Archive for June, 2012

TW, Guido Westerwelle, HWA, and Alan Greenspan on Europe’s Future

Saturday, June 30th, 2012


Guido Westerwelle

COGwriter

Notice the following from the latest TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God:

“10 countries for a United States of Europe”– so read a headline last week in Presseurope. “Ten EU foreign ministers participating in a ‘study group for the future of Europe’ aim to exert pressure to transform the EU into a federation along the lines of the US. Together they have prepared what the front-page headline in Die Presse describes as a ‘Plan for transformation into a European state'” (Presseurope, June 20, 2012). This plan is to be presented at the EU summit at the end of June.

The “study group,” formed by German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle, “proposes to put an end to the dominance of national government leaders and give greater authority to the European Commission–in particular the European Commission president, who will be elected by universal suffrage and granted the right to form a ‘governmental team’, making him or her the most powerful politician in Europe” (ibid) (emphasis ours). “National competencies, most notably the management of borders, defence and public spending will be transferred to the federation, ‘making membership of the euro irreversible'” (ibid).

What will Europe look like as it undergoes its metamorphosis and the “experiment” takes on a new shape? Writing almost 2,000 years ago, the Apostle John was given a vision of an end-time European Beast power. This power will consist of ten kings or kingdoms (possibly nations) that “have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.” They will be of “one mind,” and “will give their power and authority to the beast” (Revelation 17:7-13). These ten are the same as the ten toes spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Daniel 2:33, 41-43).

It is not surprising that these ancient prophecies are coming alive today before our eyes. When Daniel explained the dream that God gave to Nebuchadnezzar, he said “The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure” (v. 45)!

For more on this exciting topic, be sure to review our free booklet The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor, or Coming Reality?

In the December 1948 issue of The Plain Truth Herbert W. Armstrong predicted a coming “United States of Europe” when he wrote:

It was the SERMON that shot forth that spark, impregnating the minds of world leaders in attendance. This amazing sermon was delivered by a foremost radio speaker of the Catholic Church, Bishop Duane G. Hunt of Salt Lake City…Without the guidance, supervision, authority of the Catholic Church, he told these men, they were laboring in vain…

This was the Roman Catholic bid to resurrect the so-called “HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE” ! And PROPHECY says they will succeed!…At the psychological time, the pope will step in… Thru this political movement, he will UNIFY…nations in Europe. It will be a “The UNITED STATES OF EUROPE,” but that probably will never become its official name.  (Armstrong HW. Now It Can Be Told…The Plain Truth,December 1948, pp. 2,5).

Notice also something else Herbert Armstrong wrote:

“And in the days of these kings…”–it is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7, and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE that is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of TEN KINGS OR KINGDOMS that (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the old ROMAN EMPIRE. So, mark carefully the time element! “In the days of these kings”–in the days of these then nations or groups of nations that shall, IN OUR TIME, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire… (The members of the European Common Market are probably not the same ten that will resurrect the Holy Roman Empire.) (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages. Dood, Mead & Company, New York, 1985, pp. 301,302-303)

These ten nations, or groups of nations, comprising the modern revived Beast, are to fight Christ at His coming. This shows the time for the fulfillment of this prophecy…Remember that there must be TEN NATIONS or groups of nations to comprise the final resurrection of the modern “Holy Roman Empire”! (AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE. LESSON 32 (1963, 1965, 1967, 1969)

So, back as far as at least 1969, those of us in the Church of God did not limit the final coming European power to the ten nations that were in the old European Common Market. Since Revelation 17:12 says the kings of Europe did not have a kingdom until that time, this suggests some type of restructure in Europe needs to happen before the Beast truly rises up. The European power could contain a lot of nations.

Former head of the US Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan commented on Europe’s future this week:

 “The only solution to the European crisis is political consolidation of Europe. I think we’re gradually moving in that direction; in fact I know we are,” Greenspan, 86, said in the interview. “The only issue is, will we ever reach that?”  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-29/greenspan-says-europe-like-a-leaking-boat-with-holes.html

Well, the biblical answer to Alan Greenspan’s question is a resounding yes.  The Bible clearly teaches that a restructuring of Europe will take place:

11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.  (Revelation 17:11-13)

The formation of the final Beast power of Revelation 13 & 17 is stirring in Europe and will likely be dominated by Germany (cf. Isaiah 10:5-8). More and more news items support this. And biblically, it will come to pass. And to the detriment of the UK and its Anglo-descended allies like the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

For details on those prophecies, check out the following:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

Egypt’s ‘First Islamist President’ Takes Office

Saturday, June 30th, 2012

Mohamed Morsi (Photo by Mohammed Bin Abdullah)

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsi (sometimes spelled Mursi or Morsy in English) has now taken his oath of office:

By Alistair Lyon and Yasmine Saleh

CAIRO | Sat Jun 30, 2012

(Reuters) – Egypt’s first Islamist president, Mohamed Mursi, was sworn in on Saturday, propelling his Muslim Brotherhood into power after 84 years of struggle, although the military remains determined to call the shots.

Immediately after swearing his oath, he said a civil, national, constitutional and modern state was “born today”.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/30/us-egypt-politics-idUSBRE85S0JP20120630

What kind of “state” does Dr. Morsi want?  Notice:

Dr. Mohamed Morsi, candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood and its political arm the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) for the presidency, said that the party and the group have great confidence in the Egyptian people’s awareness and enlightenment, and that they shall willingly and jealously rally around the Renaissance Project…

Dr. Morsi said…“Needless to say, currently, the candidate of the FJP and the Muslim Brotherhood is the only contender who offers a clearly Islamic project.” http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=29910

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?…

“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law. (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

Note: I have tended to use the spelling Morsi, instead of Mursi, as the website quoted above was under the direction of Dr. Morsi for some time and presumably he knew how he wanted his name spelled in English.

Anyway, the final Islamic Caliphate will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to the tip of the Arab Peninsula and perhaps extending to Afghanistan, with possible coordination with Pakistan and/or Indonesia. (plus or minus).

And how has the website of the Muslim Brotherhood, under Dr. Morsi’s leadership, tended to view the United States? Notice:

What is its stance toward Israel and the U.S.?

Unremittingly negative. In past decades, the group had a blatantly anti-Semitic agenda, translating Hitler’s Mein Kampf and the forged Protocols of the Elders of Zion into Arabic and disseminating them to foment hatred of the Jews. More recently, it has contented itself with railing against “U.S. and Zionist domination.” (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/25/2011)

The Bible tells the rise of a leader of a confederation that seems to be based south of Jerusalem. Likely one composed of nations in North Africa, the Middle East, and perhaps the Near East. The main leader of the King of the South could be Egyptian:

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (Daniel 11:40-42).

1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:”Wail, ‘Woe to the day!’ 3 For the day is near,Even the day of the Lord is near;It will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles. 4 The sword shall come upon Egypt,And great anguish shall be in Ethiopia,When the slain fall in Egypt,And they take away her wealth,And her foundations are broken down. 5 “Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword.” (Ezekiel 30:1-5)

Ezekiel 30:1-5 is discussing an Arabic confederation that supports Egypt before the Day of the Lord that will not do well. This is further support that the Egyptians will most likely have significant involvement with the king of the South (as does the fact their land does not escape the wrath of the King of the North). And while Dr. Morsi may not be the one who will the final King of the South, the group he is associated with would certainly be expected to support that type of Islamic confederation.

