Christian 'Idolatry' Emerged Gradually After Death Of Yeshua! Ebionites were an Exception! Details!

It seems obvious to me that Yeshua's character and his beliefs changed (were altered) substantially AFTER his death (say) 33 A.D. Prior to his death Yeshua was a Torah believing Jew (of Aramaic culture) who believed that his God, Yahweh, had chosen him to be a Jewish Messiah. He started his ministry after his baptism/epiphany. His mentor was likely John the Baptist, until John died via beheading under Herod Antipas. Yeshua's ministry then began with his teachings.

Yeshua's ministry was meant to promote the Kingdom of his God, Yahweh. He called some 70 disciples which helped him with his ministry. This ministry lasted some 1 - 3 years (no-one knows the full details). But his ministry ended with his trial and crucifixion. After his death, numerous sects and beliefs emerged. Various perceptions and beliefs developed within the area of historical Israel. One of sects which emerged was called the Ebionites. This sect even had their own Gospel (scripture). Another sect (similar) were the Nazarenes!

Many Jewish/Christian believers (sects) viewed Yeshua as fully human (not Deity) and born of Joseph and Mary (naturally). They did not believe in the 'virgin birth' or Paul's salvation doctrines. In fact, many viewed Paul as a FALSE prophet (a Heretic). The choice of the Ebionites (for a leader) was the brother of Yeshua, James. James started the Jerusalem church after Yeshua died and the Ebionites agreed with the teachings of James (mostly). James lived and preached until around 62 A.D. His following gradually died as the church in Rome became dominant. 

The BIG event which gradually changed the beliefs of many followers of Yeshua (after his death) was the DESTRUCTION of the TEMPLE complex in Jerusalem. Yeshua had prophesied that this TEMPLE of YAHWEH would be destroyed completely. When this happened in 70 A.D. (some 37 years after Yeshua's death), believers fled the scene...some went to Jordan and others hid in this enclave called Pella. There were some 20 - 30 different sects which emerged after Yeshua's death (some say more). The message to understand is that there was no ORTHODOX church at this time.

Some three years after Yeshua's death, this evangelist, called Paul of Tarsus, emerged and started his ministry of Salvation via the 'blood' of this Messiah person, Yeshua/Jesus). Believers could achieve 'atonement' (forgiveness of all sins) as Paul taught that the glorified Yeshua paid the PRICE for anyone who would bow to his teaching of salvation via the 'blood' (death) of this Messiah from Nazareth. Paul taught that without the shedding of 'blood' there is no forgiveness of one's sins. Where did Paul get his gospel? It appears from his vision experience while on the road to Damascus. 

This NEW GOSPEL which emerged from the teachings of Paul of Tarsus CHANGED completely the teachings of the historical Yeshua. Yeshua desired the Kingdom of his God and he viewed himself as a faithful SERVANT of his God, Yahweh (who adopted him as a Messiah person at his baptism). The Ebionites (and other sects) viewed Yeshua as a Messiah person who was a natural born Jew from Nazareth with this Kingdom gospel as his core teaching. The Gospel/sermon on the Mount demonstrated the teachings of Yeshua on this Kingdom concept.

Yeshua's teachings were about how to understand Yahweh's (his God's) law and his core teaching (prayer) which he wanted each believer to internalize demonstrated his beliefs. This prayer is key to the Gospel which Yeshua taught during his brief lifetime (and ministry). I repeat this prayer on a regular basis as it conveys the core teachings of this Messiah person (messenger of Yahweh). The words of this prayer are instructive if you think about these WORDS. Here are the core words (ideas) which reveal the teaching of this Messiah person, Yeshua.

Ignore the image (photo) as this is a reconstruction (image) which is rather deceptive and inappropriate. Yeshua was an Aramaic Jew who did not look like a blue eyed American (as shown above). Read the WORDS, however! The words reveal his thinking and his core beliefs.

Yeshua was an Aramaic Jew from Nazareth who probably looked like this image on the left!

After the Destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. many believers felt that the God of Israel had disowned his chosen Jews (Israelites) as their CENTRAL Temple Complex and Sanctuary were destroyed by Titus. The Romans had destroyed the Jewish complex (some 2 million dead) and the many Jewish/Christian believers fled the scene to Jordan and to Pella. Gradually, a NEW belief system emerged and this belief system was canonized after the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. Christians emerged as the STATE religion after the days of King Constantine the Great who promoted this religion as official for all believers.

In time a Central Christian body of believers emerged in Rome, Italy. This body created a POPE as the Vicar of the glorified Yeshua/Christ to serve as a god person (leader) for all believers. The Catholic POPE emerged as the reference point for all TRUTH and tradition. His words were viewed as direct words from the now glorified Yeshua/Christ who was supposedly residing at the right-hand side of Yahweh in the heavens. Today, our global POPE is called Pope Francis!

In time a canon of scripture was created which became official scripture for this Centralized Church group in Rome. Some 27 books called the New Testament were canonized and viewed as the official (orthodoxy) TRUTH for all believers. Some time around 393 A.D. and after the 27 books of the New Testament emerged as official documents. The common man did not really read these writings until much later. The Tyndale Bible emerged around 1534 A.D. This believer/translator was later burned at the stake for trying to flaunt the official hierarchy and their control system over believers.

The history of our Christian religion is filled with episodes of condemnation by the centralized authorities who desired ONE truth for everyone to believe. All this control ended (somewhat) with the Protestant Reformation after Luther's 95 theses in 1517 A.D. denouncing the Centralized Roman system of control (including the Pope). Gradually, a new theology emerged with scripture as the central reference point for TRUTH. All this has now ended (mostly) as we have entered the END TIMES for this Church Age.

Today, beliefs are eclectic and diverse within all religions. Truth is a point of view. Interpretations are derived by groups who can not agree on many of the core doctrines. Jews differ from Evangelicals. Evangelicals differ from mainline denominations. Some 4,000 different denominations have emerged (some say many more) which all differ in various degrees. Some hold firm to this Trinity doctrine and others have abandoned this doctrine. Jews and Muslims do not agree with most Christians.

All this points to the reality that we are living in the END TIMES (for religion and politics). Chaos is emerging as no single body of believers can agree on TRUTH. The Pope still wants to control the TRUTH for his 1.2 billion followers. But fragmentation is developing in this Catholic religion as it is in ALL religions. All this points to the reality that we are LIVING in the END of the END TIMES. A NEW model for our planet is needed. Truth is now subjective and people follow their own set of beliefs. The organized/centralized bodies are fragmenting.

My view is that we need to get back to the God of Israel as a core philosophy. This God was the creator of our planet IMO and still rules as our Higher Power within the consciousness of most believers. This Creator God was called Yahweh during the lifetime of our last Messiah (Yeshua). This Creator God is revealed in the book of Revelation, Chapter 4. Is this Creator God still viable and acting as Ruler over our universe/planet? My sense is YES! The Kingdom (Government) of this Creator God is emerging. My viewpoint! Think for yourself!

This scientist (non-believer) has it right IMO. The END is 'nye' for both believers and non-believers!

The Church Age started in 33 A.D. and it could end in 2023 -2030. A New model will then be necessary! Are we now in a transition period?

My sense is that all religion and/or the church age ends as our Creator God emerges as King over this universe/planet. Real freedom, justice, and happiness can then emerge for the planet! Is this reality or fantasy? You will need to consider this for yourself! The above is my viewpoint!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com

http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com

Jesus/Yeshua worshiped YAHWEH (during his lifetime) - but most Christians worship Jesus! Is this logical?

Some thirteen letters attributed to Paul have led Christianity astray. He did not continue the core Gospel of Yeshua/Jesus which was the Kingdom of God (Yahweh God)! He changed the Gospel to a Salvation from Sin message!

It seems clear, to me, that the behavior of Yeshua/Jesus during his lifetime reveals his obvious subservience to a Higher Power (namely the God of Israel)! The Catholic religion, however, created a New Testament and scripture which confused believers and rejected the God of the Old Testament. The Trinity doctrine was a key culprit in this endeavor.

This image gives a believer the impression that Jesus and Yahweh are equal and both God! How can this be Monotheism? The Trinity doctrine needs to be abandoned. 

It seems clear to me as I read scripture and history that this Jew from Nazareth did worship a Higher Power. This Higher Power is called Father in the New Testament but the Hebrew name for Father God was Yahweh. The Temple facility in Jerusalem was the place of worship for Jesus/Yeshua while he lived on our planet (say from 4 B.C. to 33 A.D.). His loyalty during this time period was to his God, Yahweh. His special gifts and talents derived from his Higher Power (Source). This seems logical and scriptural.

But the religion which I grew up with was called Christian (a Swedish Lutheran denomination). This church promulgated the person, Jew, namely Jesus as the one to worship. No mention was made that Jesus was fully human, a Jew from the tribe of Judah, who actually worshiped his God, called Yahweh (in Hebrew). No mention was made that this Jew from Nazareth worshiped the God of Israel, namely Yahweh. My Swedish Lutheran denomination (typical of most Christian denominations) viewed Jesus as the central person due worship and honor. Yahweh was totally ignored!

The God of Israel, Yahweh, was usually called Father (but he was not part of a Trinity of god person's) during the life of Yeshua/Jesus. I never read the personal Hebrew name of God, Yahweh, in my King James Bible (or any of the other translations) which I read during my youth. It was much later in my study and research that I realized the real reason's for these omissions/confusions. One reason was this idea called Salvation from Sin. The message of my Lutheran denomination centered their ministry on this New Testament gospel idea (called being SAVED from sin). This was the core issue for Lutherans and Christians. It was all about the 'blood' and being SAVED from sin!

