rabbinic Christianity

[Vic]

I've been thinking about some things. In some of the discussions it has become obvious that many Christians over the years have done somewhat like the Jews have done. That is, they have made their doctrines from the writings and opinons of others, elevating such as equal to or more authoritative than the Word of God. To me it's literally rabbinic christianity.

For example, we know that the catholic clergy dictate what the scriptures mean and determine what followers do, believe and allow.

During the reformation we see such things as the Geneva bible --which I mentioned in another thread but am going to post in here: http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=526&page=4

"The Geneva Bible is the Bible with marginal notes authored by John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, and many other leaders of the Reformation. The Geneva Bible was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus. Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, The Puritan Hope, notes, "... the two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes... it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms"

"...The translation is the work of religious leaders exiled from England after the death of King Edward VI in 1553. Almost every chapter has marginal notes to create greater understanding of scripture. The marginal notes often reflected Calvinistic and Protestant reformation influences, not yet accepted by the Church of England. King James I in the late 16th century pronounced the Geneva Bible marginal notes as being: "partial, untrue, seditious, and savouring of dangerous and traitorous conceits." ...The Church of England never authorized or sanctioned the Geneva Bible."

"....the extensive collection of marginal notes that it contains. Prominent Reformation leaders such as John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Theodore Beza, and Anthony Gilby wrote the majority of these notes in order to explain and interpret the scriptures. The notes comprise nearly 300,000 words, or nearly one-third the length of the Bible itself, and they are justifiably considered the most complete source of Protestant religious thought available." http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm

And this is the most important quote >>>> "When this version disappeared, the people complained that they “Could not see into the sense of Scripture for lack of the spectacles of those Genevan annotations.” "http://www.genevabible.com/introduction.html

Then we have the Scofield Bible -written by a man who abandoned his family etc.... http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=162 and all his arduous notes printed as part of the Word of God but aptly called the Scofield Bible....by many, who fully and completely adhere to the doctrines encased in those notes.

From him and others came dispensationalism, rapture doctrine etc. We see many 'leaders' involved in making new bibles/paraphrases and changing doctrine or making new doctrine....

We see leaders incorporating contemplative and new age beliefs, peddaling books to bring those who would follow them to their way of thinking.

So much of what is being called doctrine is based on someones' bias and interpretation of the Scriptures, and making them equal to or above the standard of the Scriptures themselves. Because people spend more time reading those things than studying to show themselves approved. What happened to each being accountable to study to show themselves approved? What happend to allowing God to open our understanding--as Jesus did the apostles and others...in order to understand HIS Word?

I think that when people say they intepret the scriptures through the lens of : XXXX denomination; XXX confession of faith; leader XXX teachings; descriptive labels, catch phrases etc as being scriptural and how one is to vew the Scriptures; needing to have 'systematic' theology; needing to go to 'bible' school in order to be considered as one knowing the bible.....all manmade doctrines....

It has elevated individuals into 'leadership roles' and people willingly give them the authority to tell them what the bible says, and what to believe. And they never take time to examine it all and prove what is right before God.

We are to have the mind of Christ. In fact Scriptures tell us that when we have Christ, and have the indwelling Holy Spirit, he teaches us the things that are freely given by God to those who love Him.

1 Corinthians 2:5-10 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:11-16 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

It also says to prove all things, --meaning to the Word of God and also factually--and

1 John 2:26-27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

We are called to follow Jesus Christ not men....no matter how sound they may be. To be likeminded in Christ, minding the things of Christ, is a wonderful thing. But we are also told:

Colossians 2:6-10 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

John 15:1-8 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing . 6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

1Co 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
1Co 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
1Co 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
1Co 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

So what do you think about these things?

[YYZ Skinhead]

There is a verse that says that contemporary Jews and Christians are to learn from the mistakes the Israelites made, that are recorded in the Tanakh/OT. So naturally the "leaders" in both faiths, typical humans that they are, do everything Scripture says NOT to do, particularly when it comes to adding to/subtracting from the Word (forbidden) and substituting for the Word/giving precedence to, "traditions of men" (forbidden).

[kollkolen]

I must learn more about the Rabbinic tradition. Seems to make a lot more sense that the constitutional one. The latter was especially pursued by the denomination of my heritage, the Churches of Christ, where the approach was applied so scrupulously that churches split over instrumental music, how to fund children homes and TV shows, many communion cups or just one, and other things. I could go on and on.

[Dee]

(02-17-2010 03:35 PM)Vic Wrote:  I've been thinking about some things. In some of the discussions it has become obvious that many Christians over the years have done somewhat like the Jews have done. That is, they have made their doctrines from the writings and opinons of others, elevating such as equal to or more authoritative than the Word of God. To me it's literally rabbinic christianity.

