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Friday, March 28, 2008
What does AllFaith Mean?
Monday, March 24, 2008
My March 24, 2008 Dream
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Identifying Babylon the Great Part Three
"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."
Identifying Babylon The Great
"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."
Identifying Babylon The Great
So here we see the future of the Church. Now we will consider how the Church came to be viewed as harlot deserving of this rough treatments.
The Seven Periods of the Church
In the book of Master Y'shua's prophecy to John he explains that the Church would pass through seven distinct periods of time before finally embracing the role of Babylon the Great and being rejected by God and man. These "churches" existed in the cities referenced, but the meaning is deeper, signifying the future of the Church. We are currently living in the seventh and final of these periods. What follows is a list of the Seven Churches of Revelation and their approximate dates. These dates are given only as markers because the distinguishing traits of each period bleed over into the others in the continuous flow of time. This list should not therefore be taken as giving exact dates for the periods they reference. In these letter the Master addresses those who hold true to his Way.
The Church of Ephesus:
70 CE - 170 CE: As the Jews, including the followers of Master Y'shua, were expelled from Zion (as the Master predicted in Matthew 24) the Nazarenes (the followers of Y'shua of Nazareth) began to lose faith in the Way. Certain of the followers of the Way began embracing various non-Abrahamic doctrines. Having lost their homes and being dispersed throughout the world they began compromise their beliefs and accept doctrines never taught by the Master or the Jewish Scriptures.
Revelation 2:
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
There were devout (Written) Torah Observant Nazarenes still and they were struggling to maintain the true faith of the Master and his reformed Jewish beliefs. Others however were claiming to be apostles of the Master when in truth they were introducing false doctrines and leading the Nazarenes astray. Among these heretics were the Nicolaitanes (Nicolaitans or Nicolaites). While neither the texts we have today in the Bible nor external information positively identifies this sect, we do have clear identification of this sect. This sect (in verse 14) held to the error of Balaam as we will see below. The error of Balaam was the merging of Judaism with other religions and rites, thus leading them astray from the God of Israel. God is the God of the whole world and Master Y'shua taught that there were other, non-Jewish (and non-Nazarene) sheep, however he had come solely for the House of Israel (Matt 15:24). The Nicolaitanes were leading the mainly Jewish (at this point) followers of the Master away from Judaism into a religious synthesis that was the hallmark of Roman religion. As is well known, whenever Rome conquered a people their gods were merged into Roman pantheon. The Nicolaitanes were seeking to merge the God of Israel into their Universal Church. This Church period precedes the creation of the Roman Papacy but in the Nicolaitanes we see the trend the Church would follow.
The Church of Smyrna:
170 CE - 312 CE: As the followers of Master Y'shua and other Jews held firm to their devotion in the God of Israel they experienced severe persecution. During this period there was little time to debate doctrine, the follower of the Way were struggling to survive. It was during this period that the Maranatha fish was developed as a secret identifier by which the followers could come toward.
Revelation 2:
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Here see the Nicolaitanes clearly identified. These people were claiming, "to be Jews," but they were not. Master Y'shua is Jewish. ALL of his disciples were Jewish. As Gentiles embraced his Way they considered themselves converts to Judaism. the difficulty was of course that the Jewish hierarchy did not accept the ministry of Prophet Y'shua and hence rejected the conversions of his Gentile followers. This situation is described in painful detail in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. The final decision of the Apostles was that those who wished to enter into the Nazarene Congregation would not be required to formally convert into Judaism (via circumcision, the acceptance of the Jewish authorities etc. This controversy is what spawned the new religion of Master Y'shua as a distinct one from Judaism. At this point, 170-312 CE the true followers of the Master, Jews and Noahides (Gentiles) alike, still considered themselves to be Jews as this verse makes clear. The Nicolaitanes however were clearly leaving the precepts of Judaism and seeking to establish something entirely different: Modern Christianity. This abandonment of Judaism by the followers the Way was a development, "which I also hate" (vs.6). As we approach the 300's this Nicolaite heresy is gaining popularity. This was partly because those who surrendered to Roman rule faced less persecution and partly due to the growing, even rampant, antisemitism. Unlike many of the followers of the Way, the Jews who had not embraced Master Y'shua were adamant in their rejection of Rome and its Universal religion. Jews still sought ways to return to their God-give Holy Land and now they had to contend not only with overt Pagans by new Pagans who claimed to be the true Jews! Who claimed the God of Israel had rejected His people in favor of heathens! As the Nazarenes gradually embraced Roman Universalism and established their own power based upon the diverse Pagan See at Rome, persecution against them subsided. For the Jews however it was business as usual and their struggle for survive showed no sign of easing.
The Church of Pergamos: From Constantine to Pope Boniface III
312 CE - 600 CE: The "Doctrine of Balaam" wins the day and the Nicolaites establish their authoity when Emperor Constantine feigns conversion and declares the creation of a new religion known as Roman Universalism (ie Roman Catholicism). Based on the presence of the Nicolaites since 70 CE the new Roman Papacy declared itself the inheritor of the authority given to Peter as first Pope.
