Careful... The Bible Is Not God

[@TheSuzberry]

As an atheist, I’d like you to know that I respect your faith and recommend your channel to others pretty often. Recommended you to my therapy group this week.

[@papawheelie1645]

Same here :)

[@ProctorsGamble]

There are more atheists that follow Rev Ed than believers AND that’s a good thing!

[@howardcohen6817]

The SCOTUS and other s.c. literal-ists could use this lesson, too..

[@ehenningsen]

​@@ProctorsGamble I'm an atheist and follow him. He is a genuine and decent person.

[@garryrkek]

I Mean , You have to understand the Bible was Written by Priests, During the Crusades, So How Actually true is it? I Believe in the teachings by I don't go to Church, & if I go to Church I don't except the Sacrement.

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I have always thought The Bible is inspired by God and written by humans. The world is imperfect. Thank you for your good work and kindness. ❤

[@zeromotivation1817]

I think the same as the church, Inspired by GOD, created ( and interpreted) by humans. The Bible, like the church are tools or signposts to help us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, which to my mind is the real path of Christianity.

[@RoyADane]

Especially when you consider that the New Testiment was written down until almost 300 years after the events in the New Testiment occurred. Then it was written in one language, translated into a second and a third language and then ( finally ) into English. Even so, the English language has changed since the bible was first translated into English. At the dedication of St Pauls Cathedral ( ? ) in London, the King told the architect that he thought the Cathedral was "Aweful, Artifical, and Amusing". The architect ( Sir Christopher Wren ) was most pleased with his Majesties remarks.

[@juliachildress2943]

The Bible is not the fourth member of the trinity no matter what fundamentalists claim. It's a guide to God and God's kingdom.

[@bobbyavery1434]

It is believed by many that the Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God. That is the only thing, the rest was as you say.

[@garryrkek]

If agnostic means When I die , I'm not going to Heaven/ Hell or Purgatory, But Bug food im W/ you.

[@heinrichkornelius]

I was raised a Catholic and started cathechesis (what you might call Sunday school) when I was 7. In the first class about the Bible, my teacher went: "For starters, the Bible isn't a book. It is a library, containing many books, by many authors, written in very different times with very different perspectives on God." I never forgot it.

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

Very true

[@shanahiggins4413]

That is perfectly said. You had a great teacher. Hope you don't mind if I use that.

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

Then how could one know which, if any, had anything close to the truth.

[@ad-dx9gi]

That's a great explanation.....

[@shanahiggins4413]

Over the years I have spent vast amounts of time getting to know Jesus through study, prayer and contemplation. It is not that I disregard the things that are hard for me to understand, it is that I try to view those things through the eye of a holy God training up his chosen people in a day that was morally reprehensible ( even more than today). Then I remind myself that because of His grace we today have been given the Holy Spirit to convict us when we miss the mark and guide us to truth. Believe me, I don't get it right all the time. Jesus said " If you know me, you know the Father". So get to know Jesus and pray for wisdom.

[@Newton-Reuther]

I describe myself as an agnostic Christian. I'm not confident in the existence of God, but the gospel of Christ is comforting enough to see Christianity at its foundation to be a good life philosophy. Edit: My point is that Christianity is much more than the Bible.

[@scottgodlewski306]

Would that be comparable to a cultural Christian? There was just that whole kerfuffle over Dawkins identifying as a cultural Christian and it's been on my mind.

[@Newton-Reuther]

@@scottgodlewski306 I'm not familiar with the Dawkins controversy, but I tend to see culture as a group/social component of identity. Whereas my adherence to some of the principles of Christianity are more internal and private.

[@andrewgreen5574]

​@@Newton-Reuther Dawkins has used the label to attach it to the value of "Western Values" to denigrate Muslim citizens/immigrants in the UK, as a form of nationalism. He's also used his Biological background to attack the trans community. That said, judging by your avatar and name, I would assume you're against both premises. Similarly, I'm an atheist who's inspired by the teachings of Christ but reject divinity and the existence of a God.

[@valeriestasik3252]

Thank you. I've been attacked by "Christians" for not taking everything literally.

[@yabits]

oy vey

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

Intelligent people Christians or otherwise should know better than to take everything literally.

[@wayhollobj36]

Some say Either it's all True or None of it Is That's ridiculous I wish more people would research how the Bible was constructed What went in and why How sections were added for emphasis later on It's definitely Not in any way it's original form It's fascinating stuff

[@SamArco132]

Those Christian should be pointed to Judges 1 : 19 "The LORD was with the men of Judah. They took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive the people from the plains, because they had chariots fitted with iron." What kind of all powerful being is with one group attacking another, yet is unable to overcome simple man made technology.

[@jbs901]

Many have been uninterested in coming to the Lord because of the wicked things people have done in His name. His name is used to promote personal agendas, some of them supremely evil. I ask people not to judge God by the actions or words of people. Organized religion has too much room the for misuse of someone's sincere desire to please God. A personal relationship with the Lord is my goal and I believe that anyone who pursues that instead of pleasing people will be blessed with a rich relationship with God.

[@rochellemcdonald9646]

I had a friend that said she only believed the original Bible. I was confused. The Bible was written by people over thousands of years. There might have been the perfect word in Aramaic, then the English language changes it to something that loses that nuanced feeling (example: poodle = dog). I mentioned my phonograph to a young person, and they didn't understand. They did understand record player. That was only decades of difference in communicating a cultural idea. Multiply that lack of understanding of the culture, one's reading about, by centuries.

[@scj2117]

75 years ago the word "queer" meant strange or unnatural. Reading literature from that time as a teen when anything "sexual" is cause for discomfort or hilarity depending on context meant reading The Lord of the Rings for the first time was jolting. "Queer" was one of Samwise's pet words.

