Study the Talmud Christian Scholars, or You'll Never Persuade a Single Jew that Jesus Christ is LORD

All Catholic scholars should study the Talmud profusely both to understand Christ (the Hippie Carpenter Red-Neck Rabbi from Nazareth) and to intellectually defeat the Errors of Judaism within the Citadel of Academia. In short, we must re-win the Cold War.

Remember though, the Jews are neither evil or supernatural, but flesh and blood people with furry pet animals who love them too. This has been the case long before the wicked 4th son of Jacob (namely Judah) led his brothers to sell their youngest sibling Joseph into Slavery and it continues to be the case today, because the Jews are good people who deserve more than the Talmud, more than Judaism, more than an Error...

God bless and Shalom.

To be a Catholic (and not a 'Christian') is to Fight the Good Fight against Ignorance and Hatred

...and the Gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

- Jesus Christ describing Saint Peter's role in his future Church

What you are about to read below are the very real words of very real hate sites, all of whom happen to be English-speaking Protestant 'Christian' in terms of their outlook. As a Catholic child I never understood the concept that the Jews had already distilled into two simple words, yet as an adult I am just now beginning to grasp exactly what they mean:

Never Again....

- Jewish Slogan about the Nazi Holocaust (1939-1945)

Niceties aside, it means if the wrong people are ever allowed to take power and control in this nation, or any nation for that matter, then the Holocaust may well be re-newed and include even larger numbers of people destined for extermination. No matter what the multi-national Search Engine Corporations such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, and others try to claim, they really are blindly and blatantly promoting hatred every millisecond they provide such unbelievable front-page access to some of the most deranged Jew-hating and Catholic-hating Christians in the world. Their supposedly monitored and censored 'key word and phrase' searches always seem to feature the exact same Protestant Christian Hate Sites every single time they are used. Some of the top 'Christian' haters include the following:

GLORYBOUND.NET: 'The Roman Catholic Mass is a satanic mockery of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world!'

GALATIANSFOUR.BLOGSPOT.COM: 'Satan’s Masterpiece: The Catholic Mass is Witchcraft...one of Satan's most masterful tricks is the Catholic Mass.'   

JESUS-IS-LORD.COM #1: 'For in the Roman Catholic mass, Satan himself has introduced unto the ends of the earth...'   
JESUS-IS-LORD.COM #2: 'The Mass is Blasphemy...Jesus died ONE TIME for the sins of the whole world. Not MANY times as in the Roman mass.'

JESUS-IS-SAVIOR.COM #1: 'The Satanic Eucharist...'  
JESUS-IS-SAVIOR.COM #2: 'Satanism In The Vatican!...The Devil is the leader of Roman Catholicism. ... It indicates the rejection of Jesus Christ and contempt for the gospel'

CUTTINGEDGE.ORG #1: 'Is Animal Sacrifice to become part of Roman Mass?...Rome continues to incorporate forbidden Satanic doctrines and rights in her Church'   
CUTTINGEDGE.ORG #2:  'The Roman Catholic Church touts the Mass as a precious ceremony, but the truth is...In this battle, Satan will be allowed to achieve a temporary victory over Jesus Christ.'
CUTTINGEDGE.ORG #3: 'The Mass Insults Jesus Christ...Satan achieved his prophetic..'

The 12 Tribes and 12 Apostles of the 12 Signs of the Zodiac

  


Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces the Fish is the Apostle Matthias (replacing Judas) and the Tribe of Levi
Autumn constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of October
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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Aries the Ram is the Apostle Peter and the Tribe of Zebulon
Autumn constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of November
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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus the Bull is the Apostle Simon and the Tribe of Joseph
Autumn constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of December
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Gemini (May 21 – June 21)

Gemini the Twins is the Apostle James and the Tribe of Benjamin
Winter constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of January
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Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Cancer the Crab is the Apostle Andrew and the Tribe of Issachar
Winter Constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of February
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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo the Lion is the Apostle John and the Tribe of Judah
Winter constellation, best viewed in the night during the month of March
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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgo the Virgin is the Apostle Phillip and the Tribe of Naphtali
Spring constellation, best viewed during the month of April
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Libra (September 23 – October 23)



Libra the Scales of Balance is the Apostle Nathaniel and the Tribe of Asher
Spring constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of May
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Scorpio (October 24 – November 21)