Moderates in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world beware. The King of the South will form despite any assurances by Dr. Morsi hinting the contrary.

The Muslim Brotherhood was originally established in Egypt and seems to have the most adherents currently there (though it has branches in most of the Arab nations, if not all of them) and has made major political inroads in Egypt (as well as Gaza, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and elsewhere).

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up. One who Arabs would tend to respect–who might use or not use the title Imam Mahdi or Grand Mufti or Caliph (he could perhaps use a version one or more of those titles, with perhaps other ones with more of a modern political sound)–he is likely to have title more than simply “president” (though that could be used along perhaps with a religious title). The time may be now for him to start to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups may play an important role.

Last Fall:

Tunisia’s first democratically elected prime minister has alarmed liberals and secularists by claiming the arrival of the “sixth caliphate”, a controversial term for a Muslim empire.

That individual is part of a Muslim Brotherhood-related group.  Now, we also have the new President of Egypt advocating that a new state was “born today.”  Over time, Egypt will be in confederation with a group of nations including Tunisia and others.  And it will be a type of Islamist Empire (historically called a caliphate).

Events supporting the rise of the final King of the South are happening. Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

UNESCO Makes Declaration on ‘The Church of the Nativity,’ But Was Jesus Born There?

Friday, June 29th, 2012
Place of Jesus Birth?

Representation of Cave Grotto, Vatican City, January 2010


COGwriter

The United Nations is now involved with the site in Bethlehem commonly known as the “Church of the Nativity”:

June 29, 2012

UNESCO designates Church of the Nativity as endangered site

The Palestinians on Friday persuaded the U.N. cultural agency to list the Church of the Nativity — the place where Christians believe Jesus was born — as an endangered World Heritage site despite misgivings by churches in charge of the basilica.

The Palestinians hailed the nod by UNESCO as a step forward in their quest for global recognition of an independent Palestine in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967.

UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.  UNESCO tends to support, and/ or tries to protect, certain historical sites, cultural sites, etc. around the world.

While some consider the above designation to be part of a Palestinian political plan, my focus here will be different.

Was Jesus born in the cave at the “Church of the Nativity”?

If not, where is it likely that the idea of being born in a cave came from?

The Bible contains some information about the place of Jesus’ birth:

1…Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king…(Matthew 2:1, NKJV throughout)

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-7)

Whether Jesus was born in a building for humans and then moved to a manger is not specified. But what is specified is that he was laid in a manger, which is a place that fodder (like hay) was placed to feed livestock such as cattle and sheep.

This was fulfilled in the New Testament:

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.'”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-11)

From this account we learn that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Furthermore, when the wise men visited Jesus, He was NOT in a manger nor a cave, but instead was in a house.

Despite the fact that the wise men came to a house, over a thousand years ago, the spot related to this grotto showed the wise men depicted in the church there:

The Church survived the Persian invasion of 614, when all the other churches of the Holy Land were destroyed, because a mosaic over the main door, now gone, showed the Wise Men dressed as Persians – which, of course, they were. (Mander P. The Church of the Nativity – the oldest church in the world. Copyright © 2010 St Mary-On-The-Rock, Ellon. http://www.stmarystjames.org.uk/the-holy-land/14-holy-land-information/69-the-church-of-the-nativity viewed 02/27/10).

The wise men may or may not have been Persian (the Bible simply states that they were from “the East”). But they did not come to a cave or grotto to see baby Jesus–they came to a house. And a house that was apparently in, not outside of, Bethlehem.

Justin Martyr Believed that Jesus Was Born in a Cave

While the Gospel accounts do not so specify, Justin Martyr (and the group that he apparently supported) believed that Jesus was born in a cave. It may be interesting to note that since Mithras was believed to have been born out of a rock/cavern (Ulansey D. The origins of the Mithraic mysteries: cosmology and salvation in the ancient world. Oxford University Press US, 1991, p. 36), Justin actually claimed that the followers of Mithras got this from Isaiah.

Notice what Justin taught:

And when those who record the mysteries of Mithras say that he was begotten of a rock, and call the place where those who believe in him are initiated a cave…they have attempted likewise to imitate the whole of Isaiah’s words?…’he shall dwell in the lofty cave of the strong rock. Bread shall be given to him, and his water [shall be] sure…’…

But when the Child was born in Bethlehem, since Joseph could not find a lodging in that village, he took up his quarters in a certain cave near the village; and while they were there Mary brought forth the Christ and placed Him in a manger, and here the Magi who came from Arabia found Him. I have repeated to you what Isaiah foretold about the sign which foreshadowed the cave… Then I repeated the passage from Isaiah which I have already written, adding that, by means of those words, those who presided over the mysteries of Mithras were stirred up by the devil to say that in a place, called among them a cave, they were initiated by him (Justin. Dialogue with Trypho, Chapters LXX and LXXVIII).

Justin is confused here–no birth is discussed in the passages of Isaiah that Justin referred to. Justin is apparently claiming that the devil read Isaiah, and thus had the followers of Mithras claim that Mithras came from a cave. Justin’s reference to Isaiah 33:16 does not in any way point to the birth of Jesus in a cave (it actually appears to be a reference to God’s promise to protect His most faithful in the time of the end, see There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra). This should be obvious because the context in Isaiah is plural (not unique to Jesus) as the expression “who among us” (Isaiah 33:14, KJV) is a discussion of the plural.

Furthermore, while Roman Catholics (and others) still sometimes claim Jesus was born in a cave below ground, even the Douay OT translates a portion of Isaiah 33:16 as “He shall dwell on high, the fortifications of rocks shall be his highness”, which eliminates the idea that this passage is discussing a below ground cave.

It would seem that Justin had been earlier (and unknowingly) been influenced by one who had exposure to Mithraism and Justin was looking for justification of a position that someone had told him (which he had believed). Justin was apparently trying to claim that the followers of Mithras claimed a cave because of Isaiah–yet his use of that text does not support this position. Also, as Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1), and simply being near it, as Justin claims, seems to be in conflict with scripture.

It strongly appears that Justin’s initial exposures to “Christianity” came from some who had a distant tie to Mithraism as Justin often claims as “Christian” beliefs that are not found in the Bible (the Bible nowhere, for example, states that Jesus was born in a cave), but instead have a basis in Mithraism. And several of his Mithraic-related beliefs ended up being accepted by the Greco-Roman churches (for more details, please see the article Do You Practice Mithraism?).

Interestingly, The Catholic Encyclopedia even states the following about that writing of Justin’s:

In both “Apologies” and in his “Dialogue” he gives many personal details, e.g. about his studies in philosophy and his conversion; they are not, however, an autobiography, but are partly idealized…his “Dialogue with the Jew Tryphon”…This account cannot be taken too literally; the facts seem to be arranged with a view…This interview is evidently not described exactly as it took place, and yet the account cannot be wholly fictitious.

Hence, even The Catholic Encyclopedia suggests that there are intentional accuracies in Justin’s writings–so they should not rely on them (see also Justin Martyr: Saint, Heretic, or Apostate?).

Yet, The Catholic Encyclopedia even cites Justin’s statements for partial “proof” of the speculation of a cave birth:

About 150 we find St. Justin Martyr referring (Dialogue with Trypho 78) to the Savior’s birth as having taken place in a cave near the village of Bethlehem ; such cave stables are not rare in Palestine. (Cf. Massie in Hast., Dict. of the Bible, III, 234; Expository Times, May, 1903, 384; Bonaccorsi, “Il Natale”, Rome, 1903, 16-20.) The tradition of the birth in a cave was widely accepted…It is reproduced also in the apocryphal gospels (Pseudo-Matt., xiii…) (Arbez, Edward. Bethlehem. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 2. Nihil Obstat. 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 26 Dec. 2009 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02533a.htm>).

