Posts Made By: Brien Stratton

February 22, 2003 01:45 PM Forum: Religion

Genesis

Posted By Brien Stratton

Genesis is a book that in it's creation account at the start of the book, is compact, precise, and uses simple terms. Some see that in a bad light, since scientific details are not explored in detail, so they assume that it was a fabrication, or not a reliable account.

Here are some points to consider, though: The book was inspired by God's spirit, as was the rest of the Bible. It was stated in terms people in ancient times could understand, and those time periods were pre-telescope, pre-microscope, ect.

The book was also meant to be for the future, for everyone in the world to benefit from, a universal book. The book really shows it's value here, as it can be translated much easier with it's simple terms into languages of the world, since some languages are simpler than other languages. This helps those translators to be able to translate into their mother tongue.

Also, not everyone are scholars, or scientific types, they are simple folk, country folk, labourers, children. Having a book that could be understood by everyone, yet have enough details to be logical shows the wisdom of the Creator.

Science writers today are valued in the community today if they can explain complex science matters so laymen can understand. Here, explaining complex matters in precise terms, with brevity, is highly valued. God can be compared to a Carl Sagan, Feynman, ect.

For all these criteria, I think the book of Genesis has accomplished its goals, and is also a literary masterpiece.

Brien





March 1, 2003 02:44 AM Forum: Religion

Re: Question for you

Posted By Brien Stratton

Neither group is good. I propose a 4th group. This group worships God, because they believe that his universal sovereignty is the best rulership for man, and that God deserves to be honored and worshipped. They also don't serve for nothing. God is righteous to remember their good works, and reward them with life in paradise, helping them out of their imperfect life which they live now. They also want to escape the punishment on the wicked, but the main reason they worship God, is because they believe that his guidance and rulership over them is beneficial, and necessary.

Brien

March 5, 2003 01:29 AM Forum: Religion

Re: HEY BRIEN!!!

Posted By Brien Stratton

Hi Bill, I just moved this weekend, and have been getting organized again. I just got back online today.

Brien

March 5, 2003 03:24 PM Forum: Religion

The Bible's Canon- Part 1- Hebrew Scriptures

Posted By Brien Stratton

Here is some info on the Bible canon and how it came to be fixed (which books to include).

The Hewbrew Scriptures:

The Bible began with the writings of Moses, 1513 B.C.E. In these are are preserved God's commandments and precepts to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac,and Jacob, as well as the regulations of the Law covenant. The writings of Moses under the direction of the holy spirit were from the beginning accepted by the Isralites as inspired, of divine authorship. When completed, the Pentateuch constituted the canon up to that time. Further revelations concerning God's purposes given to men under inspiration would need to follow logically and be in harmony with the fundamental principles concerning true worship that are set forth in the Pentateuch.

Following Moses' death, the writings of Joshua, Samuel, Gad, and Nathan (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel) were added. Kings David and Solomon also made contributions to the growing canon of Holy Writings. Then came the prophets from Jonah to Malachi, each contributing to the Bible canon, each endowed with miraculous prophetic ability from God.

Just as God inspired men to write, it logically follows that he would direct and watch over the collecting and preserving of these inspired writings in order that mankind would have an enduring canonical straightedge for true worship. According to Jewish tradition, Ezra had a hand in this work after the exiled Jews were resettled in Judah. He was certainly qualified for the work, being one of the inspired Bible writers, a priest, and also "a skilled copyist in the law of Moses." (Ezra 7:1-11) Only the books of Nehemiah and Malachi remained to be added. The canon of the Hebrew Scriptures, therefore, was well fixed by the end of the 5th century B.C.E., containing the same writings we have today.

