Christianity - Plague of the MIND

[prongated]

Ahhhhhhh. The sweet, prickly joy of not being brainwashed. A blessing indeed to not have had the toxins piped down your throat at the plumpy ripe age of indoctrination. Joy is the ability to roam, analyze, and re-analyze reality as you choose. What a concept. Continual analysis leading to ever-expanding ideas. An ever-expanding mind. Evolution of thought and the evolution of spirituality. Peace. No force-fed realities or false beings knocking on the doors of your mind. Meddling. No brain boxes being placed over your consciousness... dimming the rays of truth until they no longer shine. Living in the infinite.

...you are deriving something from your observation and possibly other postulations? Your ways of thinking are shaped by past experiences, teachings etc. while other fresh-looking postulations also suffer from the same problem. You have also been brainwashed, and unless you erase your memory, you will remain that way.

[lostinidlewonder]

I did say Christianity is irrational as a whole, just as about everything else in this world is.

One should not make fun of the wisdom that there is to learn out there in this world. If you believe that almost everything in this world is irrational then maybe it is yourself who is irrational and unable to make sense of the world? I am not character assasinating, but when I hear someone say just about everything in the world is irrational I think of someone who expects to Understand and disagree at the same time, which just does not occur in this world. One cannot understand and disagree at the same time. So we often Do not understand something, we shouldn't call it irrational. WE simply disagree with it. I guess we can get confused over how other people use words. But there is a lot of rationality in the child molesters mind when they commit their crime, that is what makes evil attractive to humans, we can find ways to make anything rational if our mind enjoys it. Whether it is good or not is a different discussion.

... I never remarked that Christians are cowards. You read my post wrongly.

I mearly defend the atheist who you say is a coward if they turn to Christianity. It is like saying if murderer goes to his victim and asks for forgiveness he is a coward, in my mind at least I see this resemblance to what you said.

...or to prove that there is no God.

One cannot disprove there is a God, but one can explore the feeling you get if you start to believe there is God. If you had a tablet you could swallow which would instantly make you believe in God and follow God with all your heart would you take it? If you say no, then why do you bother trying to prove if there is a God? God is a gift, not a hinderance, no one who has God in their life will say it makes their life inconvenient, so why would you want to deny God? Forget about religious institutions, the relationhip with you and God is a personal one, one you can do all by yourself.

I know a lot of atheists and agnositc people through my work. To them I say, try to talk to yourself more and ask yourself questions inside your head or out loud. Maybe these questions are about things you fear, or maybe its about your life, or what you want to do with your life, or maybe its about something you do not know an answer for. The more we talk to ourselves about things we have no answer for the more we begin to be inspired with a voice inside of ourselves trying to tell us perhaps you should start doing something about it.

And that is a very hypothetical and exclusive postulation as well (lost: This is the evil spirit of the world, the spirit of apathy and indifference which goes against Christainity and is the cowards way of living.) - it doesn't explain the behaviour of altruistic atheists and other non-Christains.

The apathetic approach to God doesn't aim to explain the seperation between Christian and Non-Christians. A reverence for a God is not religion based and belongs not to Chrsitians, Hindu's or whatever. It is a binary choice, yes or no, God or no God. There are those that say YES there is God and they know why, there are those who say NO there is no God and they know why through serving the material world, then there are those who say I DONT KNOW, they must research and find out, but they are easily sucked into the I DONT CARE group, the apathetic group where simply doing nothing is easiest. It is like you stand on a burning boat and are too afraid to go anywhere. We are all on this burning boat, we will all die, do you simply want to sink and thats it? Or do you want to find some way aroudn the boat while it burns and somewhere to go after the boat is sunk. Some people simply dont care about this, that is the negative spirit.

[prongated]

One should not make fun of the wisdom that there is to learn out there in this world. If you believe that almost everything in this world is irrational then maybe it is yourself who is irrational and unable to make sense of the world? I am not character assasinating, but when I hear someone say just about everything in the world is irrational I think of someone who expects to Understand and disagree at the same time, which just does not occur in this world.

...you chose to disregard the definition of rationality again; if you don't have perfect information, it's next to impossible to make a rational decision! Moreover, never did I imply that knowledge/wisdom is useless because it will be imperfect, or that we should stand still because we'll make mistakes. I simply wanted to point out the importance of knowing the limitations of our knowledge and understanding of this world.

