Should we negate the stories in the religious book & concentrate on essence,it's philosophies on how to lead

Question

a better life(wise living)?

Answer 1

Are you talking about the Bible when you say "the...religious book"? If it is the Bible you are talking about, the answer to your question is "no."

First, much of the New Testament is provable historical fact. Just for example, Pontius Pilate was a Roman procurate. Saint Paul did write those letters from prison. These things can be traced. As with any ancient history, they are hard to trace, but they can be traced. Just like the pharaohs in the Old Testament can be traced. It's old history, but it is history nonetheless.

Regardless, if you take what Jesus said as a "philosophy" and as instructive on "how to lead," then you are following a madman if you don't believe him to be the son of God. If you don't believe he is the son of God, then his "philosophy" and "leadership" is insane.

Why? Because he said things that sane people don't say. He said that there is no way to God the Father except through him. What if your philosophy professor said this to you? You would find him insane and wouldn't listen to him, right? Jesus also said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." If someone teaching you leadership skills said this to you, would you not run screaming into the woods? I would.

The only thing that makes sense is that Jesus was insane or Jesus was the son of God. And since he was wise, and was loving, and did heal people, and did lead people, and did die for others...well, these are qualities of a supernatural being, not of someone who would be better served in a padded cell.

But to clearly answer your question: There is no way to divorce Jesus' teachings from Jesus as the son of God. They are not the teachings of a man (or, like I said, if they are, they aren't the teachings of a *well* man--and the teachings of insane people do not last for thousands of years, generally speaking). So to extract what you like and discard the rest, in the case, just ain't possible.

Answer 2

The stories are the philosophies and lessons. That would be like watching the movie "The Sound of Music" and fast forwarding past the music.

Answer 3

yes,i think thats the future when todays religions mature and become a true cosmic family concentrating on the spiritual and physical welfare of the universe rather than their own selfish salvation

Answer 4

Well, I think that's where one of the main arguments is. Everyone is trying to tell everyone else what the essence is.