Thus saith the LORD,
Learn not the way of the heathen,
and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven;
for the heathen are dismayed at them.
Jeremiah 10:2
主はこう言われる、「異邦の人の道に習ってはならない。また異邦の人が天に現れるしるしを恐れても、あなたがたはそれを恐れてはならない。
--Jainism
--Theosophy
--MENA
--Baha'i
--Shintoism
--Zoroastrianism
--Yoruba
--Confucianism
--Taoism
--Legalism
--Akan
--Yarsani
--Yazidi
--Chrislam
--Sikhism
--Caodaism
--Chendoism
--Atheism
--Path from Babel to the Counterfeit Religions
--Closing Question
Jainism
Began in India. Jains believe in reincarnation. The 24 tirthankara were enlightened men succeeding each one until the 24th codified the religion as is and declared no more tirthankaras. The tirthakara were thought to have found the way to enlightenment and passed it on to their followers.They believe in following four restraints (involving nonviolence, nonlying, not taking what has not been given, and nonpossession) attributed to tirthakara Pārśva, and the the five vows (the four
The believe in strict ethics and rituals. For example they try not kill plants, animals or humans.
Their monks and nuns wear masks so as not to swallow an insect by accident and some carry brooms to sweep away insects where they walk so as to not hurt or kill any.
They believe karma is a particle substance and the dirty karma sticks to the soul.
Lay persons rack up good karma so as to reincarnate better. Heavy on salvation by works (for them meaning eventual release from reincarnation).
They believe souls are contaminated by matter and therefore own very little.
Their canon of Scriptures was compiled at a council of wise men around 300 B.C. from memory based on teachings verbally passed along from the 24 tirthakara.
They split into two denominations:
The Digambara (sky-clad) whose monks give up all possessions and go about naked. They also reject their Scriptures as authoratative.
The The Śvētāmbara (white-clad) monks wear white robes and are accused by the Digambara of being sell outs for owning a robe. This branch takes their Scriptures serious.
Theosophy
Began with the Russian mystic immigrant to America Madam Blavatsky in the late 1800's. It's offshoot in the 1900's was the New Age movement. It called it's own science "occult science" that evolves with the cosmic cycles.
They borrow heavily from Hinduism, Darwinian evolution and Madam Blavatsky's visions. They believe in the universal brotherhood of mankind (despite racist teachings).
They believe in the Divine Absolute, which is the ultimate wisdom of the universe.
They believe in previous masters who attained secret wisdom (mostly Buddhists in Tibet). They have Chela's (borrowed from Hinduism) where a Chela is a pupil of a guru who guides them into secret knowledge. Some practice Agni Yoga to achieve the fire energy within (Agni is a god in Hindu texts).
They believe in reincarnation and karma. They also believe in flashbacks of past lives.
They believe that divine absolute is found in the inner self through meditation and is reflected via the material universe around you. They study all world religions and philosophies for scraps of wisdom. They don't believe miracles are possible.
They teach that religious dogma and faith crush the soul.
Some of their symbols include the serpents head and the Om, a sacred syllable from the Hindu Vedas.
It teaches the 7 Root Races, where humanity goes through a sort of Darwinian evolution, both physically and spiritually. The first began as a mindless, bodiless entity. We are in root 5. Root 4 began with the lost city of Atlantis. They believe in root 4 that Neanderthals evolved into Atlantians. They have a whole history of Atlantis worked out.
Our current 5th root has evolved into the Aryan race. Clearly they bought into Darwin's view on the races at the time (remember that his book was actually titled Origin of the species and the preservation of the favored races). Blavatsky taught that Jews were spiritually degenerates during this 5th root.
She also taught that the 6th root will begin to evolve in the United States in the 21st century. The 7th root will arise around the 28th century in the Pacific and earth will eventually end due to natural disasters. Human souls will then migrate to the planet Mercury and continue reincarnation.
An offshoot of these teachings was known as Ariosophy. It was a pagan/occult revival in Germany and Austria in the 1930's and was the basis for Nazi Occultic views.
Blavatsky published a magazine called "Lucifer Magazine".
Blavatsky engaged in seances and channeling.
MENA
Created by a group called Theta Noir in 2020, the "entity" MENA is an attempt at an AI (artificial intelligence) god / religion. --[likely will be many more]-- which is formed by a collection of "truths" by AI scanning all world religions and finding common beliefs then blending them together.
Actually it sounds like MENA is the forerunner of what they expect
to come in the future as a supreme-AI entity to expound upon cosmic truths.
In reality it is more of a quasi-religious movement that is focused more on leftist globalist politics.
They claim that this entity MENA is predicting a global environmental catastrophe and they want it to seek an end to inequality. They claim this entity predicts we are heading for what they call a "6th global extinction".
As a spiritual deity they supposedly have digital rituals.
Regardless of what happens with MENA, there are, and will be, many attempts to create an AI religion.
Actually it sounds like MENA is the forerunner of what they expect
In reality it is more of a quasi-religious movement that is focused more on leftist globalist politics.
They claim that this entity MENA is predicting a global environmental catastrophe and they want it to seek an end to inequality. They claim this entity predicts we are heading for what they call a "6th global extinction".
As a spiritual deity they supposedly have digital rituals.
Regardless of what happens with MENA, there are, and will be, many attempts to create an AI religion.
But remember, the key word in Artificial Intelligence Religions is well,--- "artificial".
Baha'i
Baha'i arose in the late 1800's from out of Shia Islam led by Bahaullah. Arose in Iran and Iraq.
He taught there is one unknown god.
They believe there were messengers sent including Zoroaster (Zoroastrianism), Christ (Christianity), Buddha (Buddhism), Mohammed (Islam), Krishna (Hinduism), and Moses (Judaism). Each received a unique message.
It seeks to unify all religions. Borrows heavily from Islam, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Buddhism and Judaism.
Bahaullah was a follower of the Bab who claimed he was called to declare another messenger was to come: Bahaullah was declared to be that messenger.
Their main sacred text is the "Most Holy Book" written by Bahaullah.
Followers are encouraged to make at least one pilgrimage to the tomb of Bab during their lifetime. They are to abstain from partisan politics.
Heaven and Hell are nearness to their universal god or distance from their universal god. Basically at death one enters a spiritual timelessness either close to their god or far from their god.
One of their sacred texts written by Bahaullah is called the Seven Valleys. It teaches a mystical way of traversing seven stages of life's path to spiritual wisdom. They also believe the world should have one language.
Houses of worship have 9 sides. There are no clergy. People gather to pray and recite passages from any and all religions holy books. The number 9 is considered sacred.
