LITERALISM

The most dangerous form of religion is literalism. This form of religion leaves no place for other points of view. By taking writings of men as the literal word of God the literalist is forced to defend indefensible positions not by logic but by accepting the authoritarian command to believe. A command set forth by those who wish to retain and increase their power and control.

Being a literalist comes with a high degree of emotional charge. The viewpoint of the literalist must be defended on emotional grounds as the position is indefensible on a logical or historical basis.

Blind emotional obedience to a religious dogma that flies in the face of logic and that leaves no room to accept any other points of view is the most dangerous form of religion.

(sources: The Laughing Jesus)

THE MYSTERY RELIGIONS

The earliest religious texts come from Egypt. They tell the story of Osiris, a god who came to earth to live a human life, who was put to death by the ruler, and who rose from the dead. Later mystery religions embellished upon this theme adding a virgin birth, turning water into wine, healing, and being hailed as a savior.

In these later mystery religions Osiris goes by the names Mithras, Dionysis, Adonis, and Attis to mention a few. The people of this time are familiar with these Pagan myths. The myths are not about actual people but are used to reveal great spiritual truths. The earliest Christians were known as Gnostics and used these myths to gain spiritual knowledge.

In the first century CE a Christian Literalist philosopher living in Rome named Justin was the first to write about the books of the bible as literal history. A generation after Justin another Literalist named Irenaeus set about to discredit his Gnostic rivals. It is Irenaeus that identifies the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as the four pillars of the New Testament. These books are meant to prove the literal content of the accounts of Jesus.
(sources: Wikipedia, The Laughing Jesus)

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS - THE PAGAN INFLUENCE

We will see over and over the Pagan infulence in Christianity. Funny this is so since the Pagans and Christians were bitter enemies. Let's look at something as simple as Christmas Traditions.

Nowhere in the Bible is there mention of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, putting gifts under a tree, or Christmas stockings, yet these symbols are as closely identified with Christmas as the nativity scene. Where did this stuff come from and why is it accepted as part of the Christmas tradition?

Santa Claus and the Christmas tree can be easily followed through to their Pagan roots in Europe. Beyond that is speculation. So why do most Christians openly accept Pagan rituals in one of the most holy of Christian holidays? I think the answer is "history". There is long history of acceptance going back before Constantine decided on the biblical cannon.

The point here is only this, the origin of Christian traditions like the origin Christian Dogma go largely uninspected by adherents to the faith.

(sources: Wikipedia, Mushrooms and Mankind by James Arthur)

OLD TESTAMENT

The Old Testament came into existence around the first century BCE. Know by the Jews as the Tanakh it was later adopted by the Christians. In a few generations during the Hasmonean Dynasty in Palestine the Tanakh was compiled and edited. It primarily served as a justification for the Hasmonean rule of the area.

Judas Maccabeus and his sons founded the Hasmonean Dynasty. It was under his direction that the old testament books Maccabeus 1 and Maccabeus 2 were written. The primary purpose of which was to establish a lineage from King David to Judas Maccabeus giving his reign legitimacy.

Maccabeus 1&2 are included in the Catholic cannon but not included in the Protestant cannon. Maccabeus 3&4 are included in the Greek Orthodox Old Testament only.

Alexander Jannaeus was a particularly brutal Hasmonean King. After slaying 6,000 Pharisees at the Temple in Jerusalem he faced strong opposition from rebel factions within his kingdom. This resulted in the Judean Civil War. Alexander was victorious after six years of fighting and 50,000 Judeans dead. In the aftermath Jannaeus crucified 800 rebels and had their wives and childrens throats cut in front of them while they hung on the cross.

Excessive force is a common theme when dogma (lies) has been forced upon people over the centuries. Dogma arises and is put into place out of the need for political control. This will be seen over and over again.
(sources: Wikipedia, The Laughing Jesus)

DOGMA - a definition

DOGMA
A doctrine or doctrines relating to matters such as morality and faith, set forth in an authoritative manner by a church. (source American Heritage Online Dictionary)

In most Christian churches the basic doctrines are not open to debate but are expected to be followed without question. This blog will question these basic doctrines. The purpose of doing this is to strip away the Christian dogma added by man over the years to reveal the truly beautiful nature of original Christian doctrine.