Hi orthodoxy, Ill share a few of my views concerning what you ask.
I'll start with the controversy that is brewing over the true nature of the Essene scrolls. To me it is a moot point. I could care less if they were written by a 2 year old child, channeled, or truly the words of Jesus himself. I only care about what is said in them. That's the only place where the truth or lack thereof will reside concerning their authenticity. Really, even if some pomped up legal battle was played out and an 'official' statement came out some 'official' organization, we would still be basing our truths on others opinions, no matter how just they might sound. Simply because we were not there to witness how the books came to be.
As to the book of Enoch. I've not read all the books in their entirety yet. I've read 'The Book of the Watchers', and bits and pieces of the others. Enough to get a good feel for the book and this is my thoughts.
It seems at its core it is really a colourful and powerful book on karma. You reap what you sow. And yes it has that x-factor in it, God coming to earth in times of great iniquity to kick some serious ass.
Quote:
Originally Posted by orthodoxymoron
The biblical canon is arbitrary and man-determined. I'm currently leaning strongly toward the words of Christ...or those attributed to him. I'm currently reading a collection of 20 gospels called 'The Complete Gospels' by Polebridge Press...of Jesus Seminar fame. I will try to read through the materials you have referred to. What do you think about the Book of Enoch? Doesn't this book teach that the 'bad-guys' will be kicked out of our world...and that the 'good-guys' will remain here? If so...this is close to what I currently believe.
Also, wasn't there some recent controversy regarding Essene scholarship? Do you think the public now has access to all of the Dead Sea Scroll material? Do you know who John Strugnell is? If so, what do you think of him? Finally, what do you think of the Ebionites? Don't they accept Jesus(in their own way)...and reject Paul(as authoritative, that is). If so, this is my view as well.
I don't expect answers...but if anyone feels like commenting...I would be interested in your opinions. I'm currently trying to get my bearings. I'm trying to be respectful of historical insights and truths...yet open to all of the new ideas...some of which are presented in this forum.
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