[@ikeus685]

Yes and be a very interesting dive into the commonalities that humanity embrace his love that our Heavenly Fathers gave to us.. this loving son who bridges and protect those who believe in his sacrifice for us...That wonderful mystery that once understood, offers so much to everyone's life

[@jeffdowney7452]

I like what Frederick Buechner said about the Bible. It’s like a window. If you look at it, you see cracks, nose prints, streaks, and smudges. If you look through it, you see people engaging with God.

[@pirjo3685]

That's beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@libbycollins9349]

I like most things Frederick buechner wrote!

[@octavianpopescu4776]

The Bible wasn't meant to be taken literally and in my tradition, Eastern Orthodox, which is in theory as old as Christianity itself, we never did. Taking the Bible literally is something invented in the past few centuries by some Protestants and no offence to them, but they're a small minority of Christians. Never, ever think that US evangelicals are representative of all of Christianity.

[@aubralewis1458]

Eastern Orthodox also. I slowly drew away from that church because of their treatment of women. Maybe things have changed over time. I’m 70.

[@octavianpopescu4776]

@@aubralewis1458 Treatment of women? What do you mean? I don't really go to church, but from what I've seen, I've never seen anything out of the ordinary.

[@aubralewis1458]

By treatment of women there are certain times of the month we are considered unclean and not allowed into the church. Also for 40 days post childbirth. Having to have your head covered. That crowd has pretty much died off and we have an American priest currently so maybe things have changed. I seldom attend unless it’s a funeral.

[@robertplant3907]

@@aubralewis1458 It's a male-dominated Faith. Women can't be priests and earlier you mentioned some of the laws from Leviticus they adhere to. Women can't go by the altar [except to clean]. Definitely treat women like they did 1000 years ago.

[@octavianpopescu4776]

@@russellmiles2861 Huh? That's absolutely not what it means. It means there are allegories and metaphors, not to be taken literally, at face value, expressions and words which have changed their meaning over time, archaisms. "Sundry" is a word you don't hear today, but 500 years ago it was quite common. A black hole isn't a literal hole which is black. For example, there is a mention of a Roman soldier giving Jesus vinegar to drink. To you it probably means he was being a dick, unless you know that Roman soldiers usually drank something called posca (a mix of vinegar and water). It was what Roman soldiers had. Why? Because vinegar kills germs in the water. You'd know that dysentery was a common problem throughout time for campaigning armies and that's what Romans did to prevent it. So... there is context, unwritten context you have to consider. Jesus Himself uses parables in His teaching: stories which rely a lot on allegory. And if you've ever read philosopy books you'd know they deal with abstract concepts which cannot be taken at face value. Plato's story of the cave isn't about some guys who literally lived all their lives in a cave looking at shadows. The Bible is fundamentally a philosophical work. So if you want to interpret it literally, at face value, then interpret everything you see and hear literally instead of expecting this one book to be literal, while allowing any other book to use metaphor or allegory. At least apply the same standard to every book, instead of singling this one out, just because you probably have some chip on your shoulder against my faith.

[@BedlamsSon]

I feel called out in my rhetoric, and in a good way. Thanks Rev. This is something to think on.

[@katherinemcintosh7247]

“The tao which can be spoken is not the tao” Lao Tzu. I have always taken this to mean that speaking of God cannot possibly accurately describe God. Just like anything else in life, to speak what God tells one is to diminish what God says because it is impossible to accurately relate what God speaks to oneself.

[@AZtea4UnME]

Simply & beautifully said 😊

[@marionopisso212]

Signposts point to the destination, but are not the destination itself. The words of God, as found in the bible, are signposts.

[@katherinemcintosh7247]

@@jenna2431 for you.

[@dolliscrawford280]

Thank you for this perspective. I like it.

[@christinesmith1499]

That's why there is great Art and Music, they are an expression of the experience of union with God, because yes, it cannot be described in words.

[@rayortega4831]

Reverend, I've been enjoying your videos since I recently subscribed. I was born and raised in the Roman Catholic Church and still consider myself Catholic/Christian, though it's been a couple of decades since I've been to mass, however I do attend a non-denominational church with my wife. As a teenager; through a series of unfortunate events and confusion, my parents had come to the idea that I was either already worshipping the devil or considering it. I'll explain as briefly as I can, but I'll promise I'll get to my point. My mother was concerned about my choices in music, I grew up in a very musically inclined family and listened to everything Big Band Music, to R&B, Jazz, Motown, Blues, Country and Rock. I instantly fell in love with Country and Rock, my first genre of choice was Rock or as it came to be known in the mid 70's to the 90's Heavy Metal. I was listening to the likes Ozzy Osbourne, Led Zeppelin, Motely Crue, Dio Etc. Tipper Gore and the PMRC had just pushed through legislation that records needed to come with warning labels and then of course there was the Satanic Panic of the lates 80's and 90s. I happened to come home from school one day and my parents saw all the band names I had written on my notebooks and book covers and a drawing I was working on for Art Class. My Art teacher had given us an assignment the dealt with duality and choices that humans face. It wasn't really a religious assignment, just our interpretation. My drawing was of two existing realities, one side was a cross and dove hovering over a mountain and the sun rising and the otherside I drew a demon over a similar but darker landscape. I called it the duality and struggle of humankind, somehow the title and context of that drawing went completely over my parents heads and the very next day I found myself sitting down with my parents and our parishes Pastor, to talk about the fate of my soul. I would later realize he didn't my parents all that seriously, but now only did I end up joining our youth group, the insisted I spend at least a semester at our local seminary to only ponder my life's choices, but maybe consider entering the Priesthood. So I did, know what happened the first night I was there after meeting with Father ED who ran the seminary, I joined the rock band some of my classmates started and a crazy jam session with Father Ed. What I learned from that time was that one not all seminarian's are walking around in robes, carrying candles and incense and singing gregorian chants and there's a distinction between religion and faith. On my last weekend at seminary I had a great conversation with Father Ed about what it mean to have faith and surprisingly, he said the bible exists to give us a sort of road map about how we should live our lives and a way for the disciples to communicate what Jesus was trying to teach humanity. He sees the bible as God's word, but it's not everything. When we go to church it's God's house and it exists to provide sanctuary, a place to find community and fellowship but you simply going to church or reading the Bible doesn't quality as having faith. Faith is something deep inside of us that should manifest itself through our actions and how we conduct ourselves and lives. I realized I wanted to eventually be a husband and a father and not join the priesthood. Father Ed and my pastor Father Calles became good friends and changed my perspective on how I view and approach my faith. Sorry for the long screed, but I'm really enjoying your content and look forward to more.

