End of the Third Quarter, 2021
September 18, 2021
G.D.O'Bradovich III
The end of the quarter is when relate thoughts and observations that are insufficient for a full essay.
The philological references are from the Blue Letter Bible.
The philological references are from the Blue Letter Bible.
And John [the Baptist] calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
Luke 7:19-20
Although the Gospel of Luke details John the Baptist’s conception and birth, Luke relates that John the Baptist was unsure if Jesus was the Messiah, the one “that should come”. Like a typical Capricorn, Jesus avoids answering personal questions:
Go your way and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. Luke 7:22
If John the Baptist had doubts concerning Jesus, then it should not unexpected that people that have neither personal connections nor familial relationships to Jesus should have doubts regarding Jesus.
And that repentance and remission G589 of sins should be preached in his name ...
Luke 24:47
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness G859 of sins…
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness G859 of sins:
Colossians 1:14
Forgiveness [noun]: the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.
Forgive [verb]: stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
Remission [noun]: the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty.
Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin remissio(n- ), from remittere ‘send back, restore’
ἄφεσις aphesis feminine noun G859
The KJV translates Strong's G859 as: remission (9), forgiveness (6), deliverance (1), liberty (1).
Forgive [verb]: stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
Remission [noun]: the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty.
Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin remissio(n- ), from remittere ‘send back, restore’
ἄφεσις aphesis feminine noun G859
The KJV translates Strong's G859 as: remission (9), forgiveness (6), deliverance (1), liberty (1).
Whose soever sins ye remit G863, they are remitted G863 unto them…
John 20:23
ἀφίημι aphiēmi verb G863
The KJV translates Strong's G863 as: leave (52), forgive (47), suffer (14), let (8), forsake (6), let alone (6), miscellaneous (13).
From Scripture, it is clear that the Apostles had the authority to send away sins. Both the Roman and Greek Churches teach that their current bishops, through Apostolic succession, retain this authority.
The KJV translates Strong's G863 as: leave (52), forgive (47), suffer (14), let (8), forsake (6), let alone (6), miscellaneous (13).
From Scripture, it is clear that the Apostles had the authority to send away sins. Both the Roman and Greek Churches teach that their current bishops, through Apostolic succession, retain this authority.
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:27
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation G2917 to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
1 Corinthians 11:29
κρίμα krima neuter noun G2917
The KJV translates Strong's G2917 as: judgment (13), damnation (7), condemnation (5), be condemned (1), go to law (with G2192) (1), avenge (with G2919) (1).
From the two passages in Corinthians, it is reasonable to conclude that Saint Paul views communion seriously. He does not regard communion as not as a symbolic act, lead by symbolic priests in a symbolic church, and founded upon symbolic Scripture.
The KJV translates Strong's G2917 as: judgment (13), damnation (7), condemnation (5), be condemned (1), go to law (with G2192) (1), avenge (with G2919) (1).
From the two passages in Corinthians, it is reasonable to conclude that Saint Paul views communion seriously. He does not regard communion as not as a symbolic act, lead by symbolic priests in a symbolic church, and founded upon symbolic Scripture.
The Occult is not a monolithic subject and there are as many opinions as there are fields of study.
Among certain occultists there is a belief that after birth, babies are to be placed in a pool and those that can swim are either descents from Atlantis or Lemuria.
Since those newborns who sink to the bottom, we presume that they are Terran, all too Terran.
Among certain occultists there is a belief that after birth, babies are to be placed in a pool and those that can swim are either descents from Atlantis or Lemuria.
Since those newborns who sink to the bottom, we presume that they are Terran, all too Terran.
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery G3096 and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.G3095
Acts 8:9-11
Then Simon himself believed also and when he was baptized …
Acts 8:13
Like modern protestants, Simon Magus believed and was baptized. Scripture does not suggest that Simon stopped believing. Therefore, per the authority of Scripture, one can continue to believe, while remaining the source of all heresies.
However, baptism does not make one a Christian, chrismation does. The followers of Christ are called “Christians”, not “Baptists”. This fact conforms to both logic and the documented history of the term Christian. Before the creation of the term “Christian” in the 16th century, the English word for “Christian” was “Greek” and the inhabitants of Greece were designated as Hellenes, after the country of Hellas. Therefore, the word “Christian” is a recent innovation.
