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Claeren · 10-28-2004, 10:47 AM

There would be various motivations over the past 2000 years by various groups of people.

Obviously over the bulk of that time the Catholic church and it very centralized authority is well documented in its twisting of history and its teachings (this coming from someone raised catholic) to suit its needs at various points in time. Since virtualy every other modern christian faith is a direct decendant from that tradition there is at least some historical implication. In terms of modern North American forms of christ-worship just watching Sunday morning TV is enough to convince me that people have alternative motives.

That all being said i DO think there was a guy named Jesus who wandered around talking about stuff 2000 years ago. I really don't think anyone at the time took it that seriously and that he didn't do anything that spectacular (although obviously not completely insignificant) but that the very small group of followers he inspired, through various twists of fate, managed to build on his stories and legacy and over time we have what we have today. One of the things that suggests that is likely to me is that many of the myths and stories in the new testament have roots/cousins/similarities/etc in many other ancient traditions and cultures. The story of a 'virgin mother' for example. And many other stories, walking on water for example, serve the specific purpose of building the mystique/legitamacy of christ as opposed to building on the teachings themselves.

In regards to Christianity ONLY being about controlling the masses, i would not say that. I would say it has been the motivations of some, a minority of the elite at different times in different places. But that is all it takes, religion is based on the past and if that past is soiled by the actions of even the smallest minority and those indiscreations cannot or are not corrected or detected then 'truth' has been lost. I think the bulk of people invlolved with most religions have the best of intentions though...

I can't think of any religion that has not been corrupted at least in part by politics and alterior motives... ? Not sure about the Islam comment you made, do i have to be against christ if i am not with him? For the record i think Islam is a younger faith, has a more orthodox history, and very few years of central authority and hence less twisting of its teachings but inversely i think there are totally different problems in the faith that are in great need of resolving. Comparing apples and oranges, neither of which, i think, do anything but make life easier for those too scared to go it on their own... (no offence to anyone)

Claeren.

10-28-2004, 10:47 AM	#78
Claeren Franchise Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Section 218 Exp:	There would be various motivations over the past 2000 years by various groups of people. Obviously over the bulk of that time the Catholic church and it very centralized authority is well documented in its twisting of history and its teachings (this coming from someone raised catholic) to suit its needs at various points in time. Since virtualy every other modern christian faith is a direct decendant from that tradition there is at least some historical implication. In terms of modern North American forms of christ-worship just watching Sunday morning TV is enough to convince me that people have alternative motives. That all being said i DO think there was a guy named Jesus who wandered around talking about stuff 2000 years ago. I really don't think anyone at the time took it that seriously and that he didn't do anything that spectacular (although obviously not completely insignificant) but that the very small group of followers he inspired, through various twists of fate, managed to build on his stories and legacy and over time we have what we have today. One of the things that suggests that is likely to me is that many of the myths and stories in the new testament have roots/cousins/similarities/etc in many other ancient traditions and cultures. The story of a 'virgin mother' for example. And many other stories, walking on water for example, serve the specific purpose of building the mystique/legitamacy of christ as opposed to building on the teachings themselves. In regards to Christianity ONLY being about controlling the masses, i would not say that. I would say it has been the motivations of some, a minority of the elite at different times in different places. But that is all it takes, religion is based on the past and if that past is soiled by the actions of even the smallest minority and those indiscreations cannot or are not corrected or detected then 'truth' has been lost. I think the bulk of people invlolved with most religions have the best of intentions though... I can't think of any religion that has not been corrupted at least in part by politics and alterior motives... ? Not sure about the Islam comment you made, do i have to be against christ if i am not with him? For the record i think Islam is a younger faith, has a more orthodox history, and very few years of central authority and hence less twisting of its teachings but inversely i think there are totally different problems in the faith that are in great need of resolving. Comparing apples and oranges, neither of which, i think, do anything but make life easier for those too scared to go it on their own... (no offence to anyone) Claeren.