The Parable About the Dialogue Between Two Peoples

[Ben Masada]

The Parable About the Dialogue Between Two Peoples

The most common method used by Jesus to teach was by means of parables. And here is one about a dialogue between two peoples: The Jewish People and the Gentiles at the well of Jacob between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. While Jesus would represent his People, the Jewish People, the Samaritan woman would represent the Gentiles. It is found in John 4:22-24.

Then, Jesus would bring up the subject of worshiping the Father. That Gentiles knew not what they worship, while the Jews worship what they know. And that's why salvation comes from the Jews. Notice that he did not say, from one among the Jews, but from the Jews, period.

Then he proceeded by saying that we, the Jews, worship the Father in spirit and in truth, and, for that reason the Father seeks such to worship Him. Why? Because God is a Spirit; and those who worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Now, if you read Isaiah 8:20, you will see that Jesus was in tune with how we ought to worship the Lord. "To the Law and the Testimony; if we don't speak (or worship) according to this method, it's because there is no light (or truth) in us." To the Law and the Testimony means to the letter and the Spirit. To what it is written and to what it means.

Ben

 

[radarmark]

Ben, from what little I know about the relative worth of new testiment text via textual analysis (arcane stuff, to be sure; made even worse by the pre-Nicean vast divergence of texts) that particular parable "trumps" most of the other NT sayings about Christ as G!d. That is, it is probably closer to the original oral tradition than the contradictory ones (if you believe in biblical interpretation and textual analysis).

Being a skeptic, modern, and scientifically-oriented I believe that salvation is a gift from G!d via the Jews. However, not being Jews we Christians do not need to toe the Law. Rosenzweig had that right (see Part 6 "Redemption"--I think--of Star of Redemption, been a long time since I read it), the People carry an extra burden. Just my humble opinion.

Pax et amore vincunt omnia!

 

[Ben Masada]

Ben, from what little I know about the relative worth of new testiment text via textual analysis (arcane stuff, to be sure; made even worse by the pre-Nicean vast divergence of texts) that particular parable "trumps" most of the other NT sayings about Christ as G!d. That is, it is probably closer to the original oral tradition than the contradictory ones (if you believe in biblical interpretation and textual analysis).

Being a skeptic, modern, and scientifically-oriented I believe that salvation is a gift from G!d via the Jews. However, not being Jews we Christians do not need to toe the Law. Rosenzweig had that right (see Part 6 "Redemption"--I think--of Star of Redemption, been a long time since I read it), the People carry an extra burden. Just my humble opinion.

Pax et amore vincunt omnia!

Redarmark, I always wanted to read the opinion of an agnostic person about the meaning of salvation. You declare above that you "believe that salvation is a gift of God." Care to share with me what you mean by salvation? For instance, salvation of or from what? And why "via the Jews?" What and how do you understand this?
Ben

 

[radarmark]

Salvation is Redemption, the world-universe-kosmos made whole (healed, including ech of us).

From Isiah, "and I will establish you as a Covenant of the people, for a light unto the nations." The People are then a role model of how to usher in the age of peace and sanctity. Living a good and faith-filled life (per NML).

Good enough, Ben? Pax et amore omnia vincunt!

 

[Ben Masada]

Salvation is Redemption, the world-universe-kosmos made whole (healed, including ech of us).

From Isiah, "and I will establish you as a Covenant of the people, for a light unto the nations." The People are then a role model of how to usher in the age of peace and sanctity. Living a good and faith-filled life (per NML).

Good enough, Ben? Pax et amore omnia vincunt!

Yes, good enough, but only reveal that you are not an agnostic but a real Christian under the disguise of an angnostic. I wonder why you need it. But that's okay. It is not a crime. But please, go on, at least just a little bit more. Atonement of what and by what or who?
Ben

 

[radarmark]

I never used that term. At-one-ment is part of "being made whole".

Pax et amore vincunt omnia!

 

[Ben Masada]

I never used that term. At-one-ment is part of "being made whole".

Pax et amore vincunt omnia!

Radarmark, as I can see, I am not going to succeed in this lake. You are playing too hard a fish to get. I should have to do much better to make you bite this bait. But you are committed not to talk to me about atonement, by way of which, you believe, salvation comes about. I respect your standing and give it up honorably.
Ben