Are You Thinking Critically About What You Think You Know?

In the quest for knowledge, are you genuinely understanding, or merely possessing information? There's a significant difference between truly comprehending something and simply accepting the opinions of so-called "experts." Often, what we consider knowledge is just an interpretation of religious texts by self-proclaimed authorities. When we discuss the Bible, we frequently echo the sentiments of pastors or theologians rather than sharing insights gained from our own critical examination.

Why is it so crucial to understand and prove what you believe? It’s not unusual to care deeply about the foundation of your faith. Yet, many are content to inherit knowledge without personal investigation. Instead of delving into the Bible themselves, they rely on interpretations from supposed religious leaders and scholars. This approach stifles the intellect and undermines our spiritual growth.

We possess brains, hearts, and minds for a reason—to think critically and feel deeply. The Bible encourages this kind of reflective practice, stating, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning,” (Proverbs 9:9).

Do you realize that much of what you learn from religious leaders isn't considered Bible-based understanding? Many pastors and scholars merely propagate interpretations rooted in tradition and philosophy rather than the undefiled wisdom of the Bible. This is why it's essential to scrutinize and validate your beliefs through personal study and reflection.

The Bible often speaks of “the sons of men” and “the sons of God.” For instance, Solomon distinguishes between the labor given to the sons of men and the wisdom, knowledge, and joy granted to the good in God’s sight (Ecclesiastes 2:26). In biblical terms, a “son” isn't just a literal offspring but a messenger or minister of religious doctrine. Likewise, a “man” symbolizes a priest, prophet, or spiritual leader.

A “son of man” thus represents someone whose spiritual understanding is derived from previous religious traditions and teachings. This inherited knowledge can sometimes overshadow the original vision of the Bible. The “sons of men” are often caught up in philosophical interpretations, blinding them to the true essence of biblical wisdom. I have given a presentation on who the sons of men and the sons of God are.

To develop a profound understanding of the Bible, we must personally engage with its words. This means moving beyond the secondhand interpretations offered by others and cultivating our own insights. As we critically analyze and weigh what we've been taught against the actual text, we can attain a deeper comprehension of our belief.

We need to be able to answer the question: Who am I? By critically examining our beliefs, we become proficient in the Bible's language of wisdom. This transformation is urged in Romans 12:2: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We are designed to think and to feel, to labor wisely with our hearts and minds. Embracing critical thinking and “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) leads to sure knowledge that we can live by. This journey involves both learning and unlearning, guided by acquired wisdom from the Bible, for our personal growth and the edification of those around us.

We have a responsibility to nurture our faith’s intellect. Remaining solely under the teachings of the “sons of men” can limit our spiritual understanding. Instead, by examining the Bible personally and critically, we can discover its profound truths and apply them to our lives. This approach not only enriches our own spiritual journey but also benefits those within our influence, fostering a community grounded in the Bible’s true wisdom.

Blind Love and Unseen Faith: Rethinking Religious Tradition and True Righteousness

“They" say that love is blind. Is this true? While we may not fully comprehend the mechanisms or timing of love, we undoubtedly embrace its mystery in our lives. How is it that we see and acknowledge what we cannot understand? How do we, in matters of faith, care for what is unseen?

This question strikes at the core of religion, which often assures its followers that through adherence to laws, deeds, beliefs, and rituals, we care for the "body" of our faith, which is ultimately invisible. But does the Bible support this method of caring for our faith? Is the saying wrong, “If righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain”? (Galatians 2:21)

This passage illuminates our query. By applying our faith to "righteousness," we nurture it correctly. But what is "righteousness" in this context? According to the passage, "righteousness" is equated with religious laws, rituals, policies, theories, rites, and ceremonies. Yet, the author argues that this traditional religious approach is not the true definition of righteousness.

If this form of worship and service were acceptable, then the chief apostle of the living God died for nothing. This assertion is bold. Observing our religious traditions, we find practices that the book of Galatians advises against. The author of Matthew echoes this sentiment, stating:

"I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 5:20.

What is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? They reject the commandment of God to keep their own tradition, Mark 7:9, and the prophet says, "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men," Isaiah 29:13. Their "righteousness" is performing traditional religious law for supposed divine favor.

This much is true: maintaining our faith through religious laws and traditions is a form of devotion the Bible does not endorse. This practice is unhealthy because it creates a false sense of devotion through routine, convincing the individual they are favored by their actions. According to the Bible, this act is misguided.

What opposes the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees? What counters traditional religious thought and feeling? The scriptures advise, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," Romans 12:2, and, "Concerning the work of my hands command ye me," Isaiah 45:11, and, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," Psalm 111:10.

We nourish our spiritual body with spiritual food. The sustenance for our faith is the wisdom gained from challenging the scriptures to prove themselves. Yes, we can demand proof of the Creator's work! Yes, the living God expects us to question and engage with the scriptures! Yes, we have the right to confront the living God about our personal and devotional struggles! This is expected of us.

We argue with our siblings, spouses, associates, and friends for respect, but we shy away from questioning the living God. Does that make sense?