It is disappointing that the Church of Rome actually refers to Justin’s statements (which have to be referring to an above ground cave) as partial proof that Helena picked the correct location with the “grotto of the nativity”. It also should be pointed out that Justin’s location is interpreted to have Jesus born near Bethlehem–but the Bible says Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1).

Since “Pseudo-Matthew” (a false, non-authentic gospel) was cited as proof of the tradition, perhaps it should be quoted below:

When, therefore, Joseph and the blessed Mary were going along the road which leads to Bethlehem, Mary said to Joseph: I see two peoples before me, the one weeping, and the other rejoicing. And Joseph answered: Sit still on thy beast, and do not speak superfluous words. Then there appeared before them a beautiful boy, clothed in white raiment, who-said to Joseph: Why didst thou say that the words which Mary spoke about the two peoples were superfluous? For she saw the people of the Jews weeping, because they have departed from their God; and the people of the Gentiles rejoicing, because they have now been added and made near to the Lord, according to that which He promised to our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for the time is at hand when in the seed of Abraham all nations shall be blessed.

And when he had thus said, the angel ordered the beast to stand, for the time when she should bring forth was at hand; and he commanded the blessed Mary to come down off the animal, and go into a recess under a cavern, in which there never was light, but always darkness, because the light of day could not reach it. And when the blessed Mary had gone into it, it began to shine with as much brightness as if it were the sixth hour of the day. (Pseudo-Matthew, Chapter 13. THE GNOSTIC SOCIETY LIBRARY. http://www.gnosis.org/library/psudomat.htm viewed 02/27/10 )

Notice that in this cave account, Mary had to get off the animal and go into a cave that never had light. This would not be case if it was a cave that had a manger. There would have to have been light to get the animals in it, put the fodder in the manger, get the animals out, etc. No one would have put a manger in an area that no light could ever get to. Thus, this “tradition” does not seem to make logical sense as proof of a cave birth. Catholics should not realy on false gospel accounts for proof of a cave birth.

The Protoevangelium of James (another false account, apparently from the mid-second century) also claims a cave birth and is similar to the prior account:

Mary , how is it that I see in your face at one time laughter, at another sorrow? And Mary said to Joseph : Because I see two peoples with my eyes; the one weeping and lamenting, and the other rejoicing and exulting. And they came into the middle of the road, and Mary said to him: Take me down from off the {donkey}, for that which is in me presses to come forth. And he took her down from off the {donkey}, and said to her: Whither shall I lead you, and cover your disgrace? For the place is desert. And he found a cave there, and led her into it; and leaving his two sons beside her, he went out to seek a midwife in the district of Bethlehem…

And Joseph said to her: Come and see. And the midwife went away with him. And they stood in the place of the cave, and behold a luminous cloud overshadowed the cave. And the midwife said: My soul has been magnified this day, because my eyes have seen strange things— because salvation has been brought forth to Israel. And immediately the cloud disappeared out of the cave, and a great light shone in the cave, so that the eyes could not bear it. And in a little that light gradually decreased, until the infant appeared, and went and took the breast from His mother Mary…

And, behold, Joseph was ready to go into Judæa. And there was a great commotion in Bethlehem of Judæa, for Magi came…And the Magi went out. And, behold, the star which they had seen in the east went before them until they came to the cave, and it stood over the top of the cave. And the Magi saw the infant with His mother Mary; and they brought forth from their bag gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (The Protoevangelium of James, Chapters 17,18,19,21. Translated by Alexander Walker. The term “donkey” substituted for prior term. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 8. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm> viewed 02/27/10.)

This account is not mentioned in the Bible and suggests that Mary gave birth in a desert. It also contradicts scripture by claiming that the wise men (Magi) came to a cave as opposed to a house. Again, another cave birth account that should not be considered to be as a reliable tradition.

Origen Taught Jesus Was to be Born in Bethlehem by Scripture and That by Tradition the Birth was in a Cave

Concerning the birth of Jesus, Origen (late second/early third century) taught:

Now the Scripture speaks, respecting the place of the Saviour’s birth— that the Ruler was to come forth from Bethlehem— in the following manner: “And you Bethlehem, house of Ephrata, are not the least among the thousands of Judah: for out of you shall He come forth unto Me who is to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth have been of old, from everlasting.” (Origen. Contra Celsus, Book I, Chapter 51. Translated by Frederick Crombie. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 4. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/04161.htm> viewed 02/27/10)

And the above is basically correct.

However Origen then seems to credit tradition for a cave location:

…there is shown at Bethlehem the cave where He was born, and the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling-clothes. And this sight is greatly talked of in surrounding places (Ibid).

If this was the same cave of Justin and Helena, this would be a problem since that cave was not technically in old Bethlehem. Thus, the tradition could not be correct.

The fact that Origen was expelled by the bishop of Alexandria in 231 A.D. and “two councils were held at Alexandria, one of which pronounced a decree of banishment against Origen while the other deposed him from the priesthood”, plus the fact that certain of his teachings were condemned in the sixth century (see Prat, Ferdinand. “Origen and Origenism.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 11. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 28 Feb. 2010 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11306b.htm) by the Catholics should give them further pause to rely of his account that there really was a cave location for Jesus’ birth.

Helena Selects a Below Ground Cave as the Site of Jesus’ Birth

While Justin was aware of Mithras legends of a cave birth, those who were part of the Mithras religion were perhaps even more aware of it.

Therefore, it should be of little surprise that in the fourth century, the mother of the Mithras-following Emperor Constantine in 326-327 A.D. authorized the construction of the so-called “Church of the Nativity” over a 20 feet below ground cave location (Herring G. An introduction to the history of Christianity: from the early church to the Enlightenment. Continuum International Publishing Group, 2006, p. 54; Kitto J, Taylor J. The popular cyclopadia of Biblical literature: condensed from the larger work. Gould and Lincoln, 1854. Original from Harvard University, Digitized Oct 23, 2007, p. 150 ).

Because of its steepness and depth, this is a location that would be basically impossible for cattle and/or sheep to be able to be herded in and out of.

Here is more information about it:

Bethlehem…At the farthest extremity of the town is the Latin convent, connected with which is the Church of the Nativity, said to have been built by the empress Helena. It has suffered much from time, but still bears manifest traces of its Grecian origin; and is alleged to be the most chaste architectural building now remaining In Palestine. Two spiral staircases lead to the cave “called the ‘Grotto of the Nativity,’ which is about 20 feet below the level of the church. This cave is lined with Italian marbles, and is lighted by numerous lamps. Here the pilgrim is conducted with due solemnity to a star inlaid in the marble, marking the exact spot where the Saviour was born, and corresponding to that in the firmament occupied by the meteor which intimated that great event; he is then led to one of the sides, where, in a kind of recess, a little below the level of the rest of the floor, is a block of white marble, hollowed out in the form of a manger, and said to mark the place of the one in which the infant Jesus was laid…

There has been much controversy respecting the claims of this grotto to he regarded as the place in which our Lord was born. Tradition is in its favour, but facts and probabilities are against it…Against tradition, whatever may be its value in the present case, we have to place the utter improbability that a subterranean cavern like this, with a steep descent should ever have been used as a stable for cattle, and, what is more, for the stable of a khan or caravanserai, which doubtless the ‘inn’ of Luke ii. 7 was. Although therefore it is true that cattle are, and always have been, stabled in caverns in the East; yet certainly not in such caverns as this, which appears to have been originally a tomb. Old empty tombs often, it is argued, afford shelter to man and cattle; but such was not the case among the Jews, who held themselves ceremonially defiled by contact with sepulchres, besides, the circumstance of Christ’s having been born in a cave would not have been less remarkable than his being laid in a manger, and was more likely to have been noticed by the Evangelist, if it had occurred: and it is also to be observed that the present grotto is at some distance from the town, whereas Christ appears to have been born in the town, and whatever may be the case in the open country, it has never been usual in towns to employ caverns as stable for cattle. (Kitto J, Taylor J, p. 150)

Since the below ground grotto is not a place that a real manger would be located, it could not be the place of Jesus’ birth.

