Devotional Counsel

The Dawn of Devotion: The Philosophy Behind Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection

My new book, The Dawn of Devotion: A Sacrifice for Devotional Evolution, is arriving soon. This work touches on the sensitive issue surrounding the context and the reality of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. The debate of if the resurrection actually took place, or if an actual “Jesus” existed, is one that is fixed to theological frameworks and never intelligently enters into the realm of philosophy. The philosophical and intellectual inquiry over the existence, death, and resurrection of Jesus is important to our present spiritual wellbeing, especially when learning that the fuss is all about a minister willingly sacrificing himself to make a statement about the correct devotional experience.

It is true that, in the multitude of theological narratives, few events hold as much significance as Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. This pivotal scene in Christian theology has sparked centuries of debate and interpretation, albeit without sincere contextual reflection. However, beyond the surface-level understanding often presented in mainstream or popular theology, lies a deeper philosophical exploration that challenges traditional views on salvation and redemption.

The portrayal of Jesus Christ as a divine figure sacrificing himself for the sins of humanity is a cornerstone of Christian theory. Yet, upon closer examination, particularly the divergent narratives presented in the four canonical gospels, a more meaningful interpretation emerges. Are we actually reading about the life of a demigod? Is this sacrifice and resurrection actually for natural human fault? We know that, for every religious cult that has existed, the theme of dying and rising deities is central to their core belief. Despite having a familiar pagan theme within the gospel narrative, could there be more to the story connected to Jesus?

Each gospel, despite their reader noticing, offers a unique perspective on their main character, reflecting the diverse theological viewpoints of their authors and their communities. While some emphasize Jesus' role as a savior sent to redeem mankind through his sacrificial death, others focus on his teachings and philosophical insights, completely ignoring the narrative of him as the world’s gift.

The original Jesus community, if we should purge reality from the fictional narrative within the book of Acts, taught what was called, “The Way.” They had taken their leader to have been crucified to death and then resurrected. This idea was not Greek or Roman, but strictly Jewish. They did not see his death as the world’s redemption from sin. They did not see his blood as being something to call upon for pardon of sins. They did not envision their hero next to God in heaven as high priest. They saw him like as they saw Elijah, Elisha, or Moses, as a man, whose death shed light on “the way” to honor that Deity for eventual resurrection at the world’s last day, that was deeply touched and inspired by their Deity.

The Gospel of Luke, for example, deviates from the traditional narrative by emphasizing the importance of adherence to the law of Moses as a path to salvation. In this gospel, Jesus is portrayed as a wise teacher, sharing the wisdom of the inward kingdom of heaven. He is not ultimately the gift to the world, but the kingdom of heaven is. He is bringing that gift to the world, setting the example of how one’s heart and mind, in order to be nearer to the Father, may enter into the intended experience.

Central to understanding the deeper meaning of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection is the concept of Immanuel, which means, "God is with us." Dawn of Devotion investigates how this interpretation suggests that Jesus was not a God with mankind, but that he taught “God,” or that he taught a wisdom inviting hearers to embrace an experience of inner transformation, rather than an external experience of salvation by religious deeds and acts. 

The illustration of the crucifixion sheds light on the potential wisdom that the man taught. This wisdom is understood through the allegory of his suspended body. The scriptures inform us to view his body as representing a devotional experience by religious laws, deeds, rites, theories, and rituals. To observe this crucified body is to actually observe not the crucifixion of a man, but rather the crucifixion of a devotional experience held together by religious laws and oppressive theological frameworks.

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are profound symbols of devotional liberation and enlightenment. Dawn of Devotion looks deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of the gospel’s main character, because if we can transcend traditional interpretations to embark on a journey toward greater inward understanding, our living experience will sincerely match the devotional.

Personal Spiritual Growth: Journeying Beyond Religious Dogma

We have a great responsibility to our spiritual belief—to cultivate and refine our devotional philosophy. Contrary to popular thought, this journey demands a deliberate unlearning, a refreshing of the mind, as advocated in Romans 12:2, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." But why must we unravel the threads of the religious world's spiritual fabric? The answer lies in Job 28:12-14:

“But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.”

Job's metaphorical exploration prompts us to decipher its symbolic language. The "land of the living" signifies more than mere existence—it symbolizes a territory and a community entrenched in dogma. Similarly, the "sea" is a metaphor extending beyond literal waters, embodying religious denominations detached from true spiritual understanding.