Scorpio the Scorpion is the Apostle Thomas and the Tribe of Dan
Spring constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of June
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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)



Sagittarius the Archer is the Apostle James and the Tribe of Gad
Summer constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month July
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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorn the Sea Goat is the Apostle Matthew and the Tribe of Simeon
Summer constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of August
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Aquarius (January 20 – Febuary 18)


Aquarius the Water Bearer is the Apostle Thaddeus and the Tribe of Reuben
Summer constellation, best viewed in the night sky during the month of September



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Number- Zodiac, Tribe, Apostle
1) Pisces, Levi, Judas Iscariot
2) Aries, Zebulon, Peter
3) Taurus, Joseph, Simon
4) Gemini, Benjamin, James
5) Cancer, Issachar, Andrew
6) Leo, Judah, John
7) Virgo, Naphtali, Phiilip
8) Libra, Asher, Nathaniel
9) Scorpio, Dan, Thomas
10) Sagittarius, Gad, James
11) Capricorn, Simeon, Matthew
12) Aquarius, Reuben, Thaddeus

Brief Pictorial of Armenian Christianity's Use of the Star of David

Tombstone of the Armenian Grand Prince Hasan Jalal Vahtangian (1214-1261 AD)

Like many other aspects of Armenian culture, not much has been written about the Armenian usage of the hexagram. Even though its usage in science, art, architecture, decorations and even for religious purposes has been extensive throughout the history.
- The Six-Pointed Star of Armenia, WordPress.com

The portico of Armenian Christian palace 1300s AD

Medieval Armenian coat-of-arms with the Christian name of Sargis 

Floor plan of the Armenian Church of the Shepherd

Among many symbols Armenians used the six pointed star for architectural purposes. Early Armenians believed the symbol to hold magical powers and incorporated it in architecture, astronomy and sacred art. Attesting to that are the numerous Armenian churches that are constructed in the shape of a six pointed star, the usage of hexagrams to support the dome or simply as sacred decoration protecting the Church like magic charms.

- The Six-Pointed Star of Armenia, WordPress.com

Altar at the Mšakavank Monastery (400-500 AD)

 
 

Armenian Church of the Citadel Palace of Ani (622 AD)

Outside Wall of the 13the century Noravank Monastery (Armenia).

The first and the most important Armenian Cathedral of Etchmiadzin (303 AD, build by the founder of Christianity in Armenia) is in fact decorated with many types of ornamented hexagrams. Another example is seen on the tomb of an Armenian prince of the Hasan-Jalalyan dynasty of Khachen (1214 A.D.) in the Gandzasar Church of Artsakh. Maybe the most famous example of architectural usage of a hexagram can be admired in the 12th century Armenian Church, the Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem. Where the hexagram shaped arches are supporting the dome. Similar dome arches in the shape of a six pointed star can be found throughout ancient Armenia.

 - The Six-Pointed Star of Armenia, WordPress.com

Lower cover leather binding for a Armenian book (1577 AD)

That the Armenians are acquainted with this symbol from the times of the immemorial became once again clear when the oldest known depiction of a six pointed star (dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.) was excavated in the Ashtarak burial mound in “Nerkin Naver” (in Armenia). This was confirmed by a series of radiocarbon analysis of artifacts, conducted in laboratories in Germany and the USA. The handle of a dagger depicts the worlds earliest decoration of a six-pointed star buried in a burial mound containing over 500 graves.

- The Six-Pointed Star of Armenia, WordPress.com

 

SOURCE LINK: http://peopleofar.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/the-six-pointed-star-of-armenia/

Just like the Star of David, the Star of Mary is a Six-Pointed Hexagram

One of most little known facts when comes to actual Christianity, as it was practiced for centuries, happens to be that, just like the Star of David in Judaism, the Star of Mary in Christianity is also symbolized by a Hexagram. Readers should feel quite assured this isn't some modern ploy or conspiracy to promote the Six-Pointed Star, or to obscure its so-called dark, Occult past. Instead, it is a historical fact that, from the very beginning, a fairly prominent symbol of the Church, known as the Star of Mary or the Star of the Sea, has been represented by a hexagram. This can only mean those so-called Christians, who hysterically continue to yell and scream about the hexagram being a Satanic symbol which has never used by Christianity, are simply lying to themselves and to others (meaning everyone else unfortunate enough to listen) about the historical facts concerning the hexagram.