According to Jerome, this particular cave was once a place where “lamentation was made for the paramour of Venus”:

Even my own Bethlehem, as it now is, that most venerable spot in the whole world of which the psalmist sings: the truth has sprung out of the earth, was overshadowed by a grove of Tammuz , that is of Adonis ; and in the very cave where the infant Christ had uttered His earliest cry lamentation was made for the paramour of Venus. (Jerome. Letters of St. Jerome, Letter 58, to Paulinus, Chapter 3. Translated by W.H. Fremantle, G. Lewis and W.G. Martley. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 6. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1893.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3001058.htm> viewed 02/26/10).

The Bible is clear that God was not impressed when the children of Israel engaged in ceremonies for Tammuz; the God of the Bible considered it to be an abomination (Ezekiel 8:13-14). Tammuz was a Babylonian god which later became called the Greek god Adonis. Some have argued that Hadrian placed the Adonis statue there to defile the place of Christ’s birth, and while that may have been Hadrian’s intent, it seems odd that a subterranean cave located outside of old Bethlehem could possibly have been the place of Christ’s birth. Cave locations clearly had non-biblical connections and that may be why this one was selected as the nativity spot.

Interestingly, The Catholic Encyclopedia admits that other grotto locations are likely and that perhaps even Jerome was aware of it:

Other grottoes to the north and north-west connected with that of the Nativity are associated, mostly by recent traditions (c. fifteenth century), with the narratives of Matthew 2, mainly, and with the memory of the great scholar St. Jerome and his company of pious and learned friends (Sanders, Etudes sur S. Jérome, Paris, 1903, 29f.). (Arbez, Edward. Bethlehem)

However, again notice that it is really only tradition (and not scripture itself) that is the basis for those claiming a cave location. The appeal to Matthew 2:1 only proves that the location needed to be in Bethlehem, not a cave. The idea that Jesus was born in a cave simply is based upon tradition and does not come from the Bible.

Does December 25th have a relationship to a cave?

There are at least two pagan traditions that tie December 25th in with caves.

One had to do with the founding of Rome and the observance of Saturnalia:

The church where the tradition of celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 may have begun was built near a pagan shrine as part of an effort to spread Christianity, a leading Italian scholar says.

Italian archaeologists last month revealed an underground grotto that they believe ancient Romans revered as the place where a wolf nursed Rome’s legendary founder, Romulus, and his twin brother, Remus. A few feet from the grotto, or “Lupercale,” the Emperor Constantine built the Basilica of St. Anastasia, where some believe Christmas was first celebrated on Dec. 25…

It opted to mark Christmas, then celebrated at varying dates, on Dec. 25 to coincide with the Roman festival celebrating the birth of the sun god, Andrea Carandini, a professor of archaeology at Rome’s La Sapienza University, told reporters Friday. The Basilica of St. Anastasia was built as soon as a year after the Nicaean Council. It probably was where Christmas was first marked on Dec. 25, part of broader efforts to link pagan practices to Christian celebrations in the early days of the new religion, Mr. Carandini said. “The church was built to Christianize these pagan places of worship,” he said. “It was normal to put a church near these places to try to ‘save’ them.” Rome’s archaeological superintendent, Angelo Bottini, who did not take part in Mr. Carandini’s research, said that hypothesis was “evocative and coherent” and “helps us understand the mechanisms of the passage from paganism to Christianity.” (Scholars link 1st yule church to pagan shrine. Washington Times – Dec 23, 2007 ROME (AP). http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071223/FOREIGN/924350661/1001 viewed 12/24/07).

The other had to do with the birth of Mithras. Mithras (sometimes spelled Mithra) was a sun-god. Mithraism seemed to enter the Roman Empire about a century before Jesus was crucified. Mithras was believed to have been born out of a rock in an “underground cavern” (Ulansey D. The origins of the Mithraic mysteries: cosmology and salvation in the ancient world. Oxford University Press US, 1991, p. 36).

And notice the connection between Mithras and December 25th according to The Catholic Encyclopedia:

Helios Mithras is one god…Sunday was kept holy in honour of Mithra…The 25 December was observed as his birthday, the natalis invicti, the rebirth of the winter-sun, unconquered by the rigours of the season. (Arendzen J.P. Transcribed by John Looby. Mithraism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Published 1911. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York )

Thus two pagan events were celebrated on December 25th that related to caves. Christmas was a relatively late development in the Roman church:

Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church (Martindale C. Transcribed by Susanti A. Suastika. Christmas. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

In 354 A.D., Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered the people to celebrate on December 25. He probably chose this date because the people of Rome already observed it as the Feast of Saturn, celebrating the birthday of the sun (Sechrist E.H. Christmas. World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 3. Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, Chicago, 1966, pp. 408-417).

The December 25th date was adopted apparently because the Greco-Roman church was filled with people who did not care that this was the Saturnalias/Mithra birthday (see also Do You Practice Mithraism?), so calling it by the name of Christ somehow was believed to make the sun rebirth activities more acceptable.

This is the most likely reason why a cave location is believed by many to be the birth of Jesus.

Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity?

The idea that Jesus was born in a cave seems to be unbiblical. Consider the following:

  1. The Bible teaches that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1).
  2. Baby Jesus was laid in a manger (Luke 2:7).
  3. The early “traditions” that Jesus was born in a cave all come from heretical sources.
  4. A manger location 20 feet below the ground down a steep passage is not possibly a place that animals were brought in and out of.
  5. One or more pagan deities were worshipped that allegedly came from caves.
  6. Pagan celebrations involving December 25th existed prior to Christ, and even Greco-Romans did not observe that date until probably the fourth century.
  7. The “traditions” that claim Jesus was born in a cave contradict the biblical account and/or the possibility of Jesus being born in a below ground cave.
  8. The wise men visited Jesus in a house in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:11), not a cave.

Jesus was not possibly born in the “Grotto of the Nativity.”

And the “traditions” that allegedly support the “Grotto of the Nativity” appear to be in conflict with scripture. They appear to be more connected to pagan beliefs and practices.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?

Europe Summit ‘Breakthrough’ Towards More Political and Banking Unity

Friday, June 29th, 2012


Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

Earlier today, the EU President Herman Van Rompuy some statements of possible prophetic interest:

29 June 2012

Meeting for the 19th time since the debt crisis exploded, leaders of the 17 countries that use the euro currency agreed they will let funds intended to bail out indebted governments funnel money directly to struggling banks as well. They said the move will “break the vicious circle” of bank bailouts piling debt onto already stressed governments.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy called it a “breakthrough.”…

Leaders of the full 27-member European Union, which includes non-euro countries such as Britain and Poland, also agreed to a long-term framework toward tighter budgetary and political union, though those plans will require treaty changes and won’t be realized for years.