But as I studied and learned about the history of Judaism and Christianity, I became informed on many new ideas which were obfuscated during my early years of learning. I learned that this Jew from Nazareth actually had a God which he worshiped and followed. This God was called the God of Israel. This God had a personal name, Yahweh (in Hebrew). In English, the word Jehovah was used as God's personal name. I also learned (over time) that there were serious divisions between Judaism and Christianity. It all centered around this idea that the Gospel of Jesus was a replacement for the old covenant within Judaism (the Abrahamic covenant).

The 13 letters of Paul in the New Testament were core to these beliefs within Christianity IMO. The Catholic church was also central in promulgating all these Christian doctrines which I was encouraged to BELIEVE (as TRUTH). My Lutheran denomination was based upon many of the teachings of Martin Luther. But Martin's beliefs derived from the history of the Catholic religion which formed the many doctrines which my Lutheran denomination had adopted. I learned that Martin was rather ANTI-Jewish in his theology. He seriously disliked Jews. He seemed to believe that his doctrines had REPLACED the original Jewish beliefs in the Old Testament.

But my reading of scripture gradually led me to the viewpoint that much of Martin's beliefs (and all Christians) were seriously misplaced and confused. The Christian beliefs mostly ignored the God of Israel as presented in the Old Testament (Covenant) and adopted a New viewpoint centered around select teachings of this Jew from Nazareth, called Jesus/Yeshua. This Jew, fully human, was the central focus for most Christians. The many teachings of this Jew were confusing and contradictory (to me)...as presented in this New Testament. The Gospels were rather contradictory (when compared).

But gradually I learned to think for myself and this led me to reject many of the teachings of my original Christian denomination (the Swedish Covenant Church). The idea that Jesus/Yeshua was God (equal with the God of Israel, Yahweh, did not register as valid logic). I read that this Jew was fully human during his lifetime and that this Jew also viewed his God as superior to himself. This was logical as this Jew did PRAY to a Higher Power (Source) other than himself. He also said many times that he desired to do the WILL of his God (called the Father in this New Testament scripture). His behavior was that of a servant, not that of God Almighty!

When this person was tried and suffered in the Garden of Gethsamene prior to his death, he did BOW down and PRAY to his God (presumably this God was the God of Israel). Jesus/Yeshua said 'not my WILL but thine be done'. This, to me, is an obvious admission of subservience to his God, the God of Israel (who he probably called Yahweh). Yeshua was Aramaic in his culture and he did not speak any English. He most likely spoke Aramaic and also Hebrew (some say also Greek). But Yeshua did NOT speak English! The Aramaic words, eli eli, lama sabachthani (spoken by Jesus/Yeshua on the tree) do suggest that this Jew was Aramaic. It also portrays a mindset of subservience.

This Jew obviously did not worship HIMSELF (as many Christians maintain). The logic of this Hypostatic Union idea is totally bogus IMO. A human being can not act as BOTH GOD and man (simultaneously). This, to me, is bogus thinking and it also is invalid when I read a narrative of this Jew's behavior. This Jew honored his God, Yahweh, and this to me is obvious as I read scripture today. Yeshua did attend the Temple in Jerusalem during his lifetime and he obviously honored his God and his scripture (the Torah). He was a Jew who had submitted to his God.

Is it time for Christians to rethink their many illogical beliefs? I think so! If I can learn from study and research so can YOU. Do your own homework and then let logic replace Deception and Confusion. Today we have mostly deception and confusion within this Christian religion which started with the death and glorification of Yeshua/Jesus. Yes, this Jew was glorified. He did ascend to his God. He is currently residing at the right hand side of his God. But Yahweh sits on the THRONE (I assume Revelation 4 is valid). I also find Exodus 34 as instructive on the issue of who is God over planet Earth! Read it for yourself!

The God of Israel seems to be on the Throne in Revelation 4. Take the time to study this on your own! There is no Trinity in this scripture.

God's face is hidden. This is the choice of our God of Israel. Read Exodus 34 for understanding!

It is the glorified Yeshua (now living within virtual reality/in heaven) that is given PERMISSION to open the seven sealed SCROLL. He gets this scroll from Yahweh (who sits on the Throne)!

John, on Patmos, wept prior to Yahweh's decision to allow Yeshua to OPEN the Scroll. But this decision was allowed (so it seems) and this means the SEALS will open soon!

The original Gospel of Yeshua (after his baptism) was a message of the coming Kingdom! This Gospel is unfinished as of today! The Kingdom of Yahweh God is the New Model for planet Earth IMO!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philsopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com.

http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com

When will the Ukraine/Russia WAR end? My view!

This war over in the Ukraine area is unlikely to end until America's leader chooses to stop the continuing military hardware and $ which allow this war to continue. It is obvious, to me, that this war is a PROXY war that America desires to continue indefinitely (as of now). Biden is the current culprit as he hates Putin and he thinks the Ukraine military can continue this war indefinitely. It's shameful behavior by our American policy makers IMO.