A 13th century Church in Asturias, Spain known as 'Iglesia de Santa María' (1270 A.D.)

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These particular facts in question show quite clearly that when hexagrams were used to represent the Saints of the Church (David, Solomon, Mary, Jesus), they were seen by some of the earliest Christians as sacred and holy symbols of inherent goodness and were certainly not evil. Also, these early Christians probably knew full well about the dangers concerning the Occult and, in their eyes, the hexagram was neither dangerous nor a symbol of evil spiritual forces. Obviously, Christianity's deliberate choice of the hexagram as the official symbol designating Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, provides a strong indication that the Six-Pointed Star was, is, and will continue to be, a genuine Christian symbol which does not represent evil in any way, shape, or form. The evidence of history proves just the exact opposite- that the hexagram is a righteous symbol of both King David and his descendants, which include the Virgin Mary, as well as her Son Jesus Christ, 'the bright, Morning Star'.

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The Six-Pointed Star of Mary Reference List

Marian star symbolisms generally come in...the Six-Pointed, which is in fact the star of David, is used to highlight Mary's role in salvation as helper...It symbolizes the restitution of the original harmony between God and humanity.

- Q: What is the origin of Mary's title: 'Star of the Sea'?, Campus.Udayton.edu

Another classic title for the Virgin Mary is Stella Maris, or Star of the Sea...A Six-Pointed star is a reminder that Mary is from the line of David (as the Star of David has six points).

- Star of the Sea, by Jenny Schroedel and Reverend John Schroedel, Netplaces.com

The feast of the Holy Name of Mary...originated in Spain and was approved by the Holy See in 1513; Innocent XI extended its observance to the whole Church in 1683...Symbols: Star of David, or Six-Pointed Star appropriate for this feast.
- Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, CatholicCulture.org

Another example if a religious star tattoo is the Jewish Star of David...Roman Catholics regard the Six-Pointed Star as a representation of celestial bodies relating to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

- Star Tattoos, Tattoo-Art.com

Mary is the Divine Mother archetype...Her signs and symbols are the Rose and Chalice, the Six Pointed Star and the element of water

- The Virgin Mother Mary, GoddessWithin.co.uk

Comparing the Seven Noahide Laws of Judaism with the Judeo/Christian Ten Commandments

Our Rabbis taught: 'Seven precepts were the sons of Noah commanded: social laws (to Establish Courts of justice), to refrain from Blasphemy, Idolatry; Adultery, bloodshed (Murder), robbery (Theft), and eating flesh cut from a living animal (Animal Cruelty).'

- Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 56a

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In most quarters of Christianity, the Seven Laws of Noah as described by the Talmud and other Jewish religious texts have not been seen as much of a problem when it comes to their own faith. This is not, as some overly suspicious critics might claim, because they haven't been studied closely enough by Christian scholars, for they indeed have been, more than once. In fact, they have been examined, on and off again, by the religious authorities of Christianity for many centuries now and they have all come to the same general conclusion. That conclusion is that Judaism's Seven Noahide Laws are basically compatible with the main tenets of Christianity, most especially the Old Testament's 10 Commandments which has been an essential aspect of Christian faith since the earliest days of the Church. The specific reasons why the 7 Laws of Noah may be seen as compatible with the Judeo/Christian 10 Ten Commandments have been briefly outlined below in the following manner:
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+ Although the exact ordering of the Seven Laws of Noah differs somewhat depending upon the source, one of the more popular modern lists reads as follows: Do not commit Idolatry (1), Blasphemy (2), Sexual Perversion (3), Murder (4), Theft (5), or Animal Cruelty (6), and to Establish Courts to enforce these laws (7).
+ Judaism believes all of mankind, which includes all Gentiles (non-Jews), are required to obey the 7 Laws of Noah, while nearly every major form of Christianity believes Christians are bound by the 10 Commandments given to Moses by the LORD atop Mt. Sinai.
+ In recent decades, some Christians (nearly all of them American Protestant) have become much more inclined to include the 7 Laws of Noah in their form of Christianity and have even began to promote both the study of, and obedience towards, them among fellow Christians.
+ One of the major reasons why Christianity holds the 10 Commandments in such high esteem is that they were mentioned in particular by Jesus Christ in the Gospels. They include the following:
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The Judeo/Christian Ten Commandments
I. YHVH is the LORD your God. You will have no other gods but Him.  
II. You will not use the name of the LORD in vain.  
III. You will honor the Sabbath day.  
IV. You will honor your father and your mother.  
V. You will not kill.  
VI. You will not commit adultery.
VII. You will not steal.  
VIII. You will not lie.  
IX. You will not envy another man's wife
X. You will not envy another man's property.
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+ At a minimum, the 10 Commandments does, in fact, include at least 5 out of the 7 Laws of Noah. At least 2 of them happen to be nearly the exact same and even use the same wording.
+ The other 3 Commandments are specific aspects of the more generalized Noahide Laws which, by definition, must include the narrowly defined Commandments with which they are equated.
+ These 5 'equalities' between the 10 Commandments and the 7 Noahide Laws can be seen in the following manner in the table below:
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5 Equalities between 7 Laws and 10 Commandments
1st Noahide Law (No Idolatry) = 1st Commandment (One God)
2nd Noahide Law (No Blasphemy) = 2nd Commandment (LORD's Name in vain)
3rd Noahide Law (No Sexual Perversion) = 6th Commandment (No Adultery)
4th Noahide Law (No Murder) = 5th Commandment (No Murder)
5th Noahide Law (No Theft) = 7th Commandment (No Theft)
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+ This shows that the 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th and 10th Commandments (honoring the Sabbath and one's parents, lying- bearing false witness, envy of another's spouse, and envy of another's property) have not been included in the 7 Laws of Noah in the 'literal' sense. However, a careful, patient examination of the Noahide laws indicates there is good reason to believe they can and should be included indirectly through inference.
+ Disobedience to the 3rd Commandment impelling Christians to honor the Sabbath day could rightfully be seen as either outright Blasphemy and/or Idolatry and thus a violation of either the 1st or 2nd Law of Noah or both simultaneously.
+ The breaking of the 4th Commandment to honor one's father and mother could be considered a lesser form of Blasphemy and thus a violation of the 2nd Law of Noah.
+ The breaking of the 8th Commandment to not bear false witness against your neighbor (lying) could also be seen as a form of Blasphemy and therefore another type of violation of the 2nd Law of Noah.
+ The breaking of the 9th Commandment to not envy another man's wife could be construed as a minor form of sexual perversion which is prohibited by the 3rd Law of Noah.
- The breaking of the 10th Commandment to not envy another's property could be seen as a subtle form of idolatry and therefore prohibited by the 1st Law of Noah.
+ Thus, a more thorough and comprehensive examination of the actual meaning underlying the 7 Laws of Noah indicates that all 10 Commandments are either explicitly or implicitly included in the more generalized 7 Noahide Laws. This can be seen in a simplified format by the comparison chart seen below:
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Commandment = Noahide Law indirectly including Commandment
III. You will honor the Sabbath day. = 1) You will not commit Idolatry, 2) You will not commit Blasphemy.  
IV. You will honor your father and your mother. =  2) You will not commit Blasphemy.
VIII. You will not lie. = 2) You will not commit Blasphemy.
IX. You will not envy another man's wife. = 3) You will not commit Sexual Perversion.
X. You wull not envy another man's property. = 1) You will not commit Idolatry.
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+ This leaves the 6th and 7th Laws of Noah (prohibiting animal cruelty and for establishing courts of justice) which do not appear to be included in the 10 Commandments.
+ In terms of the 6th Law of Noah (You will not commit Animal Cruelty), this is dealt with directly in the Book of Acts when the Council of Jerusalem issued a ruling mentioning Animal Cruelty in the following manner: 'It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, FROM THE MEAT OF STRANGLED ANIMALS and from blood.' (Book of Acts 15:19-20)
+ Finally, when it comes to the 7th Law of Noah (You will establish Courts to enforce these Laws), it could be said that Jesus was already under the assumption that courts would, in fact, be established for this very purpose for He uses the word 'court' specifically in Matthew 5:21- 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the COURT,' as well as Matthew 5:22 and 5:25.
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In conclusion, there appears to be more than enough basic proof, both Scriptural and otherwise, that there is indeed a general compatibility between Judaism's 7 Laws of Noah and the Judeo/Christian 10 Commandments. At least 5 out of 10 Commandments are quite literally included in the 7 Noahide Laws, while disobedience to the other 5 Commandments may quite easily be seen as differing forms of Idolatry, Blasphemy, or Sexual Perversion and therefore also prohibited by the 7 Laws of Noah. At the same time, the 6th and 7th Laws of Noah not directly included in the 10 Commandments are at least mentioned in certain passages of the New Testament, thus making them an assumed portion of Christianity's overall ethical and moral laws, rules, and traditions. In the end, Christians should have little to fear when it comes to obeying Judaism's 7 Laws of Noah, unless of course they also fear obedience to the laws of Christianity itself, of which there seems to be little to no difference when examined carefully enough. Does this mean Christians should now look to the 7 Laws of Noah instead of the 10 Commandments? Of course not, mainly because Jesus Christ mentions the 10 Commandments specifically in the Gospels, but also because obedience to the 10 Commandments mentioned in both the Old and New Testament may indeed be considered obedience to the 7 Noahide Laws as well.
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In Judaism, the Seven Laws of Noah (Hebrew: שבע מצוות בני נח‎ Sheva mitzvot B'nei Noach) form the major part of the Noachide Laws, or Noahide Code. This code is a set of moral imperatives that, according to the Talmud, were given by God as a binding set of laws for the "children of Noah" - that is, all of humankind. According to religious Judaism, any non-Jew who adheres to these laws is regarded as a righteous gentile, and is assured of a place in the World to Come (Olam Haba), the final reward of the righteous. Adherents are often called "B'nei Noach" (Children of Noah) or "Noahides" and may often network in Jewish synagogues.

