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  #18  
Old September 19, 2003, 04:59 PM
Phil Gomez
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: The Gospel of Heathens

> The interesting thing about what you wrote
> was not that YOU agree or disgree with it,
> but rather that OTHERS have viewed it as
> "nothing much" or
> "heretical."
Perhaps he's stating their view because he agrees.

> I also find it interesting about the claim
> Thomas' work borrowed from other works which
> did end up being compiled into the Bible.

> WHO is to say that those other works did not
> borrow from Thomas?
I'm not sure this question has any relevance, but it could be possible to answer by reviewing the dating of the works.

> The four Gospels in the "New"
> Testament are inconsistent too. They can't
> even tell the same story in the same way.
> And the differences are staggering.
That statement seems really bold, especially coming from someone who often comes down hard on others for making unsubstansiated claims. Why you would make a statement like that without any support?

I hope the recent "bashing" trend on these boards isn't moving on to major religions. If it is, let me just say be careful -- you folks do not appear up for the task and this board could be ruined by such chatter. I'm not sure why we passed on several chances to let this thread die (or be removed), but it would be in the best interest of many of us to let it go.

> And does the Gnostics teaching things that
> are inconsistent with the Church's stance
> mean they are wrong? Not necessarily.

> Of course the Church would condemn the text.
> They have a vested interest in doing so.
> Because it undermines their power and
> authority. They would condemn anything that
> tried to teach you that "God is
> within." (There would be no need for
> them.)

> And fancy saying physical circumcision is
> wrong. Man oh man. The Jews can't have that.
> They tell everyone that that is their proven
> sign of being the "chosen"
> people." What heresy to have one of
> their own condemn such an act.

> Let me add.... according to the opinions of
> those who have a vested interest in
> condemning the Work.

> I actually find it funny that the Church
> does this a lot - passes off THEIR texts as
> true history and calls ancient real
> documents fantasy when they disagree with
> the church stance.

> The Church has a LOT to lose if certain
> things are ever proved. Things such as:
> Jesus was a normal man; Jesus had children;
> Mary Magd was his wife; the many
> "miracles" are just a
> mis-interpretation of actual normal events;
> and so on. They lose their "divine
> right" for one. They lose some of their
> flock for another - many people will believe
> no matter how much proof is offered forth.
I assume the Church to which you refer is the Catholic church? If so, let me just say that I'm not defending them.

But counterpoint: the non-church folk actually have a lot more to lose if the Bible is "proved" true. At the very least, it could change one's whole outlook.

> The Church Fathers read texts which might
> "let the cat out of the bag" Know
> thy enemy. It would therefore be wise for
> followers to also read those same texts,
> would it not?

> Texts such as those written by Sir Laurence
> Gardiner (Bloodline of The Holy Grail - The
> Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed, Genisis of
> The Grail Kings, etc.) and Michael Baigent,
> Richard Leigh & Henry Lincoln (The Holy
> Blood And The Holy Grail).
In principle it would be. However, in practice, you begin to see the same arguments (attacks?) presented over and over. So, before long, it becomes a waste of time to keep up.

--Phil