The apathetic approach to God doesn't aim to explain the seperation between Christian and Non-Christians. A reverence for a God is not religion based and belongs not to Chrsitians, Hindu's or whatever. It is a binary choice, yes or no, God or no God. There are those that say YES there is God and they know why, there are those who say NO there is no God and they know why through serving the material world, then there are those who say I DONT KNOW, they must research and find out, but they are easily sucked into the I DONT CARE group, the apathetic group where simply doing nothing is easiest. It is like you stand on a burning boat and are too afraid to go anywhere. We are all on this burning boat, we will all die, do you simply want to sink and thats it? Or do you want to find some way aroudn the boat while it burns and somewhere to go after the boat is sunk. Some people simply dont care about this, that is the negative spirit.

...so you are talking about two different things in one paragraph here:

Who is to say that every doctrine in the bible has to be kept? No one can do it, no one can become a model of perfection because we all are imperect! Understanding what Love is and how much greater it is than simply the people we love and the physical/emotional feelings we get is certainly not a cowards way of living. This is the evil spirit of the world, the spirit of apathy and indifference which goes against Christainity and is the cowards way of living.

Because of the context of the first part of the paragraph (the second part being the last sentence), I perceived the "spirit of apathy" as being applied to our living in this world (e.g. no-one cares about everyone else) - not about our beliefs regarding God, religion etc. Thus I pointed out that it fails to explain the existence of altruistic non-Christians and atheists in this world. Please be more coherent.

[pianistimo]

although there are many altruistic people - there are far more christians that way.  can you explain why?  perhaps it has to do with being 'brainwashed' into believing that being honest is better than being dishonest (even about the smallest issues).  it used to be that people did not lie about anything.  one young soldier of the civil war felt so bad about lying that he stuck a piece of paper in his shoe with the number 18 on it so that when asked if he was over 18 - he was literally over 18. 

now, there are many truthful athiests and agnostics, too.  so perhaps that is like saying - how can you know the numbers of truthful athiests to truthful christians.  this question goes back to God.  He is the only one that truly knows our hearts.  but, it comes out in day to day small items and when you get to know a person - if they are truthful with small things - they are truthful with big things (typicallY).

now, if a person does not believe there is a higher power to answer to - that lowers the risk factor of anyone knowing anything (excepting for spying) and thus being accountable for those 'hidden' things.  but, society as a whole STILL PAYS for them.  for instance if 1/3 of the population cheats on their taxes and taxes rise as a result - who is paying.  the entire lot.  not those who are cheating.  if someone commits insurance fraud - who pays?  those that have been paying.  now, obviously - not all athiests, agnostics, or any other religion besides christian is dishonest or malevolent.  but, the problem is - who do people answer to?  basically government.  what if governments become corrupt?  who is incorrupt and perfect?  God. 

so - a person is likely to get a better sense of values from God.  the wisdom of God is far above human wisdom because it involves moral character.  socialistic governments do not dare to enter that private realm of human affairs called 'morality' - but it kicks them in the pants later.  they end up paying for many more social problems.  what if they are completely simple and solveable by people having more self-control?  this would eliminate bureacracies that are based upon spying on people to make sure they follow rules.  if people love their government - it is because they are FREE and trusted to make good decisions.  the minority that don't are exactly that.  a minority.  nowdays we seemingly have very large groups that are making bad decisions.  thus the need for 'increased security.'

the bible says that in our times there will be 'lawlessness.'  not only that - that children will rise up against their parents,  and the love of many will grow cold.  now, granted - not everyone takes the bible as the gospel truth - but what it says really describes the times that we live in.  it's not children's fault so much - but the society teaches them to be independent thinking instead of taking their parents years of knowledge and putting it to use.  there are many creative kids - but the one thing lacking is to understand the foundation of government which keeps things running smoothly.  to find a place that is not above or below where we actually 'in real life' reside.  people look at 'place' much too seriously.  what if...the plague of the mind is actually thinking too much about how we can avoid God instead of getting to know Him?

[pianistimo]

i guess what i am trying to say - is that christians get their self-worth from God.  not by what they do, how well they do it, where they shop, what their friends are like, how much money they make, etc.  they wait on God every day.  and His reassurance is the only thing that truly matters in their self-worth.

even if we relied on other people to give it to us- it wouldn't be consistent from day to day.  God is the perfect 'parent' because he gives unconditional love.  but, He expects us to be honest with Him.  we believe that He sees all of our 'hidden' character flaws and works with us to rid us of imperfections.  so - if we are dishonest when we first become a christian - we work to become honest.  if we are lazy - we work to become dilligent.

what motivates those who have noone to answer to but their own selves?  nothing.  it is entirely up to themselves as to what their personal goals are.  they may choose the same goals as christians - but, it doesn't make them equal to God because they are doing it to promote human goals above God's.  some of these human goals actually take away others human rights and replace them with restrictions.  the right to be free is taken from the idea of 'inalienable' rights - and those are only given to us by God.

