1
As Master has observed, The Wonderful World of Occult Research™ [WWOR] could not exist if things are in reality as they are interpreted by the observer. Therefore, WWOR endures so long as appearance and opinions hold sway over the mind. The Occult Researcher may be permitted to envision ignorance as a type of job security for Occult Commentator.
Speakers do not typically state that they are not deceiving the listener. Firstly, there is no presumption on the part of the listeners that speakers are dishonest and, secondly, stating one is not lying, without any prompting, will cause the listener to question the speaker’s intention. Our observations concerning the spoken word are applicable to the written word. Interestingly, there are three occasions where the Apostle states that he is not a liar.
The following information is courtesy of the Blue Letter Bible.
Strong’s Number G5574 “ψεύδομαι pseúdomai, ... to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood:—falsely, lie.”
Speakers do not typically state that they are not deceiving the listener. Firstly, there is no presumption on the part of the listeners that speakers are dishonest and, secondly, stating one is not lying, without any prompting, will cause the listener to question the speaker’s intention. Our observations concerning the spoken word are applicable to the written word. Interestingly, there are three occasions where the Apostle states that he is not a liar.
The following information is courtesy of the Blue Letter Bible.
Strong’s Number G5574 “ψεύδομαι pseúdomai, ... to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood:—falsely, lie.”
I say the truth in Christ, I lie [G5574] not, ... Romans 9:1
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ... knoweth that I lie [G5574] not.
2 Corinthians 11:31
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie [G5574] not. Galatians 1:20
As a general observation, Saint Paul invokes Christ, the Son [Romans], the Holy Spirit [Romans], and God, the Father [Corinthians]. Until suffice evidence to suggest otherwise is presented, we presume Saint Paul is not lying, although we readily acknowledge that he may be misunderstood, which may lead to the belief that he is lying.
That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Romans 9:2-3
The reader cannot know Saint Paul’ thoughts, and to suggest the Apostle is lying regarding his sorrows is unreasonable.
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
Are they ministers of Christ? ... I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, ... of robbers, ... by mine own countrymen, ... by the heathen, ... in the city, ... in the wilderness, ... in the sea, ... among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Corinthians 11:22-27
We have no reason to believe that Saint Paul was not persecuted and suffered accordingly.
2
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia and was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. Galatians 1:11-24
Unlike the previous two excerpts from the epistles, Galatians offers the possibility that Saint Paul is lying. We learn that the Gospel that Saint Paul preaches is not from man, but from Jesus Christ [verses 11 and 12]. This claim can not be verified.
Saint Paul claims he was more zealous to the law than his peers [verse 14] and this statement cannot be verified.
In verses 15 and 16, Saint Paul writes that “it pleased God...To reveal his Son in me.” We cannot know if this claim is factual.
Finally, Saint Paul claims that the churches of Judaea “glorified God in me”.
Of the four claims examined in the epistle to the Galatians, we cannot determine that Saint Paul is lying, as personal revelations are subjective and unique to the individual.
Saint Paul claims he was more zealous to the law than his peers [verse 14] and this statement cannot be verified.
In verses 15 and 16, Saint Paul writes that “it pleased God...To reveal his Son in me.” We cannot know if this claim is factual.
Finally, Saint Paul claims that the churches of Judaea “glorified God in me”.
Of the four claims examined in the epistle to the Galatians, we cannot determine that Saint Paul is lying, as personal revelations are subjective and unique to the individual.
And as he [Saint Paul] journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Acts 9:3-7
And it came to pass, that, as I [Saint Paul] made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me and I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
And they that were with me saw ... the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me and I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. Acts 22:6-11
At midday, O king, I [Saint Paul] saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me and when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying ... Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: Acts 26:13-18
The three versions of the events on the road to Damascus are often cited by innovators as evidence for contradictory testimony. Although there are contradictions between what seen and what was heard by the bystanders [9:7, 22:9], these contractions can be reasonably explained without violence to the clear understanding of the text: the first version [chapter 9] is a second hand account, while there is no contradiction between chapters 22 and 26, as the later does not relate what was seen or heart by the bystanders. We are not surprised by contradictions existing between secondary and primary accounts of an event, whether supernatural or otherwise.