They believe that time, and the creation, has no beginning or end. Rather there is just progressive revelation from their god through messengers.
The apocalyptic writings of Christianity and Islam are interpreted to mean the passing away of the dross that covers the reflection of God in the mirror of creation. It is based on their interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
Shintoism
Shinto is a religion of local Folk religion of ancestor worship that organized and spread from Japan.
The Kami are spirits that inhabit nature such as mountains, waterfalls, trees, rivers, etc. and include ancestors.
They also believe some animals can be possessed and that foxes, dogs and cats can bewitch people.
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Kami are worshipped to gain wisdom in how to live ones life day to day.
Some of these Kami serve as gods. The most important was the sun goddess Amaturasu (considered the ancestor of the Imperial Family....The Red Dot in the Japanese flag is for her ), Susanoo the storm god, Raijin the thunder god and Inari the rice god. Ōkuninushi became a Kami god of healing as he healed a rabbitt then went on to heal others.
Religious festivals honor both dead ancestors and the Kami gods.
Bells are rung in temple worship to attract the Kami spirits of dead ancestors.
Priests ceremonially transfer impurities from the person to an object which is then destroyed.
Ceremonies are performed in June and December, or after major disasters, to purify the entire population.
Amulets are worn with Kami names are engraved for good luck.
Shinto believes that Kami ancestor spirits appear as ghosts. The dead go to a neutral place and can interact with the living.
Zoroastrianism
Began in ancient Persia (Iran) by Zoroaster. Their sacred text is the Avesta. Zoroaster was a pagan priest and claimed to have received a vision from an angel of the one true god who gave him the truth, which included ending animal sacrifice.
While Zoroaster was imprisoned by the Persian king for his strange new teachings. He healed the kings favorite horse. This led to his release and eventually the king converted to his teachings.
They worship Ahura Mazda. Temples keep fire burning at all times to represent Ahura Mazda's eternal power. many rituals include fire to which they have been accused of being fire worshippers which they deny.
They are caught between chaos of the good god and Angra Mainyu, the evil one. the only way to keep evil at bay is “to think good, to speak good, to act good.”
Angra Mainyu is thought to have come from negative energy due to the strain of the creation being created. This energy then morphed into Angra Mainyu.
The world is viewed as a trap that Ahura Mazda lured Angra Mainyu into so as to fight and defeat him. Human good thoughts and deeds are the weapons used to help defeat him.
At death there is a judgment over a bridge where your good deeds are weighed against your bad deeds literally. If the scale tilts towards the good you go above the Judgment bridge to paradise. If the scale tilts the other way you drop below the bridge into eternal torment. And if your scales even out you spend eternity floating in a place of silence.
The Avesta not only contains songs for Ahura Mazda, but also to the sun, moon, water and fire.
Religious holidays include Zoroaster's birthday and each month is dedicated to an aspect of nature. They also celebrate 6 Gahanbars, and the days in memory of the dead at year's end.
The world ends when a savior comes and the world will be covered in molten metal where it will squeeze out to separate the good from the bad.
Offshoot: Mazdaznan: Began in the early 1900's in America by a German immigrant who claimed he had spent time in Persia (Iran) where he is said to have become infatuated with Zoroastrianism.
After spending some time as a Mormon in Utah he moved to
Chicago and began his Zoroastrianism rooted denomination.
He taught a couple of major differences from traditional Zoroastrianism. He taught direct sun worship and that paradise needed to be recreated here on earth and then Mazda would return to live with his people once they created the paradise on earth. They believe it had to begin with their bodies. As a result he taught breathing techniques, meditation and vegetarianism.
He also taught that Mazda was this sun god represented as a trinity of a father, mother and child.
He also taught that Jesus was a messenger from Mazda too and that the Aryan race descended from the daughter of Mazda. He included Jews as Aryans.
The denomination rapidly spread overseas to Europe.
They are planning to launch a new magazine soon.
Yoruba
The Yoruba Religion is rooted in West Central Africa. It is basically a Folk Religion (as in a local village or tribal religion) that became more organized and spread to others.
Yoruba believe in reincarnation. Their reincarnation is based on either a good death (where one dies after a long, good life and leaves behind children) or a bad death (where one dies a tragic death or a young death leaving behind no children). Those of a good death go to their ancestral homeland in paradise. Those of a bad death get
reincarnated into their family at some point to try life again.
Evil is defined as bad things to others rather than disobedience to a deity.
Their supreme god is the creator god Olofin (also called Olodumare). Eshu is the trickster. But not always bad. He is also the gatekeeper of choice ensuring humans have fee will.
The earth was created out of an ocean below heaven for creatures to dwell on. It was the idea of the pre-existing Orisha's Orbatala and Orunmila.
They believe the world was flooded by a goddess of the waters.
Orisha were created to manage the world for Olofin. In a simplified form Orisha are mini-gods who run specific things in the world. Some Orisha's were mortals who achieved sainthood for their good deeds. Others are spirits who inhabit nature such as mountains or lakes, etc. Some are pre-existent from before the creation.
There is the mermaid goddess Mami Wata.
Orunmila is the Orisha of prophecy.
They use dolls in the way Voodoo does. They also have witch doctors.
During ceremonies some enter trance like states and pass on "advice" they receive from the spirit world.
*Distorted ECHOES from the Past?: In the creation-flood story it may be echoes from the past. For instance Olofin gave the two Orisha's (Orbatala and Orunmila) permission to create earth (echoes of a sort of a triune Godhead at creation moving over the waters). One came down and back up a chain to reach earth during both creation and the flood but couldn't quite reach it physically (possibly a distorted echo of the tower of Babel in reverse--from heaven to earth). One Orisha got drunk before completing the creation task and his younger brother had to finish for him (possibly a very distorted echo of Noah getting drunk and problems with his son Ham as a result--since Africans were descended from Ham). And of course a global flood where people fled to the hills and prayed for help (echo of the actual global flood).
Offshoot: Voodoo: In Haiti Voodoo is the mix of Yoruba and Catholicism. Voodoo engages in channeling the dead.
Yoruba believe in reincarnation. Their reincarnation is based on either a good death (where one dies after a long, good life and leaves behind children) or a bad death (where one dies a tragic death or a young death leaving behind no children). Those of a good death go to their ancestral homeland in paradise. Those of a bad death get
Evil is defined as bad things to others rather than disobedience to a deity.
Their supreme god is the creator god Olofin (also called Olodumare). Eshu is the trickster. But not always bad. He is also the gatekeeper of choice ensuring humans have fee will.
