Introduction
We live in a world caught in the throes of conflict with values clashing, ideologies colliding, and truths buried beneath centuries of dogma. Yet, if you strip away the superficial differences, you’ll find a surprising revelation: most religions and philosophies actually tell the same story. Light versus darkness. Good versus evil. The cosmic dance of duality. Peel back the layers, and a universal truth begins to emerge that transcends cultural boundaries and doctrines.
But amidst these ancient truths lies a new “religion” that claims no temples, yet dominates every corner of modern life: Materialism. With its relentless focus on the tangible, the measurable, and the physical, Materialism is the true one-world religion of our time. Like any faith, it rests on assumptions…assumptions that quantum mechanics is now beginning to unravel. And while this will be explored in a subsequent book, let me offer a hint: the latest breakthroughs in quantum physics validate concepts that ancient Eastern philosophies have understood for thousands of years. Materialism is not the eternal truth it pretends to be.
But that is not today’s focus. Today, we turn to the largest religion in the world, with a staggering 2.4 billion followers: Christianity. How did the teachings of a humble carpenter from Galilee grow into the world’s greatest religious movement? Was it the undeniable truth of his message, or was there something else at play that was hidden, manipulated, and engineered to serve an agenda?
As the son of a Methodist minister, I grew up steeped in the teachings of Christ. I’ve stood on stages as a worship leader, proclaiming the faith to congregations. But even for me, doubts crept in. Cracks began to appear in the foundation of everything I had believed. I couldn’t ignore the inconsistencies, the questions no one seemed willing to answer. So, I began a quest, not just for faith, but for Truth. What I discovered shook me to my core.
This book is the result of that journey. It’s a challenge to everything you think you know about Jesus, the Church, and the faith you may hold dear. Are you ready to pull back the curtain and confront the untold story behind the world’s most powerful religion? If so, let us begin…
Chapter-1: Rediscovering Jesus Beyond Dogma
Balance From Polarity
In the year 1998 I was given a very simple concept which turned out to be one of the most profound things I have ever been taught. In this life, Balance is the Key to Everything! At the time I was in my second year of martial arts training, so naturally this was one area in my life where I found this statement to be very much true on a physical level. However, this was ironically only a very simple example of the innate truth of that statement. I soon learned that this simple concept actually does hold true in all facets of life. I realized that too much of anything, ultimately has a negative impact on your life. Excessive indulgence in anything, whether food, material wealth, or even water, can ultimately harm your well-being. One can imagine anything on the physical plane and you will inevitably come to the understanding that too much of a good thing can be bad for you.
The same holds true on a spiritual or energetic level as well. If you lean too far to one side or the other, then you will eventually come to learn that it has a negative impact on your life. Many of the ascended masters throughout history have taught this principle through their teachings, as well as their mystical associations. The names Quetzacoatl and Kukulkan, of the meso-american tradition, both mean “Feathered Serpent”. This name implies the duality of extremes, where the vulture or eagle flies higher than any other animal, and the serpent or snake crawls on the ground lower than any other. The name of Incan god Viracocha means “Foam of the Sea”. Where does the foam of the sea reside but on the shoreline balanced between the land and the sea. Even Christ was called the “Morning Star”, alluding to the planet Venus, which is the Morning Star for 263 days, and the Evening Star for 263 days. Thus evoking the concept of balance in duality.
Therefore, I contend that this is truly one of the most prophetically simplistic concepts that one can grasp in their journey through life. If you can implement this simple principle that balance is the key to everything, then you will have a much more peaceful life. However, while the principle of balance offers a pathway to harmony, the reality we face often feels far from balanced. Instead, we find ourselves immersed in a world deeply rooted in polarity, where opposites seem to define every aspect of existence. To fully grasp the importance of balance, we must first understand the pervasive role that duality plays in shaping our perceptions, choices, and experiences.