But is this what the Master did? Here's the biblically cited source of this essential Roman Catholic dogma:
- "And I [Master Y'shua] say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
But... what was the Master really saying to Peter? Was he saying that Peter was the rock (foundation) upon which the Master would build his Church or something else?
First we need to understand that Master Y'shua did not come to build a Church! He was very clear in this:
- "But he [Master Y'shua] answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
- Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
The English translation is intentionally misleading here. Verse 16 actually says, "And Simon Peter answered and said, You are anointed, a man devoted to the living God."
In other words, the Master asked, "Who am I?"
Peter's reply was that there existed debate on this question. Some believe the Master is John the Baptist in a dual reincarnation (for a bit on dual births see my reply here and here), others believed he was the reincarnation of Prophet Isaiah, Jeremiah or some other major Tanach prophet.
"But who do you say I am Peter?" he asked. Peter replies, I know you to be a man anointed by God and I intend to follow you as such. To this the Master replies, upon the rock or foundation of this truth, ie my devotion to and anointing by the God of Israel those who accept this truth will gather in fellowship and assist in my work of reforming Judaism. I discuss this topic in detail elsewhere. Master Y'shua never left Judaism, never sought to convert Gentiles, not did he ever encourage others to do so. This verse therefore was not intended to established "the Throne of Peter nor the establishment of a Gentile Church."
- Revelation 2:
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
By this point the Christian religion was based in Rome, "where Satan's seat is," ie the seat of the Roman Empire.
The "Word" is the Written Torah (and Tanach), ie the Hebrew Scriptures. These were the Scriptures used use Master Y'shua and his followers. The Nicolaitanes were teaching heresies that the Torah condemns and the Master warns those who remain committed to his teachings not to embrace these false doctrines. He praises those who are standing firm as Nazarene Jews (or Noahide Nazarenes). It is notable that the Master also praises them for remaining true to his name. "Name" is Onoma and literally means his name, ie not his teachings etc. It was during this period that the Roman Papacy stole the name of our master, Y'shua (or Yeshua) and replaced it with the name "Jesus." I discuss the origin of the name "Jesus" Here. At this point Roman Catholics were beginning to use the new name for the Master but his loyal followers refused to embrace it.
Despite the continuing loyalty of the Noahide Nazarenes, Master Y'shua warns that it is their job as Sheep to stand against the rising Papacy and maintain the true form of Judaism he had taught through his apostles and others. Stand! he orders, or God may reveal the heresies of this new religion by removing His blessings from you!
The Church of Thyatira: Boniface III - Gregory VII (Hilderbrand) to the Reformation
600 CE - 1520 CE: the Roman Papacy now rules much of the world and the religion of the Nicolaitanes reigns supreme. As a direct result of this the Spirit of HaShem, the God of Israel, is partly removed and Europa is plunged into the Dark Ages.
Without the Spirit of HaShem the Church becomes increasingly legalistic and harsh. The "Holy Inquisitors" are commissioned to destroy all traces of Judaism, the Noahide, the Noahide Nazarene Way and those Pagans who, like the followers of Master Y'shua, boldly refused to bow the knee to the Papacy. All of these were crushed in various ways. During this period it is estimated that over that six million European Pagan were slaughtered in what came to be known as the Burning Times. The followers of Master Y'shua were condemned as "Judaizers," Arians (not Aryans, Arians are those who, like me, reject the Trinity Doctrine). Bloodshed, ignorance and darkness of all sorts descended across all lands controlled by the New Church.
It was also during this period that certain occult bodies were coming into their own and establishing Occult Brotherhoods that continue until our time and will, within our generation, bring forth the World Ruler known as Rex Mundi, Antichrist, Dijal and Little Horn.
Still however HaShem did not turn away from the Church completely, in part because within it there always existed sincere Believers and in part because HaShem was/is working our His grand Plan of Restoration.
Among these were the Reformers but there were also those who remained within the Church as "loyal opposition," who have worked hard to stir the Catholic Church godward. Alas both the Reformers and the members of the Loyal Opposition failed to restore the Church to its Jewish roots.
- Revelation 2:
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Here we see the birth of Whore of Babylon, "that woman Jezebel."
The Church of Sardis: The Reformation to the Peace of Westphalia and beyond....
Part Four of Four Coming Soon!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Hinduism, Idolotry and the Nature of God
The Question:
| | “Ekam evadvitiyam”-Chandogya Upanishad 6:2:1 :-He is only one without a second “Na tasya pratima asti” -Yajurveda 32:3,Svetasvatara Upanishad 4:19 :-There is no image of Him (God) "Andhatama pravishanti ye asambhuti mupaste" -Yajurveda 40:9 :-They enter darkness, those who worship the natural elements Hindu scripture says God has no image and those enter darkness who worship created (idols) -Yajurveda 40:16 or natural things(agni,air,water,sun etc). So are we not going against our religion by worshiping idols??? How can some idol represent God when God has no image? Why idols are required? Almighty God has told us in Vedas and many other scriptures that he has no shape, no image. Still we give him shape..r we not disrespecting him by this act? Ashima |
My reply:
What are your thoughts?
