MYTH AND THE TRUTH CONTAINED WITHIN

MYTH AND THE TRUTH CONTAINED WITHIN

It has been said that “Myths are things that never happened but always are.” This quote is attributed to the 4th century Roman historian and mystic Sallustius. It describes the allegorical nature of Mythology and suggests that they contain behind their often fairy tale and fantastical nature, hidden Truths and higher meanings. 

Two quotes from the brilliant Joseph Campbell:

“All religions are true but none are literal.” 

― Joseph Campbell

“Myth is much more important and true than history. History is just journalism and you know how reliable that is.” 

― Joseph Campbell

The Bible is a message system ... a collection of myths, allegories, and metaphors containing deeper meanings that what lies at the surface. Scripture is abundantly filled with these hidden meanings presented in each chapter and verse. This was the design at its inception, by its original writers. Mystical meanings were hidden in the text, in the names, in the geography, in the nationalities, and in the stories ... for a purpose and for a deeper message. 

Take the names in the genealogy of Adam to Noah, and you will have a summary of the intended message ... in it's esoteric form. Designed, premeditated, intentional, and meant  for us to find ... when we earnestly look for it.

For example, when discovering the root meanings of each genealogical name written in Genesis (in the original Hebrew), and then put in order ... you will find this revelation:

Adam – Man

Seth – Appointed

Enosh – Mortal

Kenan – Sorrow

Mahalalel – The blessed God

Jared – Shall come down

Enoch – Teaching

Methuselah – His death shall bring

Lamech – Despair

Noah – Comfort and rest

Now, put those meanings into a complete sentence and you get: 

"Man appointed mortal sorrow, the blessed God shall come down teaching. His death shall bring despair comfort and rest."

The ancient Hebrews, and many other civilizations before them, used symbols to code their meanings. This was for many reasons. One of the simplest reasons was to separate an exoteric (outward) message for the masses, and an esoteric (inward) message for the initiates into the mysteries. 

When studying ancient spiritual scripture and writings, the original language(s) is paramount for understanding the intent and for translating property the apocalyptic (revealing what was hidden) style of the writers. There were no movies, books, or Internet back then as a means of entertainment. People told stories, and passed them down by word of mouth. It was ok to change things ... if it provided the listener with a deeper meaning or teaching. This was mythos (myth).

In a sense, Myths are stories that talk about the higher things and the more profound subject matters. They deal with the important issues that deal with God, cosmic origins, ultimate conclusions, purpose and destiny. They derive from humankind’s quest to answer the big questions concerning the nature of the Divine, the nature of reality, the human condition, consciousness, higher powers and our relationship to those higher powers. They deal with the meaning of Life.

Always look beyond the letter of the law. As it states for us in 2 Corinthians 3:6:

"... who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament (new covenant); not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth Life."

Look for, meditate on, contemplate, and research within for the meanings behind the written story. Look between the black and white ... read between the lines. Divine Spirit will speak to you from within ... that still small voice. You'll know what vibrates the Truth, and what illusion is presented by it's disharmony. 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

HEBREW CONNECTION TO SATAN

HEBREW CONNECTION TO SATAN

Among the ancient beliefs of Zoroastrianism, the Persian Magi (Astrologers and Zoroastrian Priests) turned some Hindu concepts around, and with them the Asuras were good and the Devas bad. "Ahura Mazda," the god was good, his counterpart "Ahriman" was bad ... the devil of sorts. So there was now evil and good. Therefore, there was between the god and the devil the waging of a perpetual war. And why not?  Man has always been at war with himself, so why not the Gods as well?

 

Read this quote from Author Gerald Messandé: “The early framework of the three monotheisms (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) had been erected. The Devil's birth certificate was filled out by an Iranian prophet (Zoroaster).” Although, this is really only partly true, his full birth certificate was filled out by those who had changed the religion to what many contemporary followers of that faith believe today. And also, mixed in a bit from here and there, along with other religions and philosophical systems to create a conglomerate system. 

 

Now we move forward to the Hebrew Connection to all of this good/evil, god/satan stuff. Many years after all the changes to Zoroastrianism were made by the Magi, the Hebrew people came into contact with Zoroastrianism during the Babylonian rule, from 597 to 538 BCE. This was now a period after they had been exposed to numerous other beliefs and doctrines from other civilizations while under earlier Assyrian rule. Remember also, that the ancient Hebrews, were not always monotheistic. In their earlier times, they were polytheistic as many others before them were as well. 

 

It is from this Babylonian exposure to Zoroastrianism, that Judaism acquired the belief in a dualistic cosmos being torn between the forces of good and evil. It was here that Judaism acquired the concept of angels and, more specifically, their seven Archangels (the Seven Attributes of Ahura Mazda). It was here also, that the Hebrews were exposed to the idea of the evil entity Ahriman (Satan/ha-satan) working directly against God and a Saoshyant (Messiah/Christ) who would come at the end of time (Frasho-kereti) to assure and guarantee the restoration of Divine Law to the entire world.

 

It is worth noting that the Hebrew word for "angel" is malach, meaning “messenger.” Also note, the same is true for the English word Angel, derived from the Greek word "Angelos," which also means “messenger.” Throughout the Bible, an Angel, is a messenger of God/Source who carries out the Divine will of the Almighty.  There is not one example in the Hebrew scriptures where any Angel, Satan included, "opposes" God’s will. “Satan (or ha-satan)” in Hebrew means “adversary.” (or opposer/accuser) 

 

Now, shortly after Satan's “birth,” the idea of Hell gained wide acceptance. Prior to this, the official doctrine was that all Hebrew people who died went to Sheol. Sheol was a place of shadows where the world still existed but remained forever out of grasp. Everyone went to Sheol whether or not they were wicked or holy. Our modern idea of ghosts emerged from this belief. But, technically, Sheol was ultimately "the grave."

 

The Persians are also responsible for the doctrines of a "final battle," a "final judgment," and the "resurrection of the dead." From them, the Hebrews developed a scheme of world history, new beliefs about the end of time, and a more extensive set of beliefs concerning Angels. Frankly, the Hebrews had few original ideas, and thats ok. They were defining they own belief system based upon what they had encountered from other peoples. 

In fact, all of what you will find in Old Testament scripture (allegory and metaphor) was nothing new or original. It had all been said before, and long before the Hebrews came along. They merely customized earlier stories with their own symbolism, rituals, geography, and names. The same goes for the Roman New Testament as well. The Roman Church did the very same thing. 

So, returning to where we were, "Satan" gained a established place in late Hebrew and early Roman Christian thought to explain the sinister reality of sin and suffering in a world whose faith, was believed to be under the wise and beneficent guidance and command of the Almighty God/Source. Biblically speaking, this concept of Satan, was one of being a Prosecuting Attorney, under employ of the Court of God. 

The conception of "the evil one" in his dual aspect of being the enemy of God, enemy of man ... even a "fallen Angel" can be traced way back to its origins in much earlier religions, and is based entirely upon mythology. Just remember, under all of the stories, fables, metaphors, allegories, parables, and myth ... is hidden much deeper lessons for the spiritual advancement of man. The ancient Greek root word "mythos" is not as we see the word "myth" today. Today, we see "myth" and it means it never happened, or it's just a meaningless fable, or urban legend. But that was not the original concept by the Greeks. There was always something hidden under the guise of a myth that was much more important than the story itself. I will wrap this up with one of my favourite quotes from Joseph Campbell:

"A myth is something that never was, yet always is."