The seventeenth chapter of the book of the Revelation unveils the "sea" as a representation of diverse religious denominations, while Isaiah envisages its conversion to the fact at the core of the scriptures. Thus, the "sea" figuratively embodies religious denominations devoid of genuine comprehension, subscribing to distorted ideologies.

The allegory of the "dragon in the sea" highlights a deeper truth—the pervasive influence of institutionalized religious superstitions. This metaphorical dragon, identified in he book of Ezekiel as Egypt and in Revelation as Satan, underscores the insidious nature of falsehoods entrenched within the spiritual paradigm of the religious world.

Linking the "sea" with "the world" makes a crucial admonition to the reader very plain—to transcend the confines of popular theology and embrace authentic devotional growth. Romans 12:2 urges this transformation, advocating liberation of the mind from conformity to the standards of the religious world.

Looking into Genesis, the narrative of the flood illuminates the consequences of unrighteousness. "Ungodliness," synonymous with “sin,” pervaded the pre-flood world, accruing a judgment bent on exterminating the then religious error.

Ephesians highlights the abolition of religious ordinances, emphasizing liberation from legalistic frameworks. Nimrod's post-flood reinstatement of pre-flood religious falsehoods underscores the enduring struggle of humans beings against spiritually distorting the character and the philosophy of the Bible.

This present post isn't an indictment but a reminder to patiently embrace emancipating one’s personal faith from tradition al religious dogma. Psalm 50:23 encourages the reader to align their conversation with the wisdom at the Bible’s core, transcending superficial beliefs for genuine devotional fulfillment.

Isaiah's overall call to Zion resonates—it is a heartfelt call to personally embrace the Bible’s moving and enlightening understanding. Amidst the clamor of familiar religious noise, the Bible highlights prioritizing devotional evolution as paramount to our general wellbeing.

Ultimately, the Bible's wisdom transcends traditional doctrinal theory, focusing on the essence of personal and devotional existence. Hebrews 9:14 implores purging our conscience from dead religious thoughts, intentions, and feelings, heralding a journey towards genuine communion with the living God.

We should know that our faith's evolution hinges on shedding the shackles of conventional wisdom, embracing the transformative power of authentic communion with the Bible’s words.

Shaping Devotional Destiny Through Self-Examination

When it comes to our devotional and spiritual journey, the words of the Bible are to serve as both a guide and a mirror reflecting the essence of our conversation’s character. This reflection only takes place as the saying, as it is found in 2 Corinthians 13:5, is followed, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves."

Self-examination, as Paul advocates, is not merely a routine but a strict dialogue with oneself. It is a conscious effort to scrutinize our beliefs, actions, and the alignment of our faith. The Bible becomes the instrument through which we conduct this examination, providing a standard against which we measure our spiritual journey.

As we dive into the pages of the Bible, we encounter a reservoir of wisdom. Each verse, each narrative, holds the potential to transform our understanding of faith and guide the character of our devotional conversation. The act of personally handling these words is akin to holding the keys to our destiny, unlocking the door to a deeper, more meaningful connection with the Bible’s mind and personality.

To truly shape the destiny of our devotional conversation, we must engage in a philosophical exploration of the conversation’s self. How do our beliefs influence our actions? Are we walking in alignment with the principles laid out in the Bible? These questions form the foundation of the examination process, encouraging us to ponder the very essence of our spiritual existence.

Our devotional conversation is destined for a unique and transformative experience. It is through the examination of self, guided by the wisdom retained from the Bible, that we unlock the true potential of this journey. The Bible serves not only as a source of knowledge but as a catalyst for self-discovery, inviting us to confront our doubts, strengthen our convictions, and deepen our connection with it.

In examining ourselves, we cultivate authentic faith. This is what the Bible is after. We move beyond mere adherence to religious practices and rituals, advancing into the living truths that shape our spiritual identity. The destiny of our devotional conversation lies in our willingness to engage in this introspective journey, armed with the wisdom bestowed by the Bible.

Let the Bible in. The shaping of our devotional conversation is a deeply personal and intentional process. By handling and exercising the words of the Bible, we embark on a journey of self-examination that not only defines our faith but also shapes the destiny of our spiritual experience. As we heed Paul's call to "prove your own selves," we unlock the transformative power within, paving the way for an authentic and enriching devotional journey.