- Noahide Laws, Wikipedia


May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

The Enduring Mystery of the Judeo/Christian Seven Heavens

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the Third Heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 

- 2 Corinthians 12:2

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The Seven Heavens are described in numerous Judeo/Christian Apocryphal books including: 3 Baruch, 2 and 3 Enoch, the Testament of Levi, the Revelation of Moses, the Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah, the Apocalypse of St. Paul, and the Apocryphon of John. They are also found in numerous official texts of Judaism too numerous to count. According to Jewish teachings, mainly from the Talmud, the celestial realm is composed of seven heavens called Shamayim. These, along with their literal meanings in English, can be listed as follows:

I. Vilon (וילון) = veil, curtain
II. Raki’a (רקיע) = expanse, canopy
III. Shehaqim (שחקים) = clouds
IV. Zebul (זבול) = habitation
V. Ma’on (מעון) = refuge
VI. Machon (מכון) = city, established place
VII. Araboth (ערבות) = deserts

The names and meanings listed above are considered the standard Jewish (and even Christian) summary of the Seven Heavens of the Biblical God. Throughout the pertinent literature, a certain core tradition emerges from both the official Jewish documents of antiquity and the Judeo/Christian Apocrypha. This can be summarized in fairly simple manner:

I. Vilon is called a veil, or curtain, because it serves as a physical barrier to the upper six realms rendering them invisible.
II. Rakia is called an expanse, or canopy, because that’s ‘where the sun, moon, and stars are fixed’ into place.
III. Shekim is called clouds because upon them lies Paradise, the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life
IV. Zebul is called habitation because this is where the Heavenly Jerusalem is located
V. Ma’on is called refuge because it is here where most of the Angelic host reside
VI. Makon is called city, or established place, because this where the Angelic University, the City of Angels, has been established
VII. Araboth is called desert because it is very dry and without any air housing the Throne of God and the Seven Archangels

Some theologians and mystics have elaborated far more Heavens than just the standard seven. One scenario admits to only Seven Heavens, but then goes on to include 196 different provinces as well. The Jewish mystical text, the Zohar speaks of ’390 Heavens and 70,000 worlds,’ just as the gnostic thinker Basilides speculated upon ’365 Heavens.’ A figure named Jellenek in the Jewish document called Beth Ha-Midrasch recounts a legends which describes 955 Heavens. One source sums it up in a fairly typical way:

Seven levels of heaven are part of the 196 providences of heaven. The first level of heaven is closest to the Earth. Second level is thought to house sinners awaiting judgment. The third level is where the food of the angels is produced, manna. The fourth level is where the Great Winds are. The fifth level has Samael as the ruling prince. The sixth level of heaven has the Angels of Time, Seas, Rivers, and Crops. The seventh level is the home of ineffable light and is the closest to God.