The scale of the moves were unexpected and provided investors a reason for optimism, even as analysts cast doubt on the plans’ feasibility and noted that some fundamental problems with the common currency remain.   http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500395_162-57463523/europe-summit-surprises-with-bold-moves/?tag=stack

29 June 2012

(BRUSSELS) – In what European Union president Herman Van Rompuy described as a “real breakthrough”, leaders agreed a 120-billion-euro growth pact…

Eurozone leaders agreed to “work towards a tighter economic and monetary union” via closer budgetary and financial cooperation in a bid to prevent such a crisis happening again.

— EU president Herman Van Rompuy said leaders agreed on four “building blocks” to achieve this closer union: financial framework, budgetary framework, economic policy framework and a strengthening of democratic accountability.

— Van Rompuy was tasked with presenting a further report in October giving more detail on the timelines for reforms, which could result in a banking union and, much further down the road, joint debt issuance.  http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/summit-finance-debt.hiv/

29 June 2012

…European leaders in Brussels managed to exceed expectations…First, and in the long term possibly most important, they have committed themselves to the idea of a single supervisor of eurozone banks – the European Central Bank – which could have the capacity to inject capital into troubled banks directly, without the debt going on to the books of the sovereign government…Bottom line? The leaders have made progress – some of it important, even if the broad outlines were expected. To Chancellor Merkel’s credit, they have not lurched for a short-term gimmicky version of euro bonds to appease the markets, which could make life even more difficult down the road. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18647448

Before going further, it should be noted that a “banking union” would effectively move the financial center in Europe from London to somewhere on the continent.  And while moves have been going in that direction for years, this would likely pretty much give what will become the future beast power more control over buying and selling (cf. Revelation 13:16-17).  Watch (Mark 13:37).

Herman Van Rompuy last month claimed that were would not be a “United States of Europe” (see On ‘Europe Day’ Van Rompuy says EU ‘Never to become the United States of Europe,’ Yet Farage Says Dictatorship Planned). Yet, he keeps promoting more unification in Europe.  And Europe, despite its bumps, is moving towards greater unity (though ultimately, it will be more of a dictatorship than what has typically been seen in the US of A).  And today’s news reports show that, despite a lot of Euro-skeptics, that Europe is moving in the direction that Bible prophecy indicates that it must.

Eventually, Europe will end up with a dictatorial leader (Revelation 13). And while now is not quite yet the dictator’s time, despite problems (Daniel 2:40-43), a major dictator in Europe (who I still do not anticipate at this time will be Herman van Rompuy) will rise up (Revelation 13:1-8), Europe will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13), and become the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:21-44).

And this will not be good for the United States of America (nor the British), and ultimately not the Europeans.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the prophesied roles of Europe and the Vatican.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

Another Mayan Calendar 2012 Interpretation

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

 Last Page of Mayan Dresden Codex
Last Page of the Dresden Codex

COGwriter

Another Mayan calendar view is out:

28 June 2012

A newly discovered Mayan text reveals the “end date” for the Maya calendar. But unlike some modern people, ancient Maya did not expect the world to end on that date, researchers said.

“This text talks about ancient political history rather than prophecy,” Marcello Canuto, the director of Tulane University Middle America Research Institute, said in a statement…

On a stairway block carved with hieroglyphs, archaeologists found a commemoration of a visit by Yuknoom Yich’aak K’ahk’ of Calakmul, the most powerful Mayan ruler in his day. The king, also known as Jaguar Paw, suffered a terrible defeat in battle by the Kingdom of Tikal in 695…By referring to a date that seemed far in the future, Jaguar Paw was trying to place his reign and his accomplishments in a larger cosmological framework — in effect, emphasizing a big-picture view to divert attention from his recent troubles.

“What this text shows us is that in times of crisis, the ancient Maya used their calendar to promote continuity and stability rather than predict apocalypse,” Canuto said.   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48000582/ns/technology_and_science-science/#.T-zuqpGE7uY

The most common view held by scholars is that it is not clear that the 7th century Mayans believed that the world would end on December 21/22, 2012.

Of course, it is simply not possible according to the Bible for the end happen in 2012 (please also see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?). Those who think it will, simply have been misled. Many modern scholars question exactly what the Mayans were predicting.

Yet, while the 7th century Mayans may not have predicted the end of the world, later ones clearly did (though the date or dates they allude to is a matter of debate).

Some believe that the Dresden Codex, from 11th/12th century (and shown above) is pointing to the world ending in a flood in December 2012 (the 2012 date is based upon some small markings pointing to 2012 events, like the “transit of Venus” and a so-called “galactic alignment”).  Others believe that the Dresden Codex is pointing instead to a new age after the world is somehow cleansed.

Now, the most specific Mayan prophecy about a flood is from the 16th century document known as the Chilam Balim. It possibly may have had some relationship to the Dresden Codex. Notice what it states:

But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).

Yet, the above is biblically, a false claim.  Of course, 2012 is not the end of the world nor will Jesus return in 2012. That Mayan prediction is wrong. The Mayan flood prophecy will be proven false, whether it related to 2012 or not or the Dresden Codex or not.

Other scriptures show that the Great Tribulation and the later great earthquake (Revelation 16:18) cannot be that early (see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? for more details).

Whatever the Dresden Codex may be trying to portray (my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect discusses certain views).

But the Great tribulation will eventually come and Jesus will eventually return–irrespective of what any Mayans or interpreters of Mayan prophecy may conclude.

Yet, because many have made false predictions about 2012, many will likely use 2012 as an excuse to scoff at and discount all prophecy. According to the Bible, that will be a mistake (2 Peter 3:1-13).

Those who wish to learn more about 2012 may wish to check out the following articles:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 23 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition). This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 23 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 23 já começaram a acontecer.

Egypt’s New President Declares Koran is the Constitution

Thursday, June 28th, 2012


Quran

COGwriter

The former head of the Muslim Brotherhood’s official website and now Egypt’s President, Dr. Morsi, made an interesting declaration:

‘The Koran Is Our Constitution’: Egyptian President Promises to Ignore Egyptian Constitution For The Sake of Sharia In Chilling Speech

…the man who is now President of Egypt says…

“No, the Koran is our Constitution…The Koran was and will continue to be our constitution…The Prophet Muhammed is out leader…Jihad is our path.”

Dr. Morsi may have said this, because “Egypt’s constitution is up for revision and the new constitution should settle the country’s power configuration” (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/28/egypt-government-power_n_1628634.html).  Or simply because he is sending a message to the military rulers that he is not overly concerned about how they may try to affect Egypt’s future constitution.

Jihad, roughly meaning “holy war,” is what the Muslim Brotherhood leader believes is the direction for his and other Islamic nations.

Have no doubts about it–an Islamic power is rising up in Egypt and other parts of the Middle East.  And even though the Islamists may have one or more set backs, the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40) will rise up and what is happening now will help lead to that.

Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

Supreme Court Protects ‘Right to Lie’

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

COGwriter

Various decisions of the US Supreme Court were released today and yesterday.  The following may be the most morally disturbing (and that does not mean that others are not morally disturbing as well):

28 June 2012

Los Angeles Times – ‎The US Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the Stolen Valor Act, which made it a crime to lie about receiving military medals. By a 6-3 decision, the high court said the right to lie about medals and military service, while unattractive, is protected by the 1st Amendment.
.
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Politico – ‎28 June 2012
The Supreme Court struck down a law Thursday that made it a crime to lie about being a military hero. In a 6-3 decision, the court said that lying about military valor doesn’t amount to stealing, as supporters of the law had said.

This is terrible.  The Court’s position seems to be that unless you are lying to the government (police or in court), that lying is something you are protected to do–what about the protection of employers, friends, etc. not be be lied to?

The Bible condemns lying; here is one such condemnation:

8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)

Jesus told some of the rulers (Pharisees, John 8:13) and others of His day:

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God. (John 8:44-47)

Jesus condemned lying, as well as not believing someone who is telling the truth.  The Bible discusses the deceptiveness of thieves (1 Thessalonians 5:4; John 10:1-10).

The Bible also warns:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-6)

Sadly, most justices in the Supreme Court of the USA are having trouble even wishing to go against lying and false boasts. This is just another indication as to how far the USA is sliding down morally.

The New Testament clearly teaches:

48 For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required (Luke 12:48).

The U.S.A. justices have a lot of education and should at least realize that truth is important. Jesus says more will be required of such people (cf. John 9:41).

On other matters, the Supreme Court also upheld most of the Obamacare law in a decision released today.  Also, the following headline, that came out yesterday, was interesting:

Supreme Court pretends that money can’t corrupt politicians‎ Youngstown Vindicator

While I do not wish to comment on the above or Obamacare decisions here at this time, the “right to lie” provision that US Supreme Court apparently upholds is clearly different than that which the Bible advocates.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
2012 – Ten Fulfilled Barack Obama Prophecies Barack Obama has already helped fulfill 10 predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here is a YouTube video on ten.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

Syria’s Assad Talks War and Russia Still Supporting Him, For Now

Thursday, June 28th, 2012


Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Syria is again receiving international attention:

28 June 2102

World leaders are scrabbling for purchase, calling an emergency meeting in Geneva as the Syrian conflict descends into a full-fledged war. With President Bashar al-Assad’s pronouncement two days ago that the conflict is now a war, it seems any modicum of restraint is likely over.

The United Nations Security Council (the US, Britain, France, Russia, and China) and Turkey will gather in Geneva this weekend for a meeting to discuss a plan for an interim government in Syria that was hastily announced late yesterday by UN/Arab League special envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

Human rights monitors say that the past week has been the bloodiest in the 16-month uprising-turned-civil-war. Almost 160 were killed yesterday alone, according to Agence France-Presse.   http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2012/0628/As-Assad-talks-war-US-and-UN-talk-peace

28 June 2012

(CBS/AP) MOSCOW – Russia on Thursday said it would not endorse a call for Syrian President Bashar Assad to give up power and criticized as inappropriate claims that it had agreed to plans by international envoy Kofi Annan for a new national unity government in Syria that could include the opposition.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov insisted that major powers meeting Saturday in Geneva for talks on Syria must concentrate on convincing opposition groups to soften their demands…Moscow also has rejected efforts by outside forces to end the country’s bloody conflict or any plan to force regime change in Damascus, insisting that any plans for the future rest entirely with Syria.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57462578/russia-no-backing-for-any-plan-that-calls-for-syrias-assad-to-step-down/?tag=stack

Russia keeps playing an unusual role in this as it has made statements different than its current position.  And, in my view, Russia is using its position on Syria as leverage for something else.  Ultimately, while it will sell arms to Syria and provide certain support, Russia will not stand behind Syria in a total and complete way.

Some, including the Protestant Hal Lindsey (on his telecast) and Donald Blake (in the Wall Street Journal), have suggested that the stage is being set for Ezekiel 38 being fulfilled with Russia and Iran, and possibly Syria working together to invade Israel. However, for many reasons, including the fact that the tiny nation of Israel is not really a nation of unwalled villages, it is not. Ezekiel 38 is for a future time well after the USA itself is eliminated (some details are in the news article WSJ Suggests that Israel Should Destroy Iran; Ezekiel 38?).  Russia may supply arms and have other involvement, but Russia, Iran, and Syria are NOT about to take over the nation of Israel.

What may happen is a regional war (that somewhat gets out of control and may involve Syria who is becoming a closer Iranian ally at this time) and others (including many based in Lebanon), beyond Iran and Israel is something I have warned could happen for some time now and really could be a factor that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.

“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37). Ezekiel 38 is not about to be fulfilled, but other prophecies are getting closer to being fulfilled.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?

Feast Day for Irenaeus of Lyon: Saint or Major Heretic?

Thursday, June 28th, 2012


An engraving allegedly of Irenaeus, in Gaul (now Lyons, France)

COGwriter

Today is considered to be the feast/saint’s day for Irenaeus of Lyon.  His writings are some of the earliest available on certain heresies and he claimed to have met the faithful Polycarp of Smyrna.

For years, I have considered him to be a major heretic.

A late Living Church of God evangelist, John Ogwyn wrote,

Justin Martyr (ca. 95–167AD) and Irenaeus (ca. 130–202AD), while maintaining some truths they had learned under Polycarp, also sought to accommodate themselves to the new direction of Roman theology in the name of “church unity”…Justin also molded the thinking of Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons…He believed that the God of Plato was also the God of the Bible (Ogwyn J. God’s Church Through the Ages. Living Church of God Booklet, 2003).

While I have not seen any major other treatise explaining why Irenaeus was a major heretic (actually, outside of Church of God circles, I have little that specifically considers him to have been a heretic, though groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses probably do), it appears to me that he may have been the most dangerous heretic.

Why?

Because, Irenaeus’ heresies were not obvious to those outside the true Church of God. His heresies and false statements were less numerous and less obvious than Justin’s, thus have been missed by nearly all scholars (though some have noticed one or two errors he made).

What were His Most Important Heresies?

Irenaeus heard Polycarp, yet made deals with Rome that disagreed with Polycarp’s teachings. Irenaeus knew that Justin did not agree with Polycarp, yet he approved of Justin–and sadly seemed to prefer to be influenced more by him that by Polycarp.

Irenaeus knew that Polycarp condemned heretics such as Marcion and Valentinus, but failed to mention that they were still allowed to be Roman Catholic until at two decades later. Irenaeus supported the Roman Church even though Irenaeus knew they tolerated heretics that had earlier been condemned by Polycarp (and eventually by Irenaeus himself).

Notice this from Tertullian:

Where was Marcion then, that shipmaster of Pontus, the zealous student of Stoicism? Where was Valentinus then, the disciple of Platonism? For it is evident that those men lived not so long ago,—in the reign of Antoninus for the most part,—and that they at first were believers in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, in the church of Rome under the episcopate of the blessed Eleutherus, until on account of their ever restless curiosity, with which they even infected the brethren, they were more than once expelled (Tertullian. The Prescription against Heretics, Chapter 30. Translated by Peter Holmes. Electronic Version Copyright © 2006 by Kevin Knight. All rights reserved).

Even though Marcion and Valentinus were condemned by Polycarp as a heretic about two decades before Eleutherius became bishop, apparently they were not put out of the Roman Catholic Church then. (Marcion gave a large financial contribution that kept him in good graces for a while–though the Roman Church allegedly returned that contribution after some time.)

And why is all of this about Polycarp and Irenaeus so important?

