A good book to read

[ladyinred]

"The laughing Jesus,Religious lies and Gnostic wisdom,"Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy.
This book is about Christian fundalmentalism and Biblical literalism. While this book disputes the historical Jesus and sees Jesus as more of an allegorical myth that pertains to Spiritual truths. ( Many of us would disagree with that , by the way, and do believe that there was a historical Jesus) The point is it still non-the-less offers some valuable insights on interpreting the scripture totally from literalist view point.. It speaks more of Christ in a mystical sense rather than as a physical presence. And has looked into the literalists and fundementalist view of the bible and what they have really led to.(inquisitions and war and persecutions) It doesn't undermine or attack Christianity... but the extreme views of those religions that interpret the bible as a way to promote prejudice,hatred and violence toward certain groups who don't share their view point. Basically it is saying Christianity and it's true message has been distorted by religious sects throughout history and even in translating the bible.

[ladyinred]

My personal beliefs run along the lines of UCC and Unity... and are more ecumenical rather than based on dogma... I wasn't too familar with UCC before but after reading about it I agree with alot of things they say

[RainbowL'elly]

i love reading about gnosticism- i will have to see if i can't find a copy of that book- it sounds like a good read.