- Seven Levels of Heavens, Reference.com

According to the Legends of the Jews, by Louis Ginzberg, Eden alone contains 310 separate worlds along with ‘seven compartments for seven different classes of the pious’. In some later versions of the 2nd Book of Enoch, ten levels are mentioned instead of the traditional Seven Heavens. This is due, however, to later additions to the original document which only described Seven celestial realms. One researcher makes note of these more recent changes from seven to ten as follows:

In Enoch 2 the Heavens number 10. Here the 8th Heaven is called Muzaloth. The 9th Heaven, home of the 12 signs of the zodiac, is called Kukhavim. The 10th, where Enoch saw the “vision of the face of the Lord”, is called Aravoth (Hebrew term for the 12 signs of the Zodiac). The confusion of the Heavens is clear here from the fact that the signs of the zodiac do not lodge in the Heavens named after them.

As already discussed, the age-old idea of God’s abode consisting of ‘Seven Heavens appears in The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs and other Jewish apocrypha’. At the same time, these Seven Heavens were also a familiar concept ‘to the ancient Persians and Babylonians.’ In particular, the Persians saw their greatest Deity ‘in the highest of the 7 Heavens, seated on a great white throne, surrounded by winged cherubim.’ A possible reason for this happens that they may well have gotten this idea from the Jews themselves, considering the fact that their greatest prophet Zoroaster was thought to be a heretic Jew who was exiled from ancient Judea before founding a new religion in Persia. Basically, there are two dual opposing theories concerning the Jewish concept of Seven Heavens. One side argues it is all a later Pagan (non-Jewish) influence. An example of their unconvincing claims reads as follows:

The pagan concept of the seven layer of Heaven crept into Judaism and the number seven can be found in Judaism more than anywhere else. Why? Because Midrash teaches, there are seven layers of Heaven, obviously an influence of Paganism in Judaism.

- 7 Layers of Heaven, by Bjorn EnFiddle

First of all, it is not at all obvious that the Bible’s repeated and significant use of the number Seven is connected at all to any Pagan influence of Hebrew mythology. Who is to say that the Hebrews and their ancient story of 7-days of Creation and Seven Heavens didn’t affect the Pagans who may well have borrowed from them? A more reasonable side of the debate deliberately notes the following factors about the Persian use of the number Seven as it relates to Judaism:

The number 7 was of special importance in the Zoroastrian religion, where there were 7 creations, 7 regions of the world, 7 Amesha Spenta (who became the 7 archangels of Judaism), and so on. This would have a great influence on the evolution of numerology in Judaism. However, the number 7 was already significant in Judaic numerology, indicating some earlier influence.

- Answers.com, What is the significance of the number Seven in the Bible?

Indeed, this ‘earlier influence’ may well have been Moses, the original author of the Bible, writing in or near Egypt and unaffected by either Persian or any other Pagan influences. It is more than possible that he mentions and institutes a sacred and holy tradition utilizing the number Seven due to both Divine inspiration and ancient, pre-existing Hebrew legends about the number.

The theological doctrine of the Seven Heavens has been a standard aspect of Christian mysticism for several centuries at least. Not only that, it continues to play a large role in Judaism, most especially in the more traditional Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox religious communities. Indeed, one must concede that the expression, ‘Seventh Heaven’ is, in fact, a fairly popular catch phrase much like the term ‘Cloud Nine’. Most everyone knows that it means something like Nirvana or Paradise and can be used to describe an extremely good feeling, outlook, or situation. As the Dictionary defines it:

Seventh Heaven – n
1. the final state of eternal bliss, especially according to Talmudic and Muslim eschatology
2. a state of supreme happiness [so named from the belief that there are seven levels of heaven, the seventh and most exalted being the abode of God and the angels.]

- World English Dictionary

Considering the fact that most Christians today tend to believe in only one Heaven, it remains quite puzzling as to where this English expression originates. Some may contend it comes from some vague Western awareness of the traditional Seven Heavens found in the Muslim religion. Given the fact most Westerners remain woefully ignorant about their own Christian heritage, let alone Islamic cosmology, it seems far more likely that the early Christian belief in Seven Heavens has never really been erased from memory. Indeed, the general theory of Heaven consisting of Seven different realms can be found not just in the Jewish Apocrypha, but also in several texts usually considered Christian in origin.

