October 3, 2013

“Would a President Outlaw the Bible?” cji 10/3/13 (an essay)

“Would a President Outlaw the Bible?”  cji 10/3/13
 
The following was written at the request of a friend of mine who saw this advertisement and asked, “What is the difference between the Geneva Bible and the KJV?”
 
Here’s the quote from where the question is generated (calling it the Bible which built America – which is false if they’d done their homework):
“The Geneva Bible is unique among all other Bibles. It was the first Bible to use chapters and numbered verses and became the most popular version of its time because of the extensive study notes. These notes were included to explain and interpret the Scriptures for the common people and laid the foundation for a Republican form of government. For nearly half a century these notes helped the people of England, Scotland, and Ireland understand the Bible and true God-ordained liberty.

When the Pilgrims arrived in America in 1620, they brought the 1599 Geneva Bible. You can see why this remarkable version with its profound study notes played a key role in the formation of the American Republic. Today, the 1599 Geneva Bible has been all but forgotten. Thankfully, we've brought it back into print in a beautiful, easy-to-read format with updated English spelling and punctuation. This remarkable Bible is available in leather or hardback binding.”
 
(Note: The actual basis of the Constitution is as follows: Polybius (205?-123BC); Baron Charles De Montesquieu (1689-1755); John Locke (1632-1704); William Blackstone (1723-1780); The Anglo-Saxons (King Alfred the Great); The Gospels “The fundamentals of Christianity were to be found in the preaching of our Saviour, which is related in the gospels,” Thomas Jefferson in Padover’s book, “The Complete Jefferson” p. 938.; The Acts of the Apostles; The Old Testament (especially Moses) and in-depth look at most of the reformers from 1500-1750. It is estimated that 34% of the Constitution is from God’s Natural Law or the Scriptures. The most common book of Scripture available to all of the Founding Fathers was the 1769 edition of the KJV. This is from multiple sources easy for most to find on their own.)

In coming to grips with the question of my friend I have to address the questioned asked and why they would’ve asked such a question. When someone asks the rhetorical question of ‘what if a president of the US was to outlaw your Bible,’ then one would have to see what they’re selling or why they’d make such a question public?  In this case their pushing ‘out of context’ early 17th Century England views which no longer exist as a reason for this to occur. The purpose of their ad is to get people to purchase their version of the Geneva Bible which the King of England outlawed – without giving any history or factual documentation of the reasons this was done.
 
Sadly much of the Geneva Bible was taken from the Tyndale edition (16th Century) which makes up 80%+ of the KJV (and the Geneva Bible) – but with what Joseph Smith added in his translation of the Bible – and the footnotes from Elder Bruce R. McConkie (and other study guides) there shouldn’t be too much missing (outside the notes). (Note: I reference this because the one asking the question was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who accept Joseph Smith, Jr. as a Prophet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – as were the Prophets of old.)  One must remember King James counted on others to do his reading for him most of the time. The Church uses the KJV (from about the 1769 edition) and then with the work of Joseph Smith.
 
The push is always to make the sale – yes King James authorized the publication of the KJV – however until the early to mid-1800’s every ruler of any nation which had absolute power had to authorize anything printed in their realm. I’ve a number of books over 200 years from England and they’ve all got this authority in them if they’re non-fiction (I’ve almost no fiction so not sure of them).
 
Most likely many will spend the $30.00 and it will sit on their shelves unread as a show piece. Almost every pseudo Christian religion has their current addition to the Bible (with their correct wording to support their creeds) and again with the exception of various Bible study groups led by an authorized agent of their sects – about 95% is not taught and Greek Philosophy or Rhetoric is used instead.
 
If this were the most correct version – I’m sure the Church has had access to it for at least 180+ years – and one must remember Joseph Smith could read the various languages of Greek, Hebrew and Latin. In reality – we know that King Alford had access to the various available Scriptures (called the Bible by historians although this term didn’t come into use in referring to the current idea until the 15th Century (of which I’ve some pages). In reality the word Bible comes from Byblos (writing on papyrus and also collection of small books – bibliographies) from after 3,000 BC (having originated from the Phoenician town of Byblos) where the first writing on papyrus occurred.
 
In order to disprove the Bible (especially Adam and Eve) historians are saying Byblos has been continuously inhabited since 8000BC. In fact we know of several ancient sites which were inhabited as early as 15-14,000BC – but which became extinct. This summary by historians also disregards the various natural events which occurred from the 20,000BC to 5,000BC. In addition, with the sophisticated DNA studies – the current DNA family only goes back between 6,500 to 7,000 years. (Note: one must remember DNA always is matriarchal and as Darwin said in his writings he was never able to go back to one mammal, fish, bird or anything living which swam, walked, flew where there were not two – male and female. Indeed with the exception of cells of the smallest kind – where two cells enjoin and continue to split nothing has been found.) Some of course will argue the case of the amoeba - Dientamoeba fragili was first described in 1918, and was linked to harm in humans.
 
