The Seven Sages of Judaism

The Seven Greatest Rabbis of Judaism who Ever Lived (100 BC - 1760 AD)
Rabbi Hillel, Rabbi Shammai, Rabbi Judah Ha-Nasi, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, Rabbi Moses ben Nachman, Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, and Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer

Both the Babylonian and the Jerusalem Talmud repeatedly mention what they call the 'Sages and Prophets'. Well, the Prophets all have separate Books in the Tanakh named after them so their list of names can be found by simply looking up the Books of the Old Testament in any Bible's Table of Contents. However, the question remains as to who exactly were the 'Sages' of the Talmud's duo of 'Sages and Prophets'? Here is the answer which most readers would probably agree with, give or take a 'Sage' or two. The Seven Sages of Judaism are listed in chronological order:

The Seven Sages of Judaism
1) Hillel (100 BC - 10 AD)
2) Shammai (50 BC - 30 AD)
3) Rab Judah (135-219 AD)
4) Rashi (1040-1105)
5) Ramban (1194-1270)
6) Rambam (1135-1204 AD)
7) Baal Shem Tov (1700 - 1760 AD)

Seven Important Facts about the Seven Sages
Hillel (Rabbi Hillel) had followers called Hillelites of the School of Hillel.
Shammai (Rabbi Shammai) had followers called Shammaites of the School of Shammai.
Rab Judah (Rabbi Judah Ha-Nasi) is often known as the Prince, or Judah the Prince.
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) wrote an entire verse by verse analysis of the Tanakh.
Ramban (Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman) is also known as Nachmanides.
Rambam (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon) is also known as Maimonides.
Baal Shem Tov (Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer) is also known as the Bescht.

The Messianic Seal of Jerusalem - A Few Quotes, Comments, and Ikons

Over 40 ancient artifacts were discovered near the traditional site of the Upper Room (of Acts chapters 1 and 2) and the Tomb of David in a cave within the Old City of Jerusalem...

- Ancient History Of The Six-pointed Star and Messianic Seal, by Yahonatan ben-Yahweh (http://all-things-new.net/topic/8143/1)

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...On these artifacts are the 3-part symbol, called the "Messianic Seal". It consists of a menorah at the top, a star of David in the middle, and a fish at the bottom. The star is created within each of the renditions of the three-part symbol by interlacing the menorah stand with the fish's tail. 

- Ancient History Of The Six-pointed Star and Messianic Seal

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The rather entertaining, black and white pair of ikons, seen slowly moving about just above this text, is commonly known as the 'Messianic Seal' or more properly, as the 'Messianic Seal of Jerusalem'. In essence, this Seal is little more than a very simple, basic three-part insignia consisting of a Seven-Branch Menorah drawn on top of a Christian fish symbol pointing downward, both of which are connected together by a Star of David in the middle. Notice how the triangle-shaped base of the Menorah melds together with the triangular fish tail directly below it to then become a fairly perfect rendition of the Star of David. As one source describes it quite accurately:

Whenever the symbols of the Menorah and the Fish come together as one, the star [of David] is automatically formed in the middle between the two...Likewise, it also is referring to the tri-unity of Abba's divine nature merging downwards from Heaven as one with the tri-unity of man in the earthly realm, who is created in His image and likeness.

- Ancient History Of The Six-pointed Star and Messianic Seal, by Yahonatan ben-Yahweh
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Regardless of the Messianic Seal's actual origin (whether it truly is ancient or a modern forgery), it must be said that whoever actually designed this symbol was quite the artistic genius, to say the least.  The likelihood of its authenticity continues to be a distinct possibility as a growing number of people continue to believe that this 'Seal' really is, in fact, an ancient symbol of Christianity utilized by some of the first Jewish-Christians in Jerusalem and the surrounding area of Judea. 
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As can be seen by the two separate artifacts displayed above, this symbol was found to be marked upon several different items recently discovered in the Old City of Jerusalem. The frequency of its presence upon a fairly large of amount of artifacts indicates that, if genuine, this ikon was most likely held in high esteem by those who originally engraved it  in order to mark possibly religious objects such as oil jars and water basins.