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

REAL STORY OF ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY

REAL STORY OF ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY

After the "death" of Jesus, there arose many different splinter groups that claimed to follow his teachings. There was the continuation of Gnosticism, the apocryphal verses, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi Library, and many other groups and texts, all of which PREDATE the highly structured, organized, and dogmatic Church of today, and many of which are rooted in esoteric and hidden Inner Mystery teachings regarding Christianity.

Many of these early esoteric Christian groups would now be considered heretical. Keep in mind most were considered heretical even back then. They drew influence from non-Christian philosophies like Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and other ancient schools of thought that had existed long before "Christianity" was created. In fact, the influence of these philosophies such as Neoplatonism on Christianity is undeniable. 

Much as Christianity would hate to admit it, the teachings of the man from Galilee were not specifically new; he simply taught old lessons in a revolutionary new way. Whereas the Wisdom of the ancients was usually reserved for a select and privileged few, this Jesus - taught anyone who would listen. Though there were indeed a select few who were taught the deeper meaning behind Jesus' parables, allegories, and teachings.

The biggest influence that Neoplatonism (Plato) and Hermeticism (named for Hermes) had on Christianity was the idea of spiritual rebirth into a higher consciousness. This is the central message of most "religions," but it is much easier said than done to actually raise oneself from the slumber of ignorance to the awakened state of knowing (Gnosis). This requires dedication, time, and patience, attributes that the masses as a whole do not possess. It is because of this reality that "religion" has replaced "spirituality." Spirituality can be said to be more of an esoteric, personal connection to the Creator/Source, whereas religion is an exoteric, watered-down, "one size fits all" exoteric version of a higher reality. Among the ancients, initiates took many years to learn the Inner Mysteries from the great Mystery Schools in those times.  

Jesus' teachings (not "Christianity") were simply part of an ancient system of knowledge and Wisdom. When we study the history of the Bible, and the history of the Church system, it becomes clear to us that the present version of Christianity is a Roman patristic corruption of what Jesus is credited with having taught. It is a disappointment to the legacy and depth of these great teachings. Modern "Christianity" is a revised and edited form of a great system of ancient knowledge and Wisdom.

Jesus did not claim to be the one and only son of God. It may appear that way superficially, due to the editing of the Bible after the death of Jesus and the influence of the first ecumenical Council at Nicaea, but when one examines the teachings more closely, it becomes evident that Jesus' main lesson was that we are ALL the children of God. Go to the original Greek and you will read "A son of God" ... not "THE son of God." We all have the potential to become Christlike. We all have the Divinity of the Creator within.

"Christ" was originally a title that comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning "anointed" or "anointed one." Later on it was used specifically in reference to Jesus of Nazareth ... which should have been Jesus the Nazarene since the Nozrim (Nazarenes) were a Jewish sect and the place called Nazareth hadn't existed yet. 

Jesus spoke in esoteric parables to try to get his followers to understand the higher Truths of Life, but unfortunately, most did not comprehend the deep insight and meaning of the many parables which Jesus spoke. These were allegories and metaphors with deeper Truths hidden beneath the surface story. The literal story itself many times was insignificant and was designed to reveal a much deeper message ... For “those who had eyes to see and ears to hear.”

There were, however, a few individuals who did indeed understand the "hidden" aspects of the teachings. The Gnostic groups were among those who DID understand. "Gnostic" comes from the Greek word "gnosis," which means knowledge. The various Gnostic groups looked beyond the teachings of Jesus to gain a more comprehensive view of the ancient school of knowledge to which Jesus' teachings belonged. They realized that Jesus was a great teacher out of the many who had appeared ... or perhaps an anthropomorphic representative of the school of ancient thought. 

Unfortunately, the Gnostic groups and other early Christians were persecuted and declared heretics after the first Council at at Emperor Constantine's Council of Nicaea. In 325 AD, due to disputes over what "Christianity" should be, a religious council was assembled in Nicaea (present day Turkey) to try to settle the disputes and establish an "official" version of Christianity. Overseeing this council was the Roman Emperor Constantine, who ultimately decided what exactly this new "Universal" ("Catholic" in Greek) Church would include. 

At Nicaea, it was established that a man named Jesus was "of the same substance" as God. It was declared that Jesus was the Divine "son" of God and that mankind could only be saved through him. It was established that salvation could only be reached through one's belief in the Crucifixion and Resurrection. In other words, it was made a dogmatic law that one could only be “saved” if one believed that Jesus died for the sins of mankind. This is a completely false rendering of the original teachings, which taught that humanity could only be “saved” (awakened from ignorance and doing the right things) by and through humanity itself. Furthermore, subsequent councils further established the many dogmatic laws still followed today by most Christians. The Bible has been changed countless times. The Oldest known Bible in existence is the Sinai Bible (in the British Museum) dated to the 1100's. 500 years later came the King James. There are over 18,000 discrepancies in the two versions. Hardly inerrant. 

During his rule, Constantine saw the power of an organized state religion. The Roman Empire at that time was full of "Pagans," and Constantine knew that it would be beneficial to his empire to squash all forms of "Paganism" and adopt the new form of Christianity established at Nicaea. In about 397 AD, the Bible was canonized and made "official" as well. Countless verses were changed to fit the needs of the new Christian Church. Countless books were left out, most notably those that portrayed Jesus in a more human light and those that spoke of the real path to salvation -- knowingness. These apocryphal texts are still used in some denominations of Christianity, especially the older ones like the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Egyptian Coptic Church. The ancient scrolls found at Nag Hammadi in Egypt and the Dead Sea Scrolls found in Palestine contain many apocryphal chapters not found in the Catholic or Protestant Bibles of today, and they reveal philosophies that, if made available to the masses of Christians, would almost completely negate and refute the accepted dogmas of modern Christianity.

Unfortunately, these apocryphal doctrines will probably never be made entirely public. Tthe Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi scrolls are indeed available, but they are not accepted as relevant to Christianity today, and the Church has done a great job hiding these texts from most of their followers. When one reads these apocryphal scriptures, it is evident why the Church has worked so hard to hide, or at least to refute them. They are empowering writings that can radically change a person within, and without. 

When a person understands that knowledge is the key to salvation, it then becomes difficult to control that person. They become, as I said above, empowered. When a person believes that the key to salvation is the belief in the Son of God dying for the "sins" of humanity, it is far easier to control that person. Why? Because that person then believes that he or she is inherently evil and a sinner and in need of salvation from his or her "sins." That person then believes that in order to be "saved," he or she must follow the dogmas of Christianity. Unfortunately, these dogmas are not Jesus' laws. These dogmas are the creations of men whose only interest was/is in power and control. In reality, the only real sin is ignorance. And the “Truth ... will make you free.”

Read these verses from the Gospel of Thomas, one of the apocryphal texts left out of the Bible:

"When you know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will understand that you are children of the living Father. But if you do not know yourselves, then you live in poverty, and you are the poverty."

“Jesus’ followers asked him, “When will the kingdom come?” He answered, “It will not come by watching for it. It will not be said, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘Look, there it is.’ Rather, the father’s kingdom is spread out upon the earth, and people do not see it.”

“The kingdom of Heaven is within you, and whosoever knoweth himself shall find it.”