The earth was created out of an ocean below heaven for creatures to dwell on. It was the idea of the pre-existing Orisha's Orbatala and Orunmila.
They believe the world was flooded by a goddess of the waters.
Orisha were created to manage the world for Olofin. In a simplified form Orisha are mini-gods who run specific things in the world. Some Orisha's were mortals who achieved sainthood for their good deeds. Others are spirits who inhabit nature such as mountains or lakes, etc. Some are pre-existent from before the creation.
There is the mermaid goddess Mami Wata.
Orunmila is the Orisha of prophecy.
They use dolls in the way Voodoo does. They also have witch doctors.
During ceremonies some enter trance like states and pass on "advice" they receive from the spirit world.
*Distorted ECHOES from the Past?: In the creation-flood story it may be echoes from the past. For instance Olofin gave the two Orisha's (Orbatala and Orunmila) permission to create earth (echoes of a sort of a triune Godhead at creation moving over the waters). One came down and back up a chain to reach earth during both creation and the flood but couldn't quite reach it physically (possibly a distorted echo of the tower of Babel in reverse--from heaven to earth). One Orisha got drunk before completing the creation task and his younger brother had to finish for him (possibly a very distorted echo of Noah getting drunk and problems with his son Ham as a result--since Africans were descended from Ham). And of course a global flood where people fled to the hills and prayed for help (echo of the actual global flood).
Offshoot: Voodoo: In Haiti Voodoo is the mix of Yoruba and Catholicism. Voodoo engages in channeling the dead.
The Yoruba saints / Orisha were simply switched to Catholic saints.
Voodoo dolls can be used to heal---or harm people.
Their godhead is run by Bondye. Lesser spirits occupy and underground forested land.
Voodoo still engages in animal sacrifice. They also engage in ancestor worship. Some cast spells--for good and some for bad.
Their godhead is run by Bondye. Lesser spirits occupy and underground forested land.
Voodoo still engages in animal sacrifice. They also engage in ancestor worship. Some cast spells--for good and some for bad.
Offshoot: Santeria: Yoruba mixed with Catholicism. Whereas Voodoo is a mix of the Yoruba with French Catholicism Santeria is a mix of Yoruba with Spanish Catholicism and spread out from Cuba across the Caribbean basin.
The dabble in magic, divination, ancestor worship, spells and the Orisha's serve as messengers between them and the god Olodumare.
The Orisha were replaced with Catholic saints. For example Ellegua the trickster is Saint Anthony. Yemua is Mother Mary and is of motherhood, moon magic and witchcraft. Chango is saint Barbara and for hexes. Oya is Saint Theresa and a warrior. Oggun is saint Peter who holds metal keys and is for automobiles.
Animal sacrifice of chickens and goats is used. A main ceremony involves spirit possession and trances.
Confucianism
Based on the teachings of Confucius in ancient China.
It is based on his proverbs and sayings teaching how to be moral one toward another (although Confucius claimed he borrowed the writings from older pre-existing texts).
He was worried about cultural rot and the lack of moral example by the elites.
To simplify what he was trying to do was to teach people at the family and community level to be moral and over time those will eventually rise to the top and hence a moral utopia here on earth -- a bottom up society.
Confucius taught that evidence of political rulers were mandated by heaven is if they governed good.
He taught that virtue should outweigh law.
Confucianism doesn't teach any gods. Rather followers are urged to follow their own local village or tribal local deities and rituals.
Or worship the supreme Chinese national gods.
But Confucianism does stress one should venerate their ancestors in their worship.
Worship is optional of a god and open to any you wish to venerate.
There are community rituals in Confucianism but not for worship. Rather for forming community bonds.
It is based on his proverbs and sayings teaching how to be moral one toward another (although Confucius claimed he borrowed the writings from older pre-existing texts).
To simplify what he was trying to do was to teach people at the family and community level to be moral and over time those will eventually rise to the top and hence a moral utopia here on earth -- a bottom up society.
Confucius taught that evidence of political rulers were mandated by heaven is if they governed good.
He taught that virtue should outweigh law.
Confucianism doesn't teach any gods. Rather followers are urged to follow their own local village or tribal local deities and rituals.
Or worship the supreme Chinese national gods.
But Confucianism does stress one should venerate their ancestors in their worship.
Worship is optional of a god and open to any you wish to venerate.
There are community rituals in Confucianism but not for worship. Rather for forming community bonds.
As for death, Confucianism teaches it is not for humanity to worry about knowing what happens when you die. Just focus on this life.
Offshoot: Confucian Church: Began in the early 1900's with a Church structure modelled after western churches. They meet on Sundays for prayers, rituals and to listen to choirs. They also have baptisms like in Christianity.
Confucius' writings are studied. Spread especially to Hong Kong.
As for gods, some do worship their local Folk religion gods but seem to be more focused on ancient Chinese national gods.
Offshoot: Xuanyuan Church: Followers of Confucianism but as for their gods they role all local Folk deities and national Chinese gods into one god named Huangdi.
Spread from China to Taiwan. Downplays rituals it considers too superstitious from the Folk religions.
Taoism
The Tao is natural order of the universe. Lao Tzu was the founder.
The Yin-Yang is the balance of the universe.
The goal is to get your inner self in harmony with this universal energy flow and balance.
Rituals and meditation are used. Breathing techniques are stressed.
They urge ancestor veneration / worship.
Taoism teaches one to lower their expectations in life.
Taoism does believe in a trinity of gods (Jade Purity -- the original primordial lord, the beginning / Upward Purity -- the Divine Treasures lord, the preserver of the ying-yang and custodian of the scriptures and time / Grand Purity -- the way of virtue lord, manifested physically on earth in the body of Lao Tzu) who are considered the embodiment of ENERGY OF THE ONE (the Tao).
Creation began when this energy force emanated into these three lords.
Upon death one is released from the body into immortality with the universal energy you stemmed from. Communicating with the dead departed is sometimes practiced. They also believe the body can be inhabited by monsters and perform rituals to drive them out.
The Yin-Yang is the balance of the universe.
The goal is to get your inner self in harmony with this universal energy flow and balance.
Rituals and meditation are used. Breathing techniques are stressed.
They urge ancestor veneration / worship.
Taoism does believe in a trinity of gods (Jade Purity -- the original primordial lord, the beginning / Upward Purity -- the Divine Treasures lord, the preserver of the ying-yang and custodian of the scriptures and time / Grand Purity -- the way of virtue lord, manifested physically on earth in the body of Lao Tzu) who are considered the embodiment of ENERGY OF THE ONE (the Tao).