These are the four accounts of Jesus being anointed:
However, baptism does not make one a Christian, chrismation does. The followers of Christ are called “Christians”, not “Baptists”. This fact conforms to both logic and the documented history of the term Christian. Before the creation of the term “Christian” in the 16th century, the English word for “Christian” was “Greek” and the inhabitants of Greece were designated as Hellenes, after the country of Hellas. Therefore, the word “Christian” is a recent innovation.
These are the four accounts of Jesus being anointed:
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment and poured it G2708 on his head ...
Matthew 26:6-7
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, … there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard G3487 very precious and she brake the box and poured G2708 it on his head.
Mark 14:3
And stood at his feet behind him weeping and began to wash his feet with tears and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed G218 them with the ointment.
Luke 7:38
My head with oil thou [Simon, v. 40] didst not anoint: G218 but this woman hath anointed G218 my feet with ointment.
Luke 7:46
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany… Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed G218 the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair…
John 12:1, 3
καταχέω katacheō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G2708 as: pour (2x).
The two occurrences of G2708 in the New Testament are in found in quotes from Matthew and Mark found above.
Ἀλείφω aleiphō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G218 as: anoint (9x).
Χριστός christos adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G5547 as: Christ (569x).
χρίω chriō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G5548 as: anoint (5x).
Only in the epistle to the Hebrews is oil mentioned in conjuncture with anointing: “hath anointed G5548 thee with the oil of gladness ...” [1:9].
The other uses of G5548 in the New Testament are figurative:
The KJV translates Strong's G2708 as: pour (2x).
The two occurrences of G2708 in the New Testament are in found in quotes from Matthew and Mark found above.
Ἀλείφω aleiphō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G218 as: anoint (9x).
Χριστός christos adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G5547 as: Christ (569x).
χρίω chriō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G5548 as: anoint (5x).
Only in the epistle to the Hebrews is oil mentioned in conjuncture with anointing: “hath anointed G5548 thee with the oil of gladness ...” [1:9].
The other uses of G5548 in the New Testament are figurative:
...he hath anointed G5548 me to preach the gospel...
Luke 4:18
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, G5548 …
Acts 4:27
How God anointed G5548 Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost...
Acts 10:38
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed G5548 us, is God...”
2 Corinthians 1:21
“Well, maybe I don't want to take advice from fools.” -Gin Blossoms
Now when Jesus was born ... there came wise men G3097 from the east to Jerusalem,
Matthew 2:1
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, G3097 enquired of them …
Matthew 2:7
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, G3097 ... slew all the children that were in Bethlehem ... from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. G3097
Matthew 2:16
And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, G3097 a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Acts 13:6
But Elymas the sorcerer G3097 (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Acts 13:8
μαγεύω mageuō verb G3096
The KJV translates Strong's G3096 as: use sorcery (1).
μαγεία mageia feminine noun G3095
The KJV translates Strong's G3095 as: sorcery (1).
μάγος magos masculine noun G3097
The KJV translates Strong's G3097as: wise man (4), sorcerer (2).
Through inconsistent translations, the editors of the King James Bible impress upon the trusting reader that “wise men” humbly came to worship the baby Jesus, while Barjesus, Elymas, and Simon were sorcerers or persons “who claims or is believed to have magic powers,” that is, “a wizard or a man who has magical powers, especially in legends and fairy tales”.
The KJV translates Strong's G3096 as: use sorcery (1).
μαγεία mageia feminine noun G3095
The KJV translates Strong's G3095 as: sorcery (1).
μάγος magos masculine noun G3097
The KJV translates Strong's G3097as: wise man (4), sorcerer (2).
Through inconsistent translations, the editors of the King James Bible impress upon the trusting reader that “wise men” humbly came to worship the baby Jesus, while Barjesus, Elymas, and Simon were sorcerers or persons “who claims or is believed to have magic powers,” that is, “a wizard or a man who has magical powers, especially in legends and fairy tales”.
The New Orleans Paradox
For an observer in New Orleans, the world curves down in all directions. For the Mississippi River to empty into the gulf, the water must first flow uphill to New Orleans.
For an observer in Memphis, the world curves down in all directions. For the Mississippi River to flow to New Orleans, the water must first flow uphill to Memphis.