Brien

March 5, 2003 03:33 PM Forum: Religion

The Bible's Canon- Part 2- Hebrew Scriptures

Posted By Brien Stratton

The Jewish historian Josephus, in answering opponents in his work Against Apion (I, 38-40 [8]) around the year 100 C.E., confirms that by then the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures had been fixed for a long time. He wrote: “We do not possess myriads of inconsistent books, conflicting with each other. Our books, those which are justly accredited, are but two and twenty, and contain the record of all time. Of these, five are the books of Moses, comprising the laws and the traditional history from the birth of man down to the death of the lawgiver. . . . From the death of Moses until Artaxerxes, who succeeded Xerxes as king of Persia, the prophets subsequent to Moses wrote the history of the events of their own times in thirteen books. The remaining four books contain hymns to God and precepts for the conduct of human life.”

Canonicity of a book therefore does not rest in whole or in part on whether some council, committee, or community accepts or rejects it. The voice of such noninspired men is valuable only as witness to what God himself has already done through his accredited representatives.

Brien




































, The Jewish historian Josephus, in answering opponents in his work Against Apion (I, 38-40 [8]) around the year 100 C.E., confirms that by then the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures had been fixed for a long time. He wrote: “We do not possess myriads of inconsistent books, conflicting with each other. Our books, those which are justly accredited, are but two and twenty, and contain the record of all time. Of these, five are the books of Moses, comprising the laws and the traditional history from the birth of man down to the death of the lawgiver. . . . From the death of Moses until Artaxerxes, who succeeded Xerxes as king of Persia, the prophets subsequent to Moses wrote the history of the events of their own times in thirteen books. The remaining four books contain hymns to God and precepts for the conduct of human life.”

Canonicity of a book therefore does not rest in whole or in part on whether some council, committee, or community accepts or rejects it. The voice of such noninspired men is valuable only as witness to what God himself has already done through his accredited representatives.

Brien





































March 5, 2003 03:38 PM Forum: Religion

The Bible's Canon- Part 3- Hebrew Scriptures

Posted By Brien Stratton

The most conclusive testimony on the canonicity of the Hebrew Scriptures is the words of Jesus Christ and the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures. Though they nowhere give an exact number of books, the unmistakable conclusion drawn from what they said is that the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures did not contain the Apocryphal books.

If there was not a definite collection of Holy Writings known and recognized by them and those to whom they spoke and wrote, they would not have used such expressions as “the Scriptures” (Mt 22:29; Ac 18:24); “the holy Scriptures” (Ro 1:2); “the holy writings” (2Ti 3:15); the “Law,” often meaning the whole body of Scripture (Joh 10:34; 12:34; 15:25); “the Law and the Prophets,” used as a generic term meaning the entire Hebrew Scriptures and not simply the first and second sections of those Scriptures (Mt 5:17; 7:12; 22:40; Lu 16:16). When Paul referred to “the Law,” he quoted from Isaiah.—1Co 14:21; Isa 28:11.-from the book-Insight on the Scriptures.

Brien


























































































, The most conclusive testimony on the canonicity of the Hebrew Scriptures is the words of Jesus Christ and the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures. Though they nowhere give an exact number of books, the unmistakable conclusion drawn from what they said is that the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures did not contain the Apocryphal books.

If there was not a definite collection of Holy Writings known and recognized by them and those to whom they spoke and wrote, they would not have used such expressions as “the Scriptures” (Mt 22:29; Ac 18:24); “the holy Scriptures” (Ro 1:2); “the holy writings” (2Ti 3:15); the “Law,” often meaning the whole body of Scripture (Joh 10:34; 12:34; 15:25); “the Law and the Prophets,” used as a generic term meaning the entire Hebrew Scriptures and not simply the first and second sections of those Scriptures (Mt 5:17; 7:12; 22:40; Lu 16:16). When Paul referred to “the Law,” he quoted from Isaiah.—1Co 14:21; Isa 28:11.-from the book-Insight on the Scriptures.