Seven Heavens is a part of religious cosmology found in many major religions such as Islam, Judaism and Hinduism and in some minor [Christian-based] religions such as Hermeticism and Gnosticism. The Divine Throne is said to be in or above the seventh heaven in most Abrahamic religions.

- Seven Heavens, Wikipedia

One Jewish writer appears to object to those who would label the theological concept of Seven Heavens as a Muslim doctrine, unique to the Islamic faith. As he states correctly, the whole ‘concept’ of the Seven Heavens is very old. In fact, it had become quite popular many centuries before the ‘rise of Islam, and has deep roots in Jewish tradition.’ Here is a brief summary of these Jewish origins:

Some of the Rabbis of the Talmud had very precise ideas about the structure of the upper regions. They were presumably influenced by the fact that the Hebrew word for “heavens” or “sky” appears only in a plural form: shamayim, implying a multiplicity of heavens. Given the special role of the number seven in the Bible, it was natural that this number should also determine the arrangement of the heavens. The Jewish sages had no trouble finding distinct functions for each of the seven levels. The heavens, mysterious as they are, affect us in many aspects of our daily life, as well as having important religious associations. Thus, according to one quaint itemization, one heaven is required simply to screen off the light at night-time, another to store the rain and snow, and still another to house the planets. Others have more religious uses, accommodating the souls of the righteous and the unborn, as well as various levels of angels, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and the throne of God.

- “In Seventh Heaven”, The Jewish Star, by Eliezer Segal

On a recent Canadian radio broadcast, a caller inquired ‘about the origins of the English expression “seventh heaven.”‘ Unfortunately, he was mistakenly told that this phrase came from Islam and their own religious ‘conception of Paradise, which is divided into several celestial levels, awarded according to the degree of righteousness achieved during one’s mortal lifetime.’ The reality is that Christian theologians throughout the ages have known far more about the originally Jewish legend concerning the Biblical God’s Seven Heavens and this has been reflected with the popular English turn of phrase ‘Seventh Heaven’. Different levels of Heaven (and Hell) has actually been a standard aspect of literary Christianity, mainly due to Dante and his masterpiece, the Divine Comedy. Nonetheless, the Seven Heavens tradition is still predominantly Jewish and firmly rooted in Judaism and ancient Hebrew tradition. One of those traditions concerns the Shechinah which is supposed to be a huge, shimmering celestial aura denoting the actual presence of God. Some Jews believe this ‘aura’ could be seen at the Temple of Jerusalem during its most holy times. One of the more traditional myths about this Shechinah can be described as follows:

When Adam sinned, the Shechinah departed to the First Heaven. The sin of Kayin forced it to the Second Heaven; the Generation of Enosh to the Third; the generation of the Flood to the Fourth; The generation of the Dispersion to the Fifth; Sodomites, to the Sixth; Egypt of Avraham’s day, to the Seventh.

- Bereishis Rabbah 19:7

Another popular story involves the time when the ancient Israelites gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai to meet with God. Legend has it, they were all ‘treated to a glimpse of all seven heavens opened up above them.’ Another slightly amusing story is written in the Talmud. Apparently, a group of scholarly Rabbis debated and discussed the prophet ‘Ezekiel’s mysterious vision of the heavenly chariot’ so eloquently, that a voice from Heaven suddenly proclaimed to them that ‘a place is prepared to you, and a table is set for you–you and your students are admitted to the third level.’

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

Liar, Denier! The Judeo/Christian Tradition and those who say it does not exist

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Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.

 - John Adams
 

It's been a long time since I've been a child, and because I don't have any children of my own, I had almost forgotten how children really were sometimes, and still are, even today. I was abruptly reminded of it when, after doing some preliminary research on the Judeo/Christian Tradition, I suddenly rediscovered what it was like when children decide to be total brats about something and the things they will say and do while they are still in full 'total brat' mode. It's truly something to behold, let me tell you. It's even worse when fully-grown adults, whether they are tenured University professors or published authors, suddenly decide to loudly and publicly act in an infantile manner, by regressing back to childhood and acting in exactly the same manner as 'total brats' would.