For an observer in Evansville, the world curves down in all directions. For the Wabash River to empty into the Ohio River, the water must first flow uphill to Evansville.
For an observer in Terre Haute, the world curves down in all directions. For the Wabash River to flow to Evansville, the water must first flow uphill to Terre Haute.
For an observer in Lafayette, the world curves down in all directions. For the Wabash River to flow to Terre Haute, the water must first flow uphill to Lafayette.
If the world is a sphere, then the above observations are true. Since nowhere in human experience does water flow uphill, the reader must reach his own conclusions regarding water simultaneously flowing uphill and downhill. The resolution of the contradiction removes the supposed paradox.
For an observer in Memphis, the world curves down in all directions. For the Mississippi River to flow to New Orleans, the water must first flow uphill to Memphis.
For an observer in Evansville, the world curves down in all directions. For the Wabash River to empty into the Ohio River, the water must first flow uphill to Evansville.
For an observer in Terre Haute, the world curves down in all directions. For the Wabash River to flow to Evansville, the water must first flow uphill to Terre Haute.
For an observer in Lafayette, the world curves down in all directions. For the Wabash River to flow to Terre Haute, the water must first flow uphill to Lafayette.
If the world is a sphere, then the above observations are true. Since nowhere in human experience does water flow uphill, the reader must reach his own conclusions regarding water simultaneously flowing uphill and downhill. The resolution of the contradiction removes the supposed paradox.
"Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one." - Voltaire
And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, “May I speak unto thee?” Who said, “Canst thou speak Greek? Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?”
Acts 21:37-38
Although the Jews were distrustful of foreigners and their strange customs, the situation under the Romans was so intolerable that the Jews were willing to follow an Egyptian to overthrow Rome rule.
The Apocrypha is not used by the protestants, as they cannot hold books in esteem that clearly demonstrate, among other customs, the long established Christian practice of praying for the dead.
Another reason to deny the Apocrypha is that protestants can continue to play the never ending games of “Find the Antichrist” and “When is the world going to End?”, otherwise said, “When will the abomination of desolation occur?”
Another reason to deny the Apocrypha is that protestants can continue to play the never ending games of “Find the Antichrist” and “When is the world going to End?”, otherwise said, “When will the abomination of desolation occur?”
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Matthew 24:15
And he … shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate …
Daniel 9:27
[They] shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
Daniel 11:31
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up…
Daniel 12:11
Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar...
1 Maccabees 1:54
The first book of Maccabees is clear that the “abomination of desolation” is a historical event. Even if the clear meaning of the historical documentation of Maccabees is denied, as it is not recognized as inspired “Scripture”, the words of the Redeemer remain:
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things [including the desolation of Daniel, v. 15] be fulfilled.
Matthew 24:34
Therefore, all the prophesies of the twenty fourth chapter of Matthew has been fulfilled.
Nietzsche's use of the “Antichrist” as a title is, no doubt, intentionally ambiguous, as careful readers are careful writers. Great minds are skeptical and those individuals with philological discipline do not accidentally use imprecise words, especially as titles of books.
“Antichrist” can have its origin in either Greek or Latin. If from Latin, then the prefix anti- means “against” and if from Greek, then the prefix anti- means “in place of”. If the title of the book, “Antichrist”, is understood as “in place of Christ”, then it is reasonable that the title refers to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ, or the person “in place of” Christ.
Of course, the protestant belief that the Christian priesthood no longer applies, as the individual is his own priest who is saved by his own belief. This development in Christianity suggests that the title “Antichrist” has a third possible interpretation: the protestant who is simultaneously “in the place of Christ”, as his own priest, and is “against Christ”, as a hypocrite.*
* Originally, Protestants protested the authority of the Papacy, but as they did not convert to Orthodoxy, protestants can be understood as denying not the established church hierarchy, whether Roman or Greek, but Christ himself. With their lips, protestants declare they believe what the Savior says in their Bible, but in their actions or behaviors, they deny the authority of his words and, by extension, his authority. As their premise is the non contradictory, infallible, and inerrant Scripture, they cannot consider that their presumption is false, that is, the reality of 40,000 plus protestant denominations is the strongest evidence that Scripture was not, is not, nor can be the foundation of the one church promised by Christ [Matthew 16:18]. The Roman church understands the one church is based exclusively on the Apostolic succession from Saint Peter, while the Greek churches understand all bishops as being equal in authority to the apostles [John 20:23].
