Feb 07
The Truth Project is a DVD series that asks the question: Do you believe that what you believe is really real?
So far I think it is a good series and would recommend it.
Here is the extended trailer.
Learn more at www.truthproject.org.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:13 am
This is over one year old. I posted this same comment on the you tube video site, but it took four parts. I hope they’re all there.
This is about truth, not Christian or non Christian—- It’s called the “Truth Project”, yet it is about a Christian’s point of truth.
There is no “one truth”. People are limited because their views are limited. We are limited by our agenda, our blind spots as human beings. Truth is generally based on perspective. Because we cannot be in a position to see all possibilities we cannot begin to know the truth.
There is only one who knows the truth and that is God.
Imagine being at the center of any question and being able to, without hindrance of view, see things as God sees them, without any obstacle in the path that may obscure 1/1,000,000 of a view that may alter an extreme minute of one second which may obscure something we didn’t know. Only then, as God does, would we be able to claim to know the truth.
Be aware of your confined area and the limitations that represents. As humans, we not only see things in extremely limited slices of history and events, we see only fragments due to our limited scope in all senses, physically, mentally, spiritually…. The list goes on.
No human being has the capacity to fully know the truth. We have slight glimpse of what we have seen to endorse our view of the truth. But it is not the truth. No human can fathom truth, because we are blinded by the sins that all religions pronounce as sin and yet turn a blind eye to that which does not accelerate that personal cause
That is why some of the greatest leaders have eventually failed.
Only God knows the truth. Only the source can see everything all at once, beyond our boundaries of a lineal timeline.
Why do we pretend to be God???? Pretending to be God and to have God’s knowledge has caused religious persecutions, tortures, etc. throughout our world’s history. And beyond that, humankind has used religion —- a so called attempt to come to the truth—- at best a guess to lay to rest what we fear, , and at worst an attempt to put fear into those who do not agree, who we perceive to threaten our peace, perseverance, and way of life.
Religon—-GOD— has been used as an excuse throughout history to control money, greed, avarice, and all in one word POWER. Power to govern and herd people.
But no man knows the truth, because he one cannot see all, hear all, and therefore know all, only God knows that.
There is a God, and fellowship among the multitude of religions in the world is good, if it concedes that it is only a basis to do good to one’s brother and sister, as the Samaritan does—- in other words, doing good to whom one would out of fear consider an enemy.
There is only one God, called by many names. And anyone who confronts another man and accuses him or her, because they worship as all mankind, as all do in false hope and with false interpretations is Godless. The only Truth is God, and we as humankind cannot profess to know God’s truth.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I believe God is the only one who fully understands truth. But I also believe he has revealed truth through His Word.
This series goes though the truth that has been revealed to us in many different areas.
February 9th, 2010 at 3:44 am
Could somone clear somthing up? It has kept me in a state of confusion for a bit. The new testament quotes Jesus as saying to the multitudes “…have I not said ye are gods,..” Does he mean gods possessions (seprate) or Gods (sharing the mind and perceptions of the universe)? I tend to lean twards Debroahs statements. Corinthians states “Love overcomes all.” If this is the “Truth” why do so many love war in the name of gods? Anger, moralizing, rancor and conflict do not balance out the potent statement “I am”. Of course Christ comforts all. So do the godheads of other systems. Saying I win and you loose to the universe is like calling the superbowl!
New Orleans goes to heaven and Indy goes to hell? Please.
February 9th, 2010 at 8:15 am
@Liam
Here is some comentary on the quote you referenced from John 10:34:
“Jesus defends his claim using language they should be able to understand, through an appeal to the law. He cites a text that uses the word god of those who are not God: Is it not written in your Law, “I have said you are gods”? (v. 34). It is unclear who is being referred to in Psalm 82:6. Of the several proposals made by scholars (cf. Beasley-Murray 1987:176-77), the most likely takes this as a reference either to Israel’s judges or to the people of Israel as they receive the law. The latter is a common understanding among the rabbis (for example, b. ‘Aboda Zara 5a; Exodus Rabbah 32:7), but the former is also represented in Jewish interpretation (Midrash Psalms; b. Sanhedrin 6b; 7a; b. Sota 47b). Jesus’ explanation that these gods are those to whom the word of God came (v. 35) might point to the Israelites receiving the law. In this case the contrast between these gods and Jesus would be that Jesus is the one who both fulfills the law and is greater than the law. But this expression to whom the word of God came could also refer to the judges (as suggested by the rest of Ps 82) who have received a commission from God to exercise the divine prerogative of judgment on his behalf. The psalm is actually a condemnation of the judges for not exercising their responsibility faithfully, thus corresponding both to the condemnation of these Jewish leaders in John and to Jesus as the true judge.
To make his point Jesus uses an argument from the lesser to the greater, a very common form of argument in the ancient world, not least among the rabbis. He compares the people who are called gods to himself, the Son of God. They merely received the word of God, whereas he is the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world (v. 36). Here is a succinct summary of the central truth of his identity, which has been emphasized throughout this Gospel. He is using the language of an agent (see note on 5:21), but the implication is that he existed with the Father before coming into the world. Thus, he is putting himself in the category of the law that was given by God rather than in the category of one of the recipients of that law. By saying he was set apart (“consecrated,” hagiazo) he is claiming a status similar to the temple, whose reconsecration these opponents are celebrating at this feast.”