The Dance of Duality: Balance in a Polarized World
The irony of the above concepts about balance is that we currently live in a world that appears to be anything but balanced. In stark contrast, we actually live in a time that is dominated by polarity on all sides. We all seem to see things from the standpoint of Good versus Evil, Right versus Wrong, or Light versus Darkness. There is a deeper purpose behind the concept of diametric opposition. For, how can one fully appreciate the nature of good without first understanding the experience of bad? How can the rewards of righteousness be recognized without encountering the challenges of wrongdoing? Or, how can one fully appreciate the Light, unless he has first been fully immersed in total Darkness?
The concept of polarity completely saturates this realm. Whether it is in politics, religion, gender, or even our beloved sporting events. Everywhere one looks there is polarity staring right back at you in the face. It seems to be directly baked into reality itself when one contemplates the examples of polarity that are part of our everyday lives. Even life springs forth out of the necessity for the union of polarity. For when male joins with female, which both represent the polarity of gender, a new life is conceived. Yet, even this new life is an example of the split from Unity to Polarity from the very beginning, as the first cell splits into two. Thus, polarity is something that we simply cannot avoid in this life…
This interplay of opposites is not merely a human construct but a cosmic principle embedded in spiritual and mythological narratives across cultures. Among the most profound symbols of duality is the Morning Star, a title that intriguingly connects both Christ and Lucifer, illustrating the paradoxical dance between light and shadow within our shared spiritual journey.
The Morning Star: Christ and Lucifer = Duality
The title of the Morning Star is one of the most intriguing dualities in spiritual symbolism, attributed to both Christ and Lucifer in various religious texts. At first glance, this may seem contradictory. For how can the same title apply to figures seen as such polar opposites? Yet, this shared designation reveals a deeper esoteric truth about the nature of duality in our plane of existence.
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus declares, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). This title signifies the light of divine truth, the herald of a new dawn, and the spiritual illumination that dispels darkness. It represents the pure, uncorrupted light that brings clarity and guidance, much like Venus appearing as the Morning Star before sunrise.
On the other hand, Lucifer, whose name literally means “light-bringer” or “bearer of light,” was once seen as a powerful angel who embodied divine radiance before his fall.
Isaiah 14:12 (KJV): “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!“
In this verse, Lucifer is described as the “son of the morning“, which is a poetic reference to the Morning Star (Venus). The association with the Morning Star reflects Lucifer’s original role as a bringer of enlightenment and knowledge. His rebellion and subsequent fall from grace symbolize the descent into shadow, the separation from the divine source, and the dual nature of seeking knowledge without wisdom. This is the true nature of the world’s current religion of Materialism.
This shared symbolism points to a cosmic duality inherent in the human experience, which is the interplay between light and shadow, unity and separation, spiritual ascent and material descent. The Morning Star symbolizes both the promise of spiritual enlightenment, as embodied by Christ, and the allure of self-centered knowledge, as represented by Lucifer.
In esoteric traditions, the Morning Star is linked to the planet Venus, which appears both as the Morning Star and the Evening Star. This dual appearance mirrors the dual aspects of Christ and Lucifer, with one heralding the dawn of spiritual light and the other symbolizing the fall into the night of materialism and separation. It reflects the ancient Hermetic principle of “As above, so below,” where the celestial dance of Venus becomes a metaphor for the dual forces at play within each of us. Ultimately, this shared title invites us to look beyond the simplistic binary of good and evil, and to recognize the deeper unity of opposites. It calls us to integrate the light and the shadow within ourselves, transcending duality and embracing the path of spiritual wholeness.
Unity in Opposites: The Key to Balance
The left side of the brain predominantly governs logical thinking, analysis, language, and linear reasoning. It’s focused on details, sequential tasks, and interpreting the physical world around us. Due to these characteristics, it is often linked with a more traditionally ‘masculine’ energy. In contrast, the right hemisphere is connected to creativity, intuition, holistic perception, and non-verbal comprehension. It tends to engage with spiritual insights, a sense of unity, and deeper, mystical experiences, aligning it with what is commonly seen as ‘feminine’ energy.