[@Kristen-ek9rz]

Thanks for sharing your powerful, well-expressed testimony.

[@dolliscrawford280]

Another faith journey.

[@elizabethconklin9011]

I love what you do. When I was a kid, our minister loved questions because it meant that we were actively thinking about God. All the bloodshed, warring, killing... does not serve God. In fact, it keeps us from thinking about God. What some of these fundamentalists say, is horrifying. I come nearly every day and I love the freedom we have to have our own beliefs. Hate is a piece of cake, these days. Love is the challenge.

[@ikeus685]

sniff, yeah

[@Mystdragon]

This was such a beautiful piece. Anyone watching this please feel free and welcome to join us on Saturday and Wednesday. We would be so glad you did. 💜✨

[@Michael-o8k7g]

The Bible is full of crap. Evangelicals care more for trump than God. Period.

[@JamieAnnInTheWorld]

I love this on such a deep level. Thank for the language I've been searching for on this topic for most of my life. ❤ Amen.

[@kathleenclinker4614]

Amen, I always appreciate your insight. Thank you.

[@MrWillheim]

Assuming Satan exists and is a great deceiver as described, it would know it is easier to poison the village well than to convince the village not to drink.

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

So true

[@yabits]

The old testament is five times as long as the new testament and covers many centuries. And yet this thing Christians call "satan" makes fewer than 10 appearances. Judging by the book of Job, satan and the Almighty are on pretty good terms. Suddenly, in the Greek writings, he's all over the place.

[@robertmadsen7013]

God can never be contained in a book.

[@davidrada241]

Reminds me of "The Logical Song" "Please tell me who I am."

[@TotsandPears721]

Prayer request ❤ I am in the er with a heart event, please 🙏 for me.

[@TotsandPears721]

Thank you for you’re prayers. I have been admitted and seem to be having every test in the book. 😁

[@vwm8534]

Will keep the prayers coming until your out of there.

[@howardcohen6817]

Love.

[@edbudzynski729]

So many fundamentalists believe that Catholic is not Christian. Saint Jerome translated the Hebrew and Aramaic Old Testament into Latin. The New Testament was written in Greek originally and also translated in Latin. The lack of understanding on how translations often change the meaning of certain words is not understood by these folks. Jesus said Love God and Love neighbor as thyself. It’s simple to understand yet the Fundamentalists can’t seem to accept this.

[@christinesmith1499]

How can we love our neighbor like ourselves as instructed by Jesus, when we obviously don't love ourselves?

[@libbycollins9349]

Exactly. And words change their meanings over time, as well.

[@JenniferDomitrovits-xu9df]

An example of this lost-in-translation issue that really stuck out to me applies to Genesis: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…. over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth". I was taught that “dominion” would have been better translated as “stewardship”. Changing that one word has a huge impact on the meaning of the passage.

[@RT-tn3pu]

I'm praying for you & your family and your church along with your ministries Rev. Ed. 💯✊️

[@aimeekincer7489]

❤ I remind people often that neither Jesus or God wrote the bible. Its very man made. The word of God as translated by man. You must read in the spirit.

[@Critic-qn3hg]

What do you mean you must read it in the spirit ❓

[@papawheelie1645]

This answers my question from the other day beautifully! :) Oh, and I'm in the camp of people who DO like you. You're one of the few religious leaders I happily follow on KZbin and Facebook :)

[@silverghostcat1924]

The Bible is written by man and changed in some instances, to fit the agenda of man. It has many lessons but those lessons can be found in many other books (that are also written by men and women). I don't see the merit in following rules written for a different time and a different culture on how to eat, dress, etc. Just be a decent human being and if you can't treat others kindly, then walk away and do no harm.

[@sdbelland]

I agree.

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

How do you know which parts aren't?

[@TulipIris7244]

@@Fernando-ek8jpdiscernment

[@silverghostcat1924]

@@russellmiles2861 pretty much what people have been doing all along. The King James Bible was influenced by King James paranoia and phobia of witches; hence the verse about "not suffering a witch to live". The original text had to do with poisoners (specifically of wells) which makes sense in a desert country. King James had the writers of the time change it to witches to suit his purpose. The Bible wasn't written in the time of Adam nor the time of Jesus; so truly, unless we're able to time travel to see what was actually said and done, we're taking others interpretations as gospel. And on top of that, many are taking their pastor's/priest's/minister's interpretations as the last word, instead of reading the Bible and coming to their own conclusions.

[@claudehaynes6419]

Fundementalism is a philosophy, not a theology. Do their words remind you of Jesus, or the Pharisees? Which is more important; the rules or the relationship?

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

This perfectly describes my issue with what is called " Christian Fundamentalism". I am a Christian but I couldn't accurately describe myself as a " fundamentalist".

[@howardcohen6817]

The rules are four worlds away from the relationship. Love.

[@SuperAtlantis1]

I was in seminary as a younger man and left my studies after a few years. I was taught not to take the scriptures literally. I do still read the Gospels as i try to follow Jesus. Thanks Rev Ed for making it clearer for me.

[@revedtrevors4961]

God bless you!