Thousands of innocent Russian and Ukrainian military are dying as well as thousands of civilians. The nation of Ukraine is being decimated as a consequence of this continuing needless war. Can this proxy war create a winning outcome for Ukraine? I say absolutely NO. Russia will not bow to Biden's desire to create a uni-polar world system. The issues are much more than military issues. The core issue is how our world system is governed.

Russia has a security interest which challenges the desires of America and NATO. Russia can not allow Ukraine to serve as a PROXY for NATO'S expansion to the border of Russia. The big issue is this concept of HOW our world would be governed. America (under Biden) desires a uni-polar world system with America in control of all core policy issues. This is totally anathema to the interests of Russia. China also does not desire America's concept of a uni-polar world system.

Both Russia and China desire a multi-polar world system. The problem with a uni-polar system is that truth is determined by the leaders who control the system. It is obvious, to me, that America and NATO desire to be in CONTROL of world policy issues. We live in a world where leaders desire that THEIR policies be mandated for the entire planet. If this is going to happen, it means that those in CONTROL must determine the outcomes. Do the policy makers of Russia/China view our world as America views the world?

My sense is that we live with leaders who differ on worldviews for the planet. As I write America has been mostly in CONTROL of policy issues since the end of World War II. America has had the RESERVE currency for the planet (mostly) and this has allowed America to spend into infinity for policies that favor America (and the West). Money rules over all policy issues and America has HAD control over the world's money system. Why is the BRICS system emerging today? Is it because BRICS members desire a different set of policy decisions for the planet? I think so!

Leaders have different worldviews on issues of global policy. Biden has made it clear that he favors a world where America continues to RULE the planet. America has some 600 - 800 military bases on the planet so that she can continue this RULE. Russia and China recognize this reality and want this situation to CHANGE. Putin and Xi (and others) want a multi-polar world system where each major nation can survive as an independent entity. America and the West view this mindset as a contradiction to THEIR continuing rule. 

Today, the United Nations wants to enforce an AGENDA (called Agenda 2030) which forces all nations to bow to their policies and goals. Back in 2015 most nations voted for this Agenda. Pope Francis was at the U.N. in September of 2015 to bless this new AGENDA 2030. Then in January of 2016, this Agenda was made official for the planet. But Putin and Xi (among others) have concluded that this Agenda would create a uni-polar world system with America in total CONTROL. They now view this as anathema to their interests!

The new mindset that is emerging for the world is a MULTI-POLAR world system with three and/or many new CENTERS of control over key policy issues for the planet. The idea that AMERICA'S worldview (now controlled by the Biden administration) is not being accepted as a viable MODEL for our planet. The emerging consensus is the need for a MULTI-POLAR world system and with many centers of control. This is anathema to the interests of America and the West. Control is the key concept that is at issue!

Who will CONTROL the decision making for the planet? That is the BIG issue for our leaders. The G-20 is mostly a WESTERN group of leaders. The BRICS is mostly an EASTERN group of leaders. It now looks like we have a DUAL control system for the planet. America can not win (given this situation) as the FORCES within the EASTERN block can prevent this outcome from emerging. Is the Ukraine/Russia war situation part of this philosophical battle? I think so!

What we really need are NEW leaders with a different VISION for our planet. We live on a planet (in space) with some 8 billion citizens. We all have different viewpoints and beliefs. Can either of the MODELS being offered us WORK for the planet? My sense is absolutely NO. Neither the uni-polar world of Biden and his set of leaders or the multi-polar world of Putin and his set of leaders will work for the planet. We actually NEED a different model for our planet. You know my worldview! 

Only the Kingdom Age can solve the many conflicting issues which face this planet. We need a BIGGER and more comprehensive VISION for this planet. If freedom, justice, and peace is to emerge we need to think in terms of a NEW MODEL for our planet. The Biden model (this uni-polar concept) and the Putin model (this multi-polar concept) can not WORK for the 8 billion citizens on this planet. The problem is that we all want FREEDOM and JUSTICE for the many. There is only ONE alternative IMO.

Think of creating the KINGDOM model for our planet. God, our Creator, must RULE. The rule of Biden, Putin, Xi, and all the others must submit to this HIGHER AUTHORITY. That is my worldview. Think for yourself on these issues. My sense is that we are now heading for a major ECONOMIC crisis for this planet. This coming crisis can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change to a NEW MODEL for our planet. Have a great days and watch events as they emerge.

It appears that events happen (invisibly/spiritually) and we comprehend these events after the fact! This implies that man is NOT in control of events on this planet! Amazing!

Does this image from prophecy portend an END to man's governments? That is my sense! Man's rule will END when the Kingdom Model is installed. God, apparently, will bring this result for our planet when the TIME is appropriate! Hopefully SOON!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com.

http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com

What is the PERSONAL name of our Planet's Creator? Does anyone KNOW?

Nobody knows but my sense is that our Creator God (the Logos) may know! What do you think?

Is there a Higher Power which rules over this planet/universe? My sense is absolutely! What is this spirit's personal 'name'? That is the mission of today's missive.

