By SheelaR

The Bible – Separating fact from fiction 

It is fascinating to consider how many Christians seem to have a foundational misunderstanding of the Bible’s origins and compilation. Many appear to operate under the assumption that this sacred text simply descended from the heavens, fully formed and neatly bound in leather, complete with the words of Jesus highlighted in red. In reality, the process behind the assembly of the Bible is far more convoluted and chaotic.

The Bible as we know it is a complex anthology comprised of letters, stories, poetry, historical records, and legal documents—none of which were solely eyewitness accounts. This collection underwent significant debate and revision by church councils long after the life of Jesus. Various texts were excluded, while others were altered for theological and political reasons. The translations we now rely on often derive from earlier translations, causing a gradual erosion of meaning from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The version many contemporary Christians hold dear, the King James Bible, was commissioned not out of a desire for accuracy, but as a strategic move by King James I to solidify his authority and control over the masses, using religion as a tool for political gain.

What is particularly striking is the historical context surrounding Jesus’s execution. He was not sacrificed by divine necessity; rather, he posed a threat to the established religious and political authorities of his time. His teachings challenged the status quo, resulting in his execution—a direct response from those in power. The narrative suggesting that Jesus’s death was a sacrificial act to appease God’s wrath is conspicuously absent from his own words in the Gospels. Instead, it is a later theological concept propagated by Paul and others who sought to enhance their respective doctrines.

The phenomenon of Christianity as a creedal religion, built upon teachings about Jesus rather than his direct message, fundamentally alters the intended essence of his teachings. The transformation of Christianity from a movement advocating for an internal kingdom of God to a religious institution marked by dogma and authority is a stark departure from Jesus’s original intention that the divine realm exists within each person. 

This misunderstanding perpetuates a culture in which questioning the text is seen as an affront to faith. Those who dare to examine the Bible critically are often met with a defensive circular logic: “The Bible is true because it says it is true.” This reasoning is akin to plugging a power strip into itself and expecting it to function. Such circular reasoning does not constitute proof; it merely highlights a faith that operates devoid of critical examination.

If individuals were to engage with the history of the text—understanding what has been omitted and examining how the translations have been manipulated by power-holding elites—the awakening would likely be jarring but necessary. The evidence suggests that much of modern Christianity rests on shaky foundations built from misinterpretations and deliberate misapplications of scripture.

It’s worth noting that the designation of Jesus as the ultimate authority is intriguing, particularly when one considers the etymology surrounding his name—an aspect that warrants its own exploration. The disconnect between the historical figure of Jesus and the constructed narrative of Christianity cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that Christianity, as it stands today, is an invention—an institutionalized interpretation that diverges significantly from the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. His insistence that the kingdom of God is present, accessible, and inherent within each person stands in stark contrast to the doctrines developed over centuries that seek to control and confine spiritual experience. Ultimately, the truth of these revelations may serve as not only a point of contention but also a potential pathway toward a broader understanding of faith and the spiritual journey.