In our modern Western culture, there is a strong dominance of left-brain thinking. I believe this phase was a necessary part of human evolution, helping us deepen our understanding of the material world and develop technologies that support our long-term goals as a species. However, this heavy focus on logical, linear, and materialistic thinking has come at a cost. It has suppressed many qualities linked to the right hemisphere, such as intuition, energetic perception, and the ability to access deeper spiritual truths. This imbalance has distanced us from the profound spiritual wisdom of ancient cultures, which often maintained a more holistic approach to knowledge.
In many ancient cultures, knowledge and consciousness were approached in a more balanced manner, where both the rational left-brain processes and the intuitive right-brain processes were equally valued. Ancient shamans, mystics, and spiritual leaders often entered altered states of consciousness to access the non-linear, non-verbal wisdom associated with the right brain. This practice allowed them to connect with universal consciousness and gain a deeper understanding of existence. In these societies, the left-brain abilities such as organization, architecture, mathematics, and technology were not seen as separate from the right-brain qualities of spiritual insight and mystical experience. Instead, these aspects were harmonized to provide a more complete perspective on reality. This integration is evident in the architecture, art, and religious practices of many ancient civilizations.
Over time, particularly with the rise of materialism and institutionalized religion, the intuitive and mystical insights of the right brain were increasingly overshadowed. As society became more focused on left-brain thinking, which emphasizes logic, linear progression, and empirical evidence, the deep, intuitive wisdom that once formed the core of human understanding was dismissed or regarded as superstitious and irrational. This ancient shamanic and mystical knowledge appears to have been deliberately suppressed, as it posed a challenge to the control structures that relied on a materialistic, left-brain-dominated worldview.
There is a growing movement of people advocating for a reconnection with right-brain modes of consciousness as a means to heal the modern soul and reclaim lost wisdom. This reconnection is seen not only as a personal spiritual journey, but also as a crucial step for the survival of humanity. Without a harmonious balance, society risks continuing on a trajectory of environmental degradation, existential crises, spiritual disconnection, and, ultimately, self-destruction. By integrating the strengths of both brain hemispheres, we can renew our relationship with the Earth, with one another, and with the broader cosmic order. Later in this book, we will delve deeper into the adverse effects that an overly left-brain-focused philosophy has had on our culture.
I believe the future of humanity depends on rediscovering this balance between the hemispheres. Modern science, particularly quantum physics, is beginning to uncover truths that mirror ancient wisdom, such as the non-locality of consciousness and the interconnectedness of all things. This could mark the beginning of a new era of integration, where left-brain logic and right-brain intuition come together to offer a more complete picture of reality. For Jesus said in the Gospel of Thomas, “When you make the two into one, you will become children of Adam, and when you say, ‘Mountain, move from here!’ it will move.”
Achieving unity between opposites requires more than a mental understanding of balance; it involves aligning the deeper connections within ourselves. Beyond the interplay of our brain hemispheres lies another profound harmony, that between the heart and the brain. Exploring this relationship reveals how coherence between these vital centers can unlock new dimensions of emotional and spiritual well-being.
Heart-Brain Coherence
Common sayings like “think with your heart” or “let your heart guide you” suggest a deeper truth worth exploring. These phrases may carry deeper truths than they appear to at first glance. The heart is far more than just a mechanical pump; it is an intelligent organ with its own intricate nervous system, often referred to as the “heart-brain” or “heart intelligence.” The heart contains a network of neurons similar to those in the brain, allowing it to operate somewhat independently. It sends signals that influence our thoughts, emotions, and responses, highlighting the powerful connection between the heart and our overall well-being.
