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Op-Edders,
I would like to set up a hypothetical situation in which Jesus has chosen to return (in a manner of speaking) via archeological find rather that the end-times scenario outlined in the Bible. I personally do not believe in the Rapture, or that Jesus would appear before us again in a tangible sense; however, I would like to entertain an alternate idea. If the “return” of Jesus was symbolic, if somehow we knew that the recent Jesus Tomb was in fact, authentic; how would that effect our…well, world.
Would we realize that all we thought we knew may not be what it seems? Would people wonder how else the story of Jesus had been altered to glorify a deity instead of his teachings? Is it wrong to picture Jesus as a man who overcame all obstacles, and died to bring a much needed message to Gods children? A man who lived, and loved, and feared and toiled, and died in this physical reality – the reality God has created for us. Would it make people realize that we are responsible for the world we’ve created, that we must find our own way – and that no grand battle, no rapture will rescue us from the existence we’ve made for ourselves?
In this hypothetical situation, Jesus responds to the debate by electronic press release:
Brothers, Sisters,
How can you claim to worship me as a deity, and yet, you do not heed my teachings? I did not ask to be worshiped; you would better serve the Creator by opening your hearts and minds!
This is the reality you live in. Christianity is of man’s design – The Way is of God’s design. Do you truly believe the Bible is your only salvation, the key to understanding God and your place in his creation? Would you claim that there are no more chapters to be written? Do not be so quick to cast away the free will God has given you, in exchange for the ill-conceived guidance of those that claim to know the mind of God.
Remember, an individual’s true relationship with God does not begin by stepping into a temple; the journey may begin by looking up at the clear night sky and simply asking, “How?” God has instilled every man, woman, and child with his spirit; to awaken that spirit you need only open your eyes.
The time is now, do not let the injustice that has gripped this world persist any longer. Fear cannot rule your actions, there is more to this life than you know, and fear will only bring you shame.
You have been given free will, and while man’s transgressions have led humanity down a dark and twisted path, your fate is not sealed! This existence is not theatrical; you are more than mere actors in a scripted play. Through the trials and tribulations of this life there are lessons to be learned; compassion, love, tolerance, pain – this life is a weathering of the soul; this life is what you make of it.
Jesus
Note: Now, I hope by posing these ideas/questions, I have not deeply offended anyone. I do not claim to have any answers, in fact, the more I read, research, think; the more I realize how little I actually know. Frankly, I’m looking for comments – I believe I laid out a virtual banquet of food for thought, did anyone bring desert?
Ben Youther
