From Curiosity to Critique: My Experience with a New Faith

Please don't tell my friend I wrote this. 

I have been exposed to a different religion.  This happened through a series of videos that I have been watching that a friend turned me on too. The video series is called, "The Confidence in Jesus Seminar". This seminar took place a couple years ago in Oxford Maine, at a 7th-Day Adventist Church, over 21 nights I believe, and it is on YouTube.  

Kudos to the people who made it through the entire thing.  I watched nine of them and decided that I had seen enough.  There was a lot of repetitiveness, and a lot of interpretation that I found interesting but simply don't agree with.  

It was like Bible ADHD the way he bounced around from verse to verse coming to all of these conclusions. They were mostly based on single passages that are taken out of context, and used to interpret the end time prophecies, which these people seem to be a little too fixated on.  

From there, I went on and did a little bit of research and learned what I needed to know. 

I don't have much nice to say honestly. I mean, I'm sure these are all good people. We're all looking for meaning in a chaotic and sinful world, and apparently these people find it there.  We're all looking for our connection to God. And if this church brings people closer to Jesus and ultimately to Heaven, then all the power to them.

One warning that he gives repeatedly in these videos is this: "Don't be deceived. Don't be deceived. Don't be deceived!" It was a way of claiming that every other religion missed the mark.

Another phrase that he uses repeatedly is this, "95% of Christians believe this, but that's not what the Bible says...". And of course, he's going to tell you what it does say because he has the real answer.  

Okay!

I decided that I had heard enough after he claimed that the Catholic Church was the beast that was prophesized in the book of Revelations, and that the Pope is the Antichrist. He went on to criticize the sacrament of reconciliation, which the Catholics often refer to as confession, which was also the path that started me down my own personal spiritual journey into the church.  And he claimed that the Catholics changed the ten commandments in the Bible.  Then he says that they're not bashing the Catholics. 

As for the changing of the wording in regard to the 10 Commandments, it is true that there are variations in wording between the Catholic Bible and the King James version, but it wasn't the Catholics who changed anything.  It was the fact that the King James version of the bible which these people use comes from a different source, a different set of ancient Greek texts, and was put together by people who were involved in the Protestant Reformation during the 16th Century AD.  The Catholic Bible was translated by Saint Jerome in the 4th Century AD.  

There is one other thing that really concerned me. And that is he says is something like, we need to know what's in the heart of Satan, so that we can know how to resist him, and I guarantee you he has no clue what he is talking about.

I have seen enough.  Honestly.  They're very anti-Catholic.  It is clear that whoever founded this Seventh-Day Adventist religion back around 1863, lacks any realistic understanding of Catholics or the Catholic Church.  That's common among the Protestant religions, but these people take it to a whole new level. It's like they hate what they believe about the Catholic Church, not what they know about the Catholic Church, which isn't much because if they did have an understanding of the Catholic Church, what it teaches, and what it offers, they'd be much more likely to be drawn toward Catholicism than this.

I'm not going to claim that the Catholic Church is perfect in any way.  It's run by imperfect humans.  The church has had her controversies, and even priests need to go to confession every now and then because we all fall short.  But the teachings of the Catholic Church are much more hopeful and joyful, I guess you can say.  

When done right, meaning that you make a heartfelt confession, the sacrament of reconciliation is powerful way to help yourself heal by experiencing Jesus. It helped me to deal with mistakes I've made, the regrets I have, and the sins that I have committed in my life.  As I stated earlier, this was the beginning of my spiritual journey into the church. Thank God I had it available to me when I did. That's all I can say.  Without it, who knows where I would be now?

So, if this works for you, than have at it.  I will pray for you.

The saddest thing of all is that if you tried to explain anything to any of these people, they will probably have canned responses to anything that you say.  

  

The Rule of 100

In a video, I recently saw somebody discussing the Rule of 100.  This means that if you spend 100 hours practicing a skill, which breaks down to 18 minutes a day practicing something for a whole year, you'll be better at it than 95% of the rest of the world.