In a remarkable case documented by neuropsychologist Paul Pearsall, an 8-year-old girl received a heart transplant from a 10-year-old girl who had been murdered. Following the transplant, the recipient began having recurring nightmares, vividly detailing the events of the murder. The descriptions were so accurate that they ultimately helped identify the murderer and solve the case. This incident supports theories suggesting that the heart, with its own intrinsic nervous system, may store memories independently of the brain. Such examples challenge our traditional understanding of memory storage and highlight the deeper connection between the heart and brain.
The concept of “coherence” refers to a state where different components of a system operate smoothly and harmoniously, resulting in a unified and clear experience. Heart-brain coherence explores the interaction between the heart and brain, revealing how they influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Research, especially from the HeartMath Institute, has shown that when the heart’s rhythms synchronize with brain activity, it can create a state of enhanced mental clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of balance.
The heart generates the most powerful electromagnetic field of any organ in the human body, with an impressive range. Sensitive magnetometers have detected this field extending 3 to 4 feet beyond the body in every direction. Unlike the brain’s electromagnetic field, the heart’s field is significantly stronger and continuously interacts with our surroundings. Research from the HeartMath Institute, which focuses on heart-brain coherence and the heart’s role in emotional and physiological processes, shows that the heart’s electromagnetic field varies according to emotional states. Emotions like gratitude and love generate a stable, coherent field, while fear and anger result in chaotic, erratic patterns.
The heart and brain are in constant communication through the vagus nerve and other pathways within the nervous system. While traditional views held that the brain primarily controls the body and emotions, recent studies have demonstrated that the heart actually sends twice as many signals to the brain as the brain sends to the heart. This bidirectional communication plays a vital role in cognitive functions, including attention, memory, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Heart-brain coherence is the term used to describe the synchronization between the heart’s rhythms and brainwaves. When these systems achieve coherence, they work together in a harmonious, efficient manner that enhances overall physical and mental performance.
Many ancient cultures viewed the heart as the seat of the soul, connecting humanity to higher states of consciousness. Perhaps we as humans need to take a more balanced approach to how we use both hemispheres of our brain, and then match our balanced brain approach with a more balanced level of Heart-Brian coherence. If we did this, then there is no telling how much we would advance physiologically, as well as mentally and emotionally, over a very short period of time.
For as Christ said in the Gospel of Thomas: “When you make the two into one, and when you make the inner like the outer and the outer like the inner, and the upper like the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male will not be male nor the female be female, when you make eyes in place of an eye, a hand in place of a hand, a foot in place of a foot, an image in place of an image, then you will enter [the kingdom].”
As we consider the profound connections between the heart and mind, it becomes evident that this inner harmony reflects a larger spiritual truth. Few figures embody this unity more deeply than Jesus, whose teachings reveal the transformative power of love and coherence, both within ourselves and in our relationship with the Divine.
The Truth About Jesus
Readers may hold deep-rooted beliefs that have drawn them to Christ’s teachings and inspired a life of faith. This book is not here to dismantle your faith, but to invite you to experience the fullest potential of Christ’s message, which is a message rooted in love, freedom, and higher understanding.
Christ’s teachings have been a guiding light for countless souls. Yet over time, these teachings have been filtered through different lenses, especially during the Roman Empire’s adoption and structuring of Christianity. Through that lens, certain interpretations of Christ’s message emphasized fear and judgment. Yet, as Christ Himself taught, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” and “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you“. These are the foundations of his message, which is one that transcends the limitations of fear, and embraces the boundless love of God. With this in mind, let us discover the Truth about Jesus.
This chapter begins by addressing one of the most frequently misunderstood arguments about the identity of Jesus. That is the idea that “Jesus” actually means “Hail Zeus,” and that Jesus wasn’t even his real name. Well, the “Hail Zeus” notion is literal nonsense, yet technically the second part is a correct assumption, just not for the reasons that antagonists will declare. The idea that the name “Jesus” means “Hail Zeus” is a misconception that stems from a misunderstanding of the linguistic evolution of the name “Jesus”, and its Greek and Hebrew roots.
