I'll answer these two together since they're the same!Doc wrote: 1) why did God pick 30(ish) BC to send his Son down to us? I mean theres worse things happened since. Was he sent to save the Jews because that would piss the Muslims off abit. And he didnt really save the Jews because he spawned a whole new religion that assisted in the persicution of the Jews. Also the Church then went on the rampage for over a millenium killing anyone who disagreed with their version of events. Including rural people still worshipping the turnip (still happens in parts of Wales!) So Jesus pitches up in Heavens lounge and I can imagine God saying "oh for fark sake that backfired! You aint going down there again!"
3) If God is all knowing etc etc and Jesus did pitch up to save mankind why didnt he pick any year between 1930 and 1945 when millions were being slaughtered? Oh hang on that was our doing and mankinds fate. SO what was so special in 30BC?
The Bible doesn't say anything about why God chose that time for Christ coming to Earth. There are probably many different factors, but here's my take. Up until that time what we know as the Old Testament had been revealed followed by a period of silence. Now, I think it can be shown that God's purpose thus far was to teach humanity many things about life and God - things like justice, righteousness, sin, love, the nature of humanity etc. etc. To do so He made use of some culture and formats of the time - temple religion and so on - however we should note that the lessons transcended the framework (or were intended to).
When Christ came it was at a time that Rome was dominating Israel and not long after Christ Rome would destroy the Jewish Temple. I think God chose to move at that time because He would be able to set up His Church - that His a body of faithful followers in a setting where they wouldn't be distracted or misdirected by framework. No longer could the focus on one building or upon ritualistic practise. Instead, Jesus placed the emphasis where it was supposed to be - upon the people. Building and ritual didn't matter - people did - loving people, becoming a family, caring for one another, providing, protecting, etc. And that's how the Church started - with groups of believers who met together, shared their food, belongings, and did whatever was needed to meet one another's needs and simple show love.
As far as the Jews are concerned, there are books of the New Testament which speak about their salvation coming 'after the time of the Gentiles' -that is, when God has finished with His work amongst the rest of us, His attention will swing back around to the Jews and their salvation. I find it quite astounding that such a small and persectued people have maintained their culture and identity for thousands of years where other giant civilisations have fallen. As far as Christians persecuting the Jews and going on crusades I'd say two things. Firstly, such is what happens when people decide for themselves what it is God wants and 'make their own religion'. It is a sad story and obviously not exemplary. However I would also say that what we see there was largely influenced not by God or His religion but by the usual - politics and the push for power. When Constantine decided to unite Church and state he then made the Church a political and governmental power and would thereby open it up as a target for those who sought power. So it we see through history those who have no faith seeking power in 'the church'. Men who do not God speaking out in His name to achieve their own ends.
In Jesus we see two things - His humanity and His divinity. Primarily I like to focus upon His humanity because Christ was not only the Saviour but the perfect example of a man walking closely with God. He was the fore-runner - recon almost! The Bible talks about sin entering through one man - Adam - but now salvation and redemption coming through one man Jesus - the new Adam. So, just as Adam sinning and dieing became a fore-runner for all men after, Christ came to be the new fore-runner paving the new path for those who would follow Him - and that path, being carved by His death, then lead on to resurrection - the path all believers would follow after Him. What's more, God proved His total supremacy - even over death.2) why did he have to resurect himself before going? Wasnt all his acts of divinity enough without getting sealed in a cave and then not being there when his oppos went alooking?
Christianity offers a living Saviour who ran as a fore-runner, and also paid a price to bring salvation. Most other religions preach salvation through one's own religious behaviour, in addition their prophets or leaders are...well, dead.4) Theres no doubt most most mainstream religions quote Jesus as a great person including the Muslims and Jews, but what swept mankind following his death that made christianity right and everyone else wrong?
The idea behind the Pope is that the disciple and Apostle Peter was the head of the Church appointed by Christ. He was then supposed to choose a successor and so and so forth. The Papal tradition is supposed to carry this on - the line of headship from Peter. Eventually through Constantine, mentioned before, the church got tied with government and a lot of corruption entered the church. Eventually Martin Luther came along - a Roman Catholic monk who looked around him and disgusted with the corruption, money-making, and other such things challenged the church that it was wrong. Therefore it is said he is the father of Protestantism. The idea was to break away from the corruptions of the Roman Catholic church back then.5) The Pope?? whats that all about then? Catholics do their thing and in fairness christianity is so loose that if you dont agree you just form a branch with its own rules.
It has to be said that since Vatican II the Roman Catholic church is something of a different organisation than back them, although enmity still exists in places between the Protestants and Catholics. Those caught up in that need to check themselves and their behaviour against the teachings of Christ - His preaching was towards love between brothers and even enemies, not disunity.
It is true that there are many, many offshoots these days. A lot aren't too different, some are. My personal stance is to move towards greater unity, I believe that is our example and command.
Understood. Not a bad practise, guarantees you'll pray every day! Church corruption is a real thorn in the foot. I'd have to say that there were and are times that the Church or churches are free from corruption, however, they have never been free from the fact that those who make them up - Christians - are faulty people just like everyone else. We make mistakes.I underline the fact that I aint having a go here about religion, but I am having a stab at organised religion that appears to have no real bearing on the preaching of Jesus. The church has always been corrupt as an organisation and that goes for all branches.
If God is everywhere then I'll pray on the bog every morning, wouldnt do curling one down on the front pew now would it.