[thalbergmad]

Like, yawn

[prongated]

Like, yawn

Sounds like something you have posted over and over again, pianistimo...and at any rate, one that does not answer my remark.

[thalbergmad]

When i see the same nonsense, i post the same remark

[pianistimo]

the definition of rationality, to me, is the Holy Spirit.  the mind of God.  He is complete wisdom.  but, in the bible this wisdom is not understood by our natural mind.  the natural mind is 'enmity' against God.  that means not just dislike - but hatred.  why?  because nobody wants to own up or fess up.  they want to be perfect.  like God.  why not take the easy way and be baptized?  it's just a whole lot easier.

actually, now that i think about it - it's a whole lot harder.  the easy way is doing what you like and answering to noone but yourself.  to answer to God for your actions is more difficult.

[thalbergmad]

why not take the easy way and be baptized? 

Senseless initiation ceremony.

[ahinton]

why not take the easy way and be baptized?  it's just a whole lot easier.

"Easier" than what? And why is it so? And to whom are you addressing this statement?

Best,

Alistair

[pianistimo]

to anyone who wants to be smarter.  people say - 'plague of the mind.'  but, it's not a plague. it's the best thing that can happen to you.  and, nobody says that you have to stop thinking after you are a christian.  of course, people think that happens automatically - but, believe it or not - just becoming a christian takes a lot of critical thinking.  basically about 'why am i existing?'  what purpose do we have here on earth?  it's not a simple question - but is answered in so many different ways.  basically, you look at the different answers and then attempt to prove them true.  the christian way cannot be disproven as an immutable law of love.  where else is love in the universe except through God and His Son?

[thalbergmad]

to anyone who wants to be smarter.  people say - 'plague of the mind.'  but, it's not a plague. it's the best thing that can happen to you. 

You mention the word "smarter", but take a close look at yourself. You believe in a 6,000 year old Earth for pities sake. Your geology, history and biology is just about as demented as is possible.

You are a prime example of just how badly things can go wrong.

[mike_lang]

You mention the word "smarter", but take a close look at yourself. You believe in a 6,000 year old Earth for pities sake. Your geology, history and biology is just about as demented as is possible.

You are a prime example of just how badly things can go wrong.

No RR for this post?

[thalbergmad]

Must be over 8 old chap.

Thal

[timothy42b]

but, believe it or not - just becoming a christian takes a lot of critical thinking.  basically about 'why am i existing?'  /quote]

Not.

While there exist SOME Christians capable of critical thinking, basically you believe everything because you are taught by authority, not persuaded with logic.  In discussions on this forum over the simplest and most obvious contradictions, such as the problem of a God simultaneously omnipotent and good, no evidence whatsoever of critical thinking has been displayed.  If you tried to reason it out in any religious setting you would be rebuked as lacking faith.  After this happened a few times as a child you abandon any attempt to reason further and just regurgitate scriptural quotes and sermon sound bites. 

[leahcim]

God is the perfect 'parent' because he gives unconditional love. 

I guess he has a head start if he can kill the real one off before you find out the truth about daddies. I think it's about time you addressed the real issue.

[mike_lang]

I take it I belong to the only branch of Christianity that finds it necessary to read works such as the Summa Theologica and the writings of the Church Fathers...?

Best,
ML

[leahcim]

I take it I belong to the only branch of Christianity that finds it necessary to read works such as the Summa Theologica and the writings of the Church Fathers...?

Nihil curo de ista tua stulta superstitione

[maul]

where hath my punching bag gone.

[thalbergmad]

God knows

[ahinton]

And why hath anyone bumped this thread now, after all these months of silence, especially since nothing new appears to be raised here for discussion?

Best,

Alistair

[shortyshort]

Although the silence is "Golden", 

This is and always will be a valid thread. 

[Bob]

Isn't this one of the most famous PS threads?

[jlh]

This thread pulled a Jesus... 

[Bob]

Does that mean maul is God since he had that power?