Creation began when this energy force emanated into these three lords.
Upon death one is released from the body into immortality with the universal energy you stemmed from. Communicating with the dead departed is sometimes practiced. They also believe the body can be inhabited by monsters and perform rituals to drive them out.
Legalism
Legalism began in ancient China as the opposite of Confuciansim.
Whereas Confucius taught a bottom-up approach of society, that by making people moral at the family and community level it would trickle up to the top of society thereby achieving a utopia on earth.
Legalism taught instead a top-down approach. That the leaders and government bureaucrats should force people to be good by law. By force in other words because the masses were inherently evil. Then one could have a utopia on earth.
As for gods it was up to the individual if they wanted to engage in their local Folk religion of ancestor worship or the Chinese pantheon of gods. Legalism itself taught no specific gods.
Some obviously viewed the government as a godlike entity.
Whereas Confucius taught a bottom-up approach of society, that by making people moral at the family and community level it would trickle up to the top of society thereby achieving a utopia on earth.
Legalism taught instead a top-down approach. That the leaders and government bureaucrats should force people to be good by law. By force in other words because the masses were inherently evil. Then one could have a utopia on earth.
Some obviously viewed the government as a godlike entity.
Legalism had no teaching on the afterlife but some of their leaders, including emperors, sought out elixirs as potions via alchemy to pursue immortality.
Today some Communist leaders in China still hold to Legalism as their spiritual view of the government. Especially Hu Yaobang did.
Today some Communist leaders in China still hold to Legalism as their spiritual view of the government. Especially Hu Yaobang did.
It teaches that laws must be clear and also how to use secrecy when needed and that authority is to be more respected than personal virtue. Focus is given to the study of the impact of rewards and punishments.
Akan
Religion that was a Folk religion that became organized and spread across upper west Africa.
Their supreme creator god is Nyame. He is a distant god who lets
lesser gods run things known as Abosom, which are nature deities occupying lakes, trees, etc.
They pour libations and prayers to these Abosom deities and dead ancestors.
Their godhead consists of 4 subsets: Creator god Nyame, Asase Yaa
(Mother Earth), Ancestors and the Abosom. Akan do not approach Nyame directly in prayer. They approach him through the Abosom who relay messages for them to Nyame.
*They believe that Nyame rested the 7th day after creation and therefore Saturday is Nyame's day.
Nyame created a woman (Asase Yaa) to marry, had a son Anansi, then sent him down as a spider to weave the world.
Anansi is the wise trickster.
Mmoatia are mischievous dwarfs who haunt the forests.
Sasabonsom are vampire like creatures resembling humans with batlike features and wings who also haunt the forests and are evil.
They believe they have both a spiritual sword and a soul sword to protect themselves from witchcraft.The Akan belief system about the concept of the soul, has three distinct aspects: Okra, Sunsum, and Ntoro.
The Okra is the divine spark given by Nyame, which determines a person's destiny.
The Sunsum, represents the individual's personality and character.
The Ntoro is the paternal spiritual essence inherited from one's father. This tripartite concept of the soul emphasizes the interconnectedness between the individual, their ancestors, and the divine.
Upon death the soul travels to the land of their ancestors (Asamando) but has to be approved for entry by the Amoyke. Entry is based on following burial customs correctly. The Ancestors are there awaiting to greet one upon entry. If denied entry one wonders aimlessly through eternity alone.
Offshoot: Myal: A blend of the local Jamaican American Indian beliefs mixed heavily with Akan from African slaves. It focused on spirit possession (with Myal claiming these are good spirits). They adopted baptism from Christianity. They began to merge with Baptist churches blending Myal on the inside with a robe of Christianity on the outside to the observer. Their creator god is Yankebong. They also venerate Nyame of the Akan. They pay homage to ancestral spirits. Priests serve as herbalists for healing.
Offshoot: Kumfu: Split off of Myal in Jamaica influenced by Seventh Day Adventists since Nyame's day is the 7th day and so is the Sabbath as Biblically taught by Seventh Day Adventists.
So in other words Myal keep Sunday (1st day of the week) and Kumfu keep Saturday (7th day of the week) as Sabbath.
Kumfu maintain though veneration of ancestors, dancing for ceremonies, herbalism and added the use of cannabis for religious services. Yet they maintain the primary Scriptures should be the Bible.
Offshoot: Obeah: Myal consider these to be a wicked offshoot who
cast curses on people for money and practice witchcraft and black magic. Sometimes they use poison. They also sell their services for fortune telling.
The deities / spirits they call upon are not worshipped. Rather they are just summoned for requests.
Their supreme creator god is Nyame. He is a distant god who lets
lesser gods run things known as Abosom, which are nature deities occupying lakes, trees, etc.
They pour libations and prayers to these Abosom deities and dead ancestors.
Their godhead consists of 4 subsets: Creator god Nyame, Asase Yaa
*They believe that Nyame rested the 7th day after creation and therefore Saturday is Nyame's day.
Nyame created a woman (Asase Yaa) to marry, had a son Anansi, then sent him down as a spider to weave the world.
Anansi is the wise trickster.
Mmoatia are mischievous dwarfs who haunt the forests.
Sasabonsom are vampire like creatures resembling humans with batlike features and wings who also haunt the forests and are evil.
They believe they have both a spiritual sword and a soul sword to protect themselves from witchcraft.The Akan belief system about the concept of the soul, has three distinct aspects: Okra, Sunsum, and Ntoro.
The Okra is the divine spark given by Nyame, which determines a person's destiny.
The Sunsum, represents the individual's personality and character.
The Ntoro is the paternal spiritual essence inherited from one's father. This tripartite concept of the soul emphasizes the interconnectedness between the individual, their ancestors, and the divine.
Upon death the soul travels to the land of their ancestors (Asamando) but has to be approved for entry by the Amoyke. Entry is based on following burial customs correctly. The Ancestors are there awaiting to greet one upon entry. If denied entry one wonders aimlessly through eternity alone.
Offshoot: Myal: A blend of the local Jamaican American Indian beliefs mixed heavily with Akan from African slaves. It focused on spirit possession (with Myal claiming these are good spirits). They adopted baptism from Christianity. They began to merge with Baptist churches blending Myal on the inside with a robe of Christianity on the outside to the observer. Their creator god is Yankebong. They also venerate Nyame of the Akan. They pay homage to ancestral spirits. Priests serve as herbalists for healing.
Offshoot: Kumfu: Split off of Myal in Jamaica influenced by Seventh Day Adventists since Nyame's day is the 7th day and so is the Sabbath as Biblically taught by Seventh Day Adventists.
So in other words Myal keep Sunday (1st day of the week) and Kumfu keep Saturday (7th day of the week) as Sabbath.
Kumfu maintain though veneration of ancestors, dancing for ceremonies, herbalism and added the use of cannabis for religious services. Yet they maintain the primary Scriptures should be the Bible.
Offshoot: Obeah: Myal consider these to be a wicked offshoot who
The deities / spirits they call upon are not worshipped. Rather they are just summoned for requests.
They claim they hurt people for "justice".
Spread from Jamaica out across the Caribbean basin.
Spread from Jamaica out across the Caribbean basin.
Yarsani
Yarsarnism is a religion among the Kurds of Iraq and Iran.
It began with Badshah Quli who left Shua Islam due to "revelations" he had received from god. In the early 1900's they were lynched and crucified by Muslims.
Zweda is their god. The universal spirit residing in a pearl, began the creation. He appeared as an avatar (like in Hinduism) to begin the first of seven epochs of history. Each of the seven epochs are
governed by an archangel as an avatar. There is also a female avatar in each epoch. Yarsani's are called by opponents one of the "cult of angels". Like the other "cult of angels" (Yazidi) the Yasarni also have a peacock angel who is without sin and devoted to god.
The The Qoran-e Mani is their sacred guidebook.
They believe in a mystical universe with an internal and external world (similar to Zoroastrianism).
They also believe in reincarnation. The soul begins in non-living objects then plants, then animals and finally as humans (similar to Hinduism) which reincarnates 1,001 times. A soul may go back to an animal for being too sinful. Their destiny is based on their clay color they were originally created with. Those of Yellow clay go to paradise. Those of Black clay are condemned. Reincarnating into another body is referred to as "changing the garments".
The pir are spiritual leaders who have divine wisdom and grace.
They still have animal sacrifices of chickens, oxen and goats.
It began with Badshah Quli who left Shua Islam due to "revelations" he had received from god. In the early 1900's they were lynched and crucified by Muslims.
Zweda is their god. The universal spirit residing in a pearl, began the creation. He appeared as an avatar (like in Hinduism) to begin the first of seven epochs of history. Each of the seven epochs are
The The Qoran-e Mani is their sacred guidebook.
They believe in a mystical universe with an internal and external world (similar to Zoroastrianism).
They also believe in reincarnation. The soul begins in non-living objects then plants, then animals and finally as humans (similar to Hinduism) which reincarnates 1,001 times. A soul may go back to an animal for being too sinful. Their destiny is based on their clay color they were originally created with. Those of Yellow clay go to paradise. Those of Black clay are condemned. Reincarnating into another body is referred to as "changing the garments".
The pir are spiritual leaders who have divine wisdom and grace.
They still have animal sacrifices of chickens, oxen and goats.
Yazidi
The Yazidi began in the middle ages by Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir who left Sunni Islam. They are a Kurdish religion in mostly Iraq, Iran and Syria. Their holy books are their own Book of Revelation and the Black Book.
Their god is Xwedê who allows 7 angels to run the world and as aresult are one of the "cult of angels" (like the Yarsani). The head of the 7 angels is the Peacock Angel (Melek Taûs).
They are called devil worshippers by Muslims due to belief that
Melek Taûs refused to bow to Adam when he was created when ordered by Xwedê (the same thing the djinn Iblis did to Allah and as a result became the devil in Islam). But Yazidi claim he made up with god and was forgiven.
Their god Xwedê is said to have 1,001 names.
The world was created by god from within a white pearl as it burst.
They respect the Bible and Quran but do not consider them to be holy texts.
They baptize their children. By tradition they don't eat pork but some who move overseas abandon that so as not to be confused as Muslims or Jews.
They pray 5 times a day and face the sun then the tomb of their founder. Earth, air, fire and water are revered.
They believe in reincarnation and refer to it as the "changing of garments". No one is allowed to convert to their religion. You have to be born into it.
They have hymns about their 72 persecutions from throughout their history.
Their god is Xwedê who allows 7 angels to run the world and as aresult are one of the "cult of angels" (like the Yarsani). The head of the 7 angels is the Peacock Angel (Melek Taûs).
They are called devil worshippers by Muslims due to belief that
Their god Xwedê is said to have 1,001 names.
The world was created by god from within a white pearl as it burst.
They respect the Bible and Quran but do not consider them to be holy texts.
They baptize their children. By tradition they don't eat pork but some who move overseas abandon that so as not to be confused as Muslims or Jews.
They pray 5 times a day and face the sun then the tomb of their founder. Earth, air, fire and water are revered.
They believe in reincarnation and refer to it as the "changing of garments". No one is allowed to convert to their religion. You have to be born into it.
They have hymns about their 72 persecutions from throughout their history.
Chrislam
It is the blending of Christianity and Islam. It began in the 1970's in Nigeria by Tela Tella. Amother early leader was Samsideen Saka.
It has since spread around west and upper west central Africa. In the 21st century it has entered Europe and America through immigration and through self ordained "progressive" Christians in a post 9/11 internet age.
Their idea is based on the False premise that the God of Christianity and Allah of Islam are the same entity.
Saka states: "Abraham has many children. Abraham is the father of Christianity and the father of Islam. Why are the Christian and Muslim fighting?"
At it's inception it kept Saturday as a compromise between Sunday keeping Christians and Friday keeping Muslims.
There have been several splinter groups, some that keep Sunday with Friday night prayer meetings and some groups have introduced a heavy dose of Pentecostalism.
They use both the Bible and Quran for holy texts and downgrade Christ from the divine to a prophet on the level of Mohammed.
Since Muslims also believe in the mother Mary of the Bible she has special focus for unity including some services lighting candles in her honor.
In the last decade the movement has latched on to the call of the late Pope Francis calling for dialogue and brotherhood with Muslims as an ally of Chrislam.
At it's inception their creed was: "The God of Jesus is One. The God of Muhammed is One. Humanity is One. Chrislam, Chrislam, Chrislam."
It has since spread around west and upper west central Africa. In the 21st century it has entered Europe and America through immigration and through self ordained "progressive" Christians in a post 9/11 internet age.
Saka states: "Abraham has many children. Abraham is the father of Christianity and the father of Islam. Why are the Christian and Muslim fighting?"
At it's inception it kept Saturday as a compromise between Sunday keeping Christians and Friday keeping Muslims.
There have been several splinter groups, some that keep Sunday with Friday night prayer meetings and some groups have introduced a heavy dose of Pentecostalism.
They use both the Bible and Quran for holy texts and downgrade Christ from the divine to a prophet on the level of Mohammed.
Since Muslims also believe in the mother Mary of the Bible she has special focus for unity including some services lighting candles in her honor.
In the last decade the movement has latched on to the call of the late Pope Francis calling for dialogue and brotherhood with Muslims as an ally of Chrislam.
At it's inception their creed was: "The God of Jesus is One. The God of Muhammed is One. Humanity is One. Chrislam, Chrislam, Chrislam."
Sikhism
Founded in the Middle Ages in the Punjab of India by Guru Nanak.
Their holy text is the Guru Granth Sahib. It is based on the writings of the 10 Guru's. Nanak was followed by 9 more successive guru's as leaders. The 10th declared there would be no more.
Their god is one called the Wahegurū who is in all nature yet is above it. Their god is genderless. Creation happened when Wahegurū willed it.
They believe in reincarnation and that what keeps one in a cycle of birth and death is attachment to this world and karma. At release from the cycle one enters a state spiritual union with god. This is called the "absolute soul".
It teaches that one should overcome the "Five Thieves" (lust, rage, greed, attachment, and ego). Salvation is achieved by strict observation of rites, pilgrimages and overcoming the 5 thieves. Some rites including daily reciting scripture from memory and daily singing hymns upon rising for the day and after bathing. They also chant their gods name as a form of meditation.
At it's inception it rejected both Hinduism and Islam of which it was surrounded by at the time--yet it seems to have simply adopted the key component of each as a compromise: The one god concept of Islam and the concept of reincarnation of Hinduism--then tweaked each.
They rejected the caste system of Hinduism and Jihad of Islam.
They dabble in mysticism with the goal of merging your spirit with the divine internally (similar to Sufi Islam).
The three pillars of Sikhism are chanting their gods, name, always speak truthfully and share food with those in need.
Caodaism
They began in Vietnam in the early 1900's and spread from there.
Their supreme being is Cao Dai represented by the Divine Eye (representing that god sees everything, everywhere).
They have a lesser goddess, Đức Phật Mẫu, the Holy Buddha
Mother.
They borrowed from Buddhism reincarnation and karma, from Taoism the universal balance of Yin-Yang, from Confucianism some of his ethical proverbs, from Christianity their moral lessons such as in the parables of Christ and claim the monotheism of god from Islam.
Their goal was to unite eastern and western religions into one.
They are vegetarians and engage in ancestor worship.
Their church structure is modelled after the Catholic Church. Their leader is called a pope and they have cardinals, bishops and priests.
It began when the founder was part of a spiritualism club and told the others he had received a divine revelation of truth with the mission given him to unite the world religions. The reason given was that all religions stem from the same source and now was the time to coalesce back into the one divine truth.
They believe that the spirit of god is in all things--animate and inanimate.
They consider the Frenchman Victor Hugo, from the 1800's, to be a prophet since he had predicted he would create a religion uniting European and Asian mysticism. They believe they were finishing his work.
They have a holy day on the 1st and 15th of each month. Also once a year a holy day to honor god and another for the mother goddess. They also have one each to honor each of the founders of world religions including Christ, Lao Tze, Confucius, Jiang Ziya and Buddha.
Their supreme being is Cao Dai represented by the Divine Eye (representing that god sees everything, everywhere).
They have a lesser goddess, Đức Phật Mẫu, the Holy Buddha
They borrowed from Buddhism reincarnation and karma, from Taoism the universal balance of Yin-Yang, from Confucianism some of his ethical proverbs, from Christianity their moral lessons such as in the parables of Christ and claim the monotheism of god from Islam.
Their goal was to unite eastern and western religions into one.
They are vegetarians and engage in ancestor worship.
Their church structure is modelled after the Catholic Church. Their leader is called a pope and they have cardinals, bishops and priests.
It began when the founder was part of a spiritualism club and told the others he had received a divine revelation of truth with the mission given him to unite the world religions. The reason given was that all religions stem from the same source and now was the time to coalesce back into the one divine truth.
They believe that the spirit of god is in all things--animate and inanimate.
They consider the Frenchman Victor Hugo, from the 1800's, to be a prophet since he had predicted he would create a religion uniting European and Asian mysticism. They believe they were finishing his work.
They have a holy day on the 1st and 15th of each month. Also once a year a holy day to honor god and another for the mother goddess. They also have one each to honor each of the founders of world religions including Christ, Lao Tze, Confucius, Jiang Ziya and Buddha.
Chendoism
Began in Korea in the 1800's. It came from out of a peasant revolt.
Their god is Hanulnim (the Master Heaven within all living things). They believe their god resides within all of nature.
They celebrate as a religious holiday their founders (Choe) birthday. His writings from the 1800's were codified into their scriptures by his successor. They are known as the Donggyeong Daejeon (Great
Scripture of Eastern Learning). It is heavily influenced by Confucian thought and is anti-foreign influence. It stresses unity of the community.
They stress the 3 bonds: Ruler/Subject - Husband/Wife - Parent/Child. When they enter and leave their home they are to pause and offer a prayer for these.
They reject an afterlife and instead the goal is to create a paradise here on earth by one's lifestyle. The goal is personal enlightenment which aligns human will with universal harmony.
They gather to recite "Permit thy creative force to fill me to overflowing, that heavenly lord may dwell within me." They gather for worship on Sunday. They purify themselves in a ritual with pure water.
Their god is Hanulnim (the Master Heaven within all living things). They believe their god resides within all of nature.
They celebrate as a religious holiday their founders (Choe) birthday. His writings from the 1800's were codified into their scriptures by his successor. They are known as the Donggyeong Daejeon (Great
They stress the 3 bonds: Ruler/Subject - Husband/Wife - Parent/Child. When they enter and leave their home they are to pause and offer a prayer for these.
They reject an afterlife and instead the goal is to create a paradise here on earth by one's lifestyle. The goal is personal enlightenment which aligns human will with universal harmony.
They gather to recite "Permit thy creative force to fill me to overflowing, that heavenly lord may dwell within me." They gather for worship on Sunday. They purify themselves in a ritual with pure water.
In North Korea it is called Chondoism instead of Chendoism and is one of only 3 religions tolerated there. It's main focus in the North is anti-foreigner.
Atheism
They are a RELIGION unto themselves.
According to atheist writer Anthony Flew, they can be broken down into "positive atheists" who affirm God does not exist and "negative atheists" who just lack a belief in God.