Judging by the symbolism alone, those individuals responsible for the symbols are either diabolically clever con-men worthy of world-wide condemnation and punishment, or were, in fact, very real members of the early Christian community.

Now, why would they be Christian in particular? Because there is absolutely no record of any other Jewish sect from that time period who used both a Fish insignia and who also claimed their leader to be a direct descendant of the Royal House of David (symbolized by the Six-pointed Star of David). As one particular source speculates:

According to Bob Fischer (one of the archaeologists who discovered these), at least two of the eight artifacts (SEEN BELOW) were obviously ceremonial pieces which may well have been used by James, the brother of Yahshua, who is alleged to have been the first pastor of the church, or perhaps even by one or more of His twelve apostles.

- Ancient History Of The Six-pointed Star and Messianic Seal

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These eight artifacts shown above were all found to contain the same 3-part Messianic Seal composed of Seven-branched Jewish Menorah atop a Star of David which connects its base to a simple Christian Fish symbol below. As it turns out the traditionally Christian emblem of the Fish may also have even deeper roots within Judaism, apparently because 'the symbol of the Fish has been meaningful to Jews, previous to [Christianity]'.

As of now, all that can truly be said about the Messianic Seal of Jerusalem is there have been many claims, as well as counterclaims, about this particular ikon which continue to pile up in newspapers, magazines, journals and throughout the internet. One could even say the tension still mounts whenever the issue is raised among the experts and scholars actually involved, who apparently continue to vehemently disagree about this mysterious emblem (which seem to have come from out of nowhere). The drama marches on as the shovels keep digging up the dirt throughout today's Israel. Weighing the odds realistically, there is still a chance at least one of those shovels may uncover the real truth concerning the Messianic Seal..

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The Judeo-Christian, Part VIII. The Basic Facts of Freemasonry

Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13

Part VIII. The Basic Facts of Freemasonry

Freemasonry goes farther and attacks Catholicism openly.

- Catholic Encyclopedia

The Judeo-Christian Tradition has little time, or patience, for the endless number of absurd conspiracy theories that are, for the most part, a display of ignorance and misunderstanding. Nevertheless, it must be stated, with all sincerity, that Freemasonry is a totally anti-Judeo-Christian organization that may, in fact, be secretly opposed to the continued spread of the age-old Biblical faiths of Judaism and Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church, most especially its most learned and scholarly leaders, such as the Pope, have known this for literally centuries. Unfortunately, they have been completely ignored by the modern world, even though many of those opposed to Freemasonry had advanced degrees from prominent universities and were some of the most intelligent religious scholars ever known. Here is just a sampling of their documents, which includes a list of 17 different official Roman Catholic Church proclamations against Freemasonry since 1738. They can be seen as follows:

I. Clement XII, Constitution "In Eminenti", 28 April, 1738
II. Benedict XIV, "Providas", 18 May, 1751
III. Pius VII, "Ecclesiam", 13 September, 1821
IV. Leo XII, "Quo graviora", 13 March, 1825
V. Pius VIII, Encyclical "Traditi", 21 May, 1829
VI. Gregory XVI, "Mirari", 15 August, 1832
VII. Pius IX, Encyclical "Qui pluribus", 9 November, 1846
VIII. Pius IX, Allocution "Quibus quantisque malis", 20 April, 1849
IX. Pius IX, Encyclical "Quanta cura", 8 December, 1864
X. Pius IX, Allocution "Multiplices inter", 25 September, 1865
XI. Pius IX, Constitution "Apostolicæ Sedis", 12 October, 1869
XII. Pius IX, Encyclical "Etsi multa", 21 November, 1873
XIII. Leo XIII, Encyclical "Humanum genus", 20 April, 1884
XIV. Leo XIII, "Præclara", 20 June, 1894
XV. Leo XIII, "Annum ingressi", 18 March, 1902
XVI. Leo XIII, Encyclical "Etsí nos", 15 February, 1882
XVII. Leo XIII, "Ab Apostolici", 15 October, 1890