"Let me not argue with God," we think. "Let me either commit to ritual and silently please the “God” I'm too afraid to engage with, or abandon the act and despise the one I need to confront," we continue. Does this make sense? Instead of turning to the source of our experience, we hide within ourselves or seek solace in others' consciences. Does this make sense?

True care for our faith is demonstrated through our engagement with the living God. Though there is no physical figure to argue with, it doesn't mean it's impossible. We argue with the living God by thoughtfully, patiently, and privately wrestling with the scriptures. "Care," according to the Bible, is shown through exercising our minds on what troubles us. If we do this, it will be said of us, "The LORD hath loved him," Isaiah 48:14.

The Spiritual Depths of Jesus' Narrative : A Philosophical Allegory for Devotional Evolution

In my upcoming book, The Dawn of Devotion: A Sacrifice for Devotional Evolution, the reader is brought face to face, in a philosophical way, with the main character of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The book’s task is to present the reader with what popular theology, through various religious theories, hides: that the Jesus character is not meant to be taken as a literal person or figure, but as an allegory educating on what an intelligent devotional conversation looks like.

The allegory that the Jesus character represents is one ultimately decoding the Bible’s terminology for profound revelations about accessing and maintaining high devotional consciousness. The context and the language of the Bible matters. When looking at how the authors of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John write, it is clear that their tone is not one of reality, but is rather one of allegory, and if reading their work correctly, the idea of how to carry personal belief, as it is intended to be understood through their main character, will manifest.

In exploring spirituality within the Jesus narrative, certain verses stand out for their profound complexity and rich symbolism. An issue that The Dawn of Devotion tackles is the issue of the Jesus character as “I Am,” where Jesus declares, in John 8:58, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." This statement, at first glance, appears quite mysterious, inviting deeper contemplation and interpretation within its spiritual context.

The Bible teaches that spiritual truths are not always evident on the surface but require discernment through spiritual understanding. Jesus's statement about Abraham transcends mere chronological existence; it points to a deeper spiritual rationale beyond traditional theological constraints. However, the response of the Jews to Jesus's declaration reveals their inability to grasp its ideal spiritual significance.

Their insistence on interpreting Jesus's words literally blinded them to his message. The Jesus character said what he said because his devotional character aligned with the character at the core of the scriptures. In no way was he saying that he literally shared a timeless existence with their Deity. The context of his language distinguished between two philosophical approaches: one can either maintain a religion by continual faith in circumcision, as is exemplified by Abraham, or one can maintain an experience that existed before the Abraham experience, which is an experience harping back to creation, being one that is wholly dedicated to the development and organization of mind.

What is covered in esoteric lore is a foundational philosophical testimony of one’s experience with the words of the scriptures. Both “Abraham” and “I AM” represent two devotional experiences. Abraham represents an experience where the body is bogged down by religious routine, and by exercising “faith” in those routines. The “I AM” experience is one where the belief is becoming intelligent from exercising retained wisdom from the scriptures. I explain the subject of what “I Am” represents, and in mindful detail, on my YouTube Channel.

It is because the conscience of his belief meshed with the words of the scriptures that his mind shared in the limitless scope of their science. The Bible does not promote the religious theory of “eternal life.” The Bible teaches that the words of the scriptures add a long life to our devotional understanding (Proverbs 3:1,2). It is our mind, as we are presently alive, that is to receive the benefit of never “dying”; not the being within the human or anything that is believed to be connected to it. A naturally limited theological mind hindered the Jews from comprehending what he was saying.

Deciphering scriptural language is essential for unlocking its deeper meanings. The Dawn of Devotion tells the story of how language transforms Jesus into an instrument created to define a mindful devotional experience. His dialogue with the Jews revolves around doctrinal understanding rather than a literal or esoteric interpretation. Abraham figuratively represents the symbol of a constraining religious experience yet to be fully realized. This conveys a message of the importance of faith and obedience within physical religious rituals, which is, to the mind at the core of the Bible, very unsound and irrational.

True circumcision, as is taught through the Jesus character, is inward and mental, demanding faith in learned principles rather than adherence to outward practices. Abraham's obedience to God's voice serves as a model for spiritual growth and transformation, leading to alignment with every commandment for spiritual renewal, yet to constrain that obedience to a religious routine sort of cancels out the experiment by faith. Why? Because the concept of faith doesn’t exist within the philosophy of the religious law (Gal. 3:12).

“I AM” is a philosophical devotional experience that the man Jesus knew and practiced. This man figuratively represents an experience where devotional growth occurs not through the stimulation of the body, but through a mindful experience. When our belief can also safely exist without religious routine, theory, and law, we too will be able to say that before our denominational theory was, or before our religious opinion was, we have become doers of “I AM” to possess a health devotional character and discipline.

Understanding the significance of the statement, "Before Abraham was, I am," requires a spiritual perspective that transcends popular theological limitations. This is not a statement having historical or esoteric precedence, but rather a profound declaration of the authority of “experience” above “religion,” inviting observers to look deeper into the Bible’s philosophical nature and embrace a deeper connection with the living Mind inspiring them.

I have also covered what it means to awaken the body of our belief and to navigate the Bible’s philosophy for growth on my Youtube channel.