf (1:8) How he does that is a mystery. God saves people from destruction. (1:28). He exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave Jesus a name above all names*. (2:9-10). God had mercy on Paul and Epaphroditus by letting him live. (2:27) If Christianity is true, wouldn't have been far better for Epaphroditus to die? Wouldn't it be better for any Christian to die and be resurrected with an indestructible body? In 3:14, Paul says god has called him heavenward in christ Jesus. So, presumably, god is in heaven. In 4:18, god is pleased with the Philippians' sacrifice . In 4:18, Paul says god will meet all their needs. That's it. We don't learn much about god from this book. There is no mention of omnipotence, omnibenevolence, omnipresence, etc.

*Even above the name of god?

Philippians part 6

We continue on at verse 12. Paul now gets humble and says he hasn't yet attained the goal he is striving for. He isn't perfect yet. However, he has put the past behind him and is forging ahead. He wants that ultimate prize: heaven. "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things" says Paul. In other words, everyone should be just like him, so much for humility. If they think differently, God will make it clear to them. Paul is right, just you wait and see.

Verse 17 makes it clear that Paul is serious about the Philippians following his personal example. Apparently, he even gave them a pattern to live by. He knows best. Those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ (representing self sacrifice and suffering) are doomed to destruction. The nature of this destruction is not clear. Paul seems to mean the decay of the physical body as opposed to a bodily resurrection. Because some people preferred to live in the present and take care of their present needs, and not bank on a heavenly future, Paul condemns them. They are citizens of the earth, he is a citizen of heaven. In heaven, says Paul, Jesus will have the power to transform the lowly bodies of the saved into a glorious heavenly version, presumably indestructible. Therefore, the Philippians should be firm in their convictions, or at least in Paul's convictions.

Moving on to chapter four. Paul pleads with Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other. These are apparently two christian women who don't get along. Imagine that. They once worked with Paul and others, spreading the gospel, in spite of being women. Paul next repeats his exhortation for the Philippians to rejoice, twice. Then he tells them the lord is near, so they shouldn't worry about anything. They should present their requests to god. Paul doesn't say god will give them what they ask for, but they will supposedly get god's peace. That should be good enough, right?

Verse 8 is actually an admirable sentiment for anyone, from christian to atheist, no gods required: "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, what ever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things." Of course, opinions as to what types of things qualify for those descriptions may differ from person to person, culture to culture. Thinking about good things does help ones state of mind.

In verse  9, Paul again exhorts the Philippians to do what HE would do. None of this WWJD stuff for them. It's WWPD. Whatever they learned, saw, or heard from him, that's what they are to practice. Then the god of peace will be with them. Paul's way is god's way, or the way to god.

More to come.

Philippians part 5

I would like apologize for not posting recently. My father was very ill in the last few weeks and he passed away the first week of June. Everything that goes along with that has been stressful for me.

We have come to chapter three of Philippians. In verse one, Paul tells the Philippians to rejoice in the lord. It's okay if he repeats himself, it is insurance that they get the message. Verse two tells them to watch out for " those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh." Make no mistake, he is referring to Jews, possibly Jewish Christians. He doesn't like them very much does he?

Mutilation of the flesh refers to circumcision, which was a prerequisite to becoming a Jew, one of Yahweh's chosen. In the old testament circumcision is called " an everlasting covenant" between the Jews and Yahweh. In spite of that, Paul says those who worship by the spirit of God, glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh are the true circumcised people. Paul is doing what many today do with old testament scriptures, going metaphorical with them. They are in fact following Paul's example. Everything physical becomes spiritual.

Even though Paul takes no stock in circumcision, or his birthright as an upstanding Jew, he parades it out in verses 4-7 to make a point. His point is that none of that matters to him as much as knowing Christ Jesus. Let us remember that the only way he knows Jesus is through personal revelation, revelation that he alone received. So, we have to take his word for it. He goes on to say that he has lost all those things for Jesus's sake. He considers them garbage, because righteousness does not come from following the law but by faith. Paul wants to know Christ by sharing in his sufferings and becoming like him in his death. This is why Paul was happy to be persecuted and taught that others should rejoice in it too. His ultimate goal is resurrection from the dead, like Jesus. Paul wants to live forever. The fact that he was once a Pharisee has primed him to believe in the resurrection of the dead.

There are questions that always return to me. At what exact point in history did all believers in Jesus gain the gift of resurrection? What happened to all the people that didn't,  from before and  that point onward?  If there were no more than a few thousand believers at the time of Paul, that's an awful lot of leftover people who who would go to hell. I'm not even sure what Paul preached about hell, if anything. However, it is clear he doesn't believe they will be with him in the resurrection.

More to come.

Philippians, part 4

 Today, let's look at the rest of chapter two, starting in verse 12. After telling them how humble and servant-like Jesus supposedly was, Paul tells the Philippians to continue to obey, even though he is not there. Who exactly are they obeying anyway? Paul or god? Is there a difference at this point? They are to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling." God is supposedly working in them when they decide to act according to his purpose, or the purpose Paul has told them is god's purpose. So much for the faith only crowd. Here is a clear admonition to work for salvation.