Much like any edition of the Bible (of which there are over 50,000) it is only as good as one reads and studies understanding literally what it reports. Since for over 6,000 years most of the world’s population have rejected the literal teachings of the Father, the Son and the Prophets – it is unlikely this will occur today with any edition of the Bible. We must remember much of the world’s population is illiterate and much of the remainder can barely read or write beyond the level of a 5th grader. Thus the professional clergy and teachers in the schools and universities do it for them pushing their own ideological beliefs and/or creeds of current political correctness. Currently one would guess the largest denomination with active participants would be (in no particular order): sports; movies; video games; music; violence; drinking; television; soap operas; hedonistic practices; or other worldly pursuits. Going to church is a politically correct thing to do and many on their day of worship do this – some several times a week.
 
We must remember when one pays another to teach them religion or to teach their religion – those who pay the most get the party line taught. (Note: if someone questions what is being taught – and confounds the paid teacher – most likely they’ll be put down rather than answered. When this occurred between 200AD and even into the early 1900’s (in America) – and still continues in many nations of the world – death, expulsion or imprisonment is the solution. To even own a Bible in some of the Middle Eastern nations is punishable by stoning.) In most nations in the world one cannot teach another anything but the state religion – which in much of Russia and China is Atheism (there are some exceptions but very few).
 
Now to address the original question of the advertisement – What if the Government of the US were to outlaw your Bible? (Note: the ad specifies one president but it could be any.) The ad then goes on to discuss the banning of the Geneva Bible (which came after the Tyndale Bible) replacing it first with the Great Bible and then the Bishop’s Bible – and finally the replacement by the KJV in the 17th Century. What is doesn’t mention is that one of the most learned men of the 16th  Century did the majority (80%+) of the text found in the KJV – of which the Geneva Bible owes again the same 80% to him. The Geneva Bible was prominent for over 51 years – prior to the Great Bible (or Cromwell Bible) under King Henry the VIII. The Geneva Bible was the first printed in 1576 as a complete Bible. What was offensive to the King was the footnotes emphasized the teachings were Calvinistic and Puritan which was offensive to the supremacy of the King. (Note: one should clearly understand these two teachings; Calvinistic and Puritan and their variances with the literal teachings of the Bible.)
 
Further as stated in earlier writings what we’ve of the Scriptures of the Old Testament in the present Bible come from the writings and translations of Ezra after the Babylonian captivity. However, due to the branch of Joseph leaving Israel prior to this captivity which led to the translation and printing of the Book of Mormon which has 1000 years of history including excerpts from Isaiah and an account of those who left at the time of the Tower of Babel. Within this Book of Mormon are found an account of the people, their Prophets, the Saviors visit to them and of their destruction due to unrighteousness. In addition, when the Savior taught he constantly referenced the Scriptures and indeed told his Apostles that he had other sheep to feed, John 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (Note: would recommend that one read this whole chapter. And also read 3rd Nephi Chapter 16. Later when one of the Apostles asked in prayers who were the other sheep he received in answer as to the ‘other sheep’ being of the other tribes of Israel who had been removed from Israel.)
 
Let’s clearly understand that Christian Scholars and other religious scholars around the world feel they’re the only ones who can interpret their doctrines correctly. i.e. one who is not a true Muslim cannot read or understand the Qur’an – and especially if it has been translated to any language aside from Arabic.) One has to be read otherwise they are at the mercy of those of the Madison avenue linage which has only one goal to keep you paying for what they are offering – no matter if it is the same old product in different packaging. Thus the flavor of the usage of rhetoric (which our president referenced he uses) is now supposed to be the truth and not just what the people want to hear. Rhetoric is the art of discourse, an art that aims to improve the capability of writers or speakers that attempt to inform, persuade, or motivate particular audiences in specific situations. Socrates’ called rhetoric dressed up lying, or giving the audience whatever they wanted and were willing to pay to receive.
 
Thus why the grand concern over whether someone will outlaw the Bible? First and foremost most who have them don’t read them; secondly, those who have them and do read them do so under the view of their professional clergy; and third, two of the major religions of the world; Catholics and Judaism only accept certain books of the Bible and none else. Other concerns may arise but each of the churches of the reformation pick and choose which doctrines they accept while rejecting all others. Almost all churches have completely in part or whole rejected the Ten Commandments (with the exception of not to murder).  Therefore, why would anyone ban the Bible? And thus for one to say the Geneva Bible is any better than any of the others when it in fact uses the Tyndale Bible (as do all of the others) as its firm foundation? 
 
Maybe a little bit wordy – but this like many things in the world today are just diversions from the truth – which is the Bible is to be taken literally – Tyndale wrote it in such a way in his translation that anyone – even a plowboy (in England or Europe of the time) could understand it were it to be read aloud or if they could read (which most could not). This diversion is no different than the ‘spin’ in political correctness – or when one is being seduced by another for selfish reasons.
 
It is good that people believe and try to do well in what they think or otherwise set as their example. However, there are as many good persons in the world that have no understanding of the Father and or the Son. Thus we’re to be tolerant and understand our leaders could care less if one has or does not have a Bible. The Geneva Bible only has additional notes which push the teachings of Calvinistic and Puritanistic. If this will get one to read the Bible – then let them do it – but one could just as easily read the one they already have.
 