Much has been hidden from us. The ancient Wisdom of previous civilizations freely shared in open forums. Only God/Source knows what will one day be discovered in the 66 miles of shelving underground in the Vatican Archives. 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7

Just a thought … 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

BIBLICAL MYTH VERSUS HISTORY

BIBLICAL MYTH VERSUS HISTORY

Joseph Campbell once wrote: "A Myth is something that never was, yet always is." This is a powerful explanation of the original intent of the Greek word "mythos." It is a tale, story, plot, generally spoken; not necessarily true but with a deeper Truth hidden within the story. A poetic tale, with a profound lesson rooted within it.

The Bible scriptures were never meant to be taken literally. They were intended to be allegories, parables, and metaphors trying to explaining (the best man could explain) how we got here, why we came here, and who we are.

It is an amazing book filled with Truth, inspired by powerful Myth, and NOT specifically a historical document. This is not so much about his-tory, as it is about our-story.

If you choose to deny the fact that the whole of ancient scripture is allegorical and not literal, then you must accept the following statistics as true:

- Biblical Deaths BY God: 2,821,364

- Biblical Deaths BY Satan: 10

- And, if you believe Jesus to be God, add one more murder/suicide.

Personally, I would have a huge problem with this God ... if these events were actually only real and literal. And you should too. Furthermore, you should also have a problem with a God who is blood thirsty, angry, vengeful, and rules with an iron fist. 

The Bible itself tells you "there is nothing new under the sun." All of these stories and myths existed among the ancient civilizations long before the Hebrews, and for thousands of years. The names, geographic locations, and tribal customs were adapted from these ancient myths and applied to the biblical characters in an effort to customize them for their own people.

When we take these stories as merely literal history and fact, we lose the deeper esoteric Truths that they convey. This goes for both the Old Testament Rabbinical Judaism metaphors, as well as the New Testament Christian metaphors.

The mythical tales that are woven throughout ancient scripture have a deeper meaning. For example, the wandering in the desert for 40 years by Moses, the wilderness journey by Jesus for 40 days, the flood of rain for 40 days and nights with Noah ... allegorical with deeper meanings. The number "40" represents the average gestation period of human life from conception to birth. Forty weeks, is 9 months. This is a spiritual metaphor for a new birth. One from our base animal nature, to the awakening of our Divine nature ... the Christ Consciousness within each of us. THIS, is the Divine Spark contained within us all. 

Even the names are symbolic. Moses, is rooted in the word MO, the Egyptian word for water and mesu, meaning child. So, “child of the water.” If you study the life of Moses, you will note that he lived to be 120 years old. The phases of his Life can be categorized into three parts: 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in Midian, and 40 years leading the Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land, totaling a 120 years. This is not by coincidence. Moses’ life here is symbolic of the human intellect which also must come under the rule of Spirit instead of the ego (Satan/Opposer).

Noah means “rest.” Noah was a “high man” that lived a spiritual Life instead of an ego-driven one, and so Noah is representative of a higher state of consciousness. Noah represents not only the higher nature of the Mind, but also a Mind at “rest.” A Mind at rest is the state of being which salvation is. The story of Noah was written to teach us to live spiritually (rightly), not carnally (ego-driven). The Ark is US. We are the container/vessel of all these things ... and again ... "water". Water represents our consciousness, and the beginnings of life. 

Genesis 1:2 says: 

"The earth (matter/form) was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit (consciousness) of God was moving over the surface of the WATERS."

There is far too much for one writing, but this should offer you an insight into why scripture of all forms is allegorical. There is a deeper message or meaning ... "for those who have eyes to see, and for those who have ears to hear."

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

MYSTICAL AND METAPHYSICAL INTERPRETATION

MYSTICAL AND METAPHYSICAL INTERPRETATION

The Mystical and Metaphysical ways of interpreting ancient sacred Scripture expresses that there was purposefully concealed and hidden within the scriptural allegories, a secret doctrine, a secret doctrine which came from the Ancient Masters under exacting conditions. By using allegory and metaphor, these ancient celestial myths kept the traditions alive through symbolism and buried literary treasure for those seeking higher enlightenment and deeper Truths. As St. Paul said, “the difference between milk and strong meat.” There were the masses who accepted scripture at face value, in a literal and historical sense only, and then there were those select initiates who wanted to understand the esoteric Truths beneath the surface stories. 

These deeper esoteric Truths were highly protected and reserved for approved candidates and initiates into the secret mysteries religions of the day. The secret path to enlightenment, to the Kingdom of Heaven. At the very center, the heart of these mysteries, was the descent of the Logos (the Word) and Divine Mind into all physical matter. Into humanity, as a spark of the Divine Source of all that is. Using the celestial methods of teaching, through myth and allegory, what was revealed was the metaphysical teachings of the descent and incarnation of the Soul into all of mankind … and the Spiritual Evolution and Involution ... the awakening of the dead within the flesh of man during this lifetime ... within every child of God/Source. 

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that CHRIST has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess CHRIST is not from God; this is the spirit of the ANTICHRIST … and now it is already in the world. You are from God … for greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world … The one who knows God listens to us; the one who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.”

1 John 4:1-6

This descent or the “fall” of the Soul to Earth, describes metaphorically the descent of God, the Spirit, Divine Mind, Cosmic or Christ Consciousness into the realm of physical matter, or form. This is the temporary home of the Soul during this sojourn on Earth. We come to realize, and recognize this presence of God/Source within all of humanity as the indwelling CHRIST (KRST among the Egyptians, Christos among the Greeks, Krishna among the Hindus). This spark of God, is within each of us, awaiting the awakening and resurrection from the dead within every human being NOW, in this lifetime. This was Paul's original Gnostic Gospel before the Roman Church took pen and ink to rewrite it for its own narrative. Paul's Epistles were also later forged, and rewritten as anti-gnostic, and the Roman Church did it's best to rewrite the Ancient Wisdom and secret Mystery Schools that taught the God WITHIN, rather than their Saviour in Jesus, who according to the Church, was the only one to become God in the flesh.

But consider these verses from the New Testament Bible:

“ … because as He is, so are we in this world.”

1 John 4:17

“For IN HIM we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘WE are his offspring.’”

Acts 17:28

Judaism maintained it's Divine Truths about “the Christ” and the “Messiah” through Kabbalah. Paul taught it through Gnosticism, and his Christ and the Divine Spark that was found within each and every man. Paul never knew of a human Jesus. Never taught a word of Jesus' teachings ... never even quoted the Sermon on The Mount. Paul's Jesus, and Rome's Jesus, were clearly different concepts of the ancient celestial and Divine Christ. So many Epistles that have been ascribed to have been written by Paul, came from the quill of Church Scribes with alternative motives. The motives were not to empower people, but to overpower them and control them through this life, the afterlife, and the next life. Research that which you believe. You’ll find empowering lessons contained beyond (meta) the surface text, that contain a deeper inner story and lesson. 

Just a thought … 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

MYSTICAL AND METAPHYSICAL INTERPRETATION

MYSTICAL AND METAPHYSICAL INTERPRETATION

The Mystical and Metaphysical ways of interpreting ancient sacred Scripture expresses that there was purposefully concealed and hidden within the scriptural allegories, a secret doctrine, a secret doctrine which came from the Ancient Masters under exacting conditions. By using allegory and metaphor, these ancient celestial myths kept the traditions alive through symbolism and buried literary treasure for those seeking higher enlightenment and deeper Truths. As St. Paul said, “the difference between milk and strong meat.” There were the masses who accepted scripture at face value, in a literal and historical sense only, and then there were those select initiates who wanted to understand the esoteric Truths beneath the surface stories. 

These deeper esoteric Truths were highly protected and reserved for approved candidates and initiates into the secret mysteries religions of the day. The secret path to enlightenment, to the Kingdom of Heaven. At the very center, the heart of these mysteries, was the descent of the Logos (the Word) and Divine Mind into all physical matter. Into humanity, as a spark of the Divine Source of all that is. Using the celestial methods of teaching, through myth and allegory, what was revealed was the metaphysical teachings of the descent and incarnation of the Soul into all of mankind … and the Spiritual Evolution and Involution ... the awakening of the dead within the flesh of man during this lifetime ... within every child of God/Source. 

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that CHRIST has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess CHRIST is not from God; this is the spirit of the ANTICHRIST … and now it is already in the world. You are from God … for greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world … The one who knows God listens to us; the one who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.”

1 John 4:1-6

This descent or the “fall” of the Soul to Earth, describes metaphorically the descent of God, the Spirit, Divine Mind, Cosmic or Christ Consciousness into the realm of physical matter, or form. This is the temporary home of the Soul during this sojourn on Earth. We come to realize, and recognize this presence of God/Source within all of humanity as the indwelling CHRIST (KRST among the Egyptians, Christos among the Greeks, Krishna among the Hindus). This spark of God, is within each of us, awaiting the awakening and resurrection from the dead within every human being NOW, in this lifetime. This was Paul's original Gnostic Gospel before the Roman Church got their empirical pen and ink on it and changed everything around to suit them and their plans for world domination. Many of Paul's Epistles were later forged, and rewritten as anti-gnostic, and the Roman Church did it's best to rewrite the Ancient Wisdom and secret Mystery Schools that taught the God WITHIN, rather than their Saviour Jesus, who was the only one to become God in the flesh.

“ … because as He is, so are we in this world.”

1 John 4:17

“For IN HIM we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘WE are his offspring.’”

Acts 17:28

Judaism maintained it's Divine Truths about “the Christ” and the “Messiah” through Kabbalah. Paul taught it through Gnosticism, and his Christ and the Divine Spark that was found within each and every man. Paul never knew of a human Jesus. Never taught a word of Jesus' teachings ... never even quoted the Sermon on The Mount. Paul's Jesus, and Rome's Jesus, were clearly different concepts of the ancient celestial and Divine Christ. So many Epistles that have been ascribed to have been written by Paul, came from the quill of Church Scribes with alternative motives. The motives were not to empower people, but to overpower them and control then through this life, the afterlife, and the next life. Research that which you believe. You’ll find empowering lessons contained deep within the surface text. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM., OCP., DM.

TAKING THINGS LITERALLY

TAKING THINGS LITERALLY

Every day that goes by we say things in a literal way, but we don't really mean them to be interpreted in a literal sense. Yet, when it comes to the Bible and other ancient Wisdom and scriptures that were written as allegory and metaphor, they are still taken to be literal and historical events, locations, people, and names.

For example, we might say: “I told you a thousands times.” And yet, we didn't really tell anyone one thousands times. It's an expression and exaggeration. We used the statement to infer something that had a deeper message. That message is “I’ve told you multiple times, is there a need to constantly remind you?”

Another example, “It's hotter than hell today, and I'm sweating my butt off.” First of all, it obviously is NOT hotter than the inferno of what some would call hell. Even if it were 100 degrees, this is far from a hellish blast furnace. Also, you can't sweat your butt off because it's attached to your body. One more ... “moving this sofa is gonna kill me, it's heavy as crap.” It's probably NOT going to kill you, unless you have a heart attack ... and even then it's heart failure that kills you, not the couch. Secondly, have you weighed “crap” lately? I'm really not too sure how heavy crap is and what amount would be needed to determine that it's heavy. Heavy to one person may be light to another, etc.

Anyway, I've spent enough time on the examples. I'm sure you get my point. So now let's return to my earlier statement concerning scripture and the dangerous literal and historical interpretations of mythological, allegorical, and metaphorical teachings. These metaphors and celestial astrotheologies have been handed down by one civilization to another since long before biblical times. Even professors at Tel Aviv University in Israel have said the Bible is not meant to be merely an historical document. Many of the geographic places in Israel and all around the Holy Land, were named AFTER the stories had been written.

Just take a moment to think about all of the impossible events spoken about in the Bible. Donkeys and snakes talking, making a human being out of a rib, shouting to knock down the walls of a city, parting the ocean with a cane and command, raising the dead, supernatural healings, demons being cast out of people and into pigs, men dying on a cross, being dead for three days, and then raised from being dead, walking through walls, bodily flying up into heaven, walking on water, stilling the winds and the oceans, multiplying loaves of bread, turning water into wine, etc. I could go on for paragraphs.

These things were never meant to have been taken as LITERAL and historical. They are myths and fables with a deeper inner meaning and Truth meant to be discerned through our spiritual journey here on Earth. All of these events happen WITHIN USE ... where the Kingdom of God/Heaven is located. In our consciousness ... in our Higher-Self ... our Christ Self. The Bible and so many other sacred texts are not meant as HIStory, the are OUR-story. It is the path of the Eternal Soul as it grows and expands knowledge and awareness of the Divine within each of us. We are ALL the Christ and the Begotten Son. Why did Jesus say “you will do greater things than I” if he didn't mean it, and if he was the only begotten Christ?

If Jesus was God, then we are ALL God - collectively. Didn't Paul say that WE are the “body of Christ?” Paul never knew of an earthly Jesus, his was a Gnostic and Mystical Christ/Karest dating from stories 10,000 years before any man from Galilee walked the hillside and hung upon a tree. Only 7 of the 13 Epistles credited to this man named Paul, were actually written by the same person. The others are anti-Gnostic forgeries inserted by the Roman Church many years ago. Ask them, and they will tell you.

Once you grasp the Inner Mysteries of original Christianity (which was Paganism), you will be exposed to the Truth of the amazing and powerful transformational parables and metaphors contained in scripture. Jesus was quoted as saying “you shall know the Truth ... and the Truth shall make you free!” I have never been more free in my life, and have never had a better understanding of the Oneness of God/Source Energy and the oneness of all things in the Universe. Question everything, and you will find the answers.

Just a thought ...

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

IS-RA-EL

Is-Ra-El

This is going to be a bit long, but then again, it needs to be. There is much to cover on this topic. Do You Think Israel Is A Geographic State ... A Conscious State ... or is it both? We will start with a short scriptural review, according to Old Testament texts: 

In Genesis we find the story of Jacob, a grandson of Abraham, and a son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is most commonly known in the Bible for his cunning and deceitful ways, especially towards his twin brother Esau. From the time of his birth until his wrestling encounter with an Angel (Genesis 32:24-29), Jacob was associated with trickery and deception ... until he changed his ways, and his name. 

“ISRAEL, comes to us from the Hebrew name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el) meaning “God contends,” from the roots שָׂרָה (sarah) meaning “to contend, to fight” and אֵל ('el) meaning “God.” In the Old Testament, it was Israel (who was formerly named Jacob; see Genesis 32:28) who wrestles with an angel. Jacob (Greek: Yakobos) was then given a new name by the Angel. That name was “Israel.” Jacob means “heel.” He was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel, and his name is explained as meaning in Hebrew: “holder of the heel.” And also meaning: “to follow.” The ancient Nation of Israel, and the modern State of Israel took their names from him.”

You might be surprised how much more there is to this story when presented with a deeper mystical view, and one you more than likely have never heard from a pulpit before ... 

Now, time to go metaphysical. Bear with me, it gets deep. Let’s start with a fast breakdown of the symbolism contained in the actual word “ISRAEL” before we go any further: 

“Is Ra El” - ISIS/RA/ELOHIM ... (ISIS) the Divine Feminine (Mother), (RA) the Divine Masculine (Father), and (EL) the Spirit or God. 

To clarify these three elements: 

“Is” or “Isis,” the Egyptian Goddess, also seen as the Moon Goddess. 

“Ra,” the Egyptian Sun God.

And “El,” generally was meant to signify ... “God/Deity.” 

“EL” was a name inscribed to the chief deity in the Semitic world. Examples of “EL” in use biblically: ELohim, ELijah, ELeazar, ELi, ELizabeth, etc.

Now we move to Mind and the function of consciousness. The lower Mind (moon), is integrated with the higher Mind (sun), by the Spirit or electromagnetic energy from above/within. Remember that the physical moon has no LIGHT of its own. It's LIGHT comes from the Sun. This is important symbolically. 

Now the Metaphysics: Esoterically, Jews are not just a race and Israel is not just a country ... biblically speaking that is. It's esoteric mythology, and is symbolically describing one who has reached the higher consciousness, by way of meditation, by becoming a Jew INWARDLY. That is to say, once having reached a union with the Divine within, a person BECOMES a JEW or - IAO (Latin), IEW (Greek) - the enlightened state, or “Ascension.” Geographically, Israel was the Northern Territory, and Judah was the Southern Territory. Jerusalem was not in Israel. It was located in Judah.

A geographic “Jew,” is one who was from the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Judaic), or the land of the Tribe of Judah, or an actual bloodline Judahite. Much in the same way an Italian can be a Floridian, or a Washingtonian. It was not necessarily specific to a person of Hebrew descent. 

The “Chosen People” (JEW, IAO, IEW) is an esoteric title given to initiates into the great ancient mystery schools of old through several processes. Upon completion of the curriculum, they had learned and accepted - through personal experiential evidence - that the Divine Spark of what we call God/Source was to be found within each and every human being on Earth. In other words, this is where the term “The Jews are the chosen people of God” originated. 

The “Chosen Land” or Promised Land that is spoken of in scripture, is the human brain, but first the Canaanites have to be driven out. The lower Mind quality is overturned, and then: 

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed (metamorphosis) by the renewing of your Mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

-Romans 12:12

The Seal of Solomon (Star of David), is a six pointed star, was used as a symbol of deep spiritual meaning. Some Kabbalists say it symbolizes God’s complete rule over the Universe, and that the two triangles represent duality, a principle that brings us closer to the Truth. The Star of David consists of two triangles, one standing upright, the other facing downwards. 

These symbols are also used in alchemy and astrology to represent masculine and feminine principles and the four elements, each of which represent attributes of character and emotion. The symbol also represents “as above, so below” with the two interlocking triangles. A representation of higher and lower consciousness, and Spirit/matter joining. The Star relates to the Mind and healing. The two triangles represent the masculine and feminine parts of the thinking Mind, and the left and right membranes of the brain that dictate how we think, act and perceive. Our creative aspect. 

The right side of the brain - symbolically - is the feminine side, because it mostly deals with emotions, creativity and nurturing. The masculine left side of the brain is analytical, logical and active. From a spiritual point of view, a balanced mind opens up the pineal gland - your third eye, or all-seeing eye - through which spiritually enables you to see things clearly. Also, our conscious Mind is the “Father,” the subconscious Mind is the “Mother.” What begins in thought, manifests in form. Much more on this aspect can be found in other writings. 

Now, back to ancient Biblical scriptures. The earliest and greatest of the framers of Christian theology, Philo, Clement and Origen - and now new research - make it positively clear that the Old Testament narratives - are in their entirety - rewritings of old Egyptian material, distorted and obscured as it passed through later Hebrew hands. 

Some portions of Jewish history are utilized as the base and frame of these spiritual myths. According to Eusebius, one of the three chief formulators of Roman Christian theology, the Gospels of the New Testament are themselves old dramatic books of the Essenes in pre-Christian days.

Ancient scripture, Egyptian, Hebrew, or otherwise, was never meant to be merely historical and literal. It was spiritual symbolism, pure and complete ... allegories and metaphors. The phenomenon of altered history transpired when the Egyptian writings were usurped and then converted into a literal narrative, rather than the esoteric, allegorical, and metaphysical. And the thinking of the whole western world has since been based on the discovery of historical and literal events and timelines, rather than the greatly more powerful lessons contained within, beneath, and above the veil of scripture. Question everything.

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATION

ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATION

An allegory is a symbolic representation of one thing, through another. Most ancient scriptures are allegorical in nature - certain physical people, places, things, or events of an earlier time have an ultimate spiritual application in the present or future. For example, the Old Testament high priest Aaron was an allegory, or symbol, of the spiritual High Priest. The Bible claims its own authority for these metaphorical interpretations. Man has always tried to figure out what “God” would want for humanity.  Mankind would also find it opportune, to have God/Source stand upon a pulpit and also have the network news broadcast it. Unfortunately, this is likely not to happen. 

Over the centuries since The Bible was written, some occasionally well-meaning interpreters, and some not so well-meaning, have applied the translations and meanings of parts of the Biblical scriptures to their own time and circumstances, far removed from what is truly found in the deeper ancient teachings and metaphors. 

Some today even believe that the ultimate fulfillment of Biblical Scriptures is actually currently taking place literally, even though it was never meant to be literal or historical. They deny the Inner Mysteries of what the Bible and other ancient scriptures say, and they have usurped the Sacred Truths for their own self-serving purposes. They have used them as a means of glorifying themselves, controlling the general public, and not sharing the mystical Truths contained in the teachings ... simply because this would empower the people and then the church and its hierarchy would no longer be in power, or even be needed. 

Allegorical and metaphorical interpretation is the correct and legitimate usage, its self-centered approach is actually more ancient than Christianity, having originated with  pagan mystics of Egypt, Greece, Persia, the Far East, and then adopted, revised, and customized by some Hebrew and Christian Philosophers, hierophants, and “thinkers.”

These thinkers attempted to overcome the problems posed by literal interpretations of ancient Greek myths, and the allegorical method was further developed by scholars, such as Philo, Clement, and Origen of Alexandria. Though other methods were often used, particularly by the formation of The Holy Roman Universal (Catholic) Church, the original allegorical method was still around until late medieval times, though mostly underground and in secrecy. The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century rejected, for the most part, the allegorical method and they returned to a literal historical interpretation of the Bible ... not having the understanding and foundations of the ancient Wisdom of Egyptian and Greek Mystics and Philosophers. 