The name “Jesus” is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which is a shortened form of Yehoshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “God saves.” When the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek, the name Yeshua was rendered as Iēsous, because Greek does not have the same sounds as Hebrew. Greek does not have the “sh” sound, so it was replaced with “s,” and the ending was changed to fit Greek grammar. From Greek, the name Iēsous was transliterated into Latin as Iesus. In English, over time, this became “Jesus.” The “J” sound in English is a relatively modern development in the evolution of the language, replacing the “I” in many names, including “Iesus.”
So, let us dispel the persistent myth that the name “Jesus” is derived from “Hail Zeus.” This misconception is unfounded and simply detracts from more meaningful discussions.
The Historicity of Jesus
Some will declare that Jesus was a completely invented personage, and that the man never really existed. This is another argument that I find rather flimsy in nature. Consider this: If the Romans had faced significant challenges with the early Christians, would it not have been easier to discredit the movement by proving that Jesus never existed? Would it not make sense to question why the Disciples and many early Christians endured severe torture and execution if Jesus had never existed? So, would one conceive that these people, most likely, would not have subjected themselves to such arduous punishment if the man had really never existed? Would you? However, let us look at some of the most common arguments against the historicity of Jesus.
Of course, everyone is familiar with the New Testament Bible, which details many aspects of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Nazarene, who was called the Christ. There has been no other character in history who has had his life’s biography as translated and well dispersed as this one man. Yet, many will claim that since these are “religious” writings they cannot be counted on as definitive proof that the man actually existed. This even though most people have no problem accepting the existence of people like Alexander the Great, who had nowhere near the amount of original literature.
Lack of Contemporary Evidence
Many people will point to the absence of contemporary Roman records, or writings directly referencing Jesus. They will say that major historians like Josephus and Tacitus only mention Jesus briefly, and these references are often considered secondary sources written decades after Jesus’ death. But is this truly the case? We must remember that, in the first century, most people could not read or write, including the people closest to Jesus. Most of his closest confidants were fishermen, with no real education. So, we cannot expect for them to have directly recorded, in written word, what Jesus said and did. In fact, literacy in large numbers has only been a recent accomplishment in human history.
According to modern mainstream historical thought, the earliest forms of writing emerged around 3200 BC in Mesopotamia with cuneiform script, and in Egypt with hieroglyphics. However, literacy was limited to a small elite class, including scribes, priests, and rulers. In ancient Greece and Rome, literacy rates were higher among the elite, but the majority of the population remained illiterate. Education was typically restricted to wealthy males. During the Middle Ages, literacy rates were low. Most people were illiterate, with literacy confined mainly to clergy, monks, and a small educated elite. Monasteries became centers of learning and manuscript preservation.
The Renaissance of the 14th to 17th centuries marked a revival of learning and education, particularly in Europe. The invention of the printing press, by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, revolutionized the spread of information and books, gradually increasing literacy rates. The Protestant Reformation, in the 16th century, emphasized the importance of reading religious texts. This contributed to the growth of literacy as people sought to read the Bible in their vernacular languages. However, prior to this period, literacy was limited to only a very few privileged people.
Therefore, it was still very common in the first century for information to be passed along orally, rather than in written text. So, knowing this, would one really expect to find many non-biblical written texts about a carpenter from Nazareth? Well, let us look for some non-biblical pagan accounts of Jesus in the historical records, because these people would have generally been fairly hostile to Christianity.
Some authors denied the miraculous nature of Jesus. Thallus (52 AD) is perhaps the earliest secular author to mention Jesus when he attempted to explain away the darkness occurring during the crucifixion of Jesus. About this subject, Thallus said, “On the whole world there pressed a most fearful darkness; and the rocks were rent by an earthquake, and many places in Judea and other districts were thrown down.” In the third book of his called History Thallus calls, “as appears to me without reason, an eclipse of the sun.” (Julius Africanus, Chronography, 18:1)
Cornelius Tacitus (56-120 AD), one of the most reliable ancient historians, was well-regarded for his detailed examination of historical records. In the Annals written around 116 AD Tacitus provides an account of Emperor Nero’s reaction to the great fire of Rome, where Nero placed the blame on the Christians. Tacitus’ account offers a brief but crucial mention of Jesus (referred to as “Christus“) and the persecution of early Christians during Nero’s rule.