Because Irenaeus knew that Polycarp had the original faith that the apostles had, but did not stand up for it. Apparently, he did not consider that faith to be important enough to fully follow it personally. Notice what Irenaeus records this about Polycarp:

But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna…always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 4, Verse 3 and Chapter 3, Verse 4).

So we have from this early Roman Catholic source that Polycarp and his successors in Asia Minor (at least until the time that Irenaeus wrote this, around 180 A.D.) practiced the true teachings that they learned from the apostles.

Irenaeus also wrote:

And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, “Dost thou know me?” “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan.”(Irenaeus. Adversus Haereses. Book III, Chapter 3, Verse 4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

What Irenaeus failed to mention is that Marcion was possibly the first heretic to do away with the seventh-day Sabbath. And while Justin did not believe in keeping the Sabbath either, Justin did attend church services on Sunday. Irenaeus apparently felt that neither Saturday nor Sunday was of particular importance, as long as one worshipped God regularly–and this is a heresy that many still hold to today (including even the Jehovah’s witnesses).

Irenaeus also had some teachings that Polycarp held. For example, like Polycarp, Irenaeus clearly did not teach the trinity–he held a binitarian view, hence he did not follow that error of Montanus or Valentinus:

…there is none other called God by the Scriptures except the Father of all, and the Son, and those who possess the adoption (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book IV, Preface, Verse 4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Notice that Irenaeus states that only the Father, the Son, and those who possess the adoption (Christians) are God. This is a binitarian, not a trinitarian view.

So why would binitarians consider Irenaeus a dangerous heretic?

Because he sided with Roman unity above the teachings that he must have known that Polycarp held. And he also introduced prophetic and other misunderstandings that many still accept today.

The Real “Passover Plot”

Irenaeus clearly knew that Polycarp kept Passover yet he did not condemn Rome for changing it. Notice what he wrote:

And when the blessed Polycarp was sojourning in Rome in the time of Anicetus, although a slight controversy had arisen among them as to certain other points…For neither could Anicetus persuade Polycarp to forego the observance [in his own way], inasmuch as these things had been always observed by John the disciple of our Lord, and by other apostles with whom he had been conversant; nor, on the other hand, could Polycarp succeed in persuading Anicetus to keep [the observance in his way], for he maintained that he was bound to adhere to the usage of the presbyters who preceded him. And in this state of affairs they held fellowship with each other; and Anicetus conceded to Polycarp in the Church the celebration of the Eucharist, by way of showing him respect (Irenaeus. FRAGMENTS FROM THE LOST WRITINGS OF IRENAEUS. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. Excerpted from Volume I of The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, editors); American Edition copyright © 1885. Electronic version copyright © 1997 by New Advent, Inc).

Eusebius records that Polycrates explained how the Apostles Philip and John, as well as faithful church leaders and martyrs such as Polycarp and Melito, kept the Passover on the 14th of Nisan in accordance with the gospel and would not deviate from it.

This displeased the Roman Bishop Victor. Notice what Eusebius also recorded:

But the bishops of Asia, led by Polycrates, decided to hold to the old custom handed down to them. He himself, in a letter which he addressed to Victor and the church of Rome, set forth in the following words the tradition which had come down to him: “We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away…”

He then writes of all the bishops who were present with him and thought as he did. His words are as follows: “I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude. And they, beholding my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my gray hairs in vain, but had always governed my life by the Lord Jesus.” Thereupon Victor, who presided over the church at Rome, immediately attempted to cut off from the common unity the parishes of all Asia, with the churches that agreed with them, as heterodox; and he wrote letters and declared all the brethren there wholly excommunicate. But this did not please all the bishops. And they besought him to consider the things of peace, and of neighborly unity and love. Words of theirs are extant, sharply rebuking Victor. Among them was Irenaeus, who, sending letters in the name of the brethren in Gaul over whom he presided, maintained that the mystery of the resurrection of the Lord should be observed only on the Lord’s day. He fittingly admonishes Victor that he should not cut off whole churches of God which observed the tradition of an ancient custom and after many other words he proceeds as follows:

“For the controversy is not only concerning the day, but also concerning the very manner of the fast. For some think that they should fast one day, others two, yet others more; some, moreover, count their day as consisting of forty hours day and night. And this variety in its observance has not originated in our time; but long before in that of our ancestors. It is likely that they did not hold to strict accuracy, and thus formed a custom for their posterity according to their own simplicity and peculiar mode. Yet all of these lived none the less in peace, and we also live in peace with one another; and the disagreement in regard to the fast confirms the agreement in the faith.”

He adds to this the following account, which I may properly insert:

“Among these were the presbyters before Soter, who presided over the church which thou now rulest. We mean Anicetus, and Pius, and Hyginus, and Telesphorus, and Xystus. They neither observed it themselves, nor did they permit those after them to do so. And yet though not observing it, they were none the less at peace with those who came to them from the parishes in which it was observed; although this observance was more opposed to those who did not observe it. But none were ever cast out on account of this form; but the presbyters before thee who did not observe it, sent the eucharist to those of other parishes who observed it. And when the blessed Polycarp was at Rome in the time of Anicetus, and they disagreed a little about certain other things…For neither could Anicetus persuade Polycarp not to observe what he had always observed with John the disciple of our Lord…” (Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapter 24).

Notice that what Irenaeus did was persuade to the Roman Bishop Victor to not be as angry against those who in Asia Minor did what the Bible and the Apostles Philip and John stated. And also notice that Irenaeus himself did not stand up for the biblical Passover even though he knew that Polycarp observed it.

So why was that so heretical?

First of all, because Irenaeus’ own practices were complicit with Rome’s–Irenaeus should have condemned Rome’s practices. And secondly, because Irenaeus knew that Sunday was not observed by Polycarp as Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John–hence should not have advocated it. Thirdly, Irenaeus also had to have known that Victor was not binitarian (he was Sabellian). And fourthly because he, unbiblically, is referring to Sunday as the Lord’s Day (an article of related interest may be Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord?). Because of Irenaeus most who profess Christ now accept Easter.

And why was that so dangerous? Besides the pagan connections, notice what Eusebius recorded:

Irenæus, who, sending letters in the name of the brethren in Gaul over whom he presided, maintained that the mystery of the resurrection of the Lord should be observed only on the Lord’s day…Thus Irenaeus, who truly was well named, became a peacemaker in this matter (Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapter 24).

Instead of condemning Irenaeus for not standing up for the biblical Passover, he is praised by Roman supporters for persuading those in the second century to not be too harsh on those that kept the proper biblical teaching of the date of the Passover.

Notice that the Apostle John taught that those who seemed like Christians, but did not do what John did were following leaders John describes as antichrists,

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us (1 John 2:18-19).

The change of Passover may have been the first specific departure from the practices of John that we have a historical record of (involving John’s name) (see also Some Doctrines of Antichrist).

Roman supporters ultimately did eliminate the observance of the Passover on the 14th among those they had cordial contact with by the decree of the pagan Emperor Constantine in 325 A.D. And later did try to kill those who refused to accept that decree (please see article Europa, the Beast, and Revelation).

Apparently Irenaeus valued doctrinal compromise above biblical truth. Irenaeus, while knowing that Polycarp was faithful, only followed some of his faithful teachings (this reminds me of what Daniel told Belshazzar–Belshazzar knew what happened earlier, yet chose to ignore much of it and live the opposite–see Daniel 5:22-23).

These are reasons that most Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant scholars seem to have overlooked. Instead, they all tend to consider that Irenaeus was a great early apologist and/or saint.