Hi Ashima,
What needs to be understood here is that "Hinduism" does not exist.
"Hinduism" is an umbrella term coined by Muslims to refer to the people living "on the other side of the Sindhu" river, Sindhu being pronounced as Hindu in Arabic.
The actual name of the faith, or as close to a common name as there is, is Sanatana Dharma, Universal Truth. It is also said in the Upanisads, "Truth is One, the sages use diverse names and forms to describe it." Hinduism employs countless methods.
An essential Hindu belief is that no matter how one seeks to define "God" one is only limitedly correct. God is always "more." When Muslims say, "Allahu Akbar" or God is Great! They are correct... BUT God is even greater than that! God's Greatness knows no bounds.
To say that the Holy One has no form is to limit the Limitless Being. If God wishes to manifest in a form He will! "God is not..." is only correct when God chooses "to not..." God is utterly limitless by definition. Hindus celebrate this limitlessness and at times enjoy playing around the outer limits of conception.
Some Hindus worship the Formless One as in Vedanta. Some Hindus utilize images. Both approaches are acceptable and both are valid.
These images are not idols, at least not from the Hindu perspective. An idol is an image that is worshiped out of ignorance. One takes a piece of wood, carves a figure and worships it. Almost all Hindus would agree this is idol worship and would not support it. It would be silly. Why would anyone worship a piece a wood he found on the ground? However when one reads the detailed descriptions of the murti forms (the images are called murtis), carefully follows ancient instructions on how to create and then install and honor the murtis, then it is not considered idolatry anymore than the Christian cross, the Sikh Guru Granth Sahib, the Muslim Kaaba or the Jewish Torah Scrolls.
Hindus don't "worship idols," they believe that God, through His mercy, utilizes that which may be seen in the worship of He (or That) Who may not be seen.
Some Hindus also believe the murtis are sort of like spiritual batteries that collect the righteous energies of those who worship and uses these energies to bless the community back.
Still others explain that the material world (saguna brahman) is the dim reflection of the spiritual world (nirguna brahman) and that the Murtis, when properly understood, are how we connect to the spiritual reality. They are sort of spiritual teleporters. In part for this reason it is often said that once one enters a mandir or other sacred precinct one actually leaves the material world for the time being and enters the spiritual.
When Hindus bow before the murtis, offer prasada (food and offerings) they are not worshiping the wood, metal, etc, they are worshiping God just as others do, only in accordance with traditions that were ancient when Abraham was still a boy (according to Jewish tradition Abraham's father was a sculptor of murtis).
In the Torah HaShem appears in the Burning Bush and momentarily flashes his "backside" to Moses to help him conceive of the utterly inconceivable nature of God's presence.
In the same way, in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, a far more important and widely read scripture among Hindus than the Chandogya and Svetasvatara Upanishad (which focuses more on what is called "Mayavadhi philosophy" than on the belief in God as a transcendent individual Being as believed by Christians, Muslims, Jews and theistic Hindus by the way), this matter of God's nature is discussed in detail. There the righteous but confused Arjuna asks to see God in His eternal, universal form (visva rupa), just as Moses requested.
In response Ek Devata, the One Utterly Transcendent God, granted Arjuna the vision of the Visva Rupa or Universal Form. Moses was allowed to behold HaShem's backside, but Arjuna was shown much more! This is recorded in chapter 11 of the Gita:
The Srimad Bhagavad-Gita
Translated by Jagannatha Prakasa (John of AllFaith © 1993)
Vishva-rupa Darshana Yoga:
The Yoga of Beholding the Universal Form
11:1: Arjuna said: Because You have looked kindly upon me and revealed this supreme and discreet knowledge of the Self, my delusion has been removed.
11:2-4: O Lotus-eyed One, I have heard from You in detail of the origin and dissolution of the living beings. I have also heard about Your inexhaustible glories.
As You have described this Yourself, O Supreme God, I wish to see your sovereign form, O Ultimate Person.
If you, O God, determine that I am able to see this, then please, O Master of Yoga, show me Your imperishable Self.
11:5-7: The Blessed One said: O child of Partha, behold my hundreds and thousands of forms, each of various divine types and colors.
Behold the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the twin Ashvins, the Maruts and many other wonders never seen before, O best of the Bharatas.
Behold now the entire universe in this one abode - complete with the moving and unmoving - existing within My Body, O Arjuna. Here you will see everything you desire.
11: 8: With your material eyes you are not able to see Me [in My Universal Form], I therefore give you divine eyes to see My omnipresent yogic ability.
11:9: Sanjaya said: O king, having thus spoken Hari, the supreme Master of yogic wonders, showed that highest and most sovereign Form to the descendant of Partha (Arjuna).
11:10, 11: [In that Form were] numerous mouths and eyes, multifarious wonderful sights, sundry divine ornaments and a myriad of divine uplifted weapons.