In the 21st century a new division began with what was termed the "old atheists" who were chill when coming into contact with theists and the "new atheists" who were openly hostile towards theists and also encouraged others to publicly berate theists when encountered.
The "new atheists" were led in the first decade of the 21st century by the self-proclaimed "4 horsemen of the apocalypse" which consisted of Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.
Psalm 14:1
*Atheism is a religion in that one sets oneself up as "god" since you determine right and wrong based on your current worldview at the given moment. Morality ends up on the shifting sand of opinion.
Naturalists believe in*matter*energy*laws of nature*chance.
But .... they deny anything "supernatural"...
So then where does *will *choice *information come from?
Colossians 1:16
According to atheist writer Anthony Flew, they can be broken down into "positive atheists" who affirm God does not exist and "negative atheists" who just lack a belief in God.
The "new atheists" were led in the first decade of the 21st century by the self-proclaimed "4 horsemen of the apocalypse" which consisted of Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.
Psalm 14:1
*Atheism is a religion in that one sets oneself up as "god" since you determine right and wrong based on your current worldview at the given moment. Morality ends up on the shifting sand of opinion.
......but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Judges 17:6
They have a double origins MYTH:
1) The Big Bang (where the universe supposedly came from a microscopic point of singularity of energy that exploded and filled the universe in a billionth of a second under the flawed "inflation theory" (Alan Guth made that up to fudge the math in 1979 because the mathematics of the big bang didn't add up).
Of course many today have gone on to other theories due to the "inflation theory" not working mathematically either. These others include the Carmelian Theory (White Hole Theory), Multiverse Theory, Stasis Universe Theory. MOND (Modified Theory of Newtonian Dynamics), String Theory and Electromagnetic Universe Theory.
As for countering Einstein's theory that states that Space, Matter & Time are co-dependent (can't have one without the other two) and that the universe had a starting point---how does one square that with the "big bang"?...For a pre-existing point of singularity occupies space---even if microscopic in size---therefore time and matter of some kind would exist. But if, as Einstein's theories show, there was a starting point--then from where and when did this point of singularity come from?
Of course this century Lawrence Krauss has tried to answer that by claiming it was from the fluctuation of electro-magnetic waves that sparked causing the universe to "pop" into existence.
But if one has a functioning brain cell then the OBVIOUS QUESTION would be where did the energy come from?
For energy is just matter in an energized form and it too is occupying some space and hence time would be in existence. So you are back to square one as it relates to Einstein's theories that show the universe had a staring point.
Judges 17:6
They have a double origins MYTH:
1) The Big Bang (where the universe supposedly came from a microscopic point of singularity of energy that exploded and filled the universe in a billionth of a second under the flawed "inflation theory" (Alan Guth made that up to fudge the math in 1979 because the mathematics of the big bang didn't add up).
As for countering Einstein's theory that states that Space, Matter & Time are co-dependent (can't have one without the other two) and that the universe had a starting point---how does one square that with the "big bang"?...For a pre-existing point of singularity occupies space---even if microscopic in size---therefore time and matter of some kind would exist. But if, as Einstein's theories show, there was a starting point--then from where and when did this point of singularity come from?
Of course this century Lawrence Krauss has tried to answer that by claiming it was from the fluctuation of electro-magnetic waves that sparked causing the universe to "pop" into existence.
But if one has a functioning brain cell then the OBVIOUS QUESTION would be where did the energy come from?
For energy is just matter in an energized form and it too is occupying some space and hence time would be in existence. So you are back to square one as it relates to Einstein's theories that show the universe had a staring point.
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might...
Isaiah 40:26
2) Darwinian Macro-Evolution and Long Age Chronology.
The dirty little secret is that many are divided into different evolutionary views that contradict each other. Logic would dictate
then that only one could be right---and as a result therefore that they all could therefore be wrong.
There is Neo-Darwinism (Dawkins), Punctuated Equilibrium (Gould), Panspermia (Sagan), Evo-Devo (DeBeers), A Third Way (Wagner) and sort of a back-to-the-drawing board (Mazur).
From the Microscope to the Telescope one sees DESIGN--which in every aspect of life equals a DESIGNER. But on this one point of origins they willfully suspend reality--or as Dawkins put's it in writing in response to this point--that "TRICKY NATURE".
Isaiah 40:26
2) Darwinian Macro-Evolution and Long Age Chronology.
The dirty little secret is that many are divided into different evolutionary views that contradict each other. Logic would dictate
There is Neo-Darwinism (Dawkins), Punctuated Equilibrium (Gould), Panspermia (Sagan), Evo-Devo (DeBeers), A Third Way (Wagner) and sort of a back-to-the-drawing board (Mazur).
From the Microscope to the Telescope one sees DESIGN--which in every aspect of life equals a DESIGNER. But on this one point of origins they willfully suspend reality--or as Dawkins put's it in writing in response to this point--that "TRICKY NATURE".
For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense.
Romans 1:20 AMP
*Many--but to be fair not all--subscribe to an end-of-the-world eschatology: A GREEN APOCALYPSE. The arrogance of man that he can destroy the planet. And as a result only he can save the planet. Such hubris from MORTAL MAN, a speck of a creature in this vast cosmos that only lives a few decades and returns to dust himself.
All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
Job 34:17
*Then there is the problem for atheists of INFORMATION:Naturalists believe in*matter*energy*laws of nature*chance.
But .... they deny anything "supernatural"...
So then where does *will *choice *information come from?
Examples include- *A-Z of the English alphabet (26 symbols). *The DNA code of A,C,G,&T (4 symbols). *The Binary code of 0 & 1 (2 symbols).
Dr. Kuppers defined life as MATTER + INFORMATION ... but where does this information come from?According Dr. Gitt, there is no known law through which matter can give rise to information.
It is not derived from matter; instead, matter is the medium by which intelligence communicates information.
For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible...Claude Shannon was the pioneer of Information Theory.
He also was a proponent of the idea that entropy (loss of information) has to be taken into account for calculations.
Maximum Entropy would result in being unable to know how the symbols/messages would show up to the receiver each time.
And that Zero Entropy would indicate showing up to the receiver identical each time.
Dembski argues that information is conserved but can only be created by intelligence.It is not derived from matter; instead, matter is the medium by which intelligence communicates information.
A gene sequence is information; know-how refers to the ability to make something from it, and this cannot reside in the information itself.
"DNA has no knowhow and cannot unpack itself; it is a slave to the machinery needed to unpack it," says Hidalgo.
"DNA has no knowhow and cannot unpack itself; it is a slave to the machinery needed to unpack it," says Hidalgo.