3
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty [G3835], I caught you with guile [G1388].
2 Corinthians 12:16
Strong’s Number G3835 [πανοῦργος panoûrgos] occurs once in the New Testament. It is derived from G3956 [πᾶς pâs] and G2041 [ἔργον érgon].
Strong’s Number G1388 [δόλος dólos] is found on twelve instances and is translated as “guile” on seven occasions and is derived from G1185 [δελεάζω deleázō].
Strong’s Number G1388 [δόλος dólos] is found on twelve instances and is translated as “guile” on seven occasions and is derived from G1185 [δελεάζω deleázō].
For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie [G5582] unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? Romans 3:7
If we, at various times, return to the topics of Cancer Geminis and protestantism, then we do so for one reason: we are intrigued by the facts, implications, and the possibilities. As both fields extend beyond the horizon and the harvest is ending, we will never exhaust these subjects.
The ancient churches have various rites of passage, or sacraments, that are performed exclusively by the priest; among these are baptism, chrismation, marriage, communion, and confession.
In western Europe, we infer from the Council of Trent [allegedly held from 1545 to 1563] that marriages were either not performed in churches or were only occasionally performed in churches. From the text alone, we cannot determine if priests were involved in marriage rites outside the church or if marriage was the domain of secular authorities. The council also decreed that marriages must be witnessed and recorded and we infer that secret unrecorded marriages were commonplace. Therefore, any documentation of marriages of commoners previous to the sixteenth century are suspect, as there was no reason to record these rites.
Buildings, called churches, have been created for express purpose of performing these sacraments. In the eastern Churches, the buildings are called “Temples” and the section containing the altar is called the “Holy of Holies”. These temples can be understood as a type of foreshadowing of the next world, with depictions of the Master and his faithful followers, or saints. Therefore, in the eastern Christian tradition, where the goal of man is to become divine, the building cannot be divorced from the purpose religion.
The European Lutheran church has two sacraments, baptism and communion; confession “is not universally observed ... primarily due to the consideration of lack of a visible element”.
“Now faith is ... the evidence of things not seen.”-Hebrews 11:1
The American Southern Baptists also have baptism and communion. Although both the Lutherans and Baptists have a marriage ceremony, it is not considered to be a sacrament. Additionally, certain state and federal office holders can perform civil marriages.
“Many Southern Baptists believe that imbibing alcohol for any reason impedes a person's Christian witness and thus has no place at the Lord's Supper.” Many modern Christians have strange opinions that conflict with tradition.
“Baptists believe the Bible teaches that the elements used in the Supper are not literally the body and blood of Christ.” The irony of teaching that both the Israelite and the Levitical Laws are incumbent upon Christians, yet not accepting the Master’s words at face value, can be enjoyed by the thoughtful reader.
As a consequence of knowing that one is saved by belief, most protestants understand baptism and communion as symbolic and adhering to Jesus’ commandments. The implication is that the Master has commanded his followers to participate in rituals that have no purpose, no value, other than obedience. An extensive exposition on the topic of obedience on behalf of those who are disobedient to ancient tradition will be omitted.
Since it is not within the authority or power of protestant ministers to remit sins, change the sacramental elements or expel demons, one wonders the reason why this position exists in modern churches.
The original seven sacraments of the ancient churches has been reduced in the modern age to two sacraments, and these remaining sacraments only have a symbolic significance. As no sacraments, in the historical sense, exist and protestant ministers have no authority other than their own, or the authority bestowed on them by their denomination, we are unable to understand why these churches or assemblies are thought to be religious in nature. Certain modern Christian groups acknowledge that they are not primarily religious by their behavior, oftentimes, there is not a dedicated building for their services.
Protestant churches are distinguished from social organizations such as the Moose, the Elks, the Republican Party, and Mensa by their teachings upon religion. Yet, as no religious activity occurs in these modern churches, where historical practice is our standard of reference, then it is unlikely, although not impossible, that religious instruction is present. The Gentle Reader must distinguish between the promotion of morality, that is incumbent upon all men, and religious teachings that are specific to certain groups. Clearly the religious teachings of modern Christians is limited: knowing one is saved, ministers have no designated authority, and sacraments are symbolic. The volume of sacred scripture, or the Bible, is not to be read as either an allegory or symbolically, but literally true, factual, and reliable.