Mara Bar-Serapion, a Syrian philosopher writing around 70 AD, addressed a letter to his son that compared the persecution of Jesus with the mistreatment of other philosophers who faced condemnation for their beliefs. His letter provides significant historical value, as it acknowledges Jesus as a real person with profound influence, referring to him as the “Wise King.” Bar-Serapion writes: “Or the Jews by murdering their wise king?… After that, their kingdom was abolished. God rightly avenged these men… The wise king… Lived on in the teachings he enacted.” This underscores the enduring legacy of Jesus and aligns him with other respected figures of wisdom.
Julius Africanus (80-140 AD) refers to a historian named Phlegon, who documented a series of historical events around 140 AD. Phlegon notably mentions the period of darkness surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus, attempting to provide a natural explanation for the phenomenon. Africanus quotes Phlegon: “Phlegon records that, in the time of Tiberius Caesar, at full moon, there was a full eclipse of the sun from the sixth to the ninth hour.” This description aligns with accounts of an unusual darkness during the crucifixion, suggesting that even secular historians of the time took note of these extraordinary events.
Phlegon was also mentioned by Origen when he said, “Now Phlegon, in the thirteenth or fourteenth book, I think, of his Chronicles, not only ascribed to Jesus a knowledge of future events . . . but also testified that the result corresponded to His predictions.” (Origen Against Celsus, Book 2, Chapter 14)
“And with regard to the eclipse in the time of Tiberius Caesar, in whose reign Jesus appears to have been crucified, and the great earthquakes which then took place … ” (Origen Against Celsus, Book 2, Chapter 33)
“Jesus, while alive, was of no assistance to himself, but that he arose after death, and exhibited the marks of his punishment, and showed how his hands had been pierced by nails.” (Origen Against Celsus, Book 2, Chapter 59)
Pliny the Younger (61-113 AD), in a letter to the Roman emperor Trajan, describes the lifestyles of early Christians: “They (the Christians) were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food—but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.”
Suetonius (69-140 AD), a Roman historian who served as an annalist of the Imperial House under Emperor Hadrian, provides notable accounts of early Christians. He describes the actions taken by Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD), stating: “Because the Jews at Rome caused constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus (Christ), he (Claudius) expelled them from the city (Rome).” This expulsion took place in 49 AD.
Lucian of Samosata (115-200 AD), a Greek satirist, spoke with sarcasm about Christ and Christians, yet he implicitly acknowledged their existence by never referring to them as fictional. He commented: “The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day—the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites and was crucified on that account…” Then he goes on further to describe that his followers “worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on faith, with the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common property.”
Celsus, writing around 175 AD, presented a critical account of Jesus, suggesting a controversial narrative about his origins: “Jesus had come from a village in Judea, and was the son of a poor Jewess… Jesus, on account of his poverty, was hired out to go to Egypt. While there, he acquired certain (magical) powers which Egyptians pride themselves on possessing. He returned home highly elated at possessing these powers, and on the strength of them gave himself out to be a god.”
Flavius Josephus (37-101 AD), a Jewish historian, made one of the earliest non-Christian references to Jesus in The Antiquities of the Jews written around 93 AD: “Now around this time lived Jesus, a wise man. For he was a worker of amazing deeds and was a teacher of people who gladly accept the truth. He won over both many Jews and many Greeks. Pilate, when he heard him accused by the leading men among us, condemned him to the cross.”
