Rev Gene's Condensed History of religion. | Eastern North Carolina Now

Rev Gene's Condensed History of religion.

    Gene Scarborough originally made the following comment on BCN. It is presented here as a stand alone post as it may provide a historical basis for thought and reflection. - Bobby Tony

    Israel was "under God (YHVH) with the Prophets or Priests telling them what God had to say. Then came their desire for a King like all the surrounding nations. God warned Samuel of the danger but went ahead and led him to anoint Saul as King.

    That most interesting story is found in I Samuel 7-11 chapters (in the Old Testament). After going through all the steps to crown a King, Saul is "hiding behind the baggage." In other words, he knew he had a godly purpose, but was unwilling to assume the responsibility!

    The story of God and nationhood is one of constant change and cycles. At times Israel was seriously seeking God and at others they were conning the people in God's name. The Pharisees were sure they were the spiritual leaders and then Jesus came proclaiming them to be liars and thieves. See Matthew 23 on this one. Jesus called them "whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones." His main word was "Hypocrite."

    That term has its root in the Greek Theater and the symbol of the 2 masks---one smiling and the other frowning. To save money and to cast any play with all the characters, the producers often let 1 actor play 2 different parts---knowing it was an acting job and consciously doing it. That is---PRETENDING when they KNOW they are opposite characters in basic nature.

    The problem was not doing the job right. The problem was when the single actor knew it and enjoyed being spiritually schizophrenic. That leads to the real question Jesus was asking---"WHO IS AUTHENTIC IN HIS PRESENTATION OF THE REAL NATURE OF GOD???"

    From day 1 America has been somewhat play acting in some basic claims:

    *We proclaimed "freedom and justice for all" BUT enjoyed slavery and social class.

    *We have fought constantly over "how to do the Democratic Dream."

    *No one could quite agree over who is really right.

    *The whole concept of 3 Branches of government in constant battle promotes chaos and conflict---of which we have had plenty in recent years.

    I know that EVERY colony formed as "theistic" quickly failed. Each time the problem was a few claiming they spoke for God and all should bow down and follow ONLY them. Within the group were some who did not agree with the hypocrites leading the show.

    Jesus came and we---through FAITH---proclaim him to be the long-awaited Messiah. The Jews were looking for another David who would make them the military power they were under that particular King. David was an improved version of Saul. David was a human failure to the point he lusted after Bathsheba and plotted for her husband's death in battle. His own son, Absalom, revolted and ultimately was murdered. What goes around comes around for David. The Psalms are composed of many passages where David laments his humanity and confesses his failures of pretense and hypocrisy.

    To follow Jesus meant forsaking earthly specialties of gathering fish and being willing to become "fishers of men." Soon after Jesus left this earth his followers engaged in ego battles over "who was the real leader." Peter is said to be the first Pope, but the Roman Catholic Church could never quit the internal fights over how faithful was their representation of Christ. After many years Martin Luther started to read the Bible and founded the Protestant Reformation where blood was shed in buckets. That was based on how the Catholic Church was far from what the Bible clearly said Christ's followers are supposed to be---loving, forgiving, servants one to another. . .

    In sum, it appears to me that mankind is always finding ways to disappoint the Creator. He gave the first couple a perfect place to live---yet they were not satisfied to let God be God and follow that lead. INSTEAD, they had to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. They found themselves to be naked and ashamed --- and God noted their fig leaves as the show of their failure to trust him to provide.

    The final analysis here is that:

    * God is in charge

    * Man is a self-centered separated entity trying to own all of Creation rather than trust God

    * SIN means SEPARATION in the basic Greek word for such

    * All the laws in the world that man creates does not replace the need to love, forgive, and serve one another on this earth.

    IN GOD WE TRUST --- NOT THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR AND POLITICAL POWER OVER OTHERS WHO HAVE A DIFFERENT INTERPRETATION OF GOD!!!