Read this paperback book:
From Jesus to Christ : The Origins of the New Testament Images of Christ, Second Edition,
by Paula Fredriksen,
Copyright 1988 by Yale University,
ISBN 0-300-08457-9.
Yale Press Governors' Award for Best Book in 1988.
About author:
Ph.D., Princeton University, 1979. History of Religions: Ancient Christianity; Graeco-Roman Religions.
Theology Diploma, Oxford University, 1974.
B.A., Wellesley College, 1973.
From Jesus to Christ : The Origins of the New Testament Images of Christ, Second Edition,
by Paula Fredriksen,
Copyright 1988 by Yale University,
ISBN 0-300-08457-9.
Yale Press Governors' Award for Best Book in 1988.
About author:
Ph.D., Princeton University, 1979. History of Religions: Ancient Christianity; Graeco-Roman Religions.
Theology Diploma, Oxford University, 1974.
B.A., Wellesley College, 1973.
jlee
Lifer
- Sep 12, 2001
- 48,518
- 223
- 106
Before attempting to use The Bible as a textbook, one would be advised to read "Misquoting Jesus" , imo.
Then one would have a basis of what sort of editing, re-writing, and elimination of gospel texts have occured in the 2,000 odd years since the Gospels were originally accumulated into what we now call the Bible.
Being that Jerome (the original interpreter from Hebrew into Latin) had an agenda not generally addressed by "organized Christianity" in practice, if what you are seeking is knowledge, one would be advised to gather references without cultural prejudice.
If you compare the various "versions" of The Bible (King James, New American, et al) you will find significant differences between the same chapters and verses.
Misquoting Jesus at AMAZON
Then one would have a basis of what sort of editing, re-writing, and elimination of gospel texts have occured in the 2,000 odd years since the Gospels were originally accumulated into what we now call the Bible.
Being that Jerome (the original interpreter from Hebrew into Latin) had an agenda not generally addressed by "organized Christianity" in practice, if what you are seeking is knowledge, one would be advised to gather references without cultural prejudice.
If you compare the various "versions" of The Bible (King James, New American, et al) you will find significant differences between the same chapters and verses.
Misquoting Jesus at AMAZON
Read the apostles and then take an introductory theology class (if one is available in your area) and you'll know more than 99% of "Christians."
Your statement is pretty poor-spirted because he isn't interested in finding his faith, but rather learning about relgion. Seeing as Catholicism is one of the dominant religions in the world, it would be sorta like learning the basics, especially because a lot of times people compare religions to the Catholics.
Aside from that, you post bears not a single bit of information as to why he should stay away, other than your assumed dislike for them.
I'll help ya out. PM me...I'm a Christian...my best advice is to go to Barnes and Noble and look at some books if you don't really feel comfortable in talking to people. A lot of the stuff can be dry, but some is interesting. I'm interested in the history behind it, so I've researched stuff like the Dead Sea Scrolls and Gnosticism. A lot of interesting stuff. As a Jew, you're pretty lucky. You only have to read the New Testament, seeing as how the Old is the Jewish Torah and the New is what makes Christianity the belief in Christ...
Malak
Lifer
- Dec 4, 2004
- 14,696
- 2
- 0
Believing in God has nothing to do with faith. God speaks and acts, just like you do. Believing in God is no harder than believing in someone you just met. The faith comes in other areas.
Read the Gospel and Hebrews, that's Christianity in a nutshell. Everything else is standard history.
If you really want to, you can ask any question you like in emails to me. I can guarantee an answer to any question, having studied Christianity most of my adult life, including cult studies.
I think going to churches would be the best way of doing it but if you don't want to... don't.
To learn about christianity I would start by reading John. Then maybe the rest of the 4 gospels.
After that I start reading the whole new testament. Then talk to other people who are christians or books written by christians.
This is the order I would get information in. From most important to least. So feel free to start and stop whenever.
Keep in mind this is mostly just for protestant christianity. I don't know much about the catholic faith, sorry.
actually Christianity is broken down into protestant, catholic, and orthodox. FYI.
To learn about christianity I would start by reading John. Then maybe the rest of the 4 gospels.
After that I start reading the whole new testament. Then talk to other people who are christians or books written by christians.
This is the order I would get information in. From most important to least. So feel free to start and stop whenever.
Keep in mind this is mostly just for protestant christianity. I don't know much about the catholic faith, sorry.
actually Christianity is broken down into protestant, catholic, and orthodox. FYI.
Personally, I don't believe in any of it. 18 years of Presbyterianism cured me of it. Nothing like bland protestantism and blue-haired old ladies to push one to atheism. I guess it could have been worse... my in-laws are Southern Baptists.
I don't really see that Catholic church as being that bad, compared to some. They aren't pushing Intelligent Design and all that crap.
Where in the Bible does it say Catholic=cult? If you say Mary-worship, I can tell you what my relatives would say to that!
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)- Started by DisEnchantment
- Replies: 25K
-
Discussion Intel Meteor, Arrow, Lunar & Panther Lakes + WCL Discussion Threads
- Started by Tigerick
- Replies: 23K
-
Discussion Intel current and future Lakes & Rapids thread- Started by TheF34RChannel
- Replies: 23K
-
-
Facebook
Twitter