[shortyshort]

Maybe. 

Maul, I don't believe in you. 

[wotgoplunk]

Maul, I don't believe in you. 

You're so getting smited for that.

[shortyshort]

Is he really "GOD"? 

[maul]

draaaaaaaaaaaaaaainage. drainage, hintar, you boy. I drink your milkshake. I drink it up.

[shortyshort]

That's not very convincing "maul" 

You are not "GOD". 

[Essyne]

I want people to see another side to christianity, of a people who are loving, spiritual, and in tune with a realm that western pragmaticism has written off as imaginary.  A people who choose to be different from the selfish grain of our society, and instead follow the way of this spiritual master, Christ, in a lifestyle that is built around mercy and grace and, even more revolutionary, is other-centric.  Our culture needs deep people who can perceive what the ancients knew was always "right there."

A people who say, there is another kind of power to be tapped into, one that is not material, but spiritual.  the Bible discusses this "power," revealing it to be not a thing, not a force, but a Person, with mind, emotion, and desires.  Which to me is much more interesting, He is a lover to be pursued and, much like a human person, you never have Him totally figured out.

This is the exciting spiritual journey.

Gnosticism, my friend.

[thalberg]

I don't think I've participated in this thread yet

After reading some of it, I see some equivocation going on.  "Belief in God" and "Christianity" seem to be used interchangeably at times.   They are not interchangeable.

I find it interesting that Christianity gets singled out and attacked so much.  I'm going to ask a question--and I mean this as a sincere question, not a rhetorical question, and not as a loaded question---

Why doesn't anyone attack Islam? 

[thalbergmad]

Why doesn't anyone attack Islam? 

Personally, I try to not attack that which I know nothing about. Having not read the Koran, I am therefore not in a position to comment about its values.

I do however have a problem with Islamic fanatics as much as i do with Christian Fanatics. It is the ones that do not tolerate other religions and beliefs that i despise. This is why i dislked Pianistimo as she once said "try a religion that works".

Here in the UK, we have actually started to deport and imprison Muslims that preach hatred. This i see as a step in the right direction.

If i did have a criticism against some followers of Islam ( and i am sure it is a minority), it is that they appear to happily reap the benefits of a westernised society whilst openly declaring it as evil. The fanatic that was recently locked up for 4 years ( i forget his name) was receiving state benefits of £1,000 a month. Therefore it appears that those that wish to follow a more peverse and barbaric version of Islam, do not have a problem with benefitting from living in a Western Democracy. These are the ones that i would like removed from my Country.

Thal

[Essyne]

Hear Hear

[ahinton]

Personally, I try to not attack that which I know nothing about. Having not read the Koran, I am therefore not in a position to comment about its values.

I appluad your wisdom and sense here.

I do however have a problem with Islamic fanatics as much as i do with Christian Fanatics. It is the ones that do not tolerate other religions and beliefs that i despise. This is why i dislked Pianistimo as she once said "try a religion that works".

I do know what you're talking about, but I just don't recognise these kinds of fanatic as having anything inherently to do with the religions whose name they choose to appropriate. "Try a religion that works" could mean any one of several, so I would not wish for the sake of it to criticise "pianistimo" here, even if I cannot get anywhere near her own (which, for the record, I can't)...

Here in the UK, we have actually started to deport and imprison Muslims that preach hatred. This i see as a step in the right direction.

..a step funded by the long-suffering British taxpayer who has to borrow money from his/her bank that it doesn't have in order to pay that tax, just as those of them that work for an employer receive salaries funded by the money that their employers borrow from banks that have in turn to borrow from other countries' banks that equally well don't have the money to lend and so can't afford it...

If i did have a criticism against some followers of Islam (and i am sure it is a minority), it is that they appear to happily reap the benefits of a westernised society whilst openly declaring it as evil. The fanatic that was recently locked up for 4 years (i forget his name) was receiving state benefits of £1,000 a month. Therefore it appears that those that wish to follow a more peverse and barbaric version of Islam, do not have a problem with benefitting from living in a Western Democracy. These are the ones that i would like removed from my Country.

But have you thought about how much Izadeen will cost the British taxpayer who has to fund every second of his bill from the Her Majesty's Hotels chain? I do not at all disagree with your point about double standards; I just want to point out that those double standards are equally applicable when someone such as the alleged terrorist that you mention is detained at Her Majesty's alleged pleasure but at the British taxpayers' unquestionable but not inconsiderable expense...