Furthermore, notice that Pope Benedict XVI called him:

The true founder of Catholic theology, St. Irenaeus of Lyon (Pope Benedict XVI. Homily for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. June 29, 2005, http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/647/Homily_on_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Pope_Benedict_XVI.html 6/19/07).

Those in the Church of God do not consider that Irenaeus was the founder of true theology.

Irenaeus Quoted “The Shepherd of Hermas” the Same as He Did Scripture

In a writing called The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, Irenaeus wrote:

For it is necessary that, things that are made should have the beginning of their making from some great cause; and the beginning of all things is God. For He Himself was not made by any, and by Him all things were made. And therefore it is right first of all to believe that there is One God, the Father, who made and fashioned all things, and made what was not that it should be, and who, containing all things, alone is uncontained (Irenaeus, St., Bishop of Lyon. Translated from the Armenian by Armitage Robinson. The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching. Wells, Somerset, Oct. 1879. As published in SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN CO, 1920).

The 69th footnote at that writing, which includes the original Greek states:

69 In IV, xxxiv. 2 he quotes, as “Scripture,” the Shepherd of Hermas, Mand.: Πρώτον πάντων πίστευσον ότι είς έστίν ό θεός, ό τά πάντα κτίσας καί καταρτίσας, καί ποιήσας έίκ τού μή όντος είς τό είναι τά πάντα, καί πάντα χωρών, μόνος δέάχώρητοςών. Cf. also I, xv. 1.

This is also the opinion of Roman Catholic scholars:

…”The Shepherd” (Poimen, Pastor), a work which had great authority in ancient times and was ranked with Holy Scripture. Eusebius tells us that it was publicly read in the churches, and that while some denied it to be canonical, others “considered it most necessary”. St. Athanasius speaks of it…St. Irenæus and Tertullian (in his Catholic days) cite the “Shepherd” as Scripture. Clement of Alexandria constantly quotes it with reverence, and so does Origen (Chapman. J. Transcribed by Don Ross. Hermas. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII. Published 1910. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

No one can read The Shepherd of Hermas and think that it is on par with scripture–it is simply too bizarre. Irenaeus, however, was apparently the first known leader to do so. Irenaeus may have deferred to it as many believe that it was written by the brother of the Roman “bishop” Pius. This was a dangerous compromise. And one of the most dangerous.

What Motivated Irenaeus?

While it is impossible to know for certain what Irenaeus thought, there are some clues in his writings.

Irenaeus’ writings against heretics shows that there were many heretics who held views of God that they could not have possibly gotten from the Bible–essentially the views of the followers or Simon Magus and others like Valentinus that were later termed “gnostics”. Apparently as far as Irenaeus was concerned, these were the important heresies.

And while Irenaeus commended Polycarp for blasting the heretic Valentinus (who originated the idea that God existed as three hypostases) and Marcion (who tried to do away with the Old Testament, the law, and the sabbath), he apparently did not think that changing the date of the Passover to Sunday (as some Roman bishops did) or the day of worship to Sunday (as Justin advocated) was heretical.

The question is: Was he right?

The answer is simply no.

The proof that Irenaeus gave (as mentioned earlier) was tradition, not scripture. However, based upon the following writing, it might appear that Irenaeus is providing scriptural justification for his position:

The apostles ordained, that “we should not judge any one in respect to meat or drink, or in regard to a feast day, or the new moons, or the sabbaths.” Whence then these contentions? whence these schisms? We keep the feast, but in the leaven of malice and wickedness, cutting in pieces the Church of God; and we preserve what belongs to its exterior, that we may cast away these better things, faith and love. We have heard from the prophetic words that these feasts and fasts are displeasing to the Lord. (Fragments of Irenaeus XXXVIII.)

However, he has misconstrued that scripture. He left off the end of the statement, Colossians 2:17. The verse he left out has been translated:

3739…. .2076…….. 4639… 3588…….. 3195…… 3588…1161 ..4983… 9999 3588…5547
Which are a ………shadow of things ….to come; the…… but…body….. is…….. of …..Christ

(Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c) 1994 by Biblesoft). Note: The term is does not exist in the original Greek (that is what 9999 represents–a translator added term).

Thus Colossians 2:16-17 literally states:

So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the body of Christ.

Since the church is “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27), this passage is stating to ignore outsiders (those that are not true Christians) as to how the feasts and the sabbaths should be kept, but that the church is the judge.

Notice that Irenaeus did not appeal to vs. 17 that the Roman Church had authority on this over those in Asia Minor–he probably did not do this because almost none outside of Victor thought that the Roman Church had that type of authority (Victor was the first to clearly attempt to actually project Roman Catholic authority to distant areas).

And this is why Irenaeus was possibly the most dangerous heretic. He decided to ignore what the Bible taught, decided that those not faithful to the original teachings were close enough and that both sides had valid views. Irenaeus, like nearly all theologians after him, concluded that certain traditions were of more value than what the Bible (or those faithful to the teachings of the apostles) taught.

The New Testament warned of the same type of problems in Jesus’ day:

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43, NKJV).

And the approval of men was apparently more important to Irenaeus than the truth of God.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Irenaeus: The Most Dangerous Heretic? Was Irenaeus a faithful peacemaker or was he possibly the most dangerous of the early heretics?
Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter Polycarp was the successor of the Apostle John and a major leader in Asia Minor. Do you know much about what he taught?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
Simon Magus, What Did He Teach? Sometimes called “the father early heretics” or the “father of heresies”, do you know what early writers claimed that Simon Magus taught? Sadly, most who profess Christ still hold to versions of his teachings.
Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he?
Valentinus: The Gnostic Trinitarian Heretic He apparently was the first Christ-professing heretic to come up with the idea of three hypostases.
Justin Martyr: Saint, Heretic, or Apostate? Justin is considered one of the first Christian theologians and scholars. But did he support a Gnostic version of Christianity? Do you know what he taught about souls going to heaven upon death? This article shows from his own writings, what Justin really taught.
Marcus and the Marcosians: Developers of the Eucharist? Marcus was a second century heretic condemned for having a ceremony similar to one still practiced by many who profess Christ. Might he also be in the apostolic succession list of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? What do scholars and the Bible reveal?
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Burglarizing Mourners!

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

19th Century Burglar Tools

COGwriter

While many mourn, certain burglars try to take advantage:

Warning: Burglars read the obituaries, too

MSNBC – June 27, 2012
“Obituary burglaries,” as they are sometimes called, are happening across the country.

Last month, Sherriff’s deputies in Snohomish County, Wash., (just north of Seattle) arrested three men for more than a half-dozen obituary burglaries that took place between December of 2011 and March of this year…Some funeral homes now warn about the risk of burglary. On its website, the Cypress Fairbanks Funeral Home in Houston, Texas, suggests a number of ways to help the bereaved family. Along with answering the phone, greet visitors, and coordinate food, they also list: “House-sit to prevent burglaries during the funeral and visitations.”

Shari Irenton, Communications Director for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department says an empty house is an inviting target for thieves…And as harsh as this may sound, don’t post funeral details on social media sites. Bad guys read those, too. Your funeral notice just lets them know when the house will be empty.  http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/27/12420155-warning-burglars-read-the-obituaries-too?lite

The Bible teaches:

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  (John 10:10)

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

It is sad that burglars steal, and even sadder that they will often intentionally go after the grieving.

Some articles related to church history include the following:

What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about?