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Oannes
Dor...thanks for the clarification on the Mormon use of the Melchizedek title and its meaning. So it is used with regard to the rank and file as opposed to the heirarchy? That is interesting.
Juan...As you know I don't view the bible as an historical work but rather as a compendium of literature, that is and was divinely inspired, but a collection of works that points to certain truths rather than rendering them to us as literal truths. In short it is always open to interpretation in every ensuing generation. Great literature, such as the Bible, cannot be fixed in time but must grow in meaning with the needs of humanity in the present. Thanks for your interest in my approach.
Chris...Thank you for your very interesting analysis from Wiki on the origins of the Zedek concept. So if I read what you posted correctly, the Zedek name is likely specifically connected with the oldest place names for Jerusalem. The ancients placed great value and importance in place names as this was one of the first conditions used to facilitate the changes from nomadic communities into permanently placed communities.
As I mentioned elsewhere, if it is true, as some scholars believe, that the portable tabernacle from the desert was housed inside of the first Jerusalem Temple, then this would be another indicator of the Hebrew tribe's transition from nomadic status to permanence in this specific place since they believed to be nearest to their G-d in this place, and not just in any particular stucture.
As I said earlier there must have been something very special to the ancients about the mount upon which Jews, Christians , and now Muslims have built such a great part of their histories and traditions. Evidently, the spiritual presence of the Zedek Deity was so dominant and prevalent in this place that it took precedence over all others, especially so with the onset of the Melchizedek priesthood.
Wil et all... as Juan observed my approach is different from traditional interpretations of the Deity phenomenon throughout time, but as you all have observed, there is some sort of consistent pattern to all these contacts with humanity over time as described in the Bible. Yes, I believe that Jesus lived in the flesh 2,000 years ago, but after death his spirit likely became the first time traveler, going backwards and forwards in time to accomplish G-d's ultimate plans and purposes through the actions of those in whom He chose to dwell. As I said, it's pretty crazy on the face of it, but it works for me. Kinda' reminds me of one of my favorite TV programs of all time, Quantum Leap.
flow....
Juan...As you know I don't view the bible as an historical work but rather as a compendium of literature, that is and was divinely inspired, but a collection of works that points to certain truths rather than rendering them to us as literal truths. In short it is always open to interpretation in every ensuing generation. Great literature, such as the Bible, cannot be fixed in time but must grow in meaning with the needs of humanity in the present. Thanks for your interest in my approach.
Chris...Thank you for your very interesting analysis from Wiki on the origins of the Zedek concept. So if I read what you posted correctly, the Zedek name is likely specifically connected with the oldest place names for Jerusalem. The ancients placed great value and importance in place names as this was one of the first conditions used to facilitate the changes from nomadic communities into permanently placed communities.
As I mentioned elsewhere, if it is true, as some scholars believe, that the portable tabernacle from the desert was housed inside of the first Jerusalem Temple, then this would be another indicator of the Hebrew tribe's transition from nomadic status to permanence in this specific place since they believed to be nearest to their G-d in this place, and not just in any particular stucture.
As I said earlier there must have been something very special to the ancients about the mount upon which Jews, Christians , and now Muslims have built such a great part of their histories and traditions. Evidently, the spiritual presence of the Zedek Deity was so dominant and prevalent in this place that it took precedence over all others, especially so with the onset of the Melchizedek priesthood.
Wil et all... as Juan observed my approach is different from traditional interpretations of the Deity phenomenon throughout time, but as you all have observed, there is some sort of consistent pattern to all these contacts with humanity over time as described in the Bible. Yes, I believe that Jesus lived in the flesh 2,000 years ago, but after death his spirit likely became the first time traveler, going backwards and forwards in time to accomplish G-d's ultimate plans and purposes through the actions of those in whom He chose to dwell. As I said, it's pretty crazy on the face of it, but it works for me. Kinda' reminds me of one of my favorite TV programs of all time, Quantum Leap.
flow....