In verse 14, the Philippians are told to do everything without arguing or complaining. This will make them like shining stars in a dark world. It will also boost Paul's bragging rights in the hereafter. That's what it says. Even though he is suffering, it is combined with the Philippians' faithful sacrifice and service. Therefore he is glad and rejoices with them, they should also rejoice with him. It's all about Paul.

In verse 19-24, Paul speaks of Timothy, who he hopes to send to the Philippians. Timothy is just as concerned about them as Paul is. Timothy has proved that he is not selfish. He looks out for the interests of Jesus Christ. (Actually, he looks out for the interests of Paul.) Timothy has been just like a son to Paul, serving him in the work of the gospel. As soon as he figures out what his future holds, Paul will send Timothy to the Philippians. Then he will come himself. There is no way to know if Paul actually did that. Paul's life may have ended soon after the writing of this letter. There is only speculation. 

Verses 25-30 speaks of a man named Epaphroditus. Paul is sending him back to the Philippians. Apparently, that is where Epaphroditus was originally from. The Philippians had sent him to Paul to help him in his work and to take care of him. Epaphroditus is homesick and wants to return to Philippi. Apparently, he had also been physically ill for a time. He almost died. Paul is happy to send Epaphroditus back home. He will have less anxiety then. ( It's still all about Paul.) Paul ends this passages by telling Philippians to give Epaphroditus a hearty welcome home, "because he risked his life to make up for the help you could not give me." I wonder if Paul is poking at the Philippians there.

An interesting side note. Epahroditus means "beloved of Aphrodite." I wonder if that name stuck in Paul's throat every time he said it.

On to chapter three next time.

Philippians, part 3

We now continue on in chapter two of Philippians, at verse 5. We are told that our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ. Verses 6-11 are a poetic description of Jesus's supposed attitude. It is thought that they may have been an early Christian hymn.

Verse 6: "Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped," Of course not, why grasp at what you already have? I don't think most Christians consider how strange it is to say that Jesus was god but not god.

Verse 7: "but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant," That's a bunch of baloney. The gospels do not show Jesus actually being anyone's servant. He called no one master. He was not shown to have actually worked at anything. He appeared to be a free man, able to travel about and do what any other man of that socioeconomic class did. Plus, he had power. Power to heal diseases, exorcise evil spirits, raise people from the dead, turn water into wine, feed 5000 people,  and calm storms. How many servants can do that? On the contrary, he often told other people what to do. He argued with political and religious leaders, and spoke with authority. The only servant-like thing I remember him doing was washing the disciples feet.

Verse 8: "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!" He looked like a guy. He let himself be killed. So what? He had the power to do whatever he wanted. He spent a measly three days (actually much less if you count the hours) dead. So, as they say, he had a bad weekend. Now he's back where he started none the worse for wear.

Verse 9: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place, and gave him the name that is above every name." What was he before? Chopped liver? Plus if Jesus was essentially God, how could he get any higher?

Verse 10: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." It hasn't happened yet. Christians say that it will at the final  judgment. We shall see. Or maybe not. Who is going to be bowing Under the earth?

Verse 11:"and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father." About god the father, he seems to have been moved into the background, if Jesus is Lord. It's true, christianity focuses more on the name Jesus then on the formerly Jewish god Yahweh. If god the father is almighty, what did he need Jesus for? How does saying Jesus is lord bring glory to Yahweh? Doesn't it just bring glory to Jesus?

Let us notice some things. There is nothing said about any of the events of Jesus's life, his miracles, or his teachings, except that he died on a cross. Jesus is not called the "only begotten son of God" or even just "the son of god." There is a spiritual relationship of some unspecified kind, but no physical relationship. Oddly enough, Jesus's resurrection is also not specifically mentioned. There is no mention of the holy spirit.

Philippians, part 2

We now move into Philippians chapter two. The first half of the chapter is very well known in christianity. It starts off with Paul telling the Philippians to make his joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, spirit, and purpose. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Let us pause right there.

At first glance this policy may sound admirable. However, it fails on a fundamental level. Its almost impossible for a person to think everyone else is better than they are. Better in what way? More skilled at certain tasks? It is usually clear when a person is better at a job than another person. Should they try to  act as if they are not? Are they to be considered morally better? Even if they are a thief or a murderer? Are they to be considered spiritually better? On what grounds? We cannot know the exact level of the quality of each persons psyche. We cannot measure a person's spirituality. We don't even really know what that means. Is all ambition selfish? Is it wrong to surpass the accomplishments of another, and accept recognition that you have done so? Would it not be a lie for a master craftsman to consider his new apprentice better than himself? Some people have better lives than others, because of circumstances, choices, opportunities. It is natural for people to look for ways in which to better their lives according to cultural standards. Where is the fault? Some people act better, some people sing better. Some people are wiser, kinder, and gentler than others.