“Antichrist” can have its origin in either Greek or Latin. If from Latin, then the prefix anti- means “against” and if from Greek, then the prefix anti- means “in place of”. If the title of the book, “Antichrist”, is understood as “in place of Christ”, then it is reasonable that the title refers to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ, or the person “in place of” Christ.
Of course, the protestant belief that the Christian priesthood no longer applies, as the individual is his own priest who is saved by his own belief. This development in Christianity suggests that the title “Antichrist” has a third possible interpretation: the protestant who is simultaneously “in the place of Christ”, as his own priest, and is “against Christ”, as a hypocrite.*
* Originally, Protestants protested the authority of the Papacy, but as they did not convert to Orthodoxy, protestants can be understood as denying not the established church hierarchy, whether Roman or Greek, but Christ himself. With their lips, protestants declare they believe what the Savior says in their Bible, but in their actions or behaviors, they deny the authority of his words and, by extension, his authority. As their premise is the non contradictory, infallible, and inerrant Scripture, they cannot consider that their presumption is false, that is, the reality of 40,000 plus protestant denominations is the strongest evidence that Scripture was not, is not, nor can be the foundation of the one church promised by Christ [Matthew 16:18]. The Roman church understands the one church is based exclusively on the Apostolic succession from Saint Peter, while the Greek churches understand all bishops as being equal in authority to the apostles [John 20:23].
Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesiedG4395 in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?” And then will I [Jesus, Mat 4:23] profess unto them, “I never knew you. Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:22-23
It is clear that prophesying or preaching, casting out devils, and doing wonderful works in the Lord’s names is not a requirement for salvation. The fact that Jesus describes these acts as iniquity will be a surprise for both Simon Magus, who lived before Scripture, and protestants, who ignore Scripture.
Προφητεύω prophēteuō verb G4395
The KJV translates Strong's G4395 as: prophesy (28x).
The definition of G3395 is: “to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:—prophesy.”.
G4395 is derived from G4396.
προφήτης prophētēs masculine noun G4396
The KJV translates Strong's G4396 as: prophet (149x).
In “Greek writings, [G4396 is] an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things”.
Προφητεύω prophēteuō verb G4395
The KJV translates Strong's G4395 as: prophesy (28x).
The definition of G3395 is: “to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:—prophesy.”.
G4395 is derived from G4396.
προφήτης prophētēs masculine noun G4396
The KJV translates Strong's G4396 as: prophet (149x).
In “Greek writings, [G4396 is] an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things”.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespassesG3900 and sins;
Ephesians 2:1
παράπτωμα paraptōma neuter noun G3900
The KJV translates Strong's G3900 as: trespass (9), offence (7), sin (3), fall (2), fault (2).
Thayer’s Greek lexicon states that παράπτωμα is
1. properly, a fall beside or near something; but nowhere found in this sense.
2. tropically, a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness; a sin, misdeed
G3900 means a “fall beside or near something”, however this sense is not found in the New Testament.
As the reader cannot rely on the proper meaning of G3900, he must create a workable definition. Of course, a trope or “a figurative or metaphorical use of a word” may not be identically intelligible among readers.
The KJV translates Strong's G3900 as: trespass (9), offence (7), sin (3), fall (2), fault (2).
Thayer’s Greek lexicon states that παράπτωμα is
1. properly, a fall beside or near something; but nowhere found in this sense.
2. tropically, a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness; a sin, misdeed
G3900 means a “fall beside or near something”, however this sense is not found in the New Testament.
As the reader cannot rely on the proper meaning of G3900, he must create a workable definition. Of course, a trope or “a figurative or metaphorical use of a word” may not be identically intelligible among readers.
“It is a curious thing that God learned Greek when he wished to turn author-
and that he did not learn it better.”
-Beyond Good and Evil, Aphorism 121, Nietzsche
and that he did not learn it better.”
-Beyond Good and Evil, Aphorism 121, Nietzsche
The Terre Haute Paradox
In early January, during the sun’s annual perihelion, Terre Haute has freezing weather and the residents have two choices. The most popular choice among Hautens is to endure the inhospitable weather and wait six months until the sun is four million miles further from the sun than it was in January. The second choice is to travel Miami, Florida. The latitude of Miami [25.76°] is 945 miles further south than Terre Haute’s latitude [39.46°].
