In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4 The 'god of this world'? Does the New Testament suggest the existence of two gods? What kind of God would blind people? This seems to imply that Satan, the ruler of this world, is the creator god of the Old Testament. It confronts us with a stark duality between good and evil, framing Christian ideology for the meek, who are taught to turn the other cheek, while those in power are depicted as agents of deception, blinding people to the light of Christ and perpetuating oppression. For a historical perspective of our western faith visit my channel, or website at historyreligionandtruth.com and see the playlist and series called "Bible Story." Please help the channel by subscribing, thanks for watching. 353-B1-2-a
After making three short videos about the Protestant Reformation, I was astonished by how different the mindset of that period was. Considering the comparison with how we think today, I also noticed that the 1950s are very different from today, and that we may be changing at an even faster rate. it made me realize that religion needs to evolve just as we do. The only permanent truth is that God is unknowable, as Christianity claims. Religion should not be static dogma but a movable feast, a never-ending quest for truth and goodness.” It is best to be agnostic and cynical, yet deeply religious, always doubting and demanding a better condition for us all. 443
If we hope to believe that God is good them, we must address the very word "good." Before we speak or believe in anything we must define the words we use. Good is much too relative of a word to be used without serious consideration, and if we wish to believe in a "Good God" we must be clear. If you are a criminal your definition of good may be a successful robbery, and if you are a General in a war, it may be killing more people than your opponent. If you are you, maybe "Good" is a nicer car, bigger house, or better-looking partner. On this channel you will find a playlist called Bible Story, this is a series that I recommend for you to watch so you may understand why our Judeo-Christian faith was created, and how it has affected western civilization. Please comment and subscribe, contact me so we may build a faith that will improve the communities we inhabit. Thank you. 325
Christianity believes God is Unknowable, yet the objective is to know God. How can you know something unknowable? There is a solution, but first can we agree on a definition: “There is only one God, God embodies goodness, perfection, and wisdom, and is the creator and ruler of the universe.” But the Old Testament says there are other Gods, and what about Satan. We could say there is just one God, and no Satan, but that would conflict with scripture. Perfection, would also conflict with the Old Testament definition of a Jealous God, since we know Jealousy is a fault and therefore would make God imperfect. As you can see God can be a difficult concept to sort out, but there is a solution, so visit this channel to view the current and upcoming videos that explain the nature of God as well as prescribe a better path forward. Please subscribe as that helps me continue these messages - Thank you and God Bless. 325
Isaiah 44:6 says "I am the first and the last," and Revelation 1:8 God declares "'I am the Alpha and the Omega" Lets consider this logically, The first would be Creation and the Last would indicate that there is an end time, If you accept that life evolves, then in a billion years we will be far different, maybe not at all like we are today, or replaced by some other form of evolution. Clearly we did not exist at creation, may not exist in a billion years, and much less at the end of time. Therefore the God we think of is a God different from the Alpha or Omega. My point is that God is not always what someone says it is. Creation starts today, God is for now, so do not wait for God, repair this world, Tikkun Olam, today. May I ask you to please subscribe. Thanks 430
Proverbs 15:31, "Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise” Johanna Schopenhauer was the first German woman to publish books without a pseudonym, and was a popular author in Germany. She was also the mother of the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer and said this about her son. "You are not an evil human; you are not without intellect and education; you have everything that could make you a credit to human society. Moreover, I am acquainted with your heart and know that few are better, but you are nevertheless irritating and unbearable, and I consider it most difficult to live with you." BE CRITICAL, although you may be disliked, you will improve the world. "Criticism can be avoided by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing." 425
Proverbs tells us to both criticize and be criticized: "Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” And Matthew in the New Testament famously said: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ... How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. It is important to accept and give critical advise, to improve ourselves and neighbor, but best to speak the truth gently. Visit my channel for complete videos, and may I ask you to please subscribe to help build this channel - thanks. 425
The denial of flesh, or the material world is an important Christian teaching. In Matthew 16:24 Christ says “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Then in Galatians 5:24 “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Much of our daily actions are driven by our bodily desires. The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer argued that humans lack free will; our actions are entirely determined by external stimuli and causes, and we merely react to these motives. Schopenhauer believed that to achieve true freedom, we must abandon our passions and desires. Similarly, Christ teaches that to attain spiritual freedom, we must deny our flesh and follow Him. How, then, does any of this relate to prosperity? 400
Many people think religion is unnecessary, yet a society needs a consistent belief that is functional, unifies us, gives us an honest explanation for creation, and a meaning for existence. "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12 Look at Gaza or the Ukraine, both of these dysfunctional societies are rooted in our Judeo-Christian religion, we need to produce a greater work, a religion that is not malicious, that will produce Justice for all. On this channel there is a playlist called "Bible Story" which deconstructs the Bible from Creation to Christ, please watch the series and comment so that we may "separate the wheat from the chaff," then we can distill a belief that is adequate to build a just society. 424
In a deterministic universe, every action arises from preceding causes. While the cosmos propels us with relentless precision, it is through our beliefs that we carve out a space for agency. Beliefs shape perceptions and guide our path in this material world, becoming the substance that allows us to steer the course of our lives. Belief is our tool in a universe where outcomes may seem preordained. It enables us to act with intention and forge connections that give life meaning. Even if our choices are the products of causality, the act of choosing what we believe influences all future actions. Through belief, we assert our individuality; without it, we are left only with our biology, driven by the mechanisms of inevitability. 418