[God was] wearing divine garlands, celestial raiment and was anointed with transcendental fragrances. The Divine One was all marvelous, radiant, unlimited and omniscient.
11:12: In the sky thousands of suns instantly arose as if radiating the splendor of the great Soul.
11:13: There in that one place, Arjuna saw the entire universe, which is divided into many subsections, in the body of the God of gods.
11:14: Then filled with wonder, his hair standing on end, Arjuna bowed before God with folded hands and spoke thus:
11:15-31: Arjuna said: O God, I see all the gods within Your body, as well as the diverse classes of living beings. There is Lord Brahma, seated on the lotus flower, Lord Shiva, as well as the holy seers and divine serpents.
I behold innumerable arms, stomachs, mouths and eyes; I see You all around me manifesting limitless forms, devoid of end, middle or beginning, O God of the universe, O Universal Form!
I see You with diadems, maces and discs. Your massive effulgence is blazing all around and is difficult to behold, like blazing fire, like the immeasurable radiance of the sun.
In my opinion, You are imperishable, supreme and worthy of being known. You are the highest reservoir of this inexhaustible universe, guardian of Truth and the eternal Person.
I behold You as being without beginning, middle or end, of infinite glory, with limitless arms. The moon and sun are Your eyes; Your mouth is blazing like fire and by Your brilliance this universe is being heated.
The heavens, the earth, and everything in between is pervaded by You alone. By seeing this wonderful and terrible Form of Yours the three worlds are shaking with fear, O Great Soul.
The community of devas are entering into You. Some, due to fear, offer praise to You with folded hands saying: "All glories to You!" The great seers as well as the community of perfected beings are singing hymns unto You with copious prayers.
The Rudras, Adityas, Vasus, Sadhyas, Vishvadevas, Ashvins, Maruts, Usmapas, Gandharvas, Yaksas, Asuras and Siddhas are all beholding You in amazement.
O mighty armed, this magnificent Form of Yours has innumerable faces and eyes, limitless arms, thighs and feet, as well as myriad stomachs and countless terrible teeth. Beholding it the planets are shaking with fear, even as am I!
Beholding You touching the sky, with myriad colors, mouths agape and with vast glowing eyes, I am disturbed at heart and can find no inner peace, O Supreme Vishnu!
Beholding Your terrible teeth and mouths blazing like the apocalyptic fires in all directions, I obtain no happiness. O Lord of lords, show mercy unto me, O refuge of the universes!
All these sons of Dhritarastra, along with the community of guardian kings, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, plus our own chief warriors,
They are hurriedly entering into Your fearful mouths, some are clinging between Your terrible teeth, their heads thoroughly crushed.
As river water flows into the ocean, so too these heroes of the mortal world are entering into Your blazing mouths.
As moths rush into a blazing fire to their destruction, so too do the world's inhabitants plunge into Your mouths to their destruction.
With Your mouths You are licking up and devouring the inhabitants of the world on all sides. You are blazing with brilliance, illuminating the entire universe with Your awesome rays, O Lord Vishnu!
O fierce of form, please tell me who You are. Kindly accept my humble obeisances, O best among the gods. Be gracious unto me. I wish to know You, the Primeval One, and Your engagements.
11:32: The Blessed One said: I am time, the destroyer of the world, when it has grown mature. I am now engaged in destroying the world's inhabitants. Even without your participation, those warriors who are arrayed here in opposing armies, without exception,will be destroyed.
11:33: Therefore arise! Having conquered your enemies, acquire fame and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. As these warriors are already killed by Me, you will merely be My instrument, O Savyasaci.
11:34: Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna and the other mighty warriors are actually killed by Me, so slay them and don't be perturbed. Fight and you will conquer your enemies in battle.
11:35: Sanjaya said: Having heard Keshava's words, Arjuna, trembling, prostrated himself and again offered obeisances with joined palms. In a faltering voice, overcome with fear, he said unto Shri Krishna:
11:36: Arjuna said: O Hrishikesha it is appropriate that the universe is rejoicing and delighted, that the demons are fearful on all sides and are therefore fleeing, and that the community of perfected beings are offering You their obeisances.
11:37, 38: And why wouldn't they offer obeisances unto You? You are the Great Universal Soul, greater than even Lord Brahma the original creator; You are the Infinite Being, the God of gods, the sole refuge of the universes; as both being and non-being You are imperishable; You are Supreme!
You are the original, primeval Personality of Godhead! You are the ancient and highest refuge of this universe! You are the knower and the object of knowledge! You are the supreme Abode! By You the universes are pervaded, O God of infinite forms!
11:39, 40: You are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the moon, Prajapati and the great-grandfather. I offer my obeisances unto You again and again, a thousand times and more I offer my obeisances; I offer my obeisances unto You!
Please accept my respectful obeisances unto You from the front, behind and from all sides. You possess unlimited courage and power; You pervade everything and therefore You are everything!
11:41, 42: Thinking of You as a friend, I have brashly said: "O Krishna!" "O Yadava!" "O my friend!" Due to my oversight, not knowing Your majesty, due to my love for You, I have thus spoken.