Best,

Alistair

[thalbergmad]

But have you thought about how much Izadeen will cost the British taxpayer who has to fund every second of his bill from the Her Majesty's Hotels chain?

Not as much as he has already obtained in benefits over the years.

Deportation would have been the better option, but apparantly he is more English than Jamaican. Getting rid of fanatics is one of the few things i would happily pay tax for.

Thal

[thalberg]

Personally, I try to not attack that which I know nothing about. Having not read the Koran, I am therefore not in a position to comment about its values. 

It is common knowledge that in Muslim countries they execute homosexuals, even if they are under 18 at the time.  And they arrested a British teacher for naming a Teddy bear Mohammed (do a google search), after one of the boys in her class.  If you care to read about the way they treat women, as well as the way they treat those who do not share their faith, you will be surprised.

Here in the UK, we have actually started to deport and imprison Muslims that preach hatred. This i see as a step in the right direction.

I wish we would do that here in the US.

If i did have a criticism against some followers of Islam ( and i am sure it is a minority), it is that they appear to happily reap the benefits of a westernised society whilst openly declaring it as evil. The fanatic that was recently locked up for 4 years ( i forget his name) was receiving state benefits of £1,000 a month. Therefore it appears that those that wish to follow a more peverse and barbaric version of Islam, do not have a problem with benefitting from living in a Western Democracy. These are the ones that i would like removed from my Country.

Thal

Very good comment.

[thalbergmad]

It is common knowledge that in Muslim countries they execute homosexuals, even if they are under 18 at the time.  And they arrested a British teacher for naming a Teddy bear Mohammed (do a google search), after one of the boys in her class.  If you care to read about the way they treat women, as well as the way they treat those who do not share their faith, you will be surprised.

These actions are deplorable to us but obviously not to them. As long as they don't start executing homosexuals or arresting teachers in my Country, i have no objection to what they do in their own.

We live in a World with a wide variety of beliefs and it is when we start to impose ours on others that wars begin. I have nothing against Islam whatsoever or any other religion, but i strongly believe that you must obey the Laws of the Country to which you are inhabiting. That is why i am totally against any form of Sharia Law operating in the UK. If a Christian is not allowed to display any sign of faith at School, then the same rule should apply to all religions. Unfortunately, this does not always seem to be the case and often it appears to be the Muslims that make the most noise when they feel they have been offended.

If Muslims wish to live peacefully in the UK and obey our Laws, i welcome them with open arms. If they wish to despise the Country which has given them a home and preach hatred against it, I would happily have my tax doubled to send them back to the rat infested latrine from whence they probably came.

Thal

[thalberg]

These actions are deplorable to us but obviously not to them. As long as they don't start executing homosexuals or arresting teachers in my Country, i have no objection to what they do in their own.

Well, they are carrying out certain Islamic actions in your country, as you mentioned earlier.  Perhaps not executing homosexuals, but their other actions are intended to spread their beliefs and way of life, and to force others to live by it.

You mentioned that they denounce the West as evil and yet continue to live here.  Yet no threads get started about this, and no hostility over this shows up anywhere in the media......rather, it all gets directed at Christianity.

[thalbergmad]

Well, they are carrying out certain Islamic actions in your country, as you mentioned earlier.  Perhaps not executing homosexuals, but their other actions are intended to spread their beliefs and way of life, and to force others to live by it.

This is true, but so far it is only a small fanatical minority that want to force others. Fanatical Muslims are only as dangerous as fanatical Christians.

Bin Laden is a terrorist to some and Bush to others.

Thal

[Essyne]

You mentioned that they denounce the West as evil and yet continue to live here.  Yet no threads get started about this, and no hostility over this shows up anywhere in the media......rather, it all gets directed at Christianity.

This is along the same lines as my "No Affirmative Action" thread. It is truly mind-boggling that the media, etc. are always aiming to be "politically correct" (whatever THAT means) instead of aiming to be truthful.

The Radical Muslims know HOW to work the system. They KNOW that our (speaking from an American standpoint here) concept of "freedom" is our biggest weakness, and they KNOW that we will cater to them as long as they deflect their problems and come across as an "innocent, OPPRESSED, ostracized Muslim." Why we let ourselves be pushed around and USED is beyond me. Some serious change is in order, but it has been for quite some time. Only when a problem slaps the American people across the face (or kills their children and infiltrates their country, as the Radical Islamics have told us they are going to do for EVER) do they wake up and "smell the coffee," so to speak. It's disgusting and self-sabotaging. Get a grip, people.