Since the salvation of one’s immortal soul is assured, attendance at a building dedicated to religious rites is not necessary for the hoped for attainment of divinity, and ultimately, attendance is superfluous. The closure of 3,000 churches annually in the United States is the direct result of “once saved always saved” “Christians” having no need of a building dedicated religious rites. We now know how the seeds of modern Christianity sows its own destruction.
The “action or practice of causing (someone) to believe something that is not true” “by concealing or misrepresenting” “that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.”
In our first essay, we concluded, based on the evidence as presented in the New Testament, Saint Paul is not a liar. As Occult Researchers, we cannot know if the priest has the ability to remit sins or to change the sacramental elements, however we do know that these claims are “in accordance with” long held traditions that are to understood as historical facts.
Strong’s Number G5582 [ψεῦσμα pseûsma] is found once in the New Testament and is derived from G5574 [ψεύδομαι pseúdomai], which is found on twelve occasions and translated as “lie” eleven times.
We deem it unlikely that a deceitful writer would suggest that he is a liar, for the purpose of lying is to conceal or misrepresent the truth, and such an admission who entice the reader to discover these instances of lying. Therefore, a liar, commits his deceitful intentions to paper as a permanent record would be more careful, more circumspect, than a liar in speech.
In conclusion, we lack credible evidence that Saint Paul is a liar, and we suggest that his teaching is not to be faulted, but the inadequate understanding of the reader.
In all fairness, Saint Paul can be faulted for not writing in a clear and easily understood style, as such, he relies on ambiguities of expression, the use of allegories, explicit contradictions, frequent statements of principles that are silently contradicted by upholding incompatible views, the use of inexact repetitions, pseudonyms, strange expressions, frequent use of technical language, often undefined, and other infelicities of style.
The ancient churches have various rites of passage, or sacraments, that are performed exclusively by the priest; among these are baptism, chrismation, marriage, communion, and confession.
In western Europe, we infer from the Council of Trent [allegedly held from 1545 to 1563] that marriages were either not performed in churches or were only occasionally performed in churches. From the text alone, we cannot determine if priests were involved in marriage rites outside the church or if marriage was the domain of secular authorities. The council also decreed that marriages must be witnessed and recorded and we infer that secret unrecorded marriages were commonplace. Therefore, any documentation of marriages of commoners previous to the sixteenth century are suspect, as there was no reason to record these rites.
Buildings, called churches, have been created for express purpose of performing these sacraments. In the eastern Churches, the buildings are called “Temples” and the section containing the altar is called the “Holy of Holies”. These temples can be understood as a type of foreshadowing of the next world, with depictions of the Master and his faithful followers, or saints. Therefore, in the eastern Christian tradition, where the goal of man is to become divine, the building cannot be divorced from the purpose religion.
The European Lutheran church has two sacraments, baptism and communion; confession “is not universally observed ... primarily due to the consideration of lack of a visible element”.
“Now faith is ... the evidence of things not seen.”-Hebrews 11:1
The American Southern Baptists also have baptism and communion. Although both the Lutherans and Baptists have a marriage ceremony, it is not considered to be a sacrament. Additionally, certain state and federal office holders can perform civil marriages.
“Many Southern Baptists believe that imbibing alcohol for any reason impedes a person's Christian witness and thus has no place at the Lord's Supper.” Many modern Christians have strange opinions that conflict with tradition.
“Baptists believe the Bible teaches that the elements used in the Supper are not literally the body and blood of Christ.” The irony of teaching that both the Israelite and the Levitical Laws are incumbent upon Christians, yet not accepting the Master’s words at face value, can be enjoyed by the thoughtful reader.
As a consequence of knowing that one is saved by belief, most protestants understand baptism and communion as symbolic and adhering to Jesus’ commandments. The implication is that the Master has commanded his followers to participate in rituals that have no purpose, no value, other than obedience. An extensive exposition on the topic of obedience on behalf of those who are disobedient to ancient tradition will be omitted.