Brien



























































































March 6, 2003 04:25 AM Forum: Religion

The Bible's Canon- Part 4- Christian Scriptures

Posted By Brien Stratton

For this section of this topic of the Bible's canon, I wish to discuss in a different manner. I could mention what non-inspired writers have said about the various Christian Scriptures, which show it's canonicity. For example, Iraneus (120-202 A.D.) in appealing to the Scriptures makes no fewer than 200 quotations from Paul's letters. But I think I will show why the books of the Christian Scriptures were included in the Bible's canon, based on the reliability of their testimony. Also, the Christian Scriptures were canononical before any church council made them so, since God's spirit appointed them so. Let's go through the writers of the Christian Scriptures:

1) Matthew- he was called early on in Jesus ministry. He was a close associate, and apostle of Jesus, and could be relied on to give an accurate account of Jesus' actions, and ministry. An examination of his account, shows that more than 40% of the material contained in his account is not found in the other three gospels.

2) Mark- Mark was a disciple of Jesus, and had some contact with Jesus. Early Christian writers, like Origen, Eusebius, and Papias mention that Peter provided the basic information for Mark's gospel. Mark was associated with Peter in Babylon. This gospel, centers on the ministry of Jesus.

3) Luke- Luke was a well educated physician, and faithful companion to the apostle Paul. Luke does not speak of himself as an eyewitness of the events that are recorded in his gospel. He evidently became a believer sometime after Pentecost of 33 C.E. He accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, and Caesarea, so would have been in a good postion to trace accurately the things pertaining to Jesus Christ. Luke would have opportunity to interview eyewitnesses and to consult written records. His gospel adds different details to Jesus' life. For example his first two chapters are without parallel in the other gospels. These two chapters deal with the early lives of John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ.

He also wrote the book of Acts, which is indispensible information about the early start of Christianity, the works of the apostles, and also the conversion, and ministry of the apostle Paul.

Notice that the four gospels are from slightly different sources. The books of Matthew and John, are accounts from the apostles of Jesus. The book of Mark though, is from a disciple of Jesus, and Mark had connection with Jesus in real life, but not as one of the apostles. The book of Luke is from a disciple, but he apparently was not an eyewitness of the events, but became a believer from hearing about him from Christians, including Paul. These different angles to the writers who wrote the four gospels brings more credence that these things actually took place, and were not fabricated by the 12 apostles alone, who would gain in prominence from the dissemination of their own gospel accounts they could write. Two disciples wrote their own gospels, but they were not of the original 12 apostles.

Brien

March 7, 2003 11:52 AM Forum: Religion

The Bible's Canon- Part 5- Christian Scriptures

Posted By Brien Stratton

4) John- John was one of the 12 apostles. He was one of the three most intimately associated with Jesus. Peter, James, and John were all taken to the mountain to see his transfiguration. John was the last living disciple.

Toward the end of his life he was exiled by The Emperor Domitian to the Isle of Patmos for speaking about God, and bearing witness to Jesus. It is also generally believed that he was released by Emperor Nerva (96-98 C.E.) According to tradition, he went to Ephesus, where he wrote his Gospel and his three letters, entitled First, Second, and Third of John, about 98 C.E. Traditionally, it is believed that he died at Ephesus in about 100 C.E. during the reign of Trajan.

The gospel records of Matthew, Mark, Luke had been circulating for over 30 years and had come to be treasured by first-century Christians as the works of men inspired by holy spirit. Now as the close of the century neared and the number of those who had been with Jesus dwindled, the question may well have arisen, Was there still something to be told? Aparently there was, as the gospel of John contains 92% new material not covered in the other three gospels. -from the book- All Scripture is Inspired of God and Beneficial. The gospel gives valuable information about Jesus' prehuman existence, and is an intimate portrayal of Jesus' life. It is at times very meditative, and shows that the Bible writers, though they wrote under inspiration, were able to use their own personalities to formulate the exact wording of the books. The book of John has also been published on its own, and is the most widely published portion of the Bible.