[@wayhollobj36]

I swear if I lived in your country I'd start going back to Church 😜 So refreshing to come across someone humble and human enough to say IDK about this or that But I know what's true for Me And willingness to openly question things I I gladly cherry 🍒 pick Because what I gain outweighs the frivolousnes of sections I mean for one example Genesis is an allegory for Creation to those who lived in their time With little knowledge of physics or true astrology Kudos dude 😎 You rock in My world 🌎

[@VondaAddleman]

I have always understood that the Torah is viewed as a conversation with God. Their books would change over time as the conversation progressed. I like that perspective.

[@donnaneuschwander6660]

Wow. Thank you. You put words to my thoughts. 😢 you touched my soul.

[@jamesmassey2089]

"Certainty" limits all that God "is" and all we could ever understand. Certainty insults God.

[@marionopisso212]

Agree, in fact 'certainty' is the exact opposite of having faith.

[@morganeoghmanann9792]

Certainty is the fuel evangelicals run on.

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

The part of the Bible that I take the most literally? The sermon on the mount . ❤❤❤

[@5150cappie]

Great topic. Some fundies frame refusal to think critically and objectively as a virtue and mark of their unshakable faith - pleasing to a god that can't bear an honest question from his children. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! Near as I can tell, they worship Certainty and the Bible, not God: Bibliolatry. I ask "What makes a fact a fact and a belief a belief? When are they the same, when are they very different?" Without agreement on these simple definitions, these conversations are intellectually dishonest and toxic. Then the best I have is to love from arms' length to respect my own sanity.

[@davidlane1169]

Hello again friend. Careful is great advice in my case. The use & abuse of that book has caused some grief in my life. We use a Bible that includes the Book Of Apocrypha. I had a co-worker who believed himself a prophet of God. He had a habit of twisting a great deal of what our church believed as interpretation into a horror show. He used it as a weapon even against his own wife & family. I hold some hard questions now about the source-book of our religion. Now, I hear more questions than answers from over the alter. It began to tear me to shreds. We fell away from the NAC... Thanx.

[@dawnkrady6508]

Thank You. Your words rest well in my soul.❤

[@Heather4238]

In my twenties, I really enjoyed, and sought out, engaging with the Christians on the corners with street signs that were telling people to repent. I have no idea why they fascinated me, but they did. One day, I remember saying, "And let us pray. Please father forgive them as they take the Bible literally...." I had forgotten what else I said but at the end, I blessed them and walked away. I will NEVER forget what they hollared at me, "There goes Jesus, we better go catch him!" I don't know why, but those words are still stunning to this day.

[@dolliscrawford280]

From the comments it looks like you touched a deep place in everyone's faith journey.

[@WashburnJoseph]

The Hebrew language is filled with euphemisms and metaphors. It makes translation difficult. But if you take it literally, you will miss the message.

[@Justanotherconsumer]

It also means that your chances of misunderstanding are very, very high. We know only in part.

[@DaveGIS123]

@@Justanotherconsumer For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13: 12)

[@mariakollar5518]

The Quadrilateral of Scripture, Tradition, reason, and experience is critical and it disturbs Christians who demand certainty in their faith. I have a friend who is highly educated and intelligent. She was once an active believer in our denomination (Methodist) but moved to an independent one that preached literal interpretation of Scripture and a list of sorts of rules that must be followed to ensure salvation. Her reasoning for the switch? She wanted to be told what she must believe because thinking about scriptural context, church history, and using her own God-given intelligence, along with her personal experience of God in her life was too much work.

[@ad-dx9gi]

This was a perfect message Rev Ed, I think you do really well on the Bible, your preaching on the Bible is spot on Thanks.. Growing up My Dad always taught me you have translate the Bible find the meaning, Thank you God Bless Thank you

[@philbrooks7293]

You reming me of Bishop Spongs teachings and I truly appreciate that 🙏

[@SH-lz9du]

I've noticed that reading an infallible book seems to make people think that they are infallible too. Thank you for your thoughts. I love Jesus and usually pray that he would save me from his followers. I listen to you because you're authentic. I'll take authentic over infallible any day.

[@revedtrevors4961]

Absolutely brilliant!!! Thank you for sharing

[@ikeus685]

A better prayer would be "Jesus, use me however you will.... By their fruits shall they be known.....

[@Drone2games]

I still see God everywhere I look, in trees in the sky ,in the air we breath in animals with the love compassion and faithfulness they show. Great talk padre.

[@olivianatwick7603]

As you may or may not know I grew up in the United Methodist Church I went to a United Methodist Seminary later on I became an Anglican priest. One of the things that I learned at Seminary and that I try to follow even today is something called the Wesleyan quadrilateral. What that is is that there are four things that we are taught that go into dealing with theology they are scripture reason tradition and experience. That allows us theologians to take a broader view of the Bible and what it says rather than such a narrow view that so many people want to do.😊

[@fnjesusfreak]

He mentions the Quadrilateral, though not by name, in the video.

[@howardcohen6817]

Thinking and personal experience? Love.

[@mamiemartinson4649]

When in doubt, I hold any "Christian" concept or action up against the words, actions and teachings of Christ. For me Jesus encouraged US to be more loving, more humble, more honest. Less judgemental, less hypocritical and less willing to hurt people around US for our own amusement. So if someone gives me "Biblical Truth" that tells me who to hate in God's name, "No thank you, very much."

[@judychandler8485]

Thanks, Rev Ed..I love listening to you..🙏✝️

[@charzipuddin6129]

This is great! Thanks, Rev! Sometimes I have argued (still do) about this very thing. I like to point out that the KJV is called that bc King James VI/I had the text(s) EDITED, so there’s a ton of other stuff not included. What’s missing? What’s been altered, both by accident and purposefully? What got lost in translation? Etc Anyhoo. Happy Aloha Friday! Sending lotsa hogs and quiches to all from 808 State🙆🏻‍♀️🖖🏽💝

[@shanahiggins4413]

I read the Bible daily. It really keeps me firmly seated in the arms of God. But, when I read things that don't line up with my knowledge of the character of Jesus that is when I depend on the beautiful gift that God gives his believers, the Holy Spirit. In the end, after i have studied context to determine meaning, I depend completely on Holy Spirit guidance to interpret the Bible. I don't think I will ever completely understand everything but I am ok with that because it causes me to constantly seek God. There is such beauty in the journey.

[@Kristen-ek9rz]

Thank you so much for your honesty, kindness, and intelligence with this video. It is such a sensitive topic to so many Christians. The reference you made to the end of The Gospel of John is so important, and very much forgotten.

[@warrenpeterson6065]

I believe I could hear your internal struggle in explaining this message. Well done.

[@palecorpse]

I appreciate your intentions.

[@celeditomorales7824]

We believe in you keep doing what you doing. You help so many in their walk in life ❤❤❤

[@stephentrever1769]

“Sola scriptura” has taken on idolatrous dimensions in fundamentalist circles. It’s frightening. Thank you for calling it out. Also I always find it ironic that if you take the book on its word, it even tells us that the book won’t lead us into all truth. The Spirit does that. Jeremiah points to a time when there will no longer be need for Torah, because it is written on our hearts. The idea that we always have to fall back to the book is not only not supported by the book, it is patently refuted. It seems to me there is a reason Jesus asked more questions than gave answers and taught in parables instead of maxims. We are supposed to think for ourselves! We are not living fully into our Divine image if we aren’t.

[@flip1980ful]

Om-G!!!❤this message! It speaks of the god i seek.

[@MelanieNLee]

Too many Christians treat the Bible like it's the Fourth Person of the Trinity. Jesus said, "I am with you always." We are supposed to have the Holy Spirit within us. Treating the Bible like it's God Himself is like kissing someone's photograph when the person is in the same room with you.

[@papawheelie1645]

Very good, and clever analogy! :)

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

That's an apt metaphor

[@dolliscrawford280]

I like that. I should write that down. Unrelated but I used to tell my son if he used God or Jesus as a swear word that he had to say a prayer to explain otherwise it was like calling someone and hanging up when they answered.

[@MelanieNLee]

@@dolliscrawford280 I think I've learned to say "Oh, God!" as if I'm really calling on God, and I follow by saying something like "God help me"--to make sure I'm God-conscious if I wasn't already. I don't think I use Jesus' name in that way. Of course, I do call upon Jesus intentionally.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Some go further and replace the second person of the Trinity with the Bible. And for these, said Bible is invariably a KJV.

[@donaldwert7137]

I've always thought of those who say things like "You can't be (much of) a Christian in you..." as gatekeeper Christians or, sometimes country club Christians. You have to follow their rules for them to want to play with you or allow you into their club. They appeal to the authority of the Bible because it's easier than thinking about what they are here for and what they are supposed to be called to do, which is NOT to judge people.

[@tloof2370]

This video needs to be shared. Great explanation and education.

[@Paul_Wetor]

When I was in Catholic grade school, a priest told our class that we can read the Old Testament, but don't take it literally. Too many people call themselves Christians but actually worship the Bible. I call them Biblians.

[@JenniferGermain-rb2xg]

and this is why I listen to you Rev. I have always questioned, and that's ok. thank you

[@scionwolf1]

I believe true spiritual enlightment is from the line. "You see god everywhere." Once you understand, and I mean truely understand that god is all around you, and that your relationship with god is established spiritually, then you don't need a church, possibly not the bible, for he is everywhere. Through out the years, I have always wondered. "If god is everywhere, then why need a church? Why need a specific location for worship when you can do it anywhere" I don't go to church anymore, but that question always remained.

[@cm-xq5zj]

THANK YOU !! For all of you insight!!!!! i truly appriciate you!!

[@lovingoldlady4872]

Thank you. As always, you help me explain how I feel.

[@GayleAllen-RINO]

Sending love and prayers to all here!

[@howardcohen6817]

Thank you. Love.

[@kevynnedallaire1815]

Wow Rev Ed! That was a thoughtful response to the never ending challenge of others, be they atheist or other Christian denominations. Well articulated. Thank you. I'm Roman Catholic and have recently returned to the Catholic Church after an absence of over 12 years as I struggled with issues of scandal and abuse of power I witnessed. But upon my return I've rediscovered everything in a new light. I'm hearing the scriptures in a whole new way and finally understanding things I never really understood before. It's so entrancing. As a result of that return, and KZbin's algorithms, the rabbit hole is leading to many interviews with Catholic converts and reconverts. And I am learning a lot. I think that the people challenging you (including the atheist) are using the principal of sola scriptura for the purpose of trying to undermine your credibility as you try to spread the word of God's mercy, and perhaps with that to cement their own beliefs again. I'm no expert in this field at all, but one of the arguments the converts put out there is that sola scriptura, so in vogue with Protestant denominations, actually leads to disunity as various interpretations are pitted against each other. So sola scriptura, if that is all you believe in, actually creates division in a Church founded to spread the message of Christ. The reason these recent concerts, all formerly strong Protestant participants, find the Catholic Church to be "the one true Church" is because they realized that the teachings were based on written scriptures AND oral stories AND traditions. And they also talked about the PROCESS that the early church used to come to discuss differences and to come to proclaim an agreed upon doctrine or dogma. It is in that overall Magisterium that the truth is proclaimed, for the whole church...or if you like the catholic church where "catholic" means universal. I realize all of the above is from the perspective of a Roman Catholic and that many Protestant denominations think of Catholics as cultists. So it may not be given any due consideration because of that. Nevertheless, I think that in essence it is the same thing you are saying. That our belief in God, and Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, is born out of an understanding of scripture combined with everything else. I know little about the Anglican views of the above, except that the Petrine succession is not really recognized. But it does strike me that what you are saying is essentially catholic. Blessings to you and all the work you do. 🙏 Paix!

[@ad-dx9gi]

A lot of the the prayers Rev Ed does on Wednesday and Saturday is the similar to Catholic.. Seeing a real good Catholic take look at St Pope John 23 he was for Christian unity and if Pope John 23 was alive today he be here with Rev Ed and Church with out Walls..it's what he believed in...

[@ad-dx9gi]

Also reading your comment wanted to add there's some Catholics KZbin channels there not the Vatican or Catholicism, There channels playing political views and want only tradition they are not experts they misrepresent the Church ...Also looking back on Pope John 23 he started Vatican two witch I'm grateful. At Vatican two there were Representatives from the Anglican Church, Lutheran, Methodist and other Churches it was awesome...The Bible is the Bible for everyone.. Pope John 23 broke barriers. He believed all people on Earth are God's Children...

[@kevynnedallaire1815]

@@ad-dx9gi Yes John the 23rd, and now Francis. One was disruptive, leading to Vatican 2 and it's huge impact that opened the windows to allow a fresh breeze. And the other is reminding us to be a church of mercy in service to the poor, more pastoral instead of dogmatic.

[@csnymoodiesfan]

Thank you for expressing so much of what I think. I was raised Catholic, but as an older, wiser adult, I question a lot that I never did before. I do find that God is all around me just by walking in nature. What I’ve discovered is that religion seems to corrupt what God is all about and thus has made us divisive.

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

The Bible was never WRITTEN in it's current form... Never WRITTEN to be a reference book. It was written in discriminate pieces over hundreds and thousands of years - each part meaningful to those around in that time. Originally, it was passed down vocally, interpreted as it went by those who heard it. Most people couldn't read nor had access to it any other way. In the history involved, the WRITTEN Bible is fairly new, the current iteration even newer. God is God - His WORD was spoken... It was meant to be passed from person to person, not placed on a shelf to be sold in a bookstore. The big names of Biblical history probably never READ the Bible in any form... All they had access to were letters and campfire stories

[@MelanieNLee]

From what I understand, the stories of faith among the Hebrews and other peoples were indeed passed down orally, but then Moses wrote the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures. Other Scriptures were subsequently written, and in fact, later books refer back to the earlier books. In fact, there's an incident in one book, after the return of the Israelites to their land after the 70-year exile, where the scrolls of Scripture are taken out and read aloud, and the people weep because they hadn't heard these words read in so long. In the New Testament, Jesus actually reads a scroll of the Book of Isaiah. Others, including Satan, also refer to the Hebrew Scriptures. OT Scriptures are quoted throughout the New Testament, and even some earlier epistles are referred to in later epistles. Therefore, to say that "the big names in Biblical history probably never READ the Bible in any form"--in ANY form--is inaccurate. They read letters and heard stories, as you said, but I believe the Hebrew Scriptures were assembled in some form by the time Jesus came around. Even the first five books were assembled by the time of Joshua.

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

@@MelanieNLee I guess I was taking the term "The Bible" as the whole assembly of documentation that we identify as The Bible... The letters, Old Testament documents, and Laws, reference documents, etc. were piecemeal and not totally assembled in one place. And most of those were kept in the Holy of Holies and Tabernacles to be read TO the people by the religious leader in charge. The scholars would have access to them, but I seriously doubt that the disciples had personal copies to read. Most only had read the limited documents that they had access to and had to use word of mouth to fill in the rest. This would mean that none of them read The Bible in it's entirety, since it was assembled well after their deaths. They had access to pieces, but not the whole thing. Probably not even a fully assembled Old Testament.

[@heatherfitzgibbon]

Aren't "pieces" of writings that could possibly be considered lost books of the Bible still be discovered? Therefore, the Bible is ever changing through new discoveries and different interpretations.

[@williamroop451]

Now that I am home and can properly "research" what I was trying to say, let me clarify (with proper names, times, and presentation) What we currently call "The Holy Bible" is made up of an anthology of 66 books written by approximately 40 authors over a 1,400-year period that ended nearly 2,000 years ago. As such, the original copies of these works have not lasted to today, though a large number of early copies allow us to reconstruct the text as it stood in its earliest form. For example, the Old Testament was written from the time of Moses (approximately 1400 BC) until the time of Ezra (approximately 400 BC). Copies of most Old Testament books have been preserved from as early as the second century BC in the finds of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Numerous Old Testament books have also been preserved in the ancient Cairo Geniza from the first century AD. Codex Cairensis includes the Prophets and is dated 895. The Aleppo Codex includes most of the Old Testament and dates from the 930s. The first full Old Testament manuscript in Hebrew, the Leningrad Codex (dated 1008), is over 1,000 years old. In addition, the entire Old Testament was translated into Greek in the second century BC in a work known as the Septuagint. It is clear from this translation that the complete Old Testament had been compiled prior to this time and that the text is essentially the same as it stood during this period 2,200 years ago, just 200 years after the completion of the final Old Testament book! The New Testament includes even more textual evidence to support its accuracy. Its 27 books were composed between the AD 40s-90s. A fragment of the Gospel of John exists from approximately AD 125. More than 5,000 Greek manuscripts exist of New Testament writings, enabling comparison to allow a comprehensive reconstruction of the earliest text. The first complete New Testament, the Codex Sinaiticus, dates to the mid fourth century (325-360) and reveals that the New Testament writings had been in circulation as a group long before this time. Further, early church leaders frequently quoted the New Testament's writings in their own works. Clement of Rome, for example, wrote in the late first century and cites many of the Gospels and Paul's writings. A harmony of the four Gospels existed in the second century. In summary, while the original manuscripts of Scripture are no longer in existence, ample copies from early times exist to provide confidence that the text that exists today is what was originally composed. The above was taken from www.compellingtruth.org/original-Bible.html Since it was compiled over the 1400 year period that ended after Jesus was crucified, the chances that ANYONE could have read or even had access to "The Holy Bible" is impossible... Having access to pieces of the Bible isn't the same as having the WHOLE Bible. This doesn't reduce it's importance, but it has to be taken into account when discussing it's history. Our current religious culture takes the WHOLE Bible as a full document: It isn't. It's an interpretation of a translation of events that were handed down through generations. EVEN the translation we have now is incomplete - it has to be due to the fact that the languages we have NOW aren't capable of carrying the weight of what was taught back then. The word LOVE in English translates into 7 or 8 different concepts in the Greek language - one of the earliest languages that Biblical texts were translated into. In fact, the name of the book "Holy Bible" is just a twist on the Greek word "biblio" or book. Literally translated it's name is "Holy Book". (Also in Latin: "Biblia") Early parts of the Biblical texts were named in the language of whom carried them and presented them to their "students". Called the "Tanakh", it is held by Christianity, Judaism, Samaritanism, Islam, the Baha'i Faith, and other Abrahamic faiths as holy text. It was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. Over the history of the ASSEMBLY of the Bible, there have been groups who decided which texts to include in each translation. Usually religious leaders, they have been occasionally influenced by political leaders. This has impacted both current "versions" of the Bible and corrupted earlier translations. For some interesting subject reading, look up both the Holy Roman Empire and some of the earlier branches of Catholicism. There is a reason that the founding fathers (and their European predecessors) wanted to create a separation between church and state. All this is not to say that no one should TRUST the Bible... But there are Higher Learning courses taught on just the history of religion, the Bible, and it's influence on and by the world. Back in the 80's I took a History of the Christian Church class in college, followed by a Western Civilization course. One was taught by a Baptist minister in community college and the other by a history professor... Both opened my eyes to the religion I have followed most of my life.

[@susanpeterson9947]

Since I was 16 years old, I’ve been fully aware that PEOPLE wrote the Bible. People interpreted ancient writings. People who couldn’t write at all passed stories down for perhaps thousands of years, and doubtless changed them slightly along the way, whether by accident or design. And then other people wrote them down, doubtless editing them along the way to better fit what they had already been taught about religion. I take what I can from it and disregard what I need to in order to remain a believer. Thank you for being here for us, Reverend.

[@Philosophocles9]

That is a cracking thumbnail picture 😆

[@rjay4197]

Thank you Ed, this was well reasoned and presented.

[@FireElement7]

The Bible is the word of God, but it was written by mortal men. Over the thousands of years, it has been retranslated countless times. It has even been changed purposefully at times. God is perfect. People are not. Spot on Reverend! Thank you! Amen 🙏♥️

[@scottgodlewski306]

Can I ask why it's important that God is perfect? I would like to say I'm a fan of Rev Ed's and value the community around this channel and am absolutely asking with sincere curiosity and am not a troll. I just wonder if that is a claim God has made about Himself in the Bible and why it's important.

[@yabits]

This is not quite accurate.... Two million people witnessed a VOICE speaking from a cloud at Mount Sinai -- hearing the first commandments, and ordering Moses to come and receive the rest of the Torah.

[@GwenMeek]

Also, we lose the most original message if we don’t understand Jewish humor as much t was once pointed out when a former church Bible study group had the local rabbi come and answer our questions. We were amazed about how much he had to learn understood the New Testament but still did not accept Yeshua.

[@juliachildress2943]

​@scottgodlewski306 we tend to think of perfection as meaning without flaw or sin. I think it's more helpful to translate the word like its Latin root which means "complete". God is wholeness. In the realm of the divine, nothing is lacking.

[@lovemakestheworldgoround6726]

@FireElement7 Awesome! You have expressed it PERFECTLY!! I must try to remember this. That is how i look at it... but you have expressed it very eloquently. Thanku and God bless. 👼🏽🙏🏽

[@witchycraftsbyKJ]

You are the ONLY Reverend that I will listen to. I left the church a few years ago. The hate and hypocrisy was just too much. Christianity seems more focused on religion than Christ. I don't see many Christians that are Christ-like. I do find a sense of peace listening to you. Ty

[@vickim8836]

Thank you for being a voice of sanity and comfort in troubling times. You're 💯 % correct about the bible.

[@kevinjohnson7839]

Amen 🙏 thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@Arthur-g3r]

The Rector at my church says that God is Bigger than that. The God of my understanding is much bigger than just a collection of sacred texts. Peace to you Fr. Ed.

[@Mahmah476]

I think when we make the Bible "set in stone", the "all in all", we can crowd out the ability to listen to God speaking to our hearts. Thank you for this video.

[@dribble3111]

Try playing magi game in creation story. Argue question pretty soon your talking to God and building worlds with him is soo cool

[@ChildofGod98765]

Holy Spirit, direct me in the areas of friendship, companionship, ministry, employment, career, and finances. As a single mother with two children with special needs is an overwhelming journey, especially when faced with financial difficulties. I pray for your divine intervention in my life, that you would provide for my children’s needs and guide me towards financial stability. I will keep faith in you Heavenly Father. 💕❤️

[@mjbrooks592]

I read your prayer and thought “Hey that’s my prayer too!” I am not single, but am also seeking clarity, wisdom and assistance from God on career, finances, and caring for our child with Downs Syndrome. Can be so overwhelming at times. If you haven’t heard it lately, you’re doing GREAT! This season of life may be hard but at 56, I’ve lived long enough to know it will pass. Things have a way of working out. Sending you a virtual 🤗!

[@cindythelibrarian]

So beautifully stated. I love this so much.

[@paulapenna-loveyourvoice]

I wish you were my reverend when I was younger.

[@terrykennedy-lares8840]

Again, Rev. Ed, your video is so insightful regarding "God", "The Higher Power" or what ever we wish to call it. "God is everywhere".

[@clerikofsweden7385]

Amen, brother! Any belief that removes our personal responsibility of thinking and coming to conclusions is a violation of Gods will concerning his creation of man.

[@junerussell6972]

Some friends of mine and I were talking recently about how the Bible is perceived. Some people in the discussion were saying "It's the infallible word of God." Others were saying "There are so many inconsistencies that you can't believe any of it." But some of us were pointing out how the Bible came about (including things about the Council of Nicaea, translations, when the earliest gospels were written, and how the people for whom the Bible was written had changed over time, such as the first books being for people who were hunters/gatherers, then agricultural based, and the like, and how that might change how things were described. Also how Peter and Paul had discussions about things like if circumcision was required for new Christians, as the Jewish laws proclaimed.) What we came down to was that if we had to "cherry-pick" parts of the Bible, we wanted to go with the ones that encourage us to be kind, giving, and loving.

[@c.b.-]

Kinda funny that the Bible _itself_ has a warning about raising anything above God, and then there are people who run around contradicting _the teachings of Jesus_ and claim the Bible told them to do it. ✨ _Irony!_ ✨

[@ProctorsGamble]

There are more atheists that follow Rev Ed than believers AND that’s a good thing!

[@margaretinsydney3856]

This is wonderful teaching as always, Fr Ed. Everything I was going to say has already been said in the comments, but regarding the Methodist Quadrilateral, number 4, "experience", I read as "If your own good sense revolts at something presented as Biblical teaching, pay attention. "

[@mamiestacy1704]

Thank you for this message.

[@VondaAddleman]

Rev Ed...have you seen the clip from Loran Livingston? It's a message that warms the heart.

[@revedtrevors4961]

Just getting ready to record now!

[@michaelrowe651]

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭

[@davidford694]

I think the most serious danger involved with taking every word of the Bible literally is that it allows the continuation of understandings about God that Jesus came to replace. Specifically the vengeful, angry, judgemental God of the Old Testament is used by certain pastors as a way to control their congregation.

[@ad-dx9gi]

Agreed, Pastor's like especially Evangelicals love using the old testament out of context, And it's harmful there misuse of the Bible...The old testament says eye for a eye the new testament says love and forgiveness.

[@marionopisso212]

​@@ad-dx9giThey love the word 'wrath' when describing or singing about an attribute of our God, who is Love. Scrambles the brain!

[@ad-dx9gi]

@@marionopisso212 Agree 👍

[@guesswho9742]

Amen, Brother Ed. I teach that exact point

[@elainemaldonado2932]

I remember before I could read my mother teaching us about Our Lord through his creation and that's how my siblings and I feel in love with Christ having faith like a child requires putting aside our will 🙏🏼

[@j.r.1823]

Very important message! Thank you so much! ❤ I enjoy your videos, you have a very timely message. Thank you for pointing things out that are going wrong in society, politics etc.. I think we need guidance like yours, that is a lot closer to Jesus's teachings than what we hear oftentimes these days.

[@commandosolo1266]

Oh thank you Padre, for saying this! Still, one must give the devil his due: deceiving Christians into worshiping a book rather than thinking for themselves is one heck of a good trick! That one had to put the entire infernal choir on the floor in hysterics.

[@AlyraMoondancer]

Thank you, Rev. This is so helpful, and makes so much sense.

[@adamellison5897]

Great video! At the time of my conversion to Christianity, I was told by the priest who led me through this time approximately this: “You don’t want to be a member of a church that requires you to check your brain at the entrance.”

[@rosemarycrane5137]

Thank you Rev Ed...this has always been a problem for myself and other friends of mine. We know that the Bible is not the actual "word of God." But what you speak of makes so much sense to me. I so enjoy listeniing to you.

[@helenmurphree3434]

This is beautiful Reverend The older I get the more I realize that we are all human and the ones that think they know it all as far as the church or the Bible probably know the least. Having attended church for a large portion of my life I’ve become tired of the same doom and gloom messages and the fear that we are living in the end times. I feel like people have been living in the end times since the beginning of time 😖 Listening to you brings a fresh perspective, thank you

[@rossprairietraveler974]

I read the book, Misquoting Jesus. I thought that if what that books says is true, that would destroy so many people's Faith. I also realized that my Faith, that my beliefs, that my relationship with God didn't hinge on the Bible.

[@willcool713]

I don't know how many people I have incensed with this distinction. I don't believe God and the Bible are the same thing, I believe there is a difference. But to many people, making such a distinction, just discussing the difference, is blasphemy. I think the real issue is that many devout people use religion as a defense against rational learning, and learning itself becomes blasphemous.

[@obviousalias9506]

There's an old term, obscurantism, which can be defined as "the organized opposition to knowledge and education." There's a lot of obscurantism about of late, unfortunately. Be well!

[@willcool713]

@@obviousalias9506 Yeah, I think it's a human foible not particular to these times or our culture. Stability and constancy are comforting, learning makes things new again. That can be exhausting, and our modern world demands a lot of constant learning. Of course there's pushback against the elite and learned who are more properly prepared for such rigors. I just don't think it should be the place of religion to insulate people from reality or uncomfortable truths, but to help them through the coping and understanding.

[@marionopisso212]

​@@willcool713Many will choose the comfort of certitude over faith.

[@willcool713]

@@marionopisso212 True that. I find certitude in faith though, too. Different sorts, I think. Balance, I guess, no easy answers, huh?

[@marionopisso212]

@@willcool713 Yes, no easy answers, I guess that's why the spiritual journey is never boring! I like the ancient mystics' attitude in being comfortable with unknowing. It's a humbling fact to realize we actually know very little of the spiritual realm, and the more we do learn, the more we grasp our poverty. And that keeps us relying on Him and not ourselves, which is a good thing!

[@f.demascio1857]

Atheist here. I appreciate YOUR content, and you are (to me) what Christian should be. Strong in faith, but not a zealot. Was it Seth Andrews' channel?

[@revedtrevors4961]

No idea but I'll look

[@Fernando-ek8jp]

At the risk of raining on the parade, why is being strong in faith a good thing?

[@DeniNeher]

I was taught "God is everywhere and everything" The bible was written to teach us in a time that was very different to now. If I need guidance I ask myself, "What would Jesus say or do"? He taught us what God is about.