For example, we know that the catholic clergy dictate what the scriptures mean and determine what followers do, believe and allow.

During the reformation we see such things as the Geneva bible --which I mentioned in another thread but am going to post in here: http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=526&page=4

"The Geneva Bible is the Bible with marginal notes authored by John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, and many other leaders of the Reformation. The Geneva Bible was the predominant English translation during the period in which the English and Scottish Reformations gained great impetus. Iain Murray, in his classic work on revival and the interpretation of prophecy, The Puritan Hope, notes, "... the two groups in England and Scotland developed along parallel lines, like two streams originating at one fountain. The fountain was not so much Geneva, as the Bible which the exiles newly translated and issued with many marginal notes... it was read in every Presbyterian and Puritan home in both realms"

"...The translation is the work of religious leaders exiled from England after the death of King Edward VI in 1553. Almost every chapter has marginal notes to create greater understanding of scripture. The marginal notes often reflected Calvinistic and Protestant reformation influences, not yet accepted by the Church of England. King James I in the late 16th century pronounced the Geneva Bible marginal notes as being: "partial, untrue, seditious, and savouring of dangerous and traitorous conceits." ...The Church of England never authorized or sanctioned the Geneva Bible."

"....the extensive collection of marginal notes that it contains. Prominent Reformation leaders such as John Calvin, John Knox, Miles Coverdale, William Whittingham, Theodore Beza, and Anthony Gilby wrote the majority of these notes in order to explain and interpret the scriptures. The notes comprise nearly 300,000 words, or nearly one-third the length of the Bible itself, and they are justifiably considered the most complete source of Protestant religious thought available." http://www.reformedreader.org/gbn/en.htm

And this is the most important quote >>>> "When this version disappeared, the people complained that they “Could not see into the sense of Scripture for lack of the spectacles of those Genevan annotations.” "http://www.genevabible.com/introduction.html

Then we have the Scofield Bible -written by a man who abandoned his family etc.... http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=162 and all his arduous notes printed as part of the Word of God but aptly called the Scofield Bible....by many, who fully and completely adhere to the doctrines encased in those notes.

From him and others came dispensationalism, rapture doctrine etc. We see many 'leaders' involved in making new bibles/paraphrases and changing doctrine or making new doctrine....

We see leaders incorporating contemplative and new age beliefs, peddaling books to bring those who would follow them to their way of thinking.

So much of what is being called doctrine is based on someones' bias and interpretation of the Scriptures, and making them equal to or above the standard of the Scriptures themselves. Because people spend more time reading those things than studying to show themselves approved. What happened to each being accountable to study to show themselves approved? What happend to allowing God to open our understanding--as Jesus did the apostles and others...in order to understand HIS Word?

I think that when people say they intepret the scriptures through the lens of : XXXX denomination; XXX confession of faith; leader XXX teachings; descriptive labels, catch phrases etc as being scriptural and how one is to vew the Scriptures; needing to have 'systematic' theology; needing to go to 'bible' school in order to be considered as one knowing the bible.....all manmade doctrines....

It has elevated individuals into 'leadership roles' and people willingly give them the authority to tell them what the bible says, and what to believe. And they never take time to examine it all and prove what is right before God.

We are to have the mind of Christ. In fact Scriptures tell us that when we have Christ, and have the indwelling Holy Spirit, he teaches us the things that are freely given by God to those who love Him.

1 Corinthians 2:5-10 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:11-16 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

It also says to prove all things, --meaning to the Word of God and also factually--and

1 John 2:26-27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

We are called to follow Jesus Christ not men....no matter how sound they may be. To be likeminded in Christ, minding the things of Christ, is a wonderful thing. But we are also told:

Colossians 2:6-10 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

John 15:1-8 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing . 6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

1Co 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
1Co 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
1Co 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
1Co 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

So what do you think about these things?

I just quoted 1cor 3 today in a discussion with a pastor's wife. I told her we were "home-churching" and she said "forsake not the assembling together" (kjv-only person). Is the weekly church meetin' commanded in Scripture?

Also she said separating yourselves from the worldliness of the Churches is understandable, but it's not the Bible's way. I can't find that- in fact what I read IS separating, not partaking in their sin with them. Am I missing something?

[sheep wrecked]

(06-23-2010 04:02 PM)Dee Wrote:  I just quoted 1cor 3 today in a discussion with a pastor's wife. I told her we were "home-churching" and she said "forsake not the assembling together" (kjv-only person). Is the weekly church meetin' commanded in Scripture?