Anyway, I'll try to keep this post short and to the point by simply reminding my fellow adults about a few of the 'total brat' strategies I have just witnessed within the past few days. For starters, when 'total brats' really, really don't like something they will stubbornly and irrationally deny that it exists. Most amazing is the specific words they will use as a part of their denial such as: 'There's no such thing as (fill in blank)' or 'I don't believe in (fill in blank)'. Now, as I was saying before, I ran directly into this child-like refusal of accept reality while looking up sources and references to the Judeo/Christian tradition. After perusing the numerous Dictionary definitions and Encyclopedia entries, all of which had the exact same title 'Judeo-Christian Tradition'. I eventually ran into a whole slew of malcontents who apparently had felt the overwhelming desire to deny reality, just like child who decides to act like a 'total brat'. Never mind that professional companies and corporations have published reference books that include the very words 'Judeo-Christian Tradition', or that there are literally dozens upon dozens of Newspaper and Magazine articles, essays, and op/eds which have the term 'Judeo-Christian Tradition' as a part of their titles or headlines, because for the 'total brat' this isn't really proof that there really is such a thing. When the 'total brat' decides something does not exist, then no matter what happens, it simply does not exist. What follows is a summary of the 'total brat' tactics that certain fully-grown adults have used in their effort to deny the existence of something they obviously do not like at all, namely the 'Judeo-Christian Tradition'. Included below is a two-part summary of clearly absurd denials in the existence of a Dictionary defined, Encyclopedia explained, phrase in the English language commonly known as the Judeo/Christian Tradition:


Denial of Reality #1: There is NO Judeo/Christian Tradition

Jacob Neusner: Theologically and historically, there is NO such thing as the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Gary North: There is NO Judeo-Christian tradition. There never was one.

Newsweek Magazine: Politicians appeal to a Judeo-Christian tradition, but religious scholars say it NO longer exists.

New Dawn Magazine: Reviewing the last two thousand years of Western Christian history there is really NO evidence of a Judeo-Christian tradition.

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Denial of Reality #2: The Judeo/Christian Tradition is a Myth

Jacob Neusner: There is no...Judeo-Christian tradition. It's a secular Myth favored by people who are not really believers themselves.

Newsweek Magazine: For scholars of American religion...the idea of a single Judeo-Christian tradition is a made-in-America Myth that many of them no longer regard as valid.

Stephen M. Feldman: The Myth of the Judeo-Christian tradition insidiously obscures the real and significant differences between Judaism and Christianity

Gary North: There is no Judeo-Christian tradition...The whole concept is Mythical.

Clearly, the individuals and publications cited above have a serious problem with this descriptive term 'Judeo-Christian Tradition'. Yes, one could surmise that it is simply another example of standard, run-of-the-mill Jew-hatred, but that cannot explain why several obviously Jewish critics have joined with their Gentile comrades in mutually despising the historical, actual, and factual reality of this designation. Basically, a very small amount of Jews who don't like Christianity (or Christians), and Christians who don't like Judaism (or Jews), have decided to vent their anger and frustration at a particular phrase, a set of words that neither thinks, nor feels, nor does. It's just a word, for Gosh sakes! Or actually, two words (Judeo/Christian Tradition), or even three if you count 'the' as well (The Judeo/Christian Tradition). In the end, there is little that others can do when adults, like 'total brat' children, insist upon denying reality over and over again until they get what they want. However, there is a word for what they have been doing, and continue to do- it's called lying. And even 'total brats' should never be allowed to lie for very long.

The ACTUAL Judeo/Christian Tradition

ACTUAL DESIGNATION: The Judeo-Christian (http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Jud...tian_tradition)

ACTUAL USE: The phrase 'Judeo-Christian'...is nevertheless a common term in American cultural and political rhetoric. (Judeo-Christian, Wikipedia)

ACTUAL EXISTENCE: The Judeo-Christian tradition is, most certainly, not just a myth in colloquial terms meaning a falsehood (historical or not), but a powerful and expedient religious posture, valid for most people here and now, and bearing witness to a continued symbolic relationship with very real meaningfulness. (Edward Kaplan, Commentary Magazine, 1970)

ACTUAL REALITY: There's more than sufficient common ground between Judaism and Christianity to justify the idea of a Judeo-Christian tradition. (Mark Silk, SpiritualPolitics.org)