As I look up to the skies, I witness real 'intelligence' behind the scene. It seems obvious to me that a Higher Power resides behind the observations which I make. The objects I witness (Sun, Moon, Galaxies, Earth, Animals, People) proclaim that some 'intelligence' or some great architect must be a reality to consider.  It was NOT a human being IMO. We have many 'titles' for this Higher Power/Architect. Some of the common 'titles' (not a personal name) are the following:

1. Creator

2. Lord

3. Most High God

4. Elohim

5. Ancient of Days

6. Sovereign King

7. Architect of the Universe

8. Father God

All the above 'titles' do not give me a PERSONAL name for this Higher Power, however. Based on history it would appear that this Source does have a personal name(s). A personal 'name' is important so that I can give due credit to this Higher Power which governs our planet (and universe). Titles are mere identity marks. When I read scripture the following personal 'names' are presented for my consideration:

1. HaShem (this is a short name for the tetragrammton)

2. Yahweh (the personal name of God in Hebrew)

3. Jehovah (a personal name of God in English)

4. I AM that I AM (the name of God given to Moses)

My reading of history confirms to me that any personal 'name' gives special meaning to this Higher Power (his/her reality). History also confirms that most human beings DO NOT apply any special name to this Source. Many Christians have exalted this Messiah person, Jesus/Yeshua, to Godhood. But this exaltation does not seem valid to me. A prior human Jew (fully human) can not act as our Creator God (IMO). In other words, a 'created' being can not also be THE CREATOR (simultaneously). This makes no logical sense to me. Can a human man be God Almighty?

History reveals that a personal God did perform special acts for these people which we call the JEWS. The exit (freedom) from Egypt is the key act which a personal God performed for these people IMO.  Actually, the Jews are merely ONE tribe within a greater collection of tribes called Israelites. Some 12 tribes of Israel did adopt this Higher Power, called Yahweh, as their God (today Jews use the word HaShem in lieu of Yahweh). The personal name, Yahweh, is viewed by many Jews as too special (its called the tetragrammaton). This term has no vowels (only YHWH). Today, scholars accept the personal name Yahweh as a valid name for the tetragammaton.

When this Messiah person, Jesus/Yeshua, was born (sometime around 4 B.C.) this Jew did special acts that were viewed as God like to many. After this Jew died (sometime around 33 A.D.) followers exalted this Jew to Godhood (gradually and eventually totally). This happened as these followers believed that this Jew was glorified and then ascended to his God (the Father) after his physical death. This belief created a new covenant and a new religion which eventually became the Christian religion. All this was confirmed by Roman Catholic theologians and via special conferences (the big one being the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.).

Gradually, over time, this special Jew person, called Yeshua in Hebrew (while living) and Jesus in English (by the Catholic Church), became an EXALTED person within the spiritual realm to worship as God and also as our Creator. At Nicaea (325 A.D.), this person was elevated to an EQUAL with the Old Testament God, Yahweh (also called the Father by these new believers). Gradually, a huge Catholic Church emerged with a Pope and Bishops representing a new set of theological beliefs (doctrines) for believers to accept. This Catholic Church created a New Testament Bible and a special canon (accepted scripture) for members to accept as absolute truth. 

Christianity (after Nicaea) was now a growing belief system for planet Earth. It all started with some 20 serious followers (after the death of Yeshua). These believers assumed that this Jew was our Messiah person (who was glorified within the spiritual realm/our inner consciousness). This belief then grew (over time) to millions of new believers as the traditional Jewish belief system was mostly abandoned by the many (after the DESTRUCTION of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. by the Romans). This destruction of the historical 2nd Temple of Yahweh ( located in Jerusalem) created a belief that God (Yahweh of the Old Testament) was changing his goals and purpose for mankind. He was essentially replacing Judaism with a new belief system called Christianity.

The historical Jews believed that their Messiah person would fully LIBERATE them from Roman rule and establish a new KINGDOM for all Israelites. Actually, the original gospel of Yeshua (this Jew from Nazareth) did proclaim that a New Kingdom was arriving during his lifetime. When this idea was squashed by the complete Destruction of the House of Yahweh (called the 2nd Temple) this new religion (called The Way/Christianity) emerged (gradually) as the REPLACEMENT for historical Judaism. Jews were now being marginalized (politically and religiously) as being LESS than God's real servants (by many believers). The Temple's destruction was clear evidence of rejection!

As the years passed a New Gospel (religion) emerged which fully exalted this dead Jew from Nazareth (now believed to be Deity as he had 'appeared' to select followers as a resurrected person). Gradually, this new religion grew and prospered with the evangelization efforts of another Jew from Tarsus, called Saul (later Paul). The historical beliefs of the orthodox Jews (prior to Paul) were mostly discarded as irrelevant for this NEW GOSPEL of Salvation proclaimed by this new group of believers. Salvation (from one's SIN) was the NEW GOSPEL for this new religion called Christianity. Get yourself SAVED was the message for believers. Saved was accomplished by this newly exalted (glorified) person called Jesus Christ (now at the right-hand side of Authority in heaven)!