The allegorical and metaphysical method of mythological teachings of these spiritual Truths attempts to overcome the difficulties of perplexing Biblical passages, and to harmonize them with certain traditions and accepted teachings of the symbolism within the ancient temples. By assigning to each text - a hidden, symbolic, or mystical meaning beyond the primary meaning that the words convey in their literal sense - these allegorical interpretations make the scriptures more comprehensible, acceptable, relevant, and applicable regardless of time and era. In other words, it is more important to ask ourselves DOES it happen, rather that DID it happen. Seek within, and listen for the voice of reason to guide you on your path.

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

WORD ANALYSIS OF PROPHECY

WORD ANALYSIS OF PROPHECY

Let’s start off with a little etymology. The English noun “prophecy,” appeared from about 1225 CE, from Old French profecie (12th century), and from propheteia - In the Greek - propheteia means “gift of interpreting the will of God.” In ancient times, a “Prophetic word” was when. someone said something unexpected, as if it came directly from God and not from them. From the ancient Hebrew, the term for prophet, “Navi,” literally means “spokesperson” ... One speaks to the people as a mouthpiece of their God, and to their god on behalf of the people. 

Let us not confuse prophecy with prediction. The future cannot be foretold simply because someone said they had a vision or a feeling. WE collectively create the future with each and every moment. All of us. The reality of the future is determined by our collective actions as the whole of humanity. In the original Hebrew, to "prophesy" was to speak one or more messages to others. Such messages typically involved Divine inspiration, interpretation, or revelation of conditioned events. This was to speak “as if it was God speaking.” It was not a specific foretelling of the future, unless it was based on karma ... cause and effect ... knowing what the same behaviour and thinking would bring manifest in form.

There is no possible way to predict the future, because the future does not exist. We only have NOW. This moment. The future is an unfolding of successional nows. If you believe that “God directs the path of the future,” then you would have to give up your concept of free will … which in itself is divinely inspired. The future, is what we make it. We can make it heaven, or hell. We choose ... we decide ... WE create it.

Now, for a moment, let me address the term “chosen people.” This phrase has wreaked havoc on the world, not because of what it IS, but because of what it is NOT.

The modern word JEW (the letter ‘J’ was not even created until the 1400's and still does not exist in Greek or in Hebrew) was a transliteration of the letter ”I”. Example, “Iesous: Ἰησοῦς” rather than “Jesus.” And for the word “JEW” ... it was “IEW,” and in Latin “IAO.” This was not a word to describe semitic peoples, i.e.: Hebrews, instead, it was a word to describe an illuminated state of divinity. In fact, the letters themselves tell the story. “I” the direct connection from Divine to man, Heaven (Spirit/Father) to Earth (matter/mater/Mother). The letter “A” is man, and Divine, duality reconnecting as oneness attached by the bridge between. And the “O” ... eternity, the 360 degree never ending circle, the Absolute ... the womb of the Universe, the origin and root of all things seen and unseen. 

Through careful initiation, and Inner Wisdom and revelation ... when one recognized the Divine Spark of the Creator within himself, he was elevated to the status of a IEW/IAO/JEW thus becoming a “Chosen One of God.” This was not reserved for only the Hebrew ... and they knew this back then. Because of incorrect translations from Hebrew/Greek/Aramiac/latin/English … there are countless errors in the beautiful esoteric scriptures preserved by the Hebrews, Greeks, Egyptians, et al. Research Kabbalah and Gnosticism for the true history of the Inner Mysteries that became destroyed through the literalization of esoteric (inner) scripture. 

Before we go to the next section, we should have a quick look at the etymology of the word “myth” (mythos). The word “myth” originates from the Greek language word mythos, meaning “word or tale or true narrative,” referring not only to the means by which it was transmitted but also to its being rooted in Truth. Mythos is that which is more than just literally true ... a deeper meaning or message beyond the fable or parable. Mythos was also closely related to the word “myo,” meaning “to teach,” or “to initiate into the Mysteries.” This is how the word was interpreted by Homer (7th or 8th century BCE) when composing his great works, including “The Iliad,” in which he meant to convey a Truth. Joseph Campbell described a myth as “something that never was, yet always is.” 

The Bible stories are myths (mythos) and are coded for allegorical and metaphorical interpretation. When converted to literal events and literal history, the magnificence of their teachings is lost ... and the world is turned against itself, rather than unified. These are stories of OUR ascension, OUR crucifixion, OUR resurrection and OUR rebirth. 

The “Holy Land” is NOT merely a geographic place ... scripturally speaking. It is WITHIN. “The Kingdom of Heaven/God lies within.” Jesus (the ego-MAN) is crucified at Golgotha (meaning the place of the skull). Within the skull of man lies the temple of God (hence the temple on the side of our heads). The Christ (Divine Spark of God), is resurrected within man, when the old man is put to death (ego vs. Divine/righteousness/Truth). 

The Bible is NOT HIS-story, but OUR-story. The NATION of Israel was destroyed in 70 CE by Titus and his Roman Army. That nation is no more. The re-established modern STATE of Israel is entirely different. In fact, the very name IS-RA-EL was a metaphor for IS-ISIS(divine feminine), RA-(divine masculine - sun god Amen-Ra), and EL-EL(a completed essence of God).

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED OR PNUEMATIKOS

SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED OR PNEUMATIKOS

The word “pneumatikos” is Greek and is referenced as Strong's Concordance Word #4152. To understand what is meant by the Biblical term “Spiritually Discerned” we must first understand what it means in it's original scriptural context. 

The frequency of this term in the English version New Testament is 26 times, depending on which Biblical translation you are referencing from. In short form we find it to be “spiritual, pertaining to the Spirit; (n.) spiritual person.”

Now let us look at the deeper definition: 

“Spiritual, pertaining to the soul, as distinguished from what concerns the body”

Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:11; spiritual, pertaining to the nature of spirit, pertaining or relating to the influences of the Holy Spirit (Aggio Pneuma/Holy Spirit/Holy Breath). 

Let us also be mindful that the Greek word “pneuma” means breath, air, Spirit. You can find the word used in English for example, pneumatic tools such as power tools operated by air-compressors. Among ancient teachings, in the early Mystery Schools, a “Pneumatic” was a level of attainment through the initiation process of the Ancient Inner Mysteries. 

Now let's look at 1 Corinthians 2:14 in a different light:

Young's Literal Translation

“... and the natural man doth not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for to him they are foolishness, and he is not able to know them, because spiritually they are discerned; ...”

King James Bible

“... But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Aramaic Bible in Plain English

“For a selfish man does not receive spiritual things, for they are madness to him, and he is not able to know, for they are known by The Spirit.”

So, let's break this up and go a bit deeper.

For the natural (ego-self/physical/sense-driven) does not receive (reception) spiritual things (unseen/spirit vs. matter/non-physical) for they (these Spirit concepts) are madness (foolish/incomprehensible) to him, and he not able to know them (Truth), because they are “spiritually discerned ... KNOWN by the Spirit (indwelling/unseen).

You see, this was Paul's way of explaining that what he was trying to teach them was not to be taken physically, literally, or historically ... it was allegory, metaphor, Truth contained within a myth or fable. Therefore, to be “spiritually discerned” is to look beyond the physical (metaphysical) into the realm of the unseen. As Jesus was quoted as saying “the Kingdom comes without observation” ... meaning you can't see it. Just as we cannot see air, or breath, or Spirit (pneuma). Therefore one who is Pneumatikos, is one who can discern/know the inner meaning ... the temple built without hands. An ascended one of higher consciousness.