I am not sure people “love” war. I only think war is justified when you are attacked. Even then I don’t consider war a good thing.
Not sure what you mean by your other comments.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Dave,
You said:
“I believe God is the only one who fully understands truth. But I also believe he has revealed truth through His Word.”
Again I go back to my early remarkds. Unfortunately, there are many interpretations of God’s Word, and that is why we have many Christian sects. Every denomination has their own interpretation as to what God’s truth is.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just accept God and His love, without condeming those you have different interpretations. God’s Word may be the truth, but again, as stated previously, we are too human to see or understand truth, even with God’s word, or everyone would agree on everything. It is unChristian and UnGodly to judge because of our blindness and fears. Christ went out amoung the sinners, condemned those leaders of the church who were doing exactly what this video is doing.
February 12th, 2010 at 4:51 am
It seems that condemendation, rancor and division become more important than the truth. Is there not somthing in the new test. about leaving all wordly goods behind when one goes forth to spread the “the truth”? This including ones family, job and other comforts? That one should rely on the kindness of other belivers. This kindness will spread. Understanding gods mind is possible, seeing god in the world that surrounds us is reality. Spending ones life in defining the “Truth” instead of getting ones hands “dirty” every day, with the leapers, the lost, the frightened, the hopless, the living dead and dying seems, well, a very safe living in todays world. When god is in your heart it does not matter who put god there. When the dying look into your face and smile for the drink of water you have given to them thats GODS reward! Gods reward is spreading the word at all times. Knowing that god is in you and all, everyone! The spark must be kindled to bring forth the flame. Dogma is cheap doing is real!
February 12th, 2010 at 9:56 am
I am not saying the interpretation is always going to be 100% correct. This DVD series basically shows shows the contrast between the world’s viewpoint and a Christians.
It doesn’t battle among various denominations.
February 12th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Dave, in my humble opinion, this video is probably not something that Christ would approve of given His teachings. I would say that when you get down to the nitty gritty, just professing to be a Christian doesn’t mean you are. Christ’s teachings are not what many proclaimed “Christians” are following — condemnation, extremism, dogma, and doctrine was exactly what Christ taught about— What did Christ say about the sadducees and pharisees????? This video shows a sadducee or pharisee as opposed to a Christian intent on following Christ’s example.
February 12th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@Deborah – I have to disagree. Jesus condemned the pharisees because they had empty rituals and they were also hypocrites. They praised with their mouths but not their heart or actions.
Very different from someone articulating the truth that is presented in the Word.
February 12th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Dave,
which bring us back to what is actually truth, or what is one’ interpretation of truth.
I do agree that everyone is entitled to their belief and interpretations as long as others are not hurt by impossing that which they see as truth on others.
February 12th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
@Deborah – I believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that we need to: “confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead” in order to be saved.
If I truly believe that then how can I not proclaim the truth? I am just a man and I could be wrong but in all sincerity I don’t believe I am and so I am compelled to declare it as truth.
I don’t believe that just because parts of the Bible can have different interpretations that it somehow makes the Bible irrelevant or not true. Much of the Bible is easy to understand and doesn’t require a degree to interpret.
February 13th, 2010 at 2:37 am
Being wrong and just a man in this case could lead to eternal damnation. Get ye behind me satan. So says the book.
February 13th, 2010 at 11:26 am
@Liam
I am having trouble understanding some of your comments.
One must first understand the truth before they can live by it.
Jesus teaches us to love God with all that you are and love others as yourself. If you obey this then you will end up getting your hands dirty at times.
Studying and understanding God gives you a better understanding of what we should be doing here.
February 14th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Dave,
Re: Sadduccees and Pharisees and your comment above. I believe you left out something very important, that lends to the point I was trying to make.
This is from Mark 7:
7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. 7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables.
7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men
7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 7:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” (Mark 7:1-13 KJV)
Verse 7:7 seems to be a warning that today applies to Christian-professing people who don’t genuinely base their Christianity on Christ
My point is that Christ was about salvation, kindness toward one’s brothers, not casting the first stone. I believe that this “truth project” flows along the lines of the sadducees and pharisees in that they felt that because they followed the letter of the word that they were above even Christ. My point is that Christ was against that and God, in sending His son, wanted us to follow Christ’s teachings rather than the letter of the word or law. And I believe that the Truth Project, while it has some good points, is trending towards “perception of truth (purportedly God’s truth)” such as the sadducees and pharisees adhering to the letter of the word rather than Christ’s message of love and tolerance, not throwing the first stone (even if they were sinners), and His message that God, His Father, sent Him to us to teach and for which Christ died on the cross for our redemption. Amazing grace….
February 16th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
@Deborah
When you say that Christ preaches tolerance I would have to disagree. He forgives and extends grace, yes. But he also preaches repentance.
Matthew 4:17 (NIV) From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Also Jesus was calling them hypocrites because they were honoring God with their lips but not their hearts. He also referred to what they were doing as “the tradition of men”.
