This is a must see for anyone who's gay and struggles with Christian Fundamentalist, ideological violence, or anyone who struggles with any form of "otherness" (and as it turns our ONLY EVERYONE has at the very least some level of "otherness" as part of their subjectivity), or anyone interested in understanding the Christian Faith.
One thing I particularly appreciated was them helping to bring light to the astronomical rates of teen suicide amongst gay teens. this is a critical issue.
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, December 25, 2009
Pagan Christmas
It is uncontroversially acknowledged by any Christian scholar or historian that Christmas takes place on December 25th, in an attempt by the Church to "cover over" or co-opt a pagan holiday.
The cult of Mithras was more popular in its day day than the fledgling Christ Cult. However, it was a male-only cult and by the time of Emperor Constantine and his son Theodophicus, it was all co-opted into the larger Christian Institution.
Mithras killed the bull and was born on December 25th. He is said to have died and resurrected in three days.
Neo-pagans hope to revive the religious traditions that were erased, co-opted, and covered over during the 4th Century.
However, this movement is not JUST a reactionary or romantic movement.
The cult of Mithras was more popular in its day day than the fledgling Christ Cult. However, it was a male-only cult and by the time of Emperor Constantine and his son Theodophicus, it was all co-opted into the larger Christian Institution.
Mithras killed the bull and was born on December 25th. He is said to have died and resurrected in three days.
Neo-pagans hope to revive the religious traditions that were erased, co-opted, and covered over during the 4th Century.
However, this movement is not JUST a reactionary or romantic movement.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Jesus' Arrest
Many myths surround why he was arrested. The gospel account claims it is because he claimed to be the Messiah. However, it is questionable whether this was against Jewish law (talmud). And even if it were, why would Pilate concern himself with Jewish law?
One suggestion is that Palm Sunday was not as is often spun in the gospel accounts to match some prophecy of the messiah, but rather may have been "street theater" to mock the Imperial Roman procession that would have been happening at the same time with Pilate at the other side of the city. It may have been a kind of demonstration against Roman rule, getting him in trouble with the Roman authorities and law.
Judi Magness, University of North Carolina
One suggestion is that Palm Sunday was not as is often spun in the gospel accounts to match some prophecy of the messiah, but rather may have been "street theater" to mock the Imperial Roman procession that would have been happening at the same time with Pilate at the other side of the city. It may have been a kind of demonstration against Roman rule, getting him in trouble with the Roman authorities and law.
Judi Magness, University of North Carolina
Mysteries of Mary Magdalene
"The great mystery woman of the Bible. The conspiracy theories surrounding the great mystery woman of the Bible." National Geographic
It's interesting that in all four gospels she is the only one not to abandon Christ when he was executed by the all-powerful Roman Empire, AND she was also the one to anoint his naked corpse, she seems to have had a very intimate relationship with him.
According the the Gnostic Gospels, esp. the Gospel of Phillip, some translate as "And he kissed her on the mouth very often."
Also the Gospel of Thomas, Mary are important to look at as competing versions of Jesus' life and teaching.
It's also argue that Mary Magdalene being the first witness of Christ's resurrection and that the empty tomb scene seems to be a later add on, then she may be the creator and founder of "Christianity" since Jesus was already dead. So the idea of a religion founded upon the death of Christ for our sins and his resurrection on the third day may very well be attributable to her.
It's interesting that in all four gospels she is the only one not to abandon Christ when he was executed by the all-powerful Roman Empire, AND she was also the one to anoint his naked corpse, she seems to have had a very intimate relationship with him.
According the the Gnostic Gospels, esp. the Gospel of Phillip, some translate as "And he kissed her on the mouth very often."
Also the Gospel of Thomas, Mary are important to look at as competing versions of Jesus' life and teaching.
It's also argue that Mary Magdalene being the first witness of Christ's resurrection and that the empty tomb scene seems to be a later add on, then she may be the creator and founder of "Christianity" since Jesus was already dead. So the idea of a religion founded upon the death of Christ for our sins and his resurrection on the third day may very well be attributable to her.
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