If I have treated You disrespectfully, whether out of a sense of jest, while roaming about, while reclining, while sitting, while eating, whether alone or in the company of others, I beg Your immeasurable forgiveness, O Acyuta!
11:43: You are the Parent of the entire world, both the moving and the non moving. You are the most worshipable and revered preceptor. No one is equal to You in all the three worlds; who could be greater, O thou of unequaled splendor?
11:44: Therefore, O God, prostrating my body before You and offering obeisances I ask for Your grace and tolerance, O praiseworthy God, like a parent to a child, like a friend to a friend or a lover to the beloved.
11:45: I am delighted to behold what has never before been seen, yet my mind is perturbed with fear. O God, bestow Your mercy on me and show me Your [four-armed Narayana] form, O God of gods, O Refuge of the universe.
11:46: O thousand-armed, I desire to see You as before in Your four-armed form, crowned, with a club and disc in Your hands, O universal form.
11:47: The Blessed One said: I am delighted, O Arjuna, to show you this supreme form. By My mystic yogic powers you are seeing the universe filled with My infinite primeval radiance. Such has never before been seen by anyone other than you!
11:48, 49: Neither through Vedic sacrifice, study, charity, rituals or severe austerities can that form be seen in the material world, but I show it you alone, O hero of the Kurus.
Do not be disquieted nor bewildered due to seeing this awesome Form as it truly is. Be free from fear and with a joyous mind again behold My [four-armed Narayana] form.
11:50: Sanjaya said: Having thus spoken unto Arjuna, Vasudeva revealed that [four-armed] form. Then the great souled One allayed Arjuna's fear by again accepting the handsome [two-armed] body.
11:51: Arjuna said: Seeing Your handsome human form again, O Janardana, my consciousness is now steady and I am restored to my own nature.
11:52-54: The Blessed One said: It is very difficult to see this form which you have seen. Even the devas are always desirous to behold this Form of Mine.
I am not [understood] by Vedic knowledge, austerity, charity, nor by rituals in the form you have seen Me.
Only by one-pointed devotion is it possible, O Arjuna, to know, see, and enter into the truth of Me, O mighty-armed one.
One whose actions are dedicated to Me, who deems Me to be supreme, who is devoted to Me, who is free from all fruitive attachments, and is devoid of enmity towards all living beings, only such a person comes to Me, O son of Pandu.
(source: http://srijagannatha.com/gita/gita11.html)
Whatever we believe about God...
God is More.
God is Greater
Worship God!
Hopes this helps,
~John of AllFaith
~Jagannatha Prakasa
Happy Maewyn's Dygwyl!
Happy Maewyn's Feast Day, March 17, 2008
Happy Maewyn's Day!
(AKA Another Welshman Makes Good!)
Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland, but around 385 CE he was born in my ancestral homeland, Cymru (Wales) and named Maewyn. If this universes is God's Garden as I say in my poem, then Wales is surely his Sacred Grove!
Saint Patrick wasn't known for his scholarship, indeed he almost didn't become bishop of Ireland because he was considered undereducated!
Saint Patrick was very successful as a bishop and had silver tongue. He managed to convince many Pagans that Jesus had actually been prophesied by their ancient traditions; thus as good Celtics they were honor bound to embrace his Church! Sheer genious! Many Celts still believe this and hold it as a matter ethnic pride.
This has been changing since 1970's however and around 1995 the Irish government began pushing the holiday for the tourist dollar. Today over a million people party hardly in Dublin each year in honor of the pious, tea toteling Saint!
It seems that Christian piety isn't what it once was!
So, however you honor the day...
Happy Maewyn's Day from Cadifor ap Colwyn (John of AllFaith!)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Identifying Babylon the Great Part two
"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."
Identifying Babylon The Great
"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."
Identifying Babylon The Great
By Ben Ruach ha Kodesh (John of AllFaith) © 3.15.08
So, who is this woman? Only the Catholic Church, founded in Rome by the Roman Papacy and her denominational daughters fits this description.
The prophecy continues:
- Rev. 17:7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
Normally when studying the biblical prophecies the interpretation is available in the text itself or in related texts. One might reason that perhaps Babylon the Great could be this or that, but the understanding is contained within the text itself so we don't need to be too creative.
- 8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
The Beast then is the Rex Mundi, Antichrist. Little Horn or Dijal. He was in that he lived as man of this earth, then he was not in that he will be assassinated, then we will be again when he rises from the dead, and the true Moshiach confines him to perdition upon his defeat where he will await the final battle, 1000 years hence. The Beast "shall ascend out of the bottomless pit" in that when he rises from the dead he will rise as the incarnation of Lucifer himself. This whore of Babylon will "ride" on the back of the Rex Mundi, the coming world ruler.
- 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
Rome of course is world renowned as the City of Seven Hills (as the Wikipedia confirms). Rome of course is also the site of Vatican City, the world's oldest country and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church which, like the Islamic Ummah, is both a religion and a recognized political body.