Also she said separating yourselves from the worldliness of the Churches is understandable, but it's not the Bible's way. I can't find that- in fact what I read IS separating, not partaking in their sin with them. Am I missing something?

I am curious how they extract going to church every Sunday as a requirement to be a Christian from this text

Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.


Paul assembled wherever he was and he spent a great deal of time in prison. I don't think they had pews and collection plates there and for sure, it wasn't just on Sunday

We are to study as the Holy Spirit leads and guides. We know good from evil [false teaching from truth] by reading the Word. When the teaching shows itself to be wrong [the church/pastor/congregation] you withdraw. God does provide opportunities to share the truth with others, but it's highly unlikely that one can take on a whole group of people and convince them anyway. Most churches are denominationally biased in their doctrines, practices, and theologies and they often are not scriptural - nor are they open to correction.

[Dee]

(06-23-2010 04:40 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote:  [We are to study as the Holy Spirit leads and guides. We know good from evil [false teaching from truth] by reading the Word. When the teaching shows itself to be wrong [the church/pastor/congregation] you withdraw. God does provide opportunities to share the truth with others, but it's highly unlikely that one can take on a whole group of people and convince them anyway. Most churches are denominationally biased in their doctrines, practices, and theologies and they often are not scriptural - nor are they open to correction.

Same with "alternative" churches, i.e. Messianic groups. In some thread I read that the reason for divisions among you is to draw out those who recognize heresies (I can't remember exactly the words), but why are they always blamed for being divisive if they're the good guys?

[Vic]

(11-19-2011 12:35 AM)Dee Wrote:  Same with "alternative" churches, i.e. Messianic groups. In some thread I read that the reason for divisions among you is to draw out those who recognize heresies (I can't remember exactly the words), but why are they always blamed for being divisive if they're the good guys?

Hi Dee, I believe this is the verse you were thinking of.

1Co 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
1Co 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

I think it shows up as being the bad guys sometimes because of the number of people who fall under the label of believing and following a deception. Think of the no's under the label of Christ, yet we know that many are following all manner of false doctrine, from the contemplative, new age etc. The problem is Jesus also warned the disciples about how at that time the non-believing Jews would reject the believers and remove them from the synagogues.

Joh 9:22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

Matthew 10 presents a lot of scenarios about the persecution that would face believers and I don't believe it's different today. Look at the charismatic belief about Joel's army and the removal of those Christians who do not acknowledge the apostleship/leadership etc of those people---those rejecting them are viewed as stumbling blocks to be removed.

http://www.seekgod.ca/joel.htm

There's some related articles to that. But the point is, there are many verses about the attitude toward the truth of the Scriptures and towards believers.

Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

So much of what is being taught is based on emotional appeal and if really put to the test of Scriptures, it fails miserably. People are being seduced to that appeal instead of studying the Scriptures and proving what is said to them. They follow the 'party line' instead of testing the doctrine. Many are struggling in churches that are not really feeding them spiritually and equipping them, so that when something 'new' comes along it appeals because they desire to be closer to God. But what they miss is that everything starts with our relationship with Christ and nobody else can make that happen. And then miss the obedience of studying what we believe and making sure it is the sound doctrine found actually in the Scriptures.

[Dee]

(11-19-2011 02:14 PM)Vic Wrote:  People are being seduced to that appeal instead of studying the Scriptures and proving what is said to them. They follow the 'party line' instead of testing the doctrine. [...] And then miss the obedience of studying what we believe and making sure it is the sound doctrine found actually in the Scriptures.

Thanks for the reply and conversation.
I agree. Faith comes by hearing, and that of the Word of God.
Are we all called to expose evil, fight heresies like Polycarp (considered a "Heretic Fighter"), or are we to "let them be", as Jesus said about the blind leaders? Not that they are interested in listening. Just some questions I'm pondering..

---

(02-17-2010 03:35 PM)Vic Wrote:  I've been thinking about some things. In some of the discussions it has become obvious that many Christians over the years have done somewhat like the Jews have done. That is, they have made their doctrines from the writings and opinons of others, elevating such as equal to or more authoritative than the Word of God. To me it's literally rabbinic christianity.

...The Church of England never authorized or sanctioned the Geneva Bible."

Sorry it's taken me a year to reply to this LOL.
Seeing the Geneva as 1/3 propaganda is an eye opener.
I've read recently that Rabbi Akiva "edited" the OT to be in favor of his Talmud. Jews explain away most of prophecies about the Messiah as being someone else being born, or it's about Israel, etc. because of their "spectacles" they have to see through. We live in perpetual propaganda it seems!

"Church of England never authorized".. does a government standardized bible mean it's just the Truth? We are not worshipping The Book. It's the words and meanings of the Original Author that are eternal and what we need to know and live out.