Let me reaffirm that when one has something to sell which they esteem of great worth – yet introduce contention as their primary sales pitch this is not of God – and is only of the world. So much of the world’s religions rely on contention – confusion and a lack of common sense for the general good of all. The Savior repeated his Atonement were for all of his Father’s children, not just those in his immediate presence. Indeed the Savior also said all of his Father’s creations. What part of all is not understood – yet the doctrines and creeds of men and women – eliminate many the same as they eliminate ‘agency’, works, and a physical resurrection of the both flesh and bones – with the ability to eat, touch, engage in conversation and finally that the Savior came to do the will of his Father.
 
It is not which Bible you read – but how you take the literal teachings of the Scriptures and apply them in your individual life. Simple stuff – yet so many are fooled by the cries of ‘lo here or lo there’ – and the contention which occurs when they turn to one or the other. As far as having to prove the truth of something – it is not burden of the one who reports truth – but the burden of those who refuse to believe it is true. The Savior is truth, the word and the light of this world – why would he then confuse the Scriptures or make them un-understandable to his sheep? Thus, King Alfred and William Tyndale felt the same – he wouldn’t!
 
Last but not of a lesser priority – is the current rush within political correctness to slam various religious beliefs in our nation with one exception of organized denominations. Every belief system except Islam is included by the word racist or discriminatory. The laws found in the Healthcare Act – exclude those who practice Islam! Yet, anyone else (of course with the exception of the Congress/Executive/Judicial) have to abide by all of it or be fined excessively for not doing so. Thus in this act which in reality is a tax – every business in the US have to have coverage for abortions, birth control, to be religious neuter in their products (so as not to offend anyone) and to be open to the general public without regard to the Sabbath Day. This of course violates several sections of the Constitution but the Supreme Court seems oblivious to any of this. In deed it would appear they sanction such disregard for personal religious beliefs with the exception of those who practice Islam. Surely this nation is being led by exactly the opposite of those defined by the Founding Father’s who should lead this nation.
 
The worldly – have taken over the freedoms of the United States by voter fraud – deception of the Congress and the Courts and the absolute disregard for the Constitution since the beginning of the 20th Century and taken it to new lows in the 21st Century! Fraud in voting – intimidation in voting – fixed voting machines – and forcing states to abandon any identification checks before someone can vote. All in the rhetoric of the politicians and their largest minion the media in all of its disgusting forms!
 
Even today with the government shutdown the media continues to print the rhetoric in direct opposition and belief of the American people – thus beguiling and seducing our nation into 3rd world status and slavery of the worse kind.
 
Eventually no one will have to outlaw the Scriptures as the current religion of hedonism and Islam continue to grow – because under their laws and jurisdictions those who believe in the Bible will be either dead or incarcerated. When religious freedom dies – the nation dies – when the nation dies all that will be left are the parasites and vultures with nothing to uplift and everything to destroy until they destroy each other.
 
Yet there is hope – we all know from the Scriptures that several things have to happen in the last days. First, Satan will run amoke – i.e. no one will have any excuse before the judgment bar in defending their rights to not obey the Ten Commandments (with the exception of those who’ve not heard the law – which is the greater % of the world’s population); second, the Savior has taught he has overcome the world – if we follow him in obedience, faith and works, and endure to the end – so will we; third, things will get much worse before they get better; forth, maybe the most important is that the Church of Jesus Christ will be Restored to this earth before the Second Coming – and this occurred in the Spring of 1820 when the Father and the Son appeared to a 14 year boy in the woods of Western NY in answer to his prayer, “which church should I join?” However, most deny this ever happened – which shows either a lack of understanding or a refusal to investigate to see if it did. If it did – then you need to know – if it didn’t then you must still be waiting. As I’ve always stated if one leaves this up to others for their knowledge – then those who do this will be accountable for not exercising their agency to know for themselves.
 
But as I’ve said before, “If what another believes is true and is different from what I believe – then what I believe doesn’t matter – for I believe all that you do (only more). However, if what I believe is true – where does this leave others who don’t believe what I do?”
 
Consider carefully – as I do each day – how are we helping our family, our neighbors, our community, our state and our nation? How are we living the Gospel of Jesus Christ as summarized in James 1:27? There are a lot of very good people in the world – and because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be saved to one of the three Kingdoms as spoken by Paul and others. However, like all things the greater the Kingdom the greater the blessings – and greater are the rules to attain each. All of this is laid out in all of the Holy Scriptures (no matter how much they’ve been edited) – but one can only learn these by their own study.
 
Will the president outlaw the Bible? Why? Most have already sub-let it to others to explain it to them – and therefore have abdicated the responsibility which attends the need to read and/or understand. The question which initiated this writing was pure Madison avenue rhetoric of the most beguiling kind.
 
 
c/ork
“Most Beguiling”
 
cji
10/3/13
 
Acting as if an authority
presenting partial truths
showing need and a fear
drawing on emotions to act
while having nothing more
maybe even less to offer
skipping stones in a lake
hoping to gather attention
rhetoric at its best/worst
most beguiling to taste
inducing a need or fear
presenting partial lies
acting with no authority!
 
Copyright © 2013 – cji

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