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

In the New Testament Bible Jesus is quoted in Matthew 5:14 as saying “You are the light of the world ...” So what exactly would this mean? Are we a sun of God? Are we describing the light of consciousness? Is it a beacon of hope and navigation for people who have become lost? Well, since we can't exactly ask Him, and no personal witnesses remain among us, we have to do the best we can to read between the lines. To look beyond the ink and paper ... to the metaphysical. 

If you have read any of my previous work, you'll know I search among ancient Wisdom, reason, and science for answers that validate our spiritual beliefs and opinions. This particular quote happens to be one of my favourites from New Testament scripture. 

So, how can it be that WE ... are the “light of the world.” Let's begin with the word “light” from the original Greek, in which the New Testament was written in. Strong's Concordance lists the word directly related this verse as #5457 and it's full definition in English is “light, a source of light, radiance.” Now, let's consider some of the other English words for this Greek word “PHOS” .... in the Greek language as it would appear this way: φως. 

Used as a NOUN: 

φως - light, limelight

σέλας - light

φανός - lamp, light, lantern, cresset

φωτιά - fire, light

Used as a VERB: 

φωτίζω - illuminate, lighten, illumine, light

ανάπτω - kindle, fire, light

καταβαίνω - light

Used as an ADJECTIVE:

ανάλαφρος - light-hearted, flyaway 

ανοικτός - open, light, overt

ελαφρός - light, slight, gentle, buoyant, feathery, flippant

φωτεινός - light, illuminated, luminous, luminiferous

As you can see, the Greek language is far more descriptive and intricate than English. In fact, the English New Testament Bibles of today, were reduced DOWN to Latin from Greek, and then reduced once again DOWN to the English. Fortunately for me, I spoke Greek before I spoke English and have a pretty good knowledge of Greek, though not as deep as it would be if I was from the old country. Nonetheless, this has helped me tremendously with my studies and research. As a child, I spoke Greek before I spoke English. 

Now let's go science, metaphysics, and quantum physics all at the same time and leave all these definitions aside for a moment. If WE are the light of the world, then where would that light be located? It would most certainly have to be located WITHIN us ... in order to shine as light would shine. Here's where it gets a little deeper. 

Even though our sensory receptors like sight, hearing, etc. are perceived to be located on the "outside" of us ... the actual experience of all we witness, observe, and experience happens INSIDE of us. Our sensory receptors send what we see, hear, taste, smell, and feel to the assigned sensory centers in our brain. The "outside" world of "matter" is merely the lowest vibrating frequency of electrical energy. So all of life, is experienced in our heads. There is no escaping this. We are imprisoned in our mind and brain. Therefore, and logically, the entire universe comes from the INSIDE out ... not the other way around. It is projection. 

If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, would it make a sound? NO. Because you need ears and auditory sensory perception ... the hearing center of a brain inside of a head to experience the sound. Otherwise, there is silence. To a person who has no hearing, the world is silent ... because the experience of the sounds come from INSIDE their head. Inside THEM. 

All of our life's experiences are taking place and being defined ... inside the darkness of our skull which will NEVER be exposed to light from an OUTSIDE world. It's all electrical energy all the way down to a cellular level ... to the mitochondria power supply of every living thing. And EVERYTHING has consciousness and is alive ... even rocks and other inanimate objects. There are protons, electrons, neurons, photons, hydrogen, oxygen, and so many things that "come without observation" as the Kingdom does. It's all in our heads. The light comes FROM US and not to us. A blind person cannot see the light because his blindness is in his head ... the vision center of the brain. Therefore, the LIGHT comes from within, not without. 

The entirety of the Universe comes from within us and joins all things as One. The universe, time, etc ... is going THAT way not this way. John 17:21 has Jesus quoted as saying “that they may all be ONE, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be IN us ...” This entire Universe comes from within, and WE are the light of the world. We make the sun shine. We make the Moon glow. As hard as it is to believe this, it is scientifically, spiritually, and philosophically correct. So, shine on my friend ... the Universe needs you!

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

GREATER THINGS

GREATER THINGS

For my friends who follow the teachings of Christianity, I want to take a much deeper look at two particular verses from the New Testament Bible which is the foundational doctrine of the Christian Faith. Christianity professes Jesus the Nazarene to be not only the one and only begotten Son of God, but also to be God in the flesh dwelling among us ... THE Son of God, and God Himself. Most people know the rest of the story, so I want to highlight two specific scriptures in this particular article. We start here:

“By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because JUST AS JESUS IS, SO ALSO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD.”

-1 John 4:17

Now, please read this verse again. Slower and let it speak beyond what you have been taught in church, and let it speak to your Soul ... the Spirit within you. The SAME Spirit that was within the man from Galilee as well as every single human being that ever existed. It specific and clearly without any confusion states “just as Jesus is, so also are we in this world.” Now how do we reconcile this statement, against the church teaching of Jesus being THE ONE AND ONLY Son of God? Either ALL of us are sons and daughters of God, or we're not. 

In the King James Bible, Book of John 10:36, Jesus is quoted as saying “Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am THE Son of God?” Now, pay attention. Where we go next is very important.

The King James Version of the Bible has the word “THE” in italics before “Son of God” in verse 36. This is not for emphasis as some may think, but shows words interpolated by the translators. But was it a good guess, or was it intentional? The original Greek does NOT have an article before “Son of God,” which in Greek is equivalent to having an indefinite article. This is of great importance. In the original Greek of this scripture, Jesus did NOT say he is “THE” Son of God; he said “I am ‘A’ Son of God.” He also quoted from the OT Psalm 82 that says “Ye are gods.” Look it up. This is fact. 

Now, we reference John 14:12, which is another clear and non-confusing statement as quoted directly from the mouth of Jesus (Iesus, Ieasus, Yehsu, Yeshua, Yehoshua, Joshua, Isa) according to tradition and scripture.

“In most solemn truth I tell you that he who trusts in me - THE THINGS WHICH I DO, HE SHALL DO ALSO, AND GREATER THINGS THAN THESE HE SHALL DO ...”

-John 14:12

In case you missed it ... read it one more time only slower. One more time. Greater things than HE shall do? Here is Jesus saying that “others” will perform greater achievements than he was able to do. Jesus specifically states that the ordinary humans he left behind (who, according to traditional Christian mythology, are NOT Divine as he is) will do greater things than Jesus himself did. So I ask you, if Jesus ... is God, or became the one and only Almighty God as Christianity emphatically states, then how are WE to do greater things that God/Source? Unless ... there's something more that we haven't been told. Of course.

Whether you choose to believe it or not, The Bible that so many people follow has been revised, edited, added-to, taken-away from, and changed - from the beginning - by the church authorities. The oldest known Bible in existence that we know of is the Sinai Bible (Codex Sinaiticus) currently on display in the British Museum. This Bible dates back to the 1100's. Fast forward from there, some 500 years later, and in 1611 we received the "Authorized" King James Bible. Between the two of these publications, there are estimated to be between 18,000-20,000 discrepancies. Now consider how many versions and in how many languages this book is printed in today? Just like food ... the closer you can get to the original form, the better it is for you. When studying and researching the Bible deeply, you have to go back to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. 

Today's Christianity takes the Bible scriptures in a literal and historical sense. However, the original authors of the various original scriptures intended for them to be allegorical, metaphorical, and symbolic rather than ONLY literal and historical. The names, the places, the people, all have symbolic meaning in what they were named and labeled as for a purpose ... for a deeper hidden meaning or lesson of Truth masked under the surface disguise of a real story. 