The historical Yahweh was gradually REPLACED (as the ONE/only God) with a new TRINITY doctrine to cement these new beliefs. The Jewish, Yahweh, now became the Christian Jesus Christ. All this was later called REPLACEMENT theology by the Catholic/Protestant churches. The cement for these new beliefs centered on this TRINITY doctrine (three god persons being ONE Godhead). It all seemed logical and true to these Christian believers (who followed the dictates from their headquarters/ROME). Some two thousand years of Christian doctrines and beliefs continue today within some 4,000 different denominations. But it's all ending with our End-times events now in progress. Apostasy is now in place for most of these 4,000 Christian denominations.

A new set of End Time beliefs are now being promulgated which ENDS (essentially) the so-called Church Age (Christianity) as these Church Age believers get RAPTURED (bodily) into the clouds above (pursuant to their scriptural interpretations). This Rapture concept is the new doctrine which allows all these Replacement believers (Christians) to escape any serious TRIBULATION of the real God which is now reemerging back into the situation. This real God is the God of the historical Jews (Israelites) called Yahweh (who now reemerges as the God of planet Earth). All the prior doctrines are being abandoned (gradually) with this escape theology (called the Rapture of the Church). It all seems like a fantasy set of beliefs to me. But who knows? Beliefs are powerful ideas!

The so-called Christian belief system is crumbling IMO and church attendance is waning. Fights over valid end-times prophecy is happening within this crumbling church edifice. Who will get raptured? When will the tribulation start? When does the Anti-Christ arrive? When will Armageddon finalize all events? The interpretations are endless and diverse. Who has the valid information for all these believers who thought that their Messiah was God Almighty and their SOLE salvation from sin was this Jew from Nazareth? Many are now abandoning this historical Jew for a 2nd Coming Jew. Yes, a 2nd Coming Jew is now assumed within the core doctrines of these Christian thinkers!

The new concept is that a 2nd coming of this Jew from Nazareth will happen in the near future (probably today). This Jew (now glorified) and living within the spiritual realm (next to Yahweh God) will descend from his position of prominence and SAVE all these Christians (the special ones) via a bodily rapture into the CLOUDS above. Christians are WAITING patiently for this rapture event to happen (any day now). When this event happens (they say) then the real TRIBULATION (Jacob's Trouble) will develop for everyone else. You can I can then experience total chaos on this planet as we WATCH the special ones ASCEND into the clouds above! It's all amazing and yet believed by many!

It appears that BELIEFS are key to ones worldview. Personally, I view the above rapture beliefs and the Deity beliefs of my Christian friends as pure fantasy. I view these beliefs as invalid logic and invalid interpretations of Holy Scripture. But who knows? My beliefs are merely my assumptions about reality. I must accept all beliefs even as I REJECT those beliefs which I find questionable. I imagine that you must do likewise. Anyway, we are living in INTERESTING times. Events will happen and then I can digest these events for myself. This missive is merely my set of beliefs and ASSUMPTIONS. I am human and therefore fallible! Have a great day!

I am: donaldswenson.blogspot.com

http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com

My Prediction of a Market Crash is Right-On! Why?

As of the past year, mortgage applications are DOWN 28% and refinancing's are DOWN 30%. This means that the real estate markets are tanking BIG TIME and this trend will bring our economy DOWN within 45 days (give or take 15 days). That is my sense as of today. I see no path for an opposite viewpoint given the interest rate situation and our consumer situation. A CRASH is built into the mix given our situation! Listen to both videos (especially the one at the end of this missive)!

 I have been a student of our real estate industry for over 50 years. When interest rates reach threshold levels that produce less affordability I witness a downtrend in values. This has been the mantra for decades. As real estate goes so goes the general economy. Consumers will slow down their purchases and in today's market institutional buyers will stop their buying. Some 30% of homes have been purchased by institutional buyers. This is now changing. See graph below.

The situation in the refinance market is also tanking big time. This means that home owners do not want to pay current interest rates on a refinance situation. Current mortgage rates are now at 7.31 % (average). My rate on my house is at 2.25%. Would I want to refinance in today's market? I don't think so!. My mortgage payment would increase by some 45%. The issue today is affordability for the many. We still have lots of cash buyers who can ignore these interest rates but this market is also drying up. 

Commercial real estate (especially office space) is also tanking in most of our big cities. Vacancy rates are at record levels (over 17% vacancies). This will continue until a new market emerges (after the CRASH). My sense is that Cap Rates have lowered commercial real estate values by some 45% to date. Cap Rates determine the VALUE of any income producing property. As these rates increase, VALUES decrease. I have watched this situation for over 50 years. We are now heading for a HUGE CRASH in our economy!

My sense is that the coming CRASH could start within 45 days (give or take 15 days). The hand writing is on the walls. Liquidity is drying up and borrowing is DOWN big time. It's mostly due to these higher interest rates. Our Fed is the culprit and their motive is to STOP inflation. This will happen by early 2024 (most likely). Inflation will turn into deflation for most hard assets. Our stock markets are now sensing our DIRE situation. These markets will CRASH when sentiment crashes. It's all a 'confidence game'!

My suggestion is to prepare now for a coming market CRASH that could last for many years. Our central planners will not be able to PREVENT this outcome IMO. Yes, the FED could start a new QE (quantitative easing program) to change some factors within our markets. But this will NOT prevent the coming recession/depression. Our bubble economy will DEFLATE and this could start within 45 days (give or take 15 days). That is my viewpoint. Think for yourself. Have a good day!

This pundit has a good understanding of the real estate industry IMO. His perceptions are similar to mine! Prepare for the biggest housing crash in all history. October could be death signal!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com.

http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com

Is Scripture Inspired (inerrant)? Who is the Transcendent Authority? Meaning!

History seems to reveal that words of scripture are less than fully objective. Human beings are the problem! Who can claim infallible interpretations? Infallible thinking? Absolute truth?

I would agree that SEEKING objectivity (truth) is valid thinking. But claiming that MY and/or YOUR interpretations of scripture are totally objective (absolute) is disproved by real-time experience. Check out the internet for evidence!

 Many thinkers will claim that the BIBLE is the fully inspired WORD of Yahweh God. Many claim that these WORDS are inerrant since they derive directly (objectively) from God. I would AGREE that many of the words within my various Bibles (I have four) do ring true (therefore they are inspired). But I would also conclude that it is MY subjective mindset which gives the Words subjective inspiration (real meaning).

There is NO evidence, however, that the WORDS are objective (inerrant) so that everyone will AGREE on the various interpretations of these WORDS. I have four Bibles which I read. The words vary in each translation. So I do not view these words as equivalent to GOD's viewpoint (objectively)...his verbal speaking of his words to Moses and/or Yeshua (in real-time) while they were here on this planet might be more valid than my four Bibles (words). For me, these words are subjectively 'inspired' (it is my subjective inspiration which gives the WORDS meaning).

We need to understand that we have NO original AUTOGRAPHS (manuscripts) of our scripture (New and/or Old). We have thousands of copies and each copy is unique to some degree. The direct WORDS of GOD are not available to mankind (in any language). We have merely copies of copies (of various manuscripts) and all have been reconstructed by biblical scholars (from scraps of prior writings). My sense is that many of these WORDS (called scripture) do INSPIRE many readers (subjectively). This is obvious and valid thinking. The various Bibles do give meaning to our life's experiences. But all these words need to be subjectively interpreted.

All our pundits who claim that THEIR interpretations are objective truth can not stand up in real-time experience. Translations are based upon scholarly 'interpretations'. Each religion has many groups (scholars) which differ on these 'interpretations'. This reveals that all is SUBJECTIVE at the core (even if inspired to a particular reader). My Christian denomination (during my youth) liked to claim that THEIR interpretations were objectively TRUE. But I have discovered that this CLAIM is fallacious. Each spiritual thinker will SPIN their interpretations to what they subjectively desire. We need to challenge all thinkers who attempt to CLAIM total objectivity. Experience says this is invalid!

God is actually a TRANSCENDENT being who acts invisibly to accomplish his purposes. God does not view any HUMAN BEING as fully God (equal to himself). This seems clear to me. Even a Messiah person is less than God. God works THROUGH a human being and then this human person can claim some interpretation/inspiration (which seems true). All this is SUBJECTIVE at the core, however. We have many Prophets and inspired theologians on this planet (based on human history). None, however, are totally OBJECTIVE in their interpretations. This is evident when I listen to scholars in real-time. Listen for yourself to many experts to discover their subjectivity.

Pastors interpret scripture subjectively. Scholars interpret scripture subjectively. Believers interpret scripture subjectively. The WISE thinker will read scripture and then derive his/her OWN interpretation. My suggestion is to listen to many thinkers and read more than one Bible translation. What I have discovered is that my own interpretations do CHANGE over time. I attempt to be objective even as I realize that my interpretations are really subjective. God is OBJECTIVE but this Spirit person works through different human beings and our history says that no-one can claim to be FULLY objective. Human beings see through a 'glass darkly'.

This does not mean that scripture is meaningless. It fact, scripture is more meaningful to me now that I do my own thinking. I admit that my interpretations are LESS than perfect...even as I HOLD to views firmly when I think a situation/claim is VALID. Real-time experience is what I try to live. Life is always somewhat uncertain. Experience, however, gives more certainty to any viewpoint. That is my worldview on this issue. I listened to a documentary today on the history of Christianity. The video tried to claim total objectivity. This I reject as bogus thinking!

This Spin artist is typical of many Christian pastors/pundits. He provides some valid words and then he confuses the listener with invalid/illogical thinking. But most Christians will FALL for the SPIN. He is rather convincing. Amazing! Listen to this thinkers spin (words) and see if you can discern his subjective spin. Do you agree with ALL this person presents as OBJECTIVE? If not, why not?

Think for yourself and derive your own conclusions. Have a great day! I am: donaldswenon.blogspot.com.

http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com

Let's Speculate: Is PUTIN the 'Prince of Rosh'? Implications!

My sense is that we are living in the final days of man's rule over planet Earth. The end-times (per our Creator's plan) is to end the rule of man and establish the rule of our Creator God. This situation produces some dynamic events on the earth's stage. Nations will try to ignore the obvious as they attempt to rule over each other. What is one event that I think is monumental (prophetic)?

It's this idea that Vladimir Putin is the prophesied PRINCE OF ROSH. Rosh is another name for today's Russia. Who is the ruler (leader) over Russia? It appears to be Vladimir Putin. He is likely this Prince of Rosh which is prophesied in scripture. What is his role during these end-time? My sense is that he will play a major role in getting the final events to happen.

For example: a 10 nation coalition of European nations is prophesied to happen. Putin is now a direct enemy of Europe (West and also some of the East). Could it be that Putin's role is to force change so that this 10 nation end-time coalition gets formed? My sense is that this is possible and likely. Putin is most likely this PRINCE of ROSH which is prophesied in scripture.

Putin and his role in the WAR with Ukraine is playing a major role in our end-time events. Our Creator God rules this universe/planet but his servants (agents) are select political leaders. End-time events are now happening and many astute thinkers recognize that we are living in the final days of man's rule. Events will continue to happen PRECISELY in accordance with our Creator's agenda and goal. Political leaders have no option but to follow the dictates of our HIGHER SOURCE (also called our Creator God).

A WORD emerges from this SOURCE and events happen precisely as dictated by our SOURCE. Putin will do the WILL of our Higher Source as will all the others who play a role during these end-times. My reading of prophecy suggests that PUTIN is this Prince of Rosh as prophesied in scripture. This means that Putin will do what our Creator dictates (via his WORD). Will the leaders within Europe unite and form this coming 10 nation end-time coalition to confront Putin and his agents? This is highly likely!

We are living in a world of events which were prophesied to occur. Details are impossible to determine until the events actually happen. In hindsight we can determine what is real and what is fantasy. All I (or anyone can do) is 'speculate' on the possible outcomes. My wisdom says that we are living in the end-times and that leaders (like Putin) are playing a ROLE which is predestined to happen. My sense is that Putin is this Prince of Rosh. He will create an environment to bring Europe under new leadership (where 10 nations unite).

America is not likely part of this 10 nation coalition. America will FOLD when the time comes to fold. America's role is different and this role will emerge AFTER the 10 nation coalition is formed. So what I am watching is the formation of an Eastern coalition and a Western (10 nation) coalition. Europe will eventually participate in this 10 nation coalition and Putin will be its enemy (until the final events transpire). America will not be part of these two coalitions as America will COLLAPSE economically (soon).

The role for America is to form a NEW MODEL for this planet. This can not start with Biden or any current leader, but it will start AFTER the above events happen. The End-times are HERE and events will follow the script which are DETERMINED by our Higher Source. The WORD of our Creator wins and this is made CLEAR in scripture. Details are impossible to determine precisely as man's understanding is limited and we think through a 'cloud darkly'. The above is merely my theological speculations.

I follow the events which happen and then I interpret these events in terms of PROPHECY. If my scenario changes it's because events force me to change my scenario. Reality consists of actual EVENTS as they happen in REAL-TIME. Our Creator God determines these events but we humans are LIMITED in our understanding. What is clear to me is that we are LIVING in the END-TIMES. Think for yourself as you watch events happen. A coming financial CRASH is on the horizon for 2023 (IMO).

 Daniel, chapter 2, seems to prophesy that a 'stone' will crush the nations when the time is right. This 'stone' (God's Messiah) will arrive on the scene during these final days to establish a New Model for planet Earth. All the nations on planet Earth will eventually disappear and become dysfunctional.

All of history is determined is the message within prophecy. We are now living in the final days of man's rule. This is the message of prophecy. This is also my viewpoint as of today!

History records the major nations which have ruled this planet. We are currently living in the days of the 10 toes. Ten nations will form to produce this end-time coalition. Putin may help this to happen with is behavior and his military strategy. 

If we are living in the end-times, then it is likely that Putin is Gog, the Prince of Rosh! My view says that this may be likely (given events as they happen today).

One Source which I read is the above. It is not perfect but it does give me ideas on current events and the key players. My sense is that Putin could be the prophesied Prince of Rosh!

My sense is that America will play some role after the economic collapse happens. This role could be to plan a New Model for our planet. The Kingdom Age is what I think is emerging! First, we must experience the Judgment period so as to 'cleanse' the planet!

If scripture is generally accurate, then a New Age will emerge at the appointed time. My sense is that this will happen during this coming generation. Prophecy is my evidence! Think for yourself!

My assumptions are based on the viewpoint that our Creator God rules this universe/planet! If this is not valid, then all my missives are worthless! My worldview is Creator centered!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com.

http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com