Resurrecting the Dead Sea Scrolls

Take a look at this documentary on the Dead Sea Scrolls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzLfZgzuN-s I continue to experience a profound and devastating crisis of faith, but I also continue to believe that biblical and theological studies are foundational for bigger and better things. Don't just write-off the Bible and Religion, and avoid the whole subject. As unpleasant as it might be, I think we need to properly deal with this. It's really hard to master calculus, without learning algebra and trigonometry. I've been trying to keep one foot in the Old Age and the other foot in the New Age, and I'm doing the splits. I also think that we need the organization and community which the church offers. Unfortunately, many churches are wracked with painful power struggles and doctrinal controversies, not to mention fighting about money. But please don't stop studying religion and theology, just because you don't go to church, or don't believe in God. I tear down and build up, simultaneously. One doesn't make a lot of friends that way, and it's a nasty job, but someone has to do it. I'm still conceptually working with the Teachings of Jesus, the U.S. Constitution, the Latin Mass, and Sacred Classical Music, but I'm not making a lot of progress, and I have received virtually no feedback from anyone. Could the Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims accept such a combination? Would the Protestants still protest, or did most of them stop protesting a long time ago? I wonder. The Latin Mass is the most difficult part of the equation for me, but if I interpret the Mass with the Teachings of Jesus, it sort of works, for me at least. I'm trying to look for commonalities and historical continuity, with a lot less baggage. I like to travel light. But I remain in turmoil about all of the above. I don't think there is any easy way out of this mess. No one's really going to be happy, no matter what we do. It's sort of like 'choose your poison'. We're very hard to please, aren't we? I'm trying to be a New Age Protestant Catholic by engaging in heresy within the sacred walls of Roman Catholicism, if you know what I mean. They'd fire me in five minutes! Here is a beautiful Latin Mass Wedding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_F3XUAqDFk&feature=related Sometimes I think I should move to Paris, and attend various Parisian Roman Catholic Churches, and go to every single organ and choral concert. Then I might find a group of renegade Jesuits to hang-out with, and conspire against the Pope (in a nice way, of course!), in sort of a Neo-Hellfire Club! What would Benjamin Franklin say??? What would Francis Dashwood say??? What would the Pope say??? What would John Strugnell say? What would Lawrence Schiffman say??? Watch this, and find out!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92hyhBXLaWE Properly dealing with all of this, takes a lot of work. It takes more perspiration than inspiration! Enoy!

I'm afraid you may find my simple answers a bit boring, but I'm willing to throw some short thoughts out there

I surely don't dismiss religion, but as in everything, corruption sets in as self indulgence takes over those in power.

My view is that all religions hold some truth, but no one religion holds all truth.

I really suggest looking into Edgar Cayce. I think you'll be surprised at how his work ties together practically all aspects of life's purposes mentioned here at the Mists. According to his readings, as I understand it, Jesus was first known as an entity named Amilius who fulfilled his mission of being the first to perfect his soul development here in this dimension on earth through many life cycles. Starting with Adam and ending as the Christ.

My computer is running slower than constipation, and I think I know why. I once attended a couple of lectures by Charles Thomas Casey. I think he was a grandson of Edgar Casey. It was quite interesting, but I don't remember the details, and I'm not sure why I didn't pursue the work of Edgar Casey. I come from a somewhat suspicious and paranoid religious tradition, which might explain some of my reluctance to jump right in to something supernatural and spooky. I was attending a Whole Life Expo, and I was a bit overwhelmed by everything. I was also singing in four televised church services at the time, two on Saturday (Sabbath) and two on Sunday, so I was a bit overchurched, to say the least! How does one properly combine order, organization, and discipline with freedom and creativity? How does one properly avoid confusion and anarchy? There are probably seven billion different opinions regarding politics and religion, and how they should relate to each other, so do we need a super father or mother figure to bring order out of chaos? If we keep a certain few items constant, in a minimalist-traditionalist approach, can we then safely engage in a responsible and harmonious pluralism? If the center doesn't hold, we're pretty much screwed, aren't we? Would a Responsibility-Based United States of the Solar System be a center which would hold? My answer is that it would depend on what people infused this concept with. It could work, or it could fail. What are the psychological, ethical, political, and religious implications and ramifications of a Responsibility-Based United States of the Solar System? Would such a concept compete with the Roman Catholic Church and maybe China or Russia, or could there be a grand and glorious integration? I really don't know. Again, it would depend on what people brought to the table. I really don't favor a particular race, religion, or country. I really don't. I'm trying to be a watcher from a distance, and do that which is in EVERYONE'S BEST INTEREST. But does that sort of approach make EVERYONE UNHAPPY???