The paradox is the fact Miami is much warmer than Terre Haute, yet it less than a thousand miles from Terre Haute. However, when Terre Haute is four million miles further from the sun, Terre Haute experiences hot summers.
The paradox is the fact Miami is much warmer than Terre Haute, yet it less than a thousand miles from Terre Haute. However, when Terre Haute is four million miles further from the sun, Terre Haute experiences hot summers.
“Everything that kills me makes me feel alive.” -OneRepublic
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.G3847
1 Timothy 2:1
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, G3847 who is the figure of him that was to come.
Romans 5:14
παράβασις parabasis feminine noun G3847
The KJV translates Strong's G3847 as: transgression (6), breaking (1).
Although both Adam and the woman were in transgression, only Adam was not deceived. From these two facts, combined with the three truthful statements form the serpent, the only conclusion is that Eve was deceived by Adam.
The KJV translates Strong's G3847 as: transgression (6), breaking (1).
Although both Adam and the woman were in transgression, only Adam was not deceived. From these two facts, combined with the three truthful statements form the serpent, the only conclusion is that Eve was deceived by Adam.
Oftentimes in television series and movies, there is a painful revelation to one of the characters, that is,
“hearing the reality about someone, something, or oneself [that] can cause the listener to feel sadness or unhappiness”, otherwise said, “the truth hurts”.
In the fictional world of movies, characters always react to the revelation of truth. We know the small screen is fiction, as people in the “real” world simply dismiss facts that do not conform to either their preconceived opinions or their long held beliefs.
The truth hurts as those characters do not seek the truth or reality, but pleasing opinions. [The Gentle Reader may pursue the consequences of fictional characters denying their fictional reality.] Humans have the ability to actively deny reality and the denial of reality indicates that they have the capability of denying truth, as truth must be an aspect, however indeterminate, of reality.
The scriptwriters have characters accept the reality of this truth, if only to move the plot forward, although there may instances for further development of the character.
Unfortunately, it seems that the Great Novelist of the Universe seems to lack concern either for moving the story forward or for any satisfying development of the characters, if only judged by the lack of progress among humanity.
“hearing the reality about someone, something, or oneself [that] can cause the listener to feel sadness or unhappiness”, otherwise said, “the truth hurts”.
In the fictional world of movies, characters always react to the revelation of truth. We know the small screen is fiction, as people in the “real” world simply dismiss facts that do not conform to either their preconceived opinions or their long held beliefs.
The truth hurts as those characters do not seek the truth or reality, but pleasing opinions. [The Gentle Reader may pursue the consequences of fictional characters denying their fictional reality.] Humans have the ability to actively deny reality and the denial of reality indicates that they have the capability of denying truth, as truth must be an aspect, however indeterminate, of reality.
The scriptwriters have characters accept the reality of this truth, if only to move the plot forward, although there may instances for further development of the character.
Unfortunately, it seems that the Great Novelist of the Universe seems to lack concern either for moving the story forward or for any satisfying development of the characters, if only judged by the lack of progress among humanity.
The flat earth model has one serious issue if it based on Nature and natural laws.
The sun has three distinct paths: over the Tropic of Cancer [23.43647° north of the equator], over the equator, and over the Tropic of Capricorn [23.43647° south of the equator].
The distance of these three circles on the flat earth modelis:
The sun has three distinct paths: over the Tropic of Cancer [23.43647° north of the equator], over the equator, and over the Tropic of Capricorn [23.43647° south of the equator].
The distance of these three circles on the flat earth modelis:
Tropic of Cancer
Equator Tropic of Capricorn |
22,827.9 miles
24,901 miles 26,975 miles |
The sun remains a constant 24 hours to circle the flat earth, so the speed of the sun is:
Tropic of Cancer
Equator Tropic of Capricorn |
951 miles per hour
1,038 miles per hour 1,124 miles per hour |
on the summer solstice
on the autumnal and vernal equinox on the winter solstice |
The sun must increase its speed from the winter solstice to the summer solstice, the sun must decrease its speed from the summer solstice to the winter solstice. While the continual change in speed is difficult to explain, the sun, from the flat earth, also is closer to the earth during the winter months and further away during the summer months. There is not only a change in speed, but also of direction.
