Subject: Where does Jesus say He is God? |
Bible Note: Dear Tim, I gotta give ya credit for using your last name! But, you see, I do not take the bible literally, as if you didn't already know. I think the bible has a little history, a lot of wisdom, but plenty of metaphores and politically correct entries worded so as not to offend the Romans or any other group in authority AT THAT TIME. See, I read all the things you quoted and haven't found one that is not debatable or open to interpretation. I originally asked the question about where exactly in the bible it says Jesus said he was God, because from time to time I go into chat rooms and am practically "crucified" for asking questions or challenging irrational beliefs. Again and again, other chat room participants say "Jesus said he is God." But then I read something written by a well respected scholar and translator of ancient texts, who says, "No where in the bible does Jesus say he is God." So who's telling the truth? Personally, I prefer hard evidence to emotional ranting. The idea that the Jews in fact actually understood him to be God because he was making blasphemous statements claiming to be the Son of or God himself seems ludicrous to me. The temple priests NATURALLY would call anything he said blasphemous because they didn't want to lose their power and status as leaders in the community, especially to the lowly son of a carpenter, who repeatedly defied their authority! I mean, eating with sinners! Casting out demons! Breaking the Kosher laws! AND then to have a large FOLLOWING??? GASP!!!! "Get rid of this guy!!!" I'll bet the priests were MORE than happy they turned him over to the Romans! Much less likely that the Romans would kill EVERYONE (which they were in the habit of doing)because they were supsicious of insurrection, than just to have one man blamed for any rebelious outbreaks, and send him to the "gallows." That way, the priests got rid of his "bad" influence on the common folk, and the Romans executed a political agitator, all in one fell swoop. Everybody was happy......nancy |