As I understand it the religious leaders of that day would add tradition and rituals to God’s commandments and over time they lost the point.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Dave,
You can disagree all you want, but Christ did teach tolerance, which is evident in the scriptures. How can you possibly say that Christ didn’t preach tolerance?His teaching of tolerance doesn’t make Him a pushover, it isthe Son of God following His Father’s directives.
It is usually hard core fundamentalists (Christian, Muslim, etc) that cannot deviate and derive ideals based on their exact interpretations, and this originates out of fear of losing Christianity, fear of losing God, fear that our sins our too great, all sorts of fears…. “FEAR NOT FOR I AM WITH YOU”… Christ didn’t come to condemn but to save us from our sins and from ourselves and our fears.
Throughout history, it has been fear (of many things) that has brought on brutilism and genocide, especially in the name of Christianity.
What do we have to fear in being tolerant, as Christ was? We all know that eventually Christ will come again, and why should we fear apocolyptic events and precursors to His coming. Why should we fear other religions, why should we condemn our neighbor because they do not believe as us? That is between themselves and God.
If Christ had wanted to force Himself on everyone (as many Christians want to) and proclaim Himself as God, He could have. Why didn’t He? Because He wanted us to have freedom of choice, and when we all stand before Him, He will show His mercy and individual rejections.
I agree with what you say above, but it was also that they (sadduccees and pharisees) adhered to the law with a narrow vision, with blinders on—- so that their tradition interpretation would not be violated—THAT IS FUNDAMENTALISM and IT IS BORN OUT OF FEARS.
And is submit that today most Christian’s have lost the point—– rather than listen to an interpretation they should pray to the Lord to send the Holy Spirit to help them interpret the word, and set about studying in depth exactly what Christ meant, said and keep it all in context.
I’m sorry that because Christ said “Repent….” which means reconcile yourself, etc. that means He did not preach tolerance and that you don’t seem to understand that that is between God and oneself, and should in no way be a stepping stone for other’s to be intolerant out of fear or hatred of what one considers to be their enemy and let them cast the first stone.
February 17th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Tolerance to me means that someone would be indifferent and have the attitude “no change is necessary” or sin isn’t a big deal so don’t change your lifestyle.
I don’t believe that is the attitude of Jesus. That is not to say that Jesus didn’t forgive or extend grace.
To me it sound like you are saying Jesus would be tolerant to the gay lifestyle or fornication. That He wouldn’t tell the gay man to repent of his sin. I disagree.
We could be just having an issue with semantics.
I am not sure why you think I am afraid. Jesus said: “I and the Father are one. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So he kind of did claim to be God. That is why the religious leaders called what He was saying blasphemy. It was more then just this verse but this is all I had on the top of my head.
On the other hand I do think the word tolerance would be appropriate between different denominations. Some things are not easy to interpret and can be taken different ways. I don’t believe salvation is based on having the right position on all Biblical issues.
February 19th, 2010 at 4:45 am
Let he who is with out sin cast the first stone. I see stones flying all around this website.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:49 am
@Liam
I don’t see how my words have been harsh. I am explaining my position and why I disagree.
February 20th, 2010 at 1:06 am
So your saying the christ had tolerance for whores, murders, thiefs, lepers, non jews but not gays? Who is judging who here?
February 20th, 2010 at 9:25 am
@Liam
He showed grace and forgiveness. This is different then tolerance.
Tolerance to me means acceptance in the sense that what they are doing is okay.
Jesus loves the sinner but hates sin.
Sorry if I was not more clear.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:58 am
May I be clear Dave. The good Samaritian will work here.
Chap hurt, in a ditch. The righteous can’t see, hear or smell him. A outcast, Samaritan, hated by the powers that be, stops and helps. What is the christ saying here?
What about divorce. Seem to remember one can only be married the one time. Could be wrong.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:17 am
@Liam
Jesus told that story to show to others that they too should show mercy. I am not sure what point you are making.
Divorce is wrong too. I wasn’t trying to point to only the gay lifestyle. There are many sins that we all commit. Christians ask for forgiveness for their sins and do what they can to repent and stop sinning. We will never be perfect but we shouldn’t be complacent in our sins either.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
If divorce is wrong how can a person that is reborn become divorced and then speak of being saved without being a backslyder? If we ask “What would Jesus do? is that not a bit presumptive as if we are jesus? This type of statment is used in christian speech all the time.
If one is saved your saved. Period. So called “Christian” colleges and university push out grads like ford makes cars. They push dogma not the word of christ. So called christian ethics are used to establish a rule of law. Christ broke the laws! Jesus was not into how Rome was run why should we be? When did christians start mirroring muslims? I belive in the light the truth and the way. Nothing can overcome that. I need to prove it to no one! Christ is King!!!!
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Divorce is a sin and I believe the only exception is infidelity. If a Christian sins by divorcing they don’t loose their salvation.
What would Jesus do make sense because he lead a life without sin. It is something we should be striving for.
Romans 6:
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
I can not speak to what Christian collages do. We live in an imperfect world where Satan and our own evil desires mess things up.
Not sure how to respond to the rest of your comments.
Christ is king!