- 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
This reference would require a bit more explanation that I want to give here, but briefly, as the EU consolidates its power it will do so through ten sub-unions or agreements among the countries of Europa. Shortly before or after the Rex Mundi is granted dictatorial powers over the EU three of these countries (not sub-unions) will rebel. The prophets do not tell us which of these countries will rebel. Their rebellion will be crushed however and "the other [ie the Rex Mundi] is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space [ie for seven years]." This verse and others show us that the Rex Mundi will come to power from within the EU.
- 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
The Rex Mundi will be a global emperor and will appoint ten kings.
This paragraph is conjecture based on my studies, but I believe it will prove to be accurate once these events come to pass: These appointed and Luciferian anointed kings will be Lebensborn and come from ten of the thirteen primary houses of the Elites. The thirteenth house is the Bavarian Illuminati. They will supply the False Prophet (who will lead the organization known in the prophecies as Babylon the great) and the other kings. The Illuminati's Lebensborn breeding experiments have readied the Merovingian bloodline to produce the Rex Mundi (and his generals/kings), who is almost certainly alive today and who may have been born in 1998 (in a bid to fulfill the prophecy of Isa 11:6 that a little child will them). Although this paragraph is based on my conjecture, it is carefully based on what I know to be true.
- 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
These kings will do the bidding of the Rex Mundi in all things. Opposition to the wishes of the coming emperor may be why three of the kings will fall.
- 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
The word lamb here is arnion and means just that, a little lamb. Who is this lamb? Christians of course will see a clear reference to Jesus, "the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" and his Second Coming and I wont debate the matter here, other than to say that in context this lamb is the pinnacle of Jewish service to HaShem and does references the coming King of the Jews. Master Y'shua did not fulfill the Messianic prophecies because he did not establish the Kingdom of HaShem on earth. I discuss the possibility that the coming Jewish Moshiach could be Master Y'shua's "Second Coming" or the coming of another anointed man of HaShem . The identity of the Moshiach is not as important as the work he will accomplish whoever HaShem chooses for this role (compare my study on the Sheep and the Goats). In any case, this is a reference to Yisheyah (Isaiah) 53 where the Jewish people are referenced as the Servants of HaShem and as sacrificial lambs. I discuss this section of Isaiah in some detail Here. This lamb reference is to the coming of Moshiach (Messiah).
- 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
Babylon the Great, the future Roman Catholic Papacy, is a global power overseeing many peoples.
- 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
In an effort to restore some of the previous political and spiritual power of the Roman Church, the Church will "make a deal with the Devil" and proclaim the Rex Mundi to be the Second Coming of Jesus. Of this service we read:
- Rev. 19:20 And the beast [Rex Mundi] was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image....
As long as this relationship benefits the Rex Mundi he will accept it, even allowing the Papacy to appear to "ride" on the back of the "Beast." As I describe elsewhere, the Rex Mundi will first appear to be a great humanitarian and world savior, but as the verses above indicate, the ruler will be assassinated and then rise from the dead. He will die an evil and hypocritical human being but he rise as the physical embodiment of Lucifer himself. Then will begin the Great Tribulation, the last three and a half years of human rule. When this publicly witnessed resurrection happens, the Rex Mundi, Lucifer, the true Bilderberg Master, will turn on the False Prophet and his Church and destroy it utterly.
- 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
As we will see below the Christendom has passed though seven distinct phases. Of the seventh and present phase we are told that God will vomit the Church from His mouth in disgust for what it has become. This is how HaShem will accomplish this.
- 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
- 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
This brings us to the arrival of the true Moshiach. Of the Moshiach Jesus tells us:
- Rev 19:10 And I [John] fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus [the giver of the prophecy of Revelation to John]: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Receive Master Y'shua's teachings, but worship only HaShem.
- 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
I don't know the name of the Moshiach but when he comes he will defeat the New World Order and establish God's Kingdom of Justice and Righteousness. That day is coming sooner than most people suspect, but first must come the Seven Year Tribulation, the False Prophet, the Whore of Babylon, the Rex Mundi and the various experiences foretold by the Prophets.
So here we see the future of the Church. Now we will consider how the Church came to be viewed as harlot deserving of this rough treatments.
Part Three Coming Soon!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Identifying Babylon the Great
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Friday, March 14, 2008
Biological Warfare Within in the US AND Stars Wars Episode SEVEN Coming in '09!
Well... as long as its legal....
I recently posted, as did a few other people, about the recent "discovery" and acknowledgement that the drinking water in several of the United States has been/is now contaminated by several undesirable substantances included mind altering drugs. You can read that post Here if you are interested. Most Americans don't seem to mind this contamination of our water supply. Go figure....
In that piece I describe, among things, the events that lead to the onset of my chronic illness, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) (AKA CFIDS/FMS/GWS). According to SOME evidence, it MAY be that this disease was intentionally released on American cities by the US Government and the WHO (World Health Organization). MAYBE. I am unaware of clear proof of this allegation although many believe it and can build a good if not completely convincing (in my opinion) case for it.
