I have come to see atheism not as an absence of belief -- but rather, simply another way to understand the universe and human nature. After all, is that not what religion attempts to do?
Atheists belong on religious forums just as much as Christians or Muslims or Pagans or Hindus do.
As far as I understand, Egyptian Pharaohs were all considered Gods in the flesh. The idea of God as man is was nothing new.
I also wanted to point out that Jesus also called himself the Son of Man. -- just to throw something new into the conversation here....
Indeed. I suppose what they are saying is that the apostles had a very hard time accepting the idea of women's souls being the same as men's due to the social conditions, which is why he references Mary as having to change from female to male -- so that they would accept her as a peer, which...
Quoted for truth. It's unfortunate that the general public has harvested their information about Gnosticism from these sources -- pop culture gone awry. [not surprisingly]
I have read, and accept the idea that the passages elluding to females changing into male was for the benefit of the apostles who, due to social conditions could not accept a woman as a leader or peer. Jesus told them to see Mary as a man in order to step beyond these social conditions. I...
Firstly, thanks for the response. I find this sort of dialog very stimulating. I always learn a lot. :)
Though I'm a fan of Ehrman, Elaine Pagels [faculty at Princeton and one of the few academics worldwide who can read Coptic] has far more credentials in the area of the NHL.
Would you...
Ermm, no....unless your only reference is the heresiologists. Gnostic texts found in the Nag Hammadi clearly celebrate things like birth, sex and nature. The idea illuminated from the NHL is that physical reality can be wonderful, but don't be fooled into thinking that is ALL there is...
Ahhh! There you are! :) How very awesome! :)
Synchronicity, indeed! Just hold on and enjoy the ride....weeeeeeeeee! ;)
Seriously, I'm so glad you are here and I look forward to learning a lot from you! :)
This has been an interesting thread with carefully thought out questions and answers. Thanks to all who've participated so far. I look forward to more comments. :)