[Essyne]

This is true, but so far it is only a small fanatical minority that want to force others. Fanatical Muslims are only as dangerous as fanatical Christians.

This is where I would have to seriously disagree with you Thal. Christianity was not created so that a man could take over neighboring countries and justify his actions. Islam is a religion of the sword. One of my best friends is Muslim, (well, his family is and he is forced to "be a good Muslim") and he tells me that the entire concept of Islam focuses around DEATH. Yes, I know, you will say that Christianity does too, but no - Christianity focuses on living a peaceful, "Christ-like" life on Earth to ascend to a rightful slot in Heaven. Islam does not. There is no regard for life, because this life is just a "mid-point" with no perceived value. It is a TRIBAL religion. Muslims are living 2000 years in the past.

[thalbergmad]

You mentioned that they denounce the West as evil and yet continue to live here.  Yet no threads get started about this, and no hostility over this shows up anywhere in the media......rather, it all gets directed at Christianity.

Many of my comments about this subject have been encompassed within other threads. I would be happy to start one dedicated to it.

In the UK, much criticism has been aimed at Musilms in the media, much more so than Christians. A recent controversial series on "White Britian" portrayed many people who are disgusted at the rate of change in this Country. It is now 40 years since the notorious speech by Enoch Powell, so much has been in the press of late concerning the rise in immigration and increased Muslim population.

Personally, I would object as much to a Muslim telling me how to live my life than I would a Christian (which i have experienced). For too long, Christianty has been force fed to our children at school and the Bible taught from an early age as absolute fact. In my opinion this is child abuse and religion should be kept out of education until a child is capable of making an informed decision to follow the Christian path or not.

Thal

[thalbergmad]

Muslims are living 2000 years in the past.

That would be pretty difficult considering the Religion did not exist then.

Perhaps you mean Christians are living 2000 years in the past, which would be more accurate.

Whatever, many millions have died for the sake of both religions.

Thal

[Essyne]

eh, what is 600 years give or take  ?

That's what I get for not reading over my posts before I post  them. . . . Regardless, any Religion who blindly follow a book that was written that long ago is living in the past, which would pretty much be all of them.

As for your last quote, yes, I agree. That's what comes from blindly accepting "facts" that are presented to you. It makes people insane.

EDIT: any "followers of any Religion who" - ehhhh....

[thalbergmad]

Regardless, any Religion who blindly follow a book that was written that long ago is living in the past, which would pretty much be all of them.

I think it is unwise to interpret a 1st century book with a 21st century brain.

I do not understand adherents of any religion that blindly follow what they have read and what they have been told without question. Christianity was drummed into me from a very early age. At school, i had to say prayers, attend assembly, take religious study classes and read the Bible. I had no choice and I think this was wrong and now see it almost as a form of brain washing.

It was only when i left school and started to read more widely that I realised that there were books that did not make it into the Bible and that what we read today, is what man wanted it to say and not necessarily God.

Thal

[Essyne]

Ah yes, the old "brain washing" technique.

Been there, done that.

I guess the other books that didn't get in just weren't "Holy" enough for the great masterminds behind the current breed of Christianity that focuses on money, big churches, and "Becoming a Better You" (Joel Osteen - yuck!). News flash! Christianity isn't about YOU, it's about the Book (or BookS in this case).

The foundation of Christianity is the Bible. I don't think that that is a very strong foundation, especially if you're only getting half the story. People twist words any way they choose and then thump their Bibles saying that "Jesus said this here. . . ." Man wrote the Bible - Man is prone to make mistakes. If I'm not mistaken, there IS a passage in the Bible (may be the Nag Hammadi, one of its bastardized children) in which Jesus says NOT to worship him, only to worship GOD. 

I think it is unwise to interpret a 1st century book with a 21st century brain.

Yes. Everything must be taken in context. For example, running around telling people that "Christ is Lord" is complete hogwash, because practically everyone knows THAT ASPECT of the Christian philosophy. Trying to "spread the word of the Good Book" is something that happened back in Biblical times when NO ONE KNEW ABOUT JESUS (just something that has always bothered me  ).

[thalbergmad]

I guess the other books that didn't get in just weren't "Holy" enough

Or perhaps they did not paint the picture the church wanted people to see.

Thal

[Essyne]

I really need to work on my "online sarcasm" - it doesn't come across at all apparently.