The original Christian teachings had two presentations. The Outer Mysteries were for all the commoners and those without any further spiritual or philosophical interest beyond worshipping and paying homage to a God. The Inner Mysteries were reserved for those initiates who could read between the lines ... see beyond the stories and myth - into the metaphysical - and had a true desire to go much deeper into the Inner teachings of the spiritual Wisdom of The Ages. The teachings dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia, the Far East, and so many earlier civilizations and their writings. 

The Bible clearly states “there is nothing new under the sun” and this is a very true statement. Everything that ever was, was already here when mankind arrived on the scene. Whatever we make, we use materials that already exist. We are the great re-arrangers. The same it is with religion and belief systems. We take what is already here, and re-arrange it into something else. Everything in the OT and NT Bible is based upon earlier teachings concerning mankind's purpose for being here and where we came from. We are ALL sons a daughters of God/Source ... the point of origin of all things. 

Whether you are one to believe Jesus Christ to be an individual personage, or whether you accept the mythical status of a Godman as so many before him were, it really doesn't matter. What matters is that you know you are a child of the Universe/God ... the Most High, just as Jesus represents. And that we are all One and equal to each other and to ALL things. Collectively, as humanity, WE are God/Source Energy experiencing the Universe through us, with us, and AS us. And concerning “Sin” ... it is a necessary process for discerning good from bad, right from wrong. Sin is translated from the Greek word "hamartia" which is an Olympic Archery term for "missing the mark." The mark ... is TRUTH. Sin ... is ignorance of the Truth. The way to find Truth, is THROUGH sinning ... or error ... and learning the lessons from our error in judgement and wrongdoings/consequences. 

Jesus becoming Christ (karest, christos, krestus, etc) is representative of man finding the Divine Spark of God/Source within each of us. We have advanced human consciousness through evolution and involution and we continue to reach higher and higher within our SELF to seek and find the Divine. To truly and literally bring Heaven on Earth. To unite mankind under a civilization of love, peace, joy, and compassion for ALL. To establish The Human Kingdom. Right now, we exist within the Animal Kingdom. We are the ones commissioned to bring about the Kingdom across the planet. Because ... "WE SHALL DO GREATER THINGS" ... and because "JUST AS JESUS IS, SO ALSO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD."

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

THE TRAGEDY OF MISINTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE

TRAGEDY OF MISINTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURES

Sadly today, most modern Christians are unable to accurately discern the deeper, mystical, inner levels of spirituality that are revealed in Biblical scriptures. They inherited a literal-historical presentation dating back to the Roman Empire and it's charge to create a literal Saviour based religion to unite and control the masses of the Empire. Science, history, and archaeology today still hints that much of the Bible's hidden mysteries are veiled and concealed from the majority of it's followers. 

In fact, todays Christian faithful are unaware that the ancient spiritual Wisdom contains keys that unlock the secrets of the hidden mysteries contained within the package of myth. Furthermore, trying to find these keys and reveal these ancient texts is difficult at best when dealing with English translations, taken from latin translations, taken from the original Greek and Hebrew languages. Remember that Revelation (Apocalypse of St. John) literally means an unveiling of that which is hidden. It so not the war to end all wars as has been perceived. 

Tragically, it is the people outside of the church system that have a better handle on what the ancient Wisdom was attempting to convey through allegory, metaphor, and myth. These researchers are the ones who possess the accurate understandings of the original scriptures and their predecessors. These hidden secrets deal with the spiritual evolution of the souls of mankind that lay hidden under the layers of parables, fables, and myth. 

Unfortunately, within countless denominations, Pastors, Priests, Ministers and the like are taught the dogmas and doctrines of their particular system much in the way a Ford Mechanic is taught how to repair Fords. Going to a Methodist Seminary for example, will teach you the ways of being a Methodist and the rules and rituals of the Methodist Church System. 

These Apologists, Priests, Pastors, and Seminarians are blinded to the Inner Mysteries (esoteric) and taught to present the Outer Mysteries (exoteric) to their congregations. There are TWO ways in which to interpret the stories in the Bible. One way, is as literal-historical real events, and the other as allegory, metaphor, and mystical ... metaphysical. Only ONE of these two is the correct and intended accurate manner in which to interpret what the ancients left behind for us to discover ... but not without a shovel. We have to dig through the layers and get to the roots. 

Unfortunately, most followers today rely on someone else from the pulpit to tell them what to believe instead of doing their own research and finding the Truth. All of the ancient writers of these scriptures veiled the true stories behind myth. These myths told deeper Truths that lay beneath the layers of what appeared to be a real event, location, or person. It is ALL allegory. It's Truth's were presented by earlier civilizations in exactly the same way except that the names and places were changed to fit the customs and traditions of the people. 

I should also mention the misunderstanding of the modern etymology of the word "myth." Myth comes from the Greek word "mythos." It doesn't matter if the literal event ever took place, because the Truth lies in the deeper lesson or message. Joseph Campbell said it best: "a myth is something that never was, yet always is." 

Now, It must be understood that in the Hebrew language, each letter of the aleph-bet (alphabet) had it's own symbolic meanings. Every word, name, geographic location; were all chosen to represent the inner meaning of the message that was being conveyed to those with eyes to see and ears to hear. 

When a Christian is asked if they are "spiritually discerned" as Paul had asked in 1st Corinthians, they say YES. However, when we look back at the original Greek and reference what "spiritually discerned" meant in the original Greek word "pneumatikos" we find that the meaning is that scripture is meant to be "figuratively, allegorically, metaphorically, mystically, metaphysically, non-literal, and non-physical." By interpreting scripture as literal-historical, the deeper spiritual message has been lost and history has been counterfeit. This falsely converts the Bible to a history book filled with presumed biographies of literal and historical persons and places. 

The modern Christian faith system is dependent upon historical events, simply because it separates itself from other religions by calling itself historical, based on historical events, historical miracles, a historical Saviour, a historical crucifixion and resurrection, and a historical wooden cross reserved for the suffering Saviour of Jesus Christ. This Jesus was presumably raised from the dead three days after his crucifixion. Therefore, modern Christianity is totally dependent on a historical literal Jesus dying and resurrecting ... as opposed to the ancient teaching of the dying and resurrecting Godman among many previous civilizations that was intended to describe what happens within each and every man esoterically. 

In reality, St. Paul (a Gnostic Christian), was speaking of the awakening and resurrecting Christ inside a person, NOT outside the person. He knew no historical Jesus. His Christ was Gnostic and esoteric ... part of the Inner Mysteries he had learned from the Mystery Schools of old. This is our darkness today. When we read the Bible literally rather than using the keys of allegory and myth. Luke tells us "look not here nor there for the Christ" because it is within us ... the Divine Spark of God. The story of Jesus, is OUR story, not HIStory. 

It was written for our benefit and for our spiritual journey back home from whence we came. It was written to benefit us as we sojourn in a foreign land ... Earth / matter. It is a guide, an archetype for us to follow esoterically as we travel through our earthly physical experiences as a spiritual being. Billions have gone to their graves not having learned the Truth. They still wait for a real historic Second Coming, a real historic Resurrection of The Dead, a real historic Rapture. These things will never occur ... literally or historically. They are spiritual metaphors for what takes place within us, not without us. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM., OCP., DM.