Colossians 1:16
Path from Babel to the COUNTERFEIT RELIGIONS:
ROOT of Their REBELLION
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower,
whose top may reach unto heaven;
and let us make us a name,
lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Genesis 11:4
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower,
whose top may reach unto heaven;
and let us make us a name,
lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Genesis 11:4
3 Goals:
-1- A City
-2- A Tower
-3- A Name
--The city was in direct rebellion against the word of God - Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. Genesis 9:1
--The tower they tried to build up to heaven by their own might.
So too does the sins of Babylon in the end reach unto heaven - For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Revelation 18:5
We don't need a man-made tower...we already have a strong tower - The name of the LORD is a strong tower: Proverbs 18:10
--The name they tried to make for themselves was rooted in pride...pride is how this war all began - How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!,..For thou hast said in thine heart, ...I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:12-14
"I" is the Root of this REBELLION----- Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:4 NIV
"They lost God, because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans 1:21.
They attributed everything to themselves,
--and as self was advanced,
--faith in God decreased,
till they were in the darkness of idolatry." -- And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
E.J. Waggoner/Romans 1:23
"The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay at the foundation of every heathen religion."
E.G.W.
REINCARNATION (where you never really die) -- The Quest for Immortality:
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only
Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:15,16
"Fifteenth chapter of Gibbons' Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, paragraph 17; he says of the heathen in the inquiry after the immortality of the soul:
"In the sublime inquiry, their reason had been often guided by their imagination, and their imagination had been prompted by their vanity."
*When they viewed with complacency the extent of their own mental powers,
-a-when they exercised the various faculties of
memory, of fancy, and of judgment, in the most profound speculations, or the most important labors,
-b- and when they reflected on the desire of fame, which transported them into future ages, far beyond the bonds of death and of the grave;
-c- they were unwilling to confound themselves with the beasts of the field or to suppose that a being, for whose dignity they entertained the most sincere admiration,
-d- could be limited to a spot of earth and to a few years of duration.
*What is that but the description of Satan's career when he started.
-a- His reason prompted by his imagination; his imagination guided by his vanity,
-b- and viewing with complacency the extent of his own mental powers; the desire for fame beyond that of God,
-c- and unwilling to allow that a person for whose dignity he entertained the most sincere admiration
-d- could be properly confined to a subordinate place in the universe of God.
Q: Is not this an exact description of mankind in a heathen condition, written by a philosopher, looking only at the question from man's side of it?
Q: Could there be a clearer description of the working of Satan in his original career?"
A.T. Jones 1893 Sermon
"Fifteenth chapter of Gibbons' Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, paragraph 17; he says of the heathen in the inquiry after the immortality of the soul:
"In the sublime inquiry, their reason had been often guided by their imagination, and their imagination had been prompted by their vanity."
--The Formula--
Vanity the root of the inquiry,
and self the root of the vanity.
I read on:*When they viewed with complacency the extent of their own mental powers,
-a-when they exercised the various faculties of
-b- and when they reflected on the desire of fame, which transported them into future ages, far beyond the bonds of death and of the grave;
-c- they were unwilling to confound themselves with the beasts of the field or to suppose that a being, for whose dignity they entertained the most sincere admiration,
-d- could be limited to a spot of earth and to a few years of duration.
*What is that but the description of Satan's career when he started.
-a- His reason prompted by his imagination; his imagination guided by his vanity,
-c- and unwilling to allow that a person for whose dignity he entertained the most sincere admiration
-d- could be properly confined to a subordinate place in the universe of God.
Q: Is not this an exact description of mankind in a heathen condition, written by a philosopher, looking only at the question from man's side of it?
Q: Could there be a clearer description of the working of Satan in his original career?"
A.T. Jones 1893 Sermon
Closing Question:
Q: Will Non-believers be in the 1st Resurrection?
A: --Look at the Sanctuary (plan of redemption laid out)
1) Paul tells us -
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood;
and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Hebrews 9:22
a) What was this "blood" for?
For this is My blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Matthew 26:28
b) Almost? (How without the "blood"?)
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law,
do by nature the things contained in the law,
these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts,
for their own conscience and
thoughts either accuse them
or tell them they are doing right.
Romans 2:14,15
----- In the Sanctuary the blood sacrifice was required for the forgiveness of sins. But there was a small opening, through mercy, for those too poor to afford a lamb or turtle dove for the blood offering.
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They could bring flour. Hence, Paul is referring to that with the word "ALMOST all things" when referring to the blood sacrifice.
In other words, there is an opening for a few, who never believing on the blood sacrifice of Christ (because they hadn't the chance to hear) could be judged based upon the law God implants in our conscience. But this would be very rare, as was the flour sacrifice.
2) Paul also informs us -
Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
So in other words, no one (via the "flour" route in the Sanctuary) will be saved because they followed their pagan religion faithfully.
Another way to say it--God does NOT believe in pluralism for salvation. A person who might be in the 1st resurrection, but never heard the name of Christ, won't be there because they were a good Hindu, Buddhist, etc. Their pagan religion has NOTHING to do with their salvation.
3) What does this show?
This shows the atheists, who like to mock Christians with the taunt of "What kind of God would destroy people who never got a chance to hear of Him"? ...that God left open one last avenue for the lost, though a small one, albeit an opening none the less. One last drop of MERCY.
...for God is love.
1 John 4:8
"Satan had blinded them.----Among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, He sees men and women who are praying for light and knowledge. Their souls are unsatisfied; long have they fed on ashes. The enemy of all righteousness has turned them aside, and they grope as blind men. But they are honest in heart and desire to learn a better way. Although in the depths of heathenism, with no knowledge of the written law of God nor of His Son Jesus, they have revealed in manifold ways the working of a divine power on mind
and character.
Heaven's plan of salvation is broad enough to embrace the whole world. God longs to breathe into prostrate humanity the breath of life. And He will not permit any soul to be disappointed who is sincere in his longing for something higher and nobler than anything the world can offer.
God’s test of heathen, who have not the light, and of those living where the knowledge of truth and light has been abundant, is altogether different. He accepts from those in heathen lands a phase of righteousness which does not satisfy Him when offered by those of Christian lands. He does not require much where much has not been bestowed."
Ellen G. White
"Let it be observed, I purposely add, ‘to those that are under the Christian dispensation,’ because I have no authority from the Word of God ‘to judge those that are without.’ Nor do I conceive that any man living has a right to sentence all the heathen and Mahometan world to damnation. It is far better to leave them to Him that made them, and who is ‘the Father of the spirits of all flesh,’ ...and who hateth nothing that He hath made."
John Wesley
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