My dear web friend Barb just sent me the following information on this topic that certainly adds a bit of credibility. See what you think, as always your comments are sincerely invited below:
PUBLIC LAW 95-79 [P.L. 95-79] TITLE 50, CHAPTER 32, SECTION 1520 "CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE PROGRAM"
"The use of human subjects will be allowed for the testing of chemical and biological agents by the U.S. Department of Defense, accounting to Congressional committees with respect to the experiments and studies." "The Secretary of Defense [may] conduct tests and experiments involving the use of chemical and biological [warfare] agents on civilian populations [within the United States]." -SOURCE- Public Law 95-79, Title VIII, Sec. 808, July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 334. In U.S. Statutes-at-Large, Vol. 91, page 334, you will find Public Law 95-79. Public Law 97-375, title II, Sec. 203(a)(1), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1882. In U.S. Statutes-at-Large, Vol. 96, page 1882, you will find Public Law 97-375.
• United States Code
o TITLE 50 - WAR AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
CHAPTER 32 - CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE PROGRAM
Section 1511. Repealed. Pub. L. 104-106, Div. A, Title X, Sec. 1061(K), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 443
Section 1512. Transportation, Open Air Testing, And Disposal; Presidential Determination; Report To Congress; Notice To Congress And State Governors
Section 1512a. Transportation Of Chemical Munitions
Section 1513. Deployment, Storage, And Disposal; Notification To Host Country And Congress; International Law Violations; Reports To Congress And International Organizations
Section 1514. "United States" Defined
Section 1515. Suspension; Presidential Authorization
Section 1516. Delivery Systems
Section 1517. Immediate Disposal When Health Or Safety Are Endangered
Section 1518. Disposal; Detoxification; Report To Congress; Emergencies
Section 1519. Lethal Binary Chemical Munitions
Section 1519a. Limitation On Procurement Of Binary Chemical Weapons
Section 1520. Repealed. Pub. L. 105-85, Div. A, Title X, Sec. 1078(G), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1916, And Pub. L. 105-277, Div. I, Title Vi, Sec. 601, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681-886
Section 1520a. Restrictions On Use Of Human Subjects For Testing Of Chemical Or Biological Agents
Section 1521. Destruction Of Existing Stockpile Of Lethal Chemical Agents And Munitions
Section 1521a. Destruction Of Existing Stockpile Of Lethal Chemical Agents And Munitions Section 1522. Conduct Of Chemical And Biological Defense Program
Section 1523. Annual Report On Chemical And Biological Warfare Defense
Section 1524. Agreements To Provide Support To Vaccination Programs Of Department Of Health And Human Services
Section 1525. Assistance For Facilities Subject To Inspection Under Chemical Weapons Convention
Section 1526. Effective Use Of Resources For Nonproliferation Programs
Chapter Notes
Monsters out there,
Leaking in here.
Weesa all sinking and no power.
Whena yousa thinking we are in trouble?
(John of AllFaith as the indomitable, enigmatic Jar Jar Binks)
Emperor Hillary to the Senate: In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society which I assure you will last for ten thousand years.
[Senate fills with enormous applause]
Lady Liberty [to anyone who cares, scarely anyone does] So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Q and A: Marriage Between a Muslim Man and a Hindu Woman
Here's an interesting question:
Marriage between a Muslim man and a Hindu woman. What are your thoughts?
I am a 20 year old muslim boy who lives in the UK. My partner, is a 19 year old Hindu girl who is currently staying in India but plans to study in the UK also. I adore with all my heart and the bond that has developed over the years is something i truly am proud of! I have never felt such a connection with anyone in my life and i can genuinley say i am in love! :) I believe i am a normal God-fearing muslim with respect and understanding of all the major faiths. My partner is of the same understanding of religions (maybe a little bit more than me!) and is also a very pious and intelligent individual. We respect each others beliefs and compatibility has never been an issue (ie she does not drink alcohol or consume pork, whereas i do not eat beef; I aknowledge festivals such as Holi and Diwali whereas she is the same for Eid-ul-fitr, Eid-ul-aza and Ramadan). My question however, is regarding the possibility of marriage. I have researched this to a great extent but have still to find a definate answer and although God knows best, i feel you will enlighten me on this subject to a great extent.