The book of Revelation given to John, when he was in prison was put at the end of the Bible, since it really is the final part, as the book deals with events far into the future. It is symbolic in many parts. When you read it, you really get a feel that you are getting a glimpse of heavenly things. You also get the feel that the book is authentic. I have read other "apocalyptic" literature, but there is no comparison. This is the real thing. Even though it is highly symbolic, the manner of writing is genuine, truthful. It is also comforting that God gave it to John when he was in dire straits in prison. Yes, God does care for those who suffer for his sake. It is also important for another reason: It claims to be a revelation by Jesus Christ, and was given to Jesus by God, and finally through one of God's angels (Revelation 1:1). Some of the fulfillments show that Jesus is alive, that he was resurrected, and that he is a true prophet. The prophecies are a detailed study for the Christian. Not a beginner topic. It is also a fitting end of the Bible because it completes the issues raised in Genesis. It shows how the paradise on earth, lost in the beginning, will be restored by God's kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ. From paradise lost to paradise regained.

Brien


March 8, 2003 02:14 PM Forum: Religion

The Bible's Canon- Part 6- Christian Scriptures

Posted By Brien Stratton

5) Paul- Paul was an Israelite, and was born in Tarsus, a prominent city in Cilicia. His parents were Hebrews and evidently adhered to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism. He was a Roman citizen from birth, his father having perhaps been granted citizenship for services rendered. Paul probably learned the trade of tentmaker from his father. At Jerusalem, he received instruction from the learned Pharisee Gamaliel, suggesting that Paul was from a prominent family.

The Biblical record introduces Saul, or Paul, as the “young man” at whose feet the false witnesses who stoned Christ’s disciple Stephen laid their outer garments. Paul approved of the murder of Stephen and, because of misdirected zeal for tradition, began a campaign of vicious persecution against Christ’s followers. When they were to be executed, he voted against them. At the time of their trial in synagogues, he endeavored to force them to recant. He extended his persecution to cities other than Jerusalem and even procured written authorization from the high priest to search out disciples of Christ as far N as Damascus, in Syria, and to bind them and bring them to Jerusalem, probably for trial by the Sanhedrin.

Brien

































































, 5) Paul- Paul was an Israelite, and was born in Tarsus, a prominent city in Cilicia. His parents were Hebrews and evidently adhered to the Pharisaic branch of Judaism. He was a Roman citizen from birth, his father having perhaps been granted citizenship for services rendered. Paul probably learned the trade of tentmaker from his father. At Jerusalem, he received instruction from the learned Pharisee Gamaliel, suggesting that Paul was from a prominent family.

The Biblical record introduces Saul, or Paul, as the “young man” at whose feet the false witnesses who stoned Christ’s disciple Stephen laid their outer garments. Paul approved of the murder of Stephen and, because of misdirected zeal for tradition, began a campaign of vicious persecution against Christ’s followers. When they were to be executed, he voted against them. At the time of their trial in synagogues, he endeavored to force them to recant. He extended his persecution to cities other than Jerusalem and even procured written authorization from the high priest to search out disciples of Christ as far N as Damascus, in Syria, and to bind them and bring them to Jerusalem, probably for trial by the Sanhedrin.

Brien


































































March 8, 2003 02:18 PM Forum: Religion

The Bible's Canon- Part 7- Christian Scriptures

Posted By Brien Stratton

5-cont'd)- As Paul neared Damascus, Christ Jesus revealed himself to Paul in a flashing light and commissioned him to be an attendant and a witness of the things he had seen and would yet see. He told Paul to stop persecuting his disciples. The resurrected Jesus appointed him to be an apostle to the nations, though not of the 12. It is interesting to read in the account, that at first, understandably, the Christians were at first hesitant to accept Paul as their brother, because of his previously persecuting them. Paul went full circle, from persecuting the Christians, to being one of the most zealous missionaries for the Christians. He was all set up in the Jewish system of things, yet converted. It is an amazing account.

It was Paul's priveledge to write more books, or letters, of the Christian Scriptures than anyone else. From reading them, you can clearly see they are full of God's holy spirit, and wisdom. He wrote 9 letters to various congregations, some congregations received 2 letters. He also wrote the book of Hebrews, which was especially written for the Hebrews living in Judea to help them deal with the opposition thay were receiving from the Jews in that area. He also wrote 3 letters to individuals, that became part of the canon due to their value to all Christians.

Brien