That is really an intriguing thought. So, I decided to make it my New Year's resolution. I will spend 18 minutes a day for a whole year practicing something.  Sure, it will take a little bit of discipline, but it's not like it's a huge undertaking. It's like 1.25% of the day.  That will give me enough time to do everything else I have to do.  

But what should that be?  Writing? Doing jumping jacks? Playing the keyboard? I just started learning that a couple months ago. I've made a little bit of progress too, using a program from The Great Courses. I just haven't spent 18 minutes a day on it.   I don't know if I spent 18 minutes in the last week.  So, the inconsistency is not paying off. So, that's what I'll do.  I will spend 18 minutes a day practicing the Keyboard.  

Then, according to this theory, I'll be one of the best in the land at it by December 31, 2025.  

Happiness is a Choice

I have been playing around with Artificial Intelligence, which I believe is going to lead to a major technological evolutionary step.  

On the PC, Microsoft's Copilot AI opens with suggestions.  This was one I saw today.  I asked it to add the 5th because I believe that the spiritual is just as real as this.  This was the response.  

Philosophers often argue that happiness is a choice based on several key principles:

1. Cognitive Control: Many philosophers, like the Stoics, believe that while we can't control external events, we can control our reactions to them. By choosing to respond positively or with acceptance, we can maintain our happiness regardless of circumstances.
2. Perception and Attitude: Existentialists like Sartre suggest that happiness comes from our perception and attitude towards life. By choosing to find meaning and positivity in our experiences, we can create our own happiness.
3. Practical Wisdom: Aristotle, in his concept of eudaimonia (flourishing), posits that happiness results from living a life of virtue and practical wisdom. This involves making conscious choices that align with our values and lead to long-term well-being.
4. Mindfulness and Presence: Philosophers from Eastern traditions, such as those who follow Zen Buddhism, emphasize mindfulness and being present in the moment. By choosing to focus on the here and now and not getting lost in worries or regrets, we can find happiness in the present.
5. Spiritual Fulfillment: Many philosophers and spiritual leaders believe that happiness is closely linked to our spiritual well-being. This perspective suggests that connecting with a higher power or purpose can bring profound peace and joy. By choosing to nurture our spiritual beliefs and practices, we can find a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment that transcends material circumstances.

Together, these five principles underscore the idea that happiness often stems from our internal choices and mindset. Do any of these resonate with you, or is there another perspective on happiness that you find compelling?

There is some really good advice there, and it shows that wisdom can be found anywhere if you're willing to seek it out.

Why is the Catholic Bible and the Protestant (King Jame's) Bible different?

When the topic of religion came up during a recent conversation with a dear friend who belongs to a Protestant denomination, a claim was made that the Catholics changed the wording in the Bible.  

The example given was in regard to the 10 Commandments, which I learned is worded differently between the texts of the Standard Catholic Bible and the King James Bible that is used by Protestants.  

Because I am no biblical scholar, I wasn't sure how to answer that, but I am able to do the research, and when I got home, I did.  Here is what I learned.  

Origins

The main difference between the Protestant i.e. King James Bible and the Catholic Bible is in the origin.  

• The Catholic Bible that we have today, was translated into Latin by St. Jerome in the 4th Century CE.  This is the Standard Catholic Bible that has been used for centuries, and that has been translated into the different languages that the Bible is available in today from that original source.  
• The King James Bible on the other hand, was compiled during the 16th Century as part of the Protestant Reformation.  The KJB was translated by a team of scholars.  The project was overseen by Archbishop Richard Bancroft.

Original Source Material

• King James Bible: The New Testament of the KJV was translated from the Textus Receptus (Received Text), a series of Greek texts compiled by Erasmus and later revised by others like Stephanus and Beza. The Old Testament was translated from the Masoretic Hebrew text, and the Apocrypha from the Greek Septuagint.  This text was compiled in the 16th century and is based on a limited number of late Byzantine manuscripts. While it's highly respected, especially in Protestant traditions, it may not include the oldest or most varied manuscript evidence.
• Catholic Bible: The New Testament of the Catholic Bible primarily uses the Vulgate, which was translated by St. Jerome from the Hebrew and Greek texts, including the Septuagint. The Old Testament also uses the Septuagint for some books. The Septuagint is a Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures dating back to around the 3rd century BCE, making it one of the oldest translations. The Vulgate, translated by St. Jerome in the 4th century CE, uses these older sources and reflects a longer tradition of textual transmission, particularly within the Catholic Church.

St. Jerome's work made the scriptures more accessible to the common people of his time, as Latin was the prevalent language of the Roman Empire.

Notable Differences

There are a number of books and chapters that are included in the Catholic Bible that are not in the King James Bible.  These additional books are known as the Deuterocanonical books. Here they are:

1. Tobit

2. Judith

3. 1 Maccabees

4. 2 Maccabees

5. Wisdom (of Solomon)

6. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

7. Baruch

8. Additions to Esther (parts of Esther that are not in the Hebrew Bible)

9. Additions to Daniel:

   • Prayer of Azariah

   • Song of the Three Holy Children

   • Susanna

   • Bel and the Dragon

These books are included in the Catholic Old Testament but are not part of the Protestant Old Testament, including the KJV.

The Catholic Bible includes the Deuterocanonical books for several reasons:

1. Historical Tradition: These books were widely used by early Christians and were part of the Greek Septuagint, a key scriptural source in the early Church. The Septuagint included these books, and early Church Fathers often referenced them in their writings.

2. Council Decisions: The Deuterocanonical books were affirmed as canonical at several important Church councils. The Council of Rome (382 AD), Councils of Hippo (393 AD), and Carthage (397 and 419 AD) all endorsed the inclusion of these books. This decision was further solidified at the Council of Trent (1546 AD) in response to the Protestant Reformation.

3. Theological Consistency: The Catholic Church views these books as inspired and consistent with the rest of Scripture. They provide valuable teachings, historical accounts, and insights into Jewish life and faith during the intertestamental period (between the Old and New Testaments).

4. Liturgy and Devotion: These books have been used in Catholic liturgy and devotion for centuries. They are included in the readings at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

In summary, the Catholic Church considers the Deuterocanonical books an integral part of its scriptural and theological tradition, reaffirming their importance through historical councils and consistent use in liturgy and teaching.

Another difference is in the wording or presentation.  The specific example that I was presented with during the conversation was in regard to the 10 Commandments.

The Ten Commandments are essentially the same across different Christian traditions, but the wording and grouping can differ slightly between the Catholic and Protestant (King James Bible) versions. Here's a comparison to highlight these differences:

Catholic Ten Commandments:

1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before me.

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.

4. Honor your father and your mother.

5. You shall not kill.

6. You shall not commit adultery.

7. You shall not steal.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.

Protestant (King James Bible) Ten Commandments:

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honour thy father and thy mother.

6. Thou shalt not kill.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

10. Thou shalt not covet.

Key Differences:

• The Catholic version combines the prohibition of other gods and the creation of idols into the first commandment.

• The Catholic version separates the commandment on coveting into two: one for coveting a neighbor's wife and another for coveting a neighbor's goods.

• The Protestant version explicitly separates the commandment against making graven images.

These differences reflect variations in theological emphasis and historical tradition. Despite these variations, the core moral teachings remain consistent across both versions.

So yes, the Catholic Bible and the King James Version have a number of key differences and variations in wording.  The original claim that the Catholic's changed the bible is unfair and incorrect.  I hope I have been able to explain why that is and how it came to be.  

Sources

The God Who Speaks

King James Bible Translators

English-Bible-4-Understanding-the-Greek-Text-Behind-the-King-James-Version.pdf

The Texts | The King James Bible: A Translation for the Ages | Cedarville University

Septuagint Version | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia

How St. Jerome Translated the Bible for the Masses

Movie Review - Mary on Netflix

I tried to watch the movie Mary on Netflix last night.  I kept dozing off, so I watched it this morning.  

It is terrible.  They turned it into an epic adventure with Mary even jumping off the roof of a burning building while Herod's soldiers battled the owners of the house.  

Absolutely ridiculous, biblically inaccurate, and taking a beautiful story and turning it to Garbage.