Therefore, there is a change of velocity [the speed of something in a given direction]. Neither known physical laws (or physical theories) nor observations from nature can explain how the sun can both steadily decrease velocity by 16% [to maintain the 24 hour day] from the winter solstice while continually rising higher above the earth to the moment of the summer solstice and then reverse the process; to decrease in elevation and increase in velocity.
Therefore, there is a change of velocity [the speed of something in a given direction]. Neither known physical laws (or physical theories) nor observations from nature can explain how the sun can both steadily decrease velocity by 16% [to maintain the 24 hour day] from the winter solstice while continually rising higher above the earth to the moment of the summer solstice and then reverse the process; to decrease in elevation and increase in velocity.
An Allegory of a Modern Dialogue
Is that a house?
No, that’s a retirement home.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a nursing home.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a dormitory.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a prison.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a motel.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a hotel.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a theater.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a funeral home
Is that a house?
No, that’s a car wash.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a office building.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a laboratory
Is that a house?
No, that’s a data center.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a call center.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a showroom.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a museum.
Is that a house?
No, that’s a library.
If the teacher in our allegory would have provided his student with a workable definition for a house, such as “a building for human habitation that typically includes a bathroom and bedroom”, then the student would be able to identify a house, without the need for the teacher. In our exaggerated example, the student may become so frustrated with the above exercise that he may decide that houses are neither important nor worth the effort to discover the exact nature of nature.
If the student can never identify a house, then this would not impair his ability as a productive citizen, as he would still be able to identify places where friends and family live and be able locate other addresses as needed. In conclusion to this part, the word “house” is superfluous to people who can reason.
Our intention of the allegory can be explained by modern fundamental Christians and their knowledge of sin. It is interpreted that the Old Testament lists 613 laws, 365 negative commandments and 248 positive commandments. However, there is neither a single Biblical definition of sin nor a workable framework for the individual to identify whether an action is a sin.
If not for a familiarity with the Old Testament, then one would not know that sin exists, as Saint Paul relates that he did “not known sin, but by the law” [Romans 7:7]. If one can never identify what is sinful, then this would not impair one’s ability to become a mature human being, as one would still be able to identify acceptable behavior from unacceptable behavior through societal experiences, that is, “based on accordance with what is generally done.”
If the student can never identify a house, then this would not impair his ability as a productive citizen, as he would still be able to identify places where friends and family live and be able locate other addresses as needed. In conclusion to this part, the word “house” is superfluous to people who can reason.
Our intention of the allegory can be explained by modern fundamental Christians and their knowledge of sin. It is interpreted that the Old Testament lists 613 laws, 365 negative commandments and 248 positive commandments. However, there is neither a single Biblical definition of sin nor a workable framework for the individual to identify whether an action is a sin.
If not for a familiarity with the Old Testament, then one would not know that sin exists, as Saint Paul relates that he did “not known sin, but by the law” [Romans 7:7]. If one can never identify what is sinful, then this would not impair one’s ability to become a mature human being, as one would still be able to identify acceptable behavior from unacceptable behavior through societal experiences, that is, “based on accordance with what is generally done.”
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law ... are a law unto themselves which shew the work of the law written in their hearts. Their conscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.
Romans 2:14-15
In conclusion, the word “sin” is superfluous to most reasonable people.
It is a strange, but well established, custom to put final words in the mouth of a significant person. According to Kepler, Tycho Brahe’s last words were, “Ne frusta vixisse vidar.” [May I not seemed to have lived in vain].
Great minds, Gentle Reader, are skeptical or “not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations” and Brahe, the meticulous scientist, surely knew the depths of his accomplishments. Therefore, we reluctantly conclude that Apprentice Kepler, for unknown reasons, fabricated Brahe’s final words.
Great minds, Gentle Reader, are skeptical or “not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations” and Brahe, the meticulous scientist, surely knew the depths of his accomplishments. Therefore, we reluctantly conclude that Apprentice Kepler, for unknown reasons, fabricated Brahe’s final words.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, ... “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:46
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, …. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Mark 15:34
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit”: ... Luke 23:46
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”....
John 19:30