After several years with my partner, I am certain that she is the one person for me. I wish to marry her :) I will never force her to convert to Islam as this is something only a person can decide for themselves. Also, a person must realise if they were in the same situation in changing religion it is possibly the hardest thing one can do. I myself cannot bear to convert from Islam as i wholeheartedly believe in the central ideologies and teachings and do not wish to cause conflict with my parents and family. From my personal knowledge of this matter, i understand a muslim man can marry someone 'of the book'(Ahl-al-Kitab) but this does not specify the Quran, Bible or the Tohrah. I believe it is someone of God conscienceness. Afterall, the Bhagvad Gita is a also a 'book'. I believe it refers to someone who believes in 1 God and with the basic principles of faith, love, harmony and worship of God. I also understand it is a common misconception that Hindus believe in several Gods or worship idols as im sure your aware of. A Hindu belives in 1 God and the principles of the relegion are displayed through parables and idols descibed in the Bhagvad Gita and other holy scriptures. It is NOT a religion incompatible with Islam but actually provides a platform for recoginising your own beliefs and comparing with anothers (the same can be said for any religion). I would personally say it makes you think a lot more about your own belief, instead of simply being born into a Muslim family and accepting it in a very sheep-like mentality. I think that Muslim-Hindu marriges are uncommon, not because of religious reasons, but for simply cultural reasons. As in people do not fully understand another religion or cannot accept that people of a different religion are of equal status. Conflicts can occur between family members, etc. I understand why it could be difficult for Muslim girl to marry into a non-muslim family as she would tend live with the husband away from her family and may feel slightly alienated without the proper support and her family closeby (The same can be said for any religion to be honest). However, i am not against this type of marriage. If anyone is open enough to discuss the differnces and similarities between their religions then surely a compromise can be achieved between both partners. From my personal case, this is already achieved :) I do feel however the greatest hinderance will come from parents as they are perceptively set in their ways. I love my parents very dearly and would never intentionally disobey their wishes. But when matters of love arise i feel MY wishes will be ignored and i will not be allowed to marry the girl i love :)
So basically to sum up, i am asking will Hinduism permit a Muslim boy to marry a Hindu girl by considering the whole situation of the two people involved? I have asked a similar question to several Islamic experts but feel it was not answered properly.
Thanking you in advance,
Hasan
My reply
How would you answer this question?
Salaam Hasan,
From a Muslim perspective a "Person of the Book" is a person of the Abrahamic root "book" of faith. In other words, another Muslim, a Jew or a Christian (or Noahide). Hindus are not accepted as People of the Book. I love the Bhagavad Gita and have even translated it into English (http://www.srijagannatha.com) however it does not qualify in this context. Hindus are viewed as infidels to Muslims and marriage between a Muslim and Hindu is strictly forbidden in terms of Sharia and Sunna.
From a Hindu perspective, "God is One, the sages use diverse Names." In other words, ALL people of all faiths are part of the greater "Sanatana Dharma" (Path to the One) and so a Hindu would technically be allowed to marry a Muslim from this perspective (but see below).
Gender roles in both Islam and Hinduism must also be considered in ways they would not apply in Western culture. A Muslim man can marry any female person of the Book (Muslim, Jew or Christian). A Muslim woman can ONLY marry another Muslim.
HOWEVER Islam firmly believes that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was/is the final and greatest prophet. As a Muslim man/husband you are deemed responsible for the spiritual well being of your family. Now, as the head of the family it is within your right to "allow your wife to maintain false beliefs" however to do so will be viewed as a stigma against your devotion to Allah, subhana wa talla. A good Muslim husband will always insist his wife and children be good Muslims (even if he marries a Jew or a Christian). If not, many Muslims (most) will not consider the husband to be a good Muslim. This will have far reaching impacts for you in the masjid and beyond and should your children wish to marry within the deen the perspective in-laws MAY consider you wife's "infidel" beliefs a dis-qualifier for the perspective marriage.
As a Hindu, her caste is very important. She is forbidden to marry below her caste but can marry one caste above her status (male Hindus can marry a woman from a lower caste and elevate them to their own caste). As a non-Hindu you are casteless. This means that while her faith acknowledges the validity of Islam as a Path to the One, since you do not belong to a caste such a marriage would be prohibited by devout Hindus for that cause. If she marries a non-casted (or sub-casted) husband of whatever faith she may, depending on her family and community, be viewed as an outcaste herself, as well as her children.
Also, as a Muslim how do you feel about her worship of the murtis (ie religious images), which Islam views as idolatry? If she practices puja (worship) before such images are you OK with this? Such worship is not only a direct violation of Islamic law, but a serious sin according to the Qu'ran, al Hadith and Sunna. What if she seeks to train your children in her religious views. Traditionally Muslim men set the religious standard for the family and largely leave the religious education to their wives. How will your kids be raised? As Muslims or Hindus or... This is a very important consideration as well and one that rests heavily on the shoulder of any Muslim father.
Also, according to the prophets of Islam, if these are indeed the Last Times that will witness the coming of the Dijal and Madhi, as many People of the Book believe, one of the early "purifications" the Ummah will perform will be to invade India specifically and wipe out all traces of Hinduism from the subcontinent. If this happens in your lifetime this will mean the death or forced reversion of your wife's entire family. Just something to think about. The differences between your two faiths are many and deep. To be a devout Muslim married to a devout Hindu will raise countless difficulties and problems for you both.
My honest suggestion would be that this marriage should not happen unless you are willing to convert to her sect of Hinduism, she is willing to revert to your sect of Islam and embrace all that that entails, or you both decide to abandon you religious faiths and maintain this non-religious commitment (which of course I don't suggest for either of you). Considering the fundamental differences between Islam and Hinduism I would strongly discourage such a mixed union.
Hope this helps,
~John of AllFaith
~Muhammad Yahya Saleem
~Jagannatha Prakasa
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