Since it is not within the authority or power of protestant ministers to remit sins, change the sacramental elements or expel demons, one wonders the reason why this position exists in modern churches.
The original seven sacraments of the ancient churches has been reduced in the modern age to two sacraments, and these remaining sacraments only have a symbolic significance. As no sacraments, in the historical sense, exist and protestant ministers have no authority other than their own, or the authority bestowed on them by their denomination, we are unable to understand why these churches or assemblies are thought to be religious in nature. Certain modern Christian groups acknowledge that they are not primarily religious by their behavior, oftentimes, there is not a dedicated building for their services.
Protestant churches are distinguished from social organizations such as the Moose, the Elks, the Republican Party, and Mensa by their teachings upon religion. Yet, as no religious activity occurs in these modern churches, where historical practice is our standard of reference, then it is unlikely, although not impossible, that religious instruction is present. The Gentle Reader must distinguish between the promotion of morality, that is incumbent upon all men, and religious teachings that are specific to certain groups. Clearly the religious teachings of modern Christians is limited: knowing one is saved, ministers have no designated authority, and sacraments are symbolic. The volume of sacred scripture, or the Bible, is not to be read as either an allegory or symbolically, but literally true, factual, and reliable.
Since the salvation of one’s immortal soul is assured, attendance at a building dedicated to religious rites is not necessary for the hoped for attainment of divinity, and ultimately, attendance is superfluous. The closure of 3,000 churches annually in the United States is the direct result of “once saved always saved” “Christians” having no need of a building dedicated religious rites. We now know how the seeds of modern Christianity sows its own destruction.
The “action or practice of causing (someone) to believe something that is not true” “by concealing or misrepresenting” “that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.”
In our first essay, we concluded, based on the evidence as presented in the New Testament, Saint Paul is not a liar. As Occult Researchers, we cannot know if the priest has the ability to remit sins or to change the sacramental elements, however we do know that these claims are “in accordance with” long held traditions that are to understood as historical facts.
Strong’s Number G5582 [ψεῦσμα pseûsma] is found once in the New Testament and is derived from G5574 [ψεύδομαι pseúdomai], which is found on twelve occasions and translated as “lie” eleven times.
We deem it unlikely that a deceitful writer would suggest that he is a liar, for the purpose of lying is to conceal or misrepresent the truth, and such an admission who entice the reader to discover these instances of lying. Therefore, a liar, commits his deceitful intentions to paper as a permanent record would be more careful, more circumspect, than a liar in speech.
In conclusion, we lack credible evidence that Saint Paul is a liar, and we suggest that his teaching is not to be faulted, but the inadequate understanding of the reader.
In all fairness, Saint Paul can be faulted for not writing in a clear and easily understood style, as such, he relies on ambiguities of expression, the use of allegories, explicit contradictions, frequent statements of principles that are silently contradicted by upholding incompatible views, the use of inexact repetitions, pseudonyms, strange expressions, frequent use of technical language, often undefined, and other infelicities of style.
To express the opinion that the sacraments are only symbolic is
to “misrepresent” historical Christianity. To state that priests have no special authority is to conceal the reasons why the offices of deacon, priest, and bishop exist. To declare the that Bible has existed for over one thousand years ago is to misrepresent reality. To say that believers can be saved in this world is to give a misleading account of the historical understanding of salvation. |
I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus...but the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
And I saw the dead ... stand before God... and the dead were judged ... according to their works ... and they were judged every man according to their works.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:4-5, 12-13, 15
In conclusion, Saint Paul is not a liar, whereas “false apostles” and “deceitful workers” transform “themselves into the apostles of Christ”, “whose end shall be according to their works”, and not according to their faith, are both conveying “a false impression” and practicing “deception”.
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own conclusions concerning the art of successful deception, the value of Cancer Geminis, and the reasons for various, and conflicting, interpretations of difficult texts.
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own conclusions concerning the art of successful deception, the value of Cancer Geminis, and the reasons for various, and conflicting, interpretations of difficult texts.
[Certain Jews] from Antioch and Iconium ... having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, … he rose up and came into the city. Acts 14:19-20