I would say that the fault, if there is a fault, is in not treating others with the same regard we would wish for ourselves if we were them. Why should we expect to be treated with regard, if we are unwilling to extend the same to others?  Some remedies are empathy, sympathy, and compassion. Those are not  the same as false humility and self-abnegation. If we find ourselves in any kind of position that is considered superior to another, we also need to recognize how much of a lottery life is. It is not because of our personal virtue that we were born at a certain time, in a certain place, to a certain family, with certain genes. Life is not fair, but we can refrain from kicking others when they are down, without making a pretense of groveling in the mud ourselves. We can also refrain from exploiting any advantage we have over another person.

I  think Paul fails at his own advice. He clearly thinks he is better than the readers of his letters in many ways, even though he tries to deny it. He seems to think he knows more about what Jesus and god want because he's got a personal phone line to god. He receives revelations. God chose him to go to the Gentiles. He expects other christians to listen to him and his teaching about Jesus. He expects everyone to listen to him and his teachings about Jesus. When he tells the Philippians to be likeminded, he means that they should all think and believe as he does. You can bet your boots he thinks he's better than those other people in chapter one who are supposedly preaching the gospel just to make trouble for him. He thinks he's doing all his unselfish preaching work for his god, who probably doesn't exist. So who is he really doing it for? He's doing it for himself, because he believes his own delusions and is convinced that he will reap the ultimate reward if he perseveres. This is the same motivation of vast numbers of Christians who have also believed Paul.

Philppians, part one

As we begin the letter to the Philippians, we see that the letter is not just from Paul, but from Timothy also. The letter goes on to thank god for the Philippians. They are told that they are prayed for with joy because of their good work. Paul longs affectionately for all of them. He prays that they will  continue to have an abundance of love, discernment, purity, and righteousness.

In verse twelve, Paul talks about his incarceration. He is in chains, under the oversight of the palace guard. At the end of the letter (4:22) we see this is Caesar's palace, which would be in Rome. The palace guard knows that the reason for his imprisonment is his religious proselytizing. His chains have actually encouraged other believers to speak "the word of god"more courageously.

 Verses 15-18, Paul speaks of two groups of people who preach Christ: 1. Those who do it out of envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition, just to stir up trouble for Paul. (This makes absolutely no sense to me) 2. Those who do it out of good will and love. Then Paul goes on to say it doesn't matter. Either way, the gospel gets preached. If it doesn't matter, why mention it? Who are these people who preach the right thing for the wrong reasons? If they are preaching the same gospel as Paul, wouldn't they end up in chains also?

So, no matter what, Paul will rejoice. He knows that the prayers of the Philippians and help from the spirit of Jesus Christ will cause him to be released. (Magical thinking) Paul also hopes that he will have enough courage to not do anything he will be ashamed of later. He wants Christ to always be exalted in his body, even if that means becoming a martyr. "For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain."
This is what Christians all over the world claim to believe, but their actions say otherwise. Most of them don't really want to die. They make every effort to stay alive as long as possible.

Paul, on the other hand, says he is torn between living or dying. He wants so bad to die and be with Christ, because that is the best possible outcome. However, it would be better for the Philippians if he stayed alive. That's why he knows he won't die yet. Then, he will get to continue on with them and their joy in Christ will overflow because of him. Conceited or what?

At the end of chapter one, Paul tells the Philippians that whatever happens, they need to behave themselves. That way Paul will know they are standing firm in the gospel and are not afraid of those who oppose them. The Philippians' lack of fear will prove to those unnamed others that they will be destroyed, but the Philippians will be saved by god. I bet those other people were quaking in their boots. (Not) Paul says the Philippians were not only given the privilege to believe in christ, but also to suffer for him. Proof of this is they are going through some unnamed struggle that is just like Paul's struggle was/is, whatever that was/is.

My study bible refers us to Acts 16:11-38, to read about Paul's time in Philippi. There Paul and Silas were put in jail after exorcising a "spirit" from a little girl. They were miraculously released from their jell cell by an earthquake, but did not leave. After preaching to the jailor, he and his household were baptized. The magistrates let Paul and Silas go after they were found to be Roman citizens. Another important convert in Philippi was a woman named Lydia. This letter to the Philippians does not mention Lydia, Silas, the jailor, or the events depicted in Acts.

Philippians, introduction

We will now look at one of the letters attributed to Paul, the book of Philippians. This letter is assumed to be genuine, actually from Paul. It was written between 52 and 62 CE. This is before the destruction of Jerusalem and probably before any of the gospel books were written. We will not worry much about why it was written (according to scholars) but take it at face value, as though it were written for us today. Even though it was written specifically for the Church in Philppi, most fundamentalist Christians take all Paul's letters to heart, as though they were written for anyone who reads them, especially them.

We will look at how this letter compares to what is taught and practiced in Christianity today, how it compares to other Biblical writings, and what it says about Jesus as compared to the gospels.

Till later.