It seems most unfortunate that many Christian believers have little, to no, idea what the historical facts are about Freemasonry. Here are just a few of them, taken direclty from the Catholic Encylopedia, the long-standing, premier scholarly text of reference for the Roman Catholic Church:

Issue	Passage from Catholic Encyclopedia
The Corruption and Nepotism of Freemasonry	It is a fact attested by experienced men of all countries that, wherever Masonry is influential, non-Masons have to suffer in their interests from the systematical preferment which Masons give each other in appointment to offices and employment...which is detrimental alike to civic equality and to public interests. In Masonic books and magazines unlawful and treacherous acts, performed in rendering this mutual assistance, are recommended and praised as a glory of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry Caused the French Revolution	Freemasonry in the eighteenth century, as a powerful ally of infidelity, prepared the French Revolution. The alliance of Freemasonry with philosophy was publicly sealed by the solemn initiation of Voltaire, the chief of these philosophers...Prior to the Revolution various conspiratory societies arose in connection with Freemasonry from which they borrowed its forms and methods; Illuminati, clubs of Jacobins, etc. A relatively large number of the leading revolutionists were members of Masonic lodges, trained by lodge life for their political career. Even the program of the Revolution expressed in the "rights of man" was...drawn from Masonic principles, and its device: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" is the very device of Freemasonry
Freemasonry's Plan for Christianity	To destroy radically by open persecution of the Church or by a hypocritical fraudulent system of separation between State and Church, all social influence of the Church and of religion, insidiously called "clericalism", and, as far as possible, to destroy the Church and all true, (i.e., superhuman) religion.
Freemasonry's Plan for Children	To laicize, or secularize...all public and private life and, above all, popular instruction and education....(including) anti-Catholic and even anti-Christian, atheistic, positivistic, or agnostic sectarianism in the garb of unsectarianism. Freedom of thought and conscience of the children has to be developed systematically in the child at school and protected, as far as possible, against all disturbing influences, not only of the Church and priests, but also of the children's own parents, if necessary, even by means of moral and physical compulsion.
Freemasonry's Anti-Christian Statements	In similar discussions, containing in almost every word a hidden or open attack on Christianity, the truly Masonic magazines and books of all countries abound. Past Grand Deacon J.C. Parkinson, an illustrious English Mason, frankly avows: "The two systems of Romanism and Freemasonry are not only incompatible, but they are radically opposed to each other" and American Masons say: "We won't make a man a Freemason, until we know that he isn't a Catholic."
Freemasonry's Inherent Danger to Society	(Even if) some Masonic associations pursued for themselves no purposes contrary to religion and to public order, they would be nevertheless contrary to public order, because by their very existence as secret societies based on the Masonic principles, they encourage and promote the foundation of other really dangerous secret societies and render difficult, if not impossible, efficacious action of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities against them.
Freemasonry's Danger to Christianity	Pope Pius IX characterizes Freemasonry as an insidious, fraudulent and perverse organization injurious both to religion and to society; and condemns anew "this Masonic and other similar societies, which differing only in appearance coalesce constantly and openly or secretly plot against the Church or lawful authority"...The ultimate purpose of Freemasonry is 'the overthrow of the whole religious, political, and social order based on Christian institutions and the establishment of a new state of things according to their own ideas and based in its principles and laws on pure Naturalism.'
Freemasonry's False Claims of Persecution	(Roman Catholic) Papal edicts and censures against Freemasonry have often been the occasion of erroneous and unjust charges. The excommunication was interpreted as an "imprecation" that cursed all Freemasons and doomed them to perdition...The pope and the bishops, therefore, as faithful pastors of Christ's flock, cannot but condemn Freemasonry.