I enjoyed viewing the video on the Dead Sea Scrolls. I had forgotten that I have the first two books that Robert Eisenman mentions in his interview. One I have read and the other more important one still has to be looked at more intensively.

I first heard about the Essenes and the Dead Sea Scrolls thru the readings of Edgar Cayce years ago.

Edgar Cayce also had much to say about Jesus and the early Christian Church which I personally found quite useful.

I remember reading something that David Wilcock said. He mentioned that Edgar Cayce married religion and spirituality whereas he(David) married science and spirituality together.

Doesn't David Wilcock claim to be the reincarnation of Edgar Casey? http://www.amazon.com/Reincarnation-Edgar-Cayce-Interdimensional-Transformation/dp/1583940839

I'll have to at least look at what Edgar Cayce had to say about Jesus. I am presently placing a lot more weight on the Teachings of Jesus, than I am on the Historical Jesus. I am presently forming a very radical and heretical image of the Historical Jesus, which might bear little resemblance to the Jesus revealed in the Gospels. That Jesus might not have existed. I tend to think that the true image of Jesus has been badly defaced by the Gods of Eden, if you know what I mean. Just look at a dozen crucifixes to see what I'm hinting at. What is the best Cayce work concerning Jesus? BTW, Simplicity, have you heard of Galileo's Simplicio? I'd like to be like Sagredo, but I really am a Simplicio. What would Salviati say?

oxy: In actuality, EC didn't write anything. After he put himself into a self induced trance/sleep while lying down, he'd give readings. Then he was asked a question, and he'd give the answer as his Ooopsey recorded what was said. He never remembered what was said during those sessions.

So, the readings have since been studied and many books have been published interpreting from the readings. Some written by people who were personal friends and worked with him, including his two sons.

Two of them I've read that may help you on the subject of Jesus, are:
"Edgar Cayce and Christian Faith" by Lynn Elwell Sparrow

"Edgar Cayce's Story of Jesus" by Jeffrey Furst
"In addition to his labors on behalf of the physically afflicted, the world-renowned prophet and psychic, Edgar Cayce, in a state of self-induced sleep, gave a series of 2500 clairvoyant readings devoted to meta-physics, with reincarnation as their central theme."

They can be found at Amazon for a buck or two.

You may want to read them before you draw your final conclusions as to Jesus' physical existence.
May I ask what your interpretation of the purpose of the crucifixion was?

BTW, Simplicity, have you heard of Galileo's Simplicio? I'd like to be
like Sagredo, but I really am a Simplicio. What would Salviati say?

Simplicity says you're more like Sagredo

Thank-you for the information. The following is just a current theory of mine. I speculate a lot. I somehow think that in antiquity, Michael/Jesus was instrumental in the intelligent design and genetic engineering of male and female human beings, and that this was considered to be the original and unpardonable sin in a reptilian universe. Then, this rebellion was put-down by the Old World Order. At some point Michael/Jesus tried to take back the solar system with a New World Order, which was quickly put-down. At some point, a Counterfeit New World Order came into existence, and battled with the Old World Order. I think Michael/Jesus has largely been disempowered for a very long time. I'm hoping that a New Solar System will replace both the Old World Order and the New World Order. I have tried to approximate what I think the New Solar System might be like, by hypothetically creating a Theocratically-Implemented, Responsibility-Based, United States of the Solar System. Back to your question, the crucifixion might've originally occurred in ancient Atlantis, Babylon, or Egypt, simply as a punishment, with Jesus as a Sinner in the Hands of an Angry God. Then, the story was later modified into the version we are taught in the churches. The crucifixion is essentially a human-sacrifice, and the eucharist is essentially cannibalism, especially when the doctrine of transubstantiation is taken literally and seriously. The substitutionary atonement promises that we can be considered as being good, even if we continue to be bad. I agree with Bernard Shaw, that the substitutionary atonement is unethical. I think we simply must be good, which means we must be responsible, and make the problems of others, our problems. We really are our brother's and sister's keepers. A human sacrifice and cannibalism (symbolic or literal) will not get us off the hook with a legitimate deity. But we might be dealing with regressive and vengeful deities, who use God's name in vain, to punish and enslave us. Read 'The God's of Eden' by William Bramley, 'The Great Controversy' by Ellen White, and 'Rule by Secrecy' by Jim Marrs, as evidence for this hypothesis. Crucifixes do not honor Jesus Christ. They are hideous, and most of them should be removed. Obviously, stained-glass windows, and such, should be left alone, as works of art, and integral parts of existing buildings. Anyway, the Teachings of Jesus emphasize being ethical and righteous. The writings of Paul promote the substitutionary atonement, and many consider Paul to be a heretic against the message of Christ. Paul did not follow the Great Commission in Matthew 28. He started an essentially new religion, which was not based upon the Teachings of Jesus. As far as I can tell, no church in 2,000 years has followed the Teachings of Jesus as it's doctrinal statement, and rule of faith and practice. I'd love to be proven wrong, but no one seems to wish to talk to me, regardless of whether they agree with me, or not. No one really seems to give a damn. I have also seen the little white amoeba-like lights pass between me and the computer screen today. I know someone hates me, but at least they are interested in what I'm doing. I think this thing is really nasty and bitter, and I don't think I know 5% of what has really gone on for thousands and even millions of years. I have no animosity presently, but if I knew the full story, I might start applying the war-paint and beating the drums of war! Unfortunately, we're not dealing with sticks and stones anymore. We're dealing with planet-busting WMD's. So, I will continue to attempt to be a neutral pacifist, rather than a war monger. The regressives would probably kick my @$$ anyway!!!!

Thank-you for the attention. I like to talk under certain circumstances, but I'm a dud at a party. I am definitely not a party animal, at this point, but who knows what the future holds? I just think people need to become lifelong researchers, and speak in responsive, rather than reactionary, ways. Unfortunately, I've come to the sad conclusion, that the best conversations I engage in, are with myself, or imaginary conversations with various speakers, actors, actresses, or authors. It's really quite strange. I'm not good at small-talk at all. I prefer communicating with people on the internet, as impersonal as that is. I need to get out more...

Thank-you Simplicity. This supports my bias toward a Reincarnating Archangel Hypothesis. Archangel Michael has been identified by some as being Jesus Christ, and some call Jesus the Second Adam. We might be surprised, in pleasant and unpleasant ways, who Michael/Jesus has been. Ralph Ellis thinks that Jesus was the Last Egyptian Pharaoh. I think Ancient Egypt is very important regarding the study of Jesus. Perhaps the Quest of the Historical Jesus should morph into the Quest of the Historical Archangel Michael, and I'm not referring to the New Age Michael phenomenon. The Reincarnation of Archangels Gabriel and Lucifer are also of very great interest to me. I think this whole history was carefully hidden for rather sinister reasons. But this is just my intuitive bias, and the subject is in need of further study, to say the least! A theologian once asked me 'Who is Melchizedek?' I didn't really know. I was a mere youth. Some have stated that Melchizedek was Jesus. Some have stated that Jesus was instrumental in the creation of the Human Race. Some have stated that Jesus has been promoting and defending the Human Race for thousands of years. I tend to think that Jesus has been with the Human Race, right from the beginning, and never left. So the Second Coming of Christ might not go down as a lot of people would like it to, which makes me think that at least one or two Counterfeit Second Comings will be attempted. The real Jesus might not wish to play ball with those who have everything all figured-out. Many of His professed followers might end up hating Him in the end, when He doesn't do things their way...

orthodoxymoron wrote:Thank-you Simplicity. This supports my bias toward a Reincarnating Archangel Hypothesis. Archangel Michael has been identified by some as being Jesus Christ, and some call Jesus the Second Adam. We might be surprised, in pleasant and unpleasant ways, who Michael/Jesus has been.

I'm not sure about the connection with Michael, as I haven't read anything about it. I'm not sure that angels have souls like ours, do they?

Ralph Ellis thinks that Jesus was the Last Egyptian Pharaoh. I think Ancient Egypt is very important regarding the study of Jesus. Perhaps the Quest of the Historical Jesus should morph into the Quest of the Historical Archangel Michael, and I'm not referring to the New Age Michael phenomenon. The Reincarnation of Archangels Gabriel and Lucifer are also of very great interest to me. I think this whole history was carefully hidden for rather sinister reasons. But this is just my intuitive bias, and the subject is in need of further study, to say the least!

Yes, ancient Egypt is very important. Many of Atlantis' immigrants went there before the entire destruction came.
Egypt has been determined....."as the center of the universal activities of nature, as well as of the spiritual forces; and where there might be the least disturbances by convulsive movements which came about in the earth through the destruction of Lemuria, Atlantis, and--in later periods--The Flood."

Cayce is said to have been the previous entity Ra-Ta who was instrumental in building the pyramids, along with Hermes who may have been Jesus.

A theologian once asked me 'Who is Melchizedek?' I didn't really know. I was a mere youth. Some have stated that Melchizedek was Jesus. Some have stated that Jesus was instrumental in the creation of the Human Race. Some have stated that Jesus has been promoting and defending the Human Race for thousands of years. I tend to think that Jesus has been with the Human Race, right from the beginning, and never left.

This does line up with the EC readings. In Atlantis, he was Amilius, who brought the "Law of One". The opposition were sometimes referred to as the "Sons of Belial" . They, of course, chose not to follow the Law of One and were/are dedicated to carry out rebellion.

"...in the Atlantean land before Adam, a timekeeper for those who were called "things' or workers of the people--the entity felt need of change or reform so that every individual would have he right of choice of freedom--felt desire to improve conditions for the workers--felt need of God's hand in what evil had brought in the earth. (5249-1)

So the Second Coming of Christ might not go down as a lot of people would like it to, (I think not, too )which makes me think that at least one or two Counterfeit Second Comings will be attempted. (I'll have to brush up on this) The real Jesus might not wish to play ball with those who have everything all figured-out. Many of His professed followers might end up hating Him in the end, when He doesn't do things their way...

That's entirely scriptural

I'm suggesting the possibility that an angel is a soul, which would make all of us angels in human form. Might angels in human form be considered to be 'Fallen Angels', or angels who have fallen into physicality? I once read a passage in a book, which read 'demons in human form, sitting in church pews'. Isn't that creepy?! I feel an overwhelming need to read 'The Law of One'. What do you think about "I Am Ra" being repeated throughout the 'Law of One'? How would you feel if someone looked you straight in the eye, and said "I Am Ra"? Was there a significant controversy and rebellion connected with 'The Law of One'? I'm waiting to hear from another forum member regarding 'The Law of One'. But really, I am so burned-out and disgusted with everything, that I might not be back. I've pretty much had it...

This is an amazing interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVwKKsvtdag&feature=player_embedded All roads really do lead to Rome, and I continue to think that everything we discuss should be viewed from the Roman context. I continue to imagine myself as being a well-connected Renegade French Jesuit Organist. I continue to love the artistic aspects of Rome, but the history, theology, and politics are horrible, and I'm sure that most upper-level and well-informed Roman Catholics know this, but they have a Dragon by the Tail, and they are probably terrified of what might happen if they let go. As the general public finds out about all of this, things could get very, very nasty. I'm interested in this area of research, but it scares the hell out of me. I'm trying to be open and fair in all of this, and I'm trying to look at both the positive and negatives in all of this. All roads lead to Rome, but where did all of these roads originate?

My present working assumption is that the solar system probably contains thousands of unconventional craft, including asteroid and moon spacecraft, which might be friendly or unfriendly toward the human race. I get the feeling that this solar system is like the wild, wild west -- and that we might be facing a showdown at the ok corral. I certainly do not desire peace at any price, nor do I desire to end-up as space-dust. What would Anna Hayes say? I'd still like to hang-out on Phobos for a while, regardless of whether it is populated by friend or foe. But I would have to have a solid guarantee that I wouldn't be harmed or kidnapped. I still like the idea of a Theocratically-Implemented, Responsibility-Based, United States of the Solar System -- with the governmental personnel mostly located within the University of Solar System Studies and Governance campuses throughout the solar system. I've spoken of using a deconsecrated cathedral as the headquarters of a New Solar System, so just for the fun of it, today I'm thinking of either the Crystal Cathedral or St. Mary's Cathedral (or both!!) as being the headquarters, with the University of California system serving as the core of the University of Solar System Studies and Governance system. Again, this is just for the conceptual heck of it. This is a test. This is only a test. And yes, I realize that I am insane, but it's more fun that way! The UC system has solid ties to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. I don't wish to reinvent the wheel. I just wish to have 10,000 PhD's with clipboards and safety-goggles, watching it rotate... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_California