Conclusion
Therefore, I contend that, based on the above accounts of Jesus and the early Christians, at least the historicity of Jesus must be considered verified. Also, based on these same accounts, we can consider it verified that many of the claims of the biblical texts were actually understood to be common claims of his day as well. Now, whether these claims were true or not is another thing altogether, which must remain in the realms of personal faith. Thus, I do believe we should now be able to consider at least the historicity of the man to be valid, as well as many of the claims and historical events.
However, it is my desire that by the time we reach the end of this book you will see the true nature of Christ as the purveyor of Truth and Consciousness that he was. Yet, we must first deal with the false truths that were conceptualized and birthed by the Empire as a means of controlling the populus. Thus, in the next chapter we will dive headfirst into the quagmire that was created by Rome.
Chapter-2: The Suppression of Knowledge
The Truth About the Bible
Fear has no place in a faith rooted in Divine Love. History has shown us that fear has been one of the greatest tools used to control people throughout time. However, we now find ourselves in an era where truth is emerging in its purest form, encouraging each of us to let go of fear and discover the powerful love that Christ embodied. When we focus on His teachings, we find that fear only obscures the message. But God’s truth brings clarity, peace, and a love that casts out all fear.
In our age of social media and digital interactions, we can sometimes forget the value of true personal connection. This is where the local church holds a unique role, offering a space for fellowship and spiritual growth among like-minded people. As Jesus taught, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am also”. A loving hug and a kind word shared in person carry a depth and sincerity that no emoji can replace, providing us with strength and a sense of unity. Thus, the local church can be a community of shared faith where people gather in love and mutual support.
For this to happen in today’s age of disillusionment with the current doctrinal belief systems, the church must abandon the false message of fear, and embrace the True teachings of Christ which are based in total unconditional Love. Whether they realize it or not, most pastors in the Christian church today are leading from a place of fear. This is due, in large part, to the rapidly declining numbers of people in their churches each and every week. Thus, they feel that they must preach hellfire and damnation in order to keep the people that still remain locked in by fear. However, in actuality nothing could be further from the truth! People are longing for the message of Love and acceptance that Christ embodied.
As we explore the Bible’s history and purpose, we encourage every reader, including pastors and leaders, to seek this truth for themselves. I invite you to seek guidance from the Spirit on these matters, as you read through this book. In fact, you should consider it an act of faith to ask God to reveal truth and to grant the wisdom to see past fear and judgment. Focus instead on divine love and unity, which were at the very heart of Christ’s message.
In sharing this invitation, we want to make clear that the critiques and explorations in this chapter come not from a place of judgment, but from a desire to move closer to the True concept of Love that Christ taught. For God IS Love and Light, and love is the opposite of hate. Hate is fueled by fear, but truth, Divine Truth, is the antidote to fear! Thus truth will help us all to embrace a higher path rooted in compassion, courage, and wisdom. For in the immortal words of Jesus Christ, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The History of the Bible
Regardless of personal beliefs, it is impressive that the Bible remains the most widely read book throughout recorded history. Each year, an estimated 100 million copies are sold worldwide, with 20 million sold in the United States alone. Given its immense popularity and lasting impact, it is essential to take a closer look at the “holy scriptures” to understand why they have captivated readers and scholars for the past 2,000 years.
What exactly is “The Bible,” and where did it come from? If you ask a committed believer, they may say the Bible is the “Inerrant Word of God,” intended to guide humanity toward truth and teach us how to live. However, many are unaware that the Bible is actually a compilation of over 65 individual books. The total number varies depending on the specific version: the Protestant Bible contains 66 books, the Catholic Bible has 73, and Orthodox Bibles can include anywhere from 79 to 86 books. The texts were written in three languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, across three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is widely accepted that around forty different authors contributed to the Bible’s writing over a span of around 1,500 years.
The astute reader might well ask themselves, how could a collection of books written over such a long time by so many different authors be considered the true “Inerrant Word of God”? And why are there so many different versions of the Bible? Are they all the true “Word of God”? If so, why are some books left out of different versions? Let us examine the history of the Bible, and perhaps some of these questions may be answered in the process.