The fact of the matter is that Roman Catholicism remains the leading organization of Christianity with, by far, the most adherents world-wide. Not to be outdone, 21st century Judeo-Christian America appears to be waking from their metaphysical slumber and realizing their Freemasonic/Christian neighbors may be at least slightly misinformed about their membership in the Craft. Indeed, a growing number of Protestant Christian Churches have expressed their opposition to Freemasonry, a blatantly Pagan organization that may well continue to grow more and more hostile to Christianity as the years and decades go by. Here is a list of Protestant Churches that have spoken out publicly against Freemasonry within the past 50 years.

Salvation Army International
Greek Orthodox
Lutheran Church
Methodist Church
Presbyterian Church
Mennonite Church
Nazarene Church
Church of Christ
Pentecostal Church
Brethren Assemblies Church
Church of England
Free Church of Scotland
British Methodist Church
Baptist Church of Scotland
Baptist Church of New Zealand
Baptist Church of Ireland

Does the Judeo-Christian tradition stand in any danger of defeat by Freemasonry? Not at all, but the soul of every man (and woman) is still equally important and the continued allure and temptation of joining Freemasonry poses a danger to the ancient Judeo-Christian system of spiritual redemption after death. God-fearing believers need to remember that this system was founded upon the principles that everyone deserves to be saved and, after proper penance, to eventually be allowed into Paradise to meet face-to-face, with the one, true God, the LORD God of Israel.

The Church	The Official Christian Doctrine
Presbyterian Church of America, 1988	No one shall be received into membership into a (Presbyterian) church who is a member of a Masonic organization....in light of the clear statement of incompatibility of Freemasonry with Biblical Christianity.
Orthodox Presbyterian Church	The evidence presented concerning the religion of Masonry permits but one conclusion... that Masonry is a religious institution and as such is definitely anti-Christian... membership in the Masonic fraternity is inconsistent with Christianity.
Christian Reformed Church of America, 1974	Membership in the lodge and in the church of Jesus Christ involves a double commitment which our Lord himself does not tolerate. Those in the church who affiliate with the Lodge must be shown the error of their way, and if they refuse to repent must be placed under the censure of the Church.
Church of Scotland, 1965	In our view total obedience to Christ precludes joining...the Masonic movement which seems to demand a wholehearted allegiance to itself, and at the same time refuses to divulge all that is involved in that allegiance... The initiate is required to commit himself to Masonry in a way that a Christian only should commit himself to Christ.
Free Church of Scotland	In the minds of the committee, according to their interpretations of the IScriptures, membership of Freemasonry... is inconsistent with a profession of the Christian faith.
Baptist Church of Scotland (Great Britain and Ireland), 1987	The clear conclusion we have reached from our inquiry is that there is an inherent incompatibility between Freemasonry and the Christian faith.
Anglican Church of England, 1987	There are a number of very fundamental reasons to question the compatibility of Freemasonry with Christianity.
Russian Orthodox Church	The Church does not worship the god that is worshipped in Masonic temples... Masonry is a spiritual disease and is a rival of the Church...It declares that it is not a religion and yet claims to be religious... Since Masonry rejects the divinity of Jesus Christ and places Him on an equal level with founders of other religions, every Christian should stop and realise the implications of Masonry to his Christian faith.
Methodist Church of England, 1985	There is a great danger that the Christian who becomes a Freemason will find himself compromising his Christian beliefs or his allegiance to Christ, perhaps without realising what he is doing.
Lutheran Church, 1958	Masonry is guilty of idolatry. Its worship and prayers are idol worship. The Masons may not with their hands...but they created one with their own mind and reason out of purely human thoughts and ideas. The latter is an idol no less than the former.
Roman Catholic Church, 1985	The principles and basic rituals of Masonry embody a naturalistic religion, active participation in which is incompatible with Christian faith and practice. Those who knowingly embrace such principles are committing serious sin... In depth research on the ritual and on the Masonic mentality makes it clear that it is impossible to belong to the Catholic Church and to Freemasonry at the same time.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition