Monetary Deception will continue until it ENDS! Let's Think!

I asked my 80 year old friends at the clubhouse to define a 'digital' dollar? What is this unit of currency called the 'digital' dollar? Is it a 'thing' which exists in space/time? Is it a 'physical' unit (identical with a 'paper' dollar)? Is it composed of this substance called 'matter'? Let's think and identify what this 'unit' is in reality! It's key to understanding why our financial markets are impossible to predict (yet totally corrupt)!

As a teacher on issues of money for over 50 years, I understand the real nature of money (my perception). Money has always been some item from nature (composed of matter). Thomas Jefferson originally chose America's first unit of currency (called the dollar). This happened around 1785. Thomas recognized that the 'symbol' $$$$$$ was not viable as money as it is a mental symbol (a unit of our Mind). So Thomas defined our 'dollar' in terms of matter. He used a silver PESO as his reference point for defining our original $. 

The original definition was: 371.25 grains of silver. Silver is an element of nature. The symbol is Ag. It is composed of 'matter'. So defining our 'dollar' in terms of silver produced a monetary psychology that worked for hundreds of years. People thought that our dollar was a 'physical' thing as we could argue that the 'nature' of money was physical. Silver was physical and later paper (the currency unit) was physical. Do you discern the mindset which originally established this currency called the 'dollar'?

All this changed, however, in 2008 (and after) as our 'digital' dollar emerged in our marketplace. Today, some 95% of all money transactions are 'digital' transactions. Is it time to understand the 'nature' of a 'digital' dollar? When I asked my 80 year old friends (some were bankers/accountants/money men during their careers), they say mostly that THEY do not KNOW what a 'digital' dollar is (in reality). They hesitate and seemed confused! Their eyes get glassy? Why?

If we are to understand our markets today, I propose that we need to understand the 'nature' of a 'digital' unit of money. All our global currencies are now (mostly) digital units. These units live in 'cyberspace' and they travel from computer screen to computer screen at the speed of light. Photons send these units (mere numbers/symbols) from a bank computer to my computer to your computer. All my money is now (mostly) digital symbols. Think of 'digital' symbols as $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ (or 112233445566778899).

I would propose that most of our markets are NOW derivations which derive from money symbols living within 'cyberspace'. Our prices are cyber prices. Our values are cyber values. Our stock markets are expressed as cyber values/prices. We live with 'digital' finance which derives from our inner self (the human Mind). Are these cyber symbols REAL? Are they units which LAST? Are they representative of real valid valuations? What the heck are these units...and could they BE 'imaginary' (units of nothing)?

My sense as a teacher of monetary history is that today's MONEY is pure deception within the human MIND. The units are 'imaginary' and they can all DISAPPEAR in nano-seconds. Disappear means that they have no SUBSTANCE to them (no 'matter'). These units of nothing are created by the human MIND (by our banksters) and they circulate as 'invisible' photons of light from computer to computer. The units are really mere 'NUMBERS' of the human MIND. In reality they have NO tangible existence.

What does all this mean going forward? My sense is that this means that our 'digital' markets could CRASH to nothingness in a matter of seconds or minutes. As I write our American politicians are adding more spending to our markets (some 1.7 trillion). In the past decade multiple TRILLIONS (of mere 'numbers') have been added to our digital computer accounts. All these 'NUMBERS' are units of my/your 'imagination'. They are really NOTHING. This means they can CRASH to nothingness in a matter of seconds/minutes. Amazing deception is happening within our markets and FEW comprehend!

We are living in the END days of man's rule IMO. Finance will END the game of commerce as we move forward into 2023 (and beyond). A sudden event within our digital stock markets could produce this sudden event (CRASH) in  a matter of seconds/minutes. The CRASH of a lifetime will then happen (and it will be global). Mere mental money 'numbers/symbols' will CRASH to nothingness in a moments notice. All could happen in 2023 as the distortions within out markets are growing exponentially. Few seem to comprehend today's FINANCE. Few are prepared and few own a physical money substitute (silver/gold coins).

What is a 'digital' dollar? It's a unit of my 'imagination'. It's a unit in 'cyberspace' which disappears completely when the computer 'delete' key is punched. All these imaginary/cyber units will DISAPPEAR when this event happens. It is bound to happen at some point going forward. The precise time/date is impossible to predict. The event is preordained, however, to happen IMO. The NATURE of money is our problem. Can other teachers on issues of money discern these realities? FEW discern...is my perception. 

Money is a subject which produces 'glassy' eyes when discussed. What is a 'digital' dollar is unknown to my 80 year old friends at the clubhouse. Why not ask your friends to DEFINE this item for YOU? Ask them to define a digital/cyber unit of currency. Where is this 'unit' located (in reality)? Your currency is NOW digital also. The world financial system is going 'digital'. Imaginary money is ubiquitous today. Everyone uses these units and FEW to NONE understand the NATURE of these units. AMAZING ignorance IMO. Think for yourself to DISCERN!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com. 

Brewing NOW: Strategic Military Advance by RUSSIA has started! Will this End the War?

 

Vladimir Putin is now meeting with the leader of Belarus to plan a new military strategy for the Ukraine war. The plan may not get implemented until early 2023. The military forces are getting prepared and this could be the HUGE escalation which I have been expecting. Will this strategy lead to an END to this war? Only God knows! Watch and think for yourself as events happen!

Conclusion: This war in Ukraine may end up as the Gog/Magog war which is prophesied to happen in scripture. My reading of history is that we are now living in the LAST days of man's rule over this planet. If this is valid, then this GOG/MAGOG war could be on the horizon. Russia seems to fit the words within scripture. But all is uncertain, only the FATHER knows (this was also the mindset of the historical Yeshua/Jesus). God controls history and events will happen as God has ordained (my view)!

For those of you who wonder about my views on the historical Yeshua, let me present my viewpoint as follows:

1. Yeshua (for me) was a real person who lived from around 6 B.C. to 31 A.D.

2. He was born as a child of Joseph/Mary (normally) and grew up in Nazareth of the Galilee.

3. He became a Rabbi/Prophet/Teacher/Messiah over his 37 plus/minus years of life. 

4. He was baptised by his cousin, John, and then started his ministry (promoting the Kingdom of his God)!

5. God, for Yeshua, was the God of Israel (Yahweh). Yahweh was also the God of Abraham/Moses/David!

6. Yeshua's ministry created confusion within the Sanhedrin as these leaders viewed his preaching as blasphemy (an attempt to make himself God/Yahweh). This was a huge misunderstanding! Yeshua had no desire to be God or to play God. He was a servant/agent/messenger of his spiritual FATHER!

7. His death produced new misunderstandings and eventually a new theology (after this evangelist, Paul of Tarsus, came on the scene). Text and theology grew around the idea that Yehsua was Deity!

8. Eventually, in 325 A.D. theologians (bishops) who followed the history of Yeshua decided that he was much more than a man. They (followers) DEIFIED him (exalted him to Godhood). This became our Nicene Creed after 325 A.D. It was expanded via the 'Hypostatic Union' concept after Chalcedon, 451 A.D.

9. Gradually, over time, this dead Messiah person became the chief God of a new religion called Roman Christianity (later Protestant Christianity). Yeshua/Jesus became part of a TRINITY (a Godhead) which made him EQUAL with the historical God of Israel (Yahweh). Amazing! Christianity grew and prospered and became the religion of the WEST (mostly). Today, America and her allies rule the planet as representatives of this historical theology. But it is all falling apart in these LAST DAYS. Apostasy has set in and theological schizophrenia has emerged. An attempt (by select Evangelical leaders) is being made for ESCAPE into the clouds above! Amazing!

10. According to Evangelical PROPHECY the CHURCH AGE will end suddenly (during these Last Days). The 2.6 billion believers (give or take) will experience a period of tribulation (unless they are Raptured bodily from our planet). The mindset of most believers is that their God (now a 'glorified' Yeshua/Jesus in the heavens) will descend (with a shout/trumpet) into the CLOUDS above and 'rapture' (catch-up) all these 2.6 billion (+-) believers so they can ESCAPE this coming Last Days tribulation. Wow! Amazing theology has developed within this religion called Roman Christianity and also Protestant Christianity! Witness the event here:

Thousands of Christian leaders are espousing this rapture (escape) for their believers. John Hagee is one of many who looks forward to this escape. His followers are millions and the total flock of believers could be billions. Only God knows! Amazing events are happening on planet earth. Is any of this reality? You decide!

Conclusion: We are living in very interesting times. Politics is in chaos. Economics is in chaos. Science is in chaos. Religion is in chaos. Is it possible that all these events were 'pre-ordained', 'determined', 'pre-planned'? My sense is absolutely! God rules this planet and I/you/we are 'agents'. The Potter rules over the Clay. Man lives 'at effect' (most can not discern this reality). That is my point-of-view!

The positive ending, however, is also 'pre-ordained'. The KINGDOM AGE is coming. The 6,000 years of man's rule is ending. A 1,000 year rule of our Creator is arriving. All is uncertain, however. ONLY the FATHER knows what will happen. My viewpoint is my singular opinion. We each must THINK for ourselves! Have a great day! I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com. 

Church Age ENDS when followers discern that Yeshua (Jesus) WAS NOT GOD!

Yesterday I visited with a pastor/friend who has a special gift of rhetorical spin on issues of theology. His spin covers up his logic which I view as 'schizophrenia' (we could say theological schizophrenia). What is my definition of this disorder: Schizophrenia is characterized by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with real-time reality, including disorganized speech and/or behavior. The key word is NOW reality. NOW reality often reveals the illogic of many 'spin' artists.

My pastor friend uses this theological concept called the 'hypostatic union' to support his theology on this person we call the Historical Yeshua (Jesus). Yeshua (according to him) had TWO natures (Divine and Human) at the same time. This pastor seems to portray this same mentality with his theological rhetoric. He will 'spin' words so that God is Jesus (in one context) and also NOT Jesus (in another) to confuse the listener. Jesus is supposedly God and joined (hypostatically) with his Godhood even as he is also FULLY human (in real-time). Very schizophrenic IMO. It's actually impossible to be God and Human at the same moment in time!

Today, Sunday, I talked with another pastor of a local Christian church (called The Bridge Church) which had a similar theological mentality (as my prior friend who was mostly of a Baptist persuasion). This pastor viewed Jesus as God (and also the Father) simultaneously. There is only ONE God, said this pastor, and his God was Jesus and the Father (simultaneously). They are ONE spiritual entity even as this pastor uses TWO different 'words' to identify this singular God. Is this a sign of theological schizophrenia?

When I mentioned that I have a local female friend (down the block from me) who views herself as Christian (but a Jehovah's Witness) he immediately responded that JW's are NOT Christian. Again, this pastor wants to maintain his superiority (theologically) over anyone who challenges his logic on the issue of God. My view is that most PASTORS have a special GIFT of theological 'spin' on issues of theology. I have noticed this for decades.They must maintain their logic on this issue (of is Jesus God) as being absolute...even as they 'spin' words which many would view as confusing and illogical (to support their 'spin').

Personally, I view most of these PASTORS as gifted 'spin' artists who can FOOL their congregation with their select WORDS (spin). These pastors will use scripture (selectively) to support their theological 'spin' (which I view as a form of 'schizophrenia'). As a philosopher myself, I can also use 'spin' to support my viewpoint. The difference is that I present my viewpoint as a private individual (with no desire to gain followers). Our 'spin' pastors seem to DESIRE followers who bow to their charisma and illogic. Is any of this an example of spiritual humility? The pastors will deny that they are LESS than humble servants of God.

My sense (after visiting and listening to thousands of these 'spin' artists over many decades) is that human nature wants AGREEMENT on these important issues of reality. Reality, is basically a spiritual operation. Words are spiritual entities. Human nature (within politics, religion, education, and science) seems to desire followers. Most followers are very intelligent but not discerning of the real meaning when it comes to theological issues. This situation, allows pastors (with rhetorical spin abilities) to confuse/fool/ and deceive the masses. Amazing!

Take the time to read about the various ecumenical councils which established the Christian theology. Read the Nicene Creed which started all this JESUS is GOD theology in 325 A.D.. Then move forward to the BIG convention called the Chalcedon Council of 451 A.D. At this council the 'hypostatic' union concept emerged. This concept split many thinkers (bishops at that time) as they thought about the logical of this concept (that the historical Yeshua (Jesus) had TWO natures. Some thought he did and some said absolutely not!

My sense is that this theological concept of 451 A.D. is at the CORE of most theological schizophrenia today. Pastors (within all denominations of Christianity) want to maintain the viewpoint that JESUS is GOD. They then 'spin' their theology so that this outcome can prevail. Their thinking congregations are LEFT in total confusion to challenge their thinking. If fact, most denominations PROHIBIT any real challenge! Word 'spin' can be used to confuse and deceive almost EVERYONE. Amazing!

Soon this CHURCH AGE will end. My sense is that it will END when a body of thinkers (the public) recognize the deceptions within all these Christian denominations. Theological spin and theological schizophenia will then END. Pastors are deceived IMO but do not KNOW this. They are nice people who THINK they are doing the WILL of God Almighty. They gain followers in the millions as they grow in their theological 'spin' ( which I call theological schizophrenia). BEWARE these thinkers is my advice. LISTEN TO each thinker with DOUBT. 

Real truth emerges when the PEOPLE think for themselves. Human Nature is very deceptive. At the core could be this DARK force which operates 'invisibly'. Yes, Satan is real! We all must be AWARE of the words which we espouse. Words create behavior. Words create beliefs. Words create theological spin. Words create real-time deception, and words are key to growing in wisdom and understanding. My advice is THINK for yourself. Get yourself educated. Spin will stop as masses of people discern reality ON THEIR OWN. Have a great day!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com. 

Why is it UNWISE to be Anti-semitic? Anti-Jewish? Anti-anyone?

Yeshua (Jesus) was a Jew. His mindset was Jewish yet many Christians still do not accept his persona as fully Jewish! Yeshua wrote no books but select words of followers (words in the Gospels) may be at the 'root' of  religious Anti-semitism.

The key reason I am not anti-semitic is because I believe in the God of Israel. This God, also called Yahweh (Father), chose a unique ethic group for a purpose (a special reason). The purpose (reason) is KEY to our salvation as a human race IMO. Salvation (ultimately) comes to mankind from this special ethnic group called the Israelites. Keep in mind that the word Jew means a person (who can trace themselves) to the single tribe of Judah. The word 'Israelite' means one can trace their ancestry to one of the 12 tribes!

Many believers recognize that the word, Jew, means multiple things (to most thinkers). Let's clarify this word (for this missive). I use the word Jew to mean a person who has descended from the tribe of Judah (a son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham). A person should not be called a Jew if they derive their ancestry from another Israelite tribe. This is confusing and leads to a wrong conclusion on many issues of history. A Jew is from the tribe of Judah and an Israelite consists of all person's who derive their ancestry from the 12 tribes. A Jew is an Israelite who derives his ancestry from this one tribe called the tribe of Judah.

There were actually 12 tribes that evolved from this Israelite that we call Jacob. The tribe of Judah was one of the 12 tribes. Those who derive from this source can be called Jews. Those who derive from any other tribe (my original tribe was likely Joseph) should be called Israelites. So, I view myself as an Israelite but not a Jew. My heritage goes all the way back to this son of Jacob whom we call Joseph. That is my perception. I realize this is uncertain! I base my belief on my character. My character identifies with the Israelite clan which I call Joseph.

What we need to recognize is that a Jew or a real Israelite WILL NOT assimilate with the Gentile Nations. God does not want a real Israelite or a Jew to assimilate (become part of a group-think race which desires to promote MAN as god). Promoting MAN as god has been happening since the dawn of civilization. Nimrod was one person who started this thinking. Most thinkers desire IDOLS as their God! Images are IDOLS. Prior human beings are IDOLS. Statutes are IDOLS. Matter is an IDOL.

But the real history of man means that eventually God is going to bring salvation to this planet via a Messiah (a person who derives from one of the tribes of Israel). Yeshua, who lived from 6 B.C. to 31 A.D., was a Jew from the tribe of Judah. This Jew desired that his God (Yahweh) be KING over planet earth. His ministry was based on the idea that the Kingdom of God (his God) was near (here). His ministry was rejected by the elites at the Sanhedrin (during his trial) but this misunderstanding does not relinquish the final end point (man's salvation is via this Kingdom where God is KING over planet earth).

Those who comprehend reality recognizes that we all live 'at effect'. Living 'at effect' means that I/You are not (ultimately) in control of reality. We live as an 'agent' of a Higher Source. This means that this Higher Source is (ultimately) at CAUSE. Cause and Effect is how our world works IMO. The ultimate CAUSE determines what the EFFECT does. My philosophy is based on this idea that MAN (the Clay) operates 'at effect'. This means that my Higher Cause determines my destiny (and I believe your destiny).

Our world is in a huge MESS today because 'MAN' tries to RULE this planet. Biden wants his ideas to prevail over in the Ukraine (he wants to rule). Putin wants his ideas to prevail. And Xi wants his ideas to prevail. All political rulers want THEIR ideas to prevail so they can IMPOSE their vision upon the many. It's a diabolic system which never works for the WHOLE. The majority of citizens get enslaved to the RULING class of elites who RUN the system. Political correctness is mandated so that those in RULERSHIP can create a false 'unity' in the nation. This mindset can NEVER work!

Today, we have a multi-polar world system where select elites rule over this planet (under the 'invisible' principalities and powers in dark venues). These rulers desire to IMPOSE their vision/policies upon the many (you and I). We are victims of their polices, laws, and regulations. The system is diabolic but it continues UNTIL the KINGDOM AGE arrives. At some point, the KINGDOM AGE will arrive and replace MAN'S kingdoms of corruption. This is why I think it WISE not to be an Anti-Semite. It is this group whom God will allow to bring us the KINGDOM AGE.

This group will NOT assimilate into the unity that MAN (our current politicians) desire. Personally, I will not reject those who choose NOT to assimilate. I view these person's (if they promote the Kingdom) as servants of God Almighty. Personally, I am waiting for the 144,000 Israelites to emerge on this planet. It is this group which will bring us the KINGDOM AGE (under Father God as KING). If my perception is valid, we need to view all the tribes of Israel as potential agents of Yahweh God. 

The 144,000 will preach the message of the KINGDOM and this will change the THINKING of the many. I base this idea on the words in Revelation 7. We are heading for the Kingdom Age and this group of Israelites (the 144,000) will NOT assimilate into MAN'S system of rulership. The last mindset which I want is for Kingdom believers to ASSIMILATE. To assimilate is to promote MAN'S corrupt system of enslavement. I want the Kingdom of God (the Father) so that REAL freedom, justice, happiness comes to this planet. I hope you do also! A Messiah who advocates the Kingdom Age is my type of leader!

History of the 12 tribes! The 144,000 will mostly likely be descendants from all these tribes! The Kingdom of God idea goes back to the role of these original tribes of Jacob!

The original VISION of YESHUA (his lifetime ministry) was the KINGDOM OF HIS GOD. This vision was squashed after his DEATH. What emerged is this false theology of the CHURCH which was based mostly upon the theology of this evangelist, Paul of Tarsus! His theology was a NEW GOSPEL which did not provide for Yeshua's original Gospel (called the Kingdom of God)! Is it now time for the 'original' Gospel to reemerge? Let's think on this idea called the Kingdom Age!

I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com. 

Janet Yellen: Biden's Economy is BACK (strong). I say OPPOSITE!

Today's Wall Street Journal had an article by our Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen. Her message was that Biden's economy is back and strong. Does she know what she is talking about? I would suggest the complete OPPOSITE. Our American economy is on the VERGE of collapse and this is likely to happen in the next few months (maybe sooner). What are the issues:

1. Our real estate industry has slowed to a crawl. The doubling of interest rates (these past six months) has made housing 'unaffordable' for nearly everyone. House prices are coming down in many areas. This will continue into 2023. Some 30% of our economy is connected to real estate. As real estate goes so goes the economy. Yellen does not seem to comprehend the housing situation!

2. Commercial real estate 'values' are declining (now). Office buildings have excessive vacancy rates in most cities. This means 'values' are declining as Cap Rates increase. Operating expenses are going up and up and net operating income is going down. This trend will continue into 2023 and beyond. Deflation in the real estate industry will create overall deflation later in 2023. I've seen this game before!

3. Car prices are now declining. Demand is drying up as interest rates increase. This could start a trend where all car and truck prices start to decline. Defaults and delinquencies will then increase. Our Fed is causing this situation and I think the 'straw which broke the camel's back' happened yesterday. Mr. Powell increased interest rates further and this is now causing events to change rapidly.

4. Energy prices could be volatile going forward. The Keystone pipeline is shut down and the supply of oil is declining. If this trend continues we could witness much higher oil prices in 2023. But as demand for goods/services start to decline this also could allow oil prices to remain stable of even go down in 2023. The factors are uncertain as supply is currently going down and demand is also going down. Watch the price of crude as it could be hugely volatile going forward.

5. Food prices have been going up along with restaurant prices. Will this continue into 2023? This is possible. We could have deflation in housing and durables even while we have inflation within the food and energy markets. All this is leading to a crisis at some point. Our Fed and our politicians could be dealing with a collapsing economy in early 2023. Janet Yellen may need to rethink her positive prognosis. 

6. The war situation is also very unsettling for our markets. Will the Ukraine war end soon? This seems unlikely given all the money being given Ukraine by our politicians. Zelenskyy wants more money and more weapons (indefinitely). He thinks he can retake all the territory which Russia now controls. This mindset must lead to escalation at some point. Russia (under Putin) is unlikely to back off given their security needs. This war situation is detrimental to progress for our world as a whole. What we need now is NEGOTIATION.

7. The trends for 2023 are not positive IMO. Our economy is on needles and the trends are not positive going forward. We live with digital money and imaginary values. This situation must eventually lead to a total collapse. The volatility reveals the ephemeral nature of our economy. One word from Powell can plunge the stock market and/or cause it to explode upward. Nothing makes sense today. Logic does not help. All the digital markets are decoupling from reality IMO. When will the crash happen?

8. Our world system is heading for some type of calamity. War, digital money, lies and more lies by our politicians, prophecy, human nature, all play into this end game scenario. 2022 was a volatile year. I expect more in 2023. Wish I could give you positive strokes, but the markets do not allow this mentality. Our system is the problem and eventually we will need a NEW MODEL for our planet. That is my sense!

Conclusion: It is impossible to predict precisely when the BIG crash of a lifetime will happen. My sense is that it will be SOON (but I can not predict this with certainty). Economics is key to change in our political system. When people have money in their pockets they ignore reality. When their pockets are empty emotions change quickly. 

The LAST great economic downturn was some 90+ years ago. This Great Depression of 1929 was the last time that economic events crashed for the world system. Are we scheduled for another Great Depression? My sense is absolutely. It must happen as our DEBT is much beyond repayment. Debt has allowed us to continue to 'kick the can down the road'. This mindset must eventually END!

The end game, however, is arriving for our worldwide DEBT economy. You can witness the numbers here: www.usdebtclock.org. The numbers are up and up and the trend creates instability over time. I expect the end game to arrive in 2023. I might be wrong (as I have been previously) but I must continue to predict this END given the numbers. Central Bank manipulations have DELAYED the end game. Can this continue forever? Personally, I don't think so! Watch the above website for clues to this END GAME!

Have a great day! I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com. 

The Historical CHURCH got it all wrong! 2,000 years of MIS-information!

Religious scholars (like James Tabor, Bart Erhman, Tovia Singer) are now debunking much of historical Christianity as dogma/misinformation which is wrong (inaccurate) when serious study is applied to the text. Today's biblical scholars have concluded that much text (which was assumed to be inspired) is now filled with contradictions and inaccuracies. All the new translations of scriptural text makes the issue much more obvious to thinkers. What does this imply for today's believers?

I was brought up in a Swedish Lutheran Church which promoted the idea that sacred scripture was infallible and the direct words of Almighty God. This idea is now debunked as scholars recognize the the text in the New Testament is layered with ideas and words which can not be supported within real-time reality. The historical CHURCH (mostly Catholic at the start) promoted theological ideas which are now recognized as totally invalid and misleading. Scholars are revealing many contradictions which I assumed were not there.

The BIG issue within theology today is the nature of this Rabbi person whom we call Yeshua (Jesus to those who speak English). This Rabbi from Nazareth is viewed as a historical person (fully human) who advocated a new theology while preaching to his generation (29 - 31 A.D.). His theology was that the 'Kingdom of his God' was near (or here) and that God (the God of Israel) was bringing the world a NEW COVENANT. But all this ended soon after the DEATH of this historical Rabbi.

What happened (over some 300+ years) after Yeshua's death is that a CHURCH emerged in Rome which started to promote the idea that this historical Rabbi was equal with the God of Israel (called the FATHER). This idea started at Nicaea in 325 A.D. (some 300 years after Rabbi Yeshua had died). The CHURCH then built a new theology on this idea that Yeshua (now glorified) was fully DEITY (GOD) and reigning in the heavens. Later this Church started promoting the idea that God was a TRINITY.

Over time, millions of believers were added to this group-think church (then called the Roman Catholic Church) and millions of followers started to worship this prior historical Rabbi (who was assumed to be alive in the heavens next to God the FATHER). Millions of congregations formed churches around this idea that Yeshua (Jesus to many in the Western world) was God Almighty (or equivalent to the God of Israel/Yahweh). This idea grew over time and today some 2.6 billion believers think that Yeshua is fully DEITY (GOD). These believers worship this person (now called Messiah and God).

Our Western civilization has flourished and grown over time as this so-called Christian religion grew and prospered. I was part of this growth for most of my lifetime. After the Catholic theology was seriously debunked (on some issues) during the time of the Reformation period (after 1500), then a new theology emerged within the Protestants (those who protested the many deceptions within the Catholic theology). My Lutheran Church which I assumed was honest in their theology was my basis for belief during my youth.

Today, I agree with much of the current scholarship which is DEBUNKING much of the history and text within this book called the New Testament. I had assumed (during my youth) that the writers of the Gospel texts were eye witnesses of what happened during the lifetime of Yeshua (this Rabbi from Nazareth). But this assumption is totally invalid (today). In reality, the four Gospels were not written by eye witnesses. They were written by anonymous writers (Greek speaking theologians) who merely wrote down words that were assumed to be historical (words of the Rabbi from Nazareth). Words which could never be fully verified.

I was also instructed (in my confirmation within this Lutheran Church of my youth) that the New Testament contained the INSPIRED words of God Almighty and were, therefore, infallible words from God. This idea has now been shown to be invalid and inaccurate. Scholars view the words in the New Testament as human creations with many obvious contradictions and inaccuracies. The assumptions of these writers are now being challenged as being partly the imaginations within the mind...with no hard evidence of being accurate or representative of reality in the time of Yeshua (6 B.C. to 31 A.D.).

For example: did Yeshua believe that he was God Almighty during his lifetime? Did he claim to be God (and/or equal with the God of Israel/Yahweh)? Did he portray himself as DEITY (in the flesh) who 'spontaneously' originated his many special gifts and talents? Did he assume he was Jehovah/Yahweh/God of Israel? Did he PRAY to himself (or to his God self)? Did he have TWO natures (this 'hypostatic union' concept)? Did he assume that the God of Israel was a TRINITY? Did he say the SHEMA daily? Did he attend the TEMPLE in Jerusalem for his worship of the God of Israel?

When Yeshua said that the FATHER was 'greater than himself' what did he mean? When Yeshua said that he could do nothing on his own, only that which he derived from the FATHER, what did he mean? When he told his disciple, Mary, that he was ascending to the FATHER, my God and your God, what did he mean? When he was presented with the idea that he was KING OF THE JEWS did he accept this title as valid? Did Yeshua desire to be GOD or a servant of the God of Israel? Was he messenger or PRINCIPLE?

Many biblical scholars (like James Tabor, Bart Erhman, and Tovia Singer) are DEBUNKING much of prior CHURCH theology. Most of our Islamic scholars are also doing similar. Islam does not believe that Yeshua was GOD or that he proclaimed himself to be GOD. Millions of deceived Christian believers are now zombies within their churches as they continue to accept all these deceptions. The MIS-information within this religion called Catholic/Protestant Christianity are many. Few are thinking, however.

Our world is now living after some 2,000 years since this historical Rabbi lived. Yeshua lived from around 6 B.C. to 31 A.D. He wrote NO books. He did not start this religion we call Christianity (even as he is viewed as its founder). He did not KNOW this apostle who we call Paul of Tarsus during his lifetime. Did Yeshua really 'appear' to this prior Pharisee on the road to Damascus? What was revealed? Was this a vision from heaven or from a dark source which deceived this writer? Biblical scholars are questioning this apostle's writings today. 

The current view among biblical scholars is that ONLY 7 of the 13 letters (in the New Testament) are actually the writings of Paul of Tarsus. Did Paul write 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus? The consensus is that these writings did not come from the pen or the thinking of Paul. Many also doubt that Paul wrote Hebrews (some think he did, however). The entire RAPTURE debate is mostly derived from the book of 2 Thessalonians. Could this be a HUGE deception within scripture?

Millions of Christians are HANGING on the words in 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-10 as reality. These believers think that they will be RAPTURED into the clouds above PRIOR to the 2nd Coming. Is any of this valid theology or MERELY myth and deception? My sense is that this is DECEPTION and MYTH. The God of Israel does NOT allow select believers to ESCAPE tribulation (just because of their views on theology). This mindset is PURE deception IMO (yet based on historical text in the New Testament).

So what does all this MEAN going forward? My sense is that believers need to do some soul searching (on their own) to discern what is valid text and what is 'interpolation'. Interpolation means text which has been inserted which is spurious and misleading. The TRINITY concept is based upon 'interpolation'. Scholars are discovering many other 'interpolations' which are spurious. I think it is time to RETHINK our set of beliefs which we derived from our CHURCH pastors (during our youth). Do they KNOW what they are teaching?

Personally, I am a strong believer in the God of Israel. For me, this God is Yahweh. This God is also called Jehovah. Some use the title FATHER. Within Islam this Source is called Allah. In the book of Daniel this Source is called the Ancient of Days. Moses, at Mount Sinai, called this God the 'I AM that I AM''. Many Jews over in Jerusalem today, use the word HaShem. I also like the titles MOST HIGH GOD and CREATOR GOD. Our historical Yeshua (being Aramaic) probably used the word ELI or Alaha or Abba. In the New Testament we use the title 'Father' (Abba in Aramaic). 

My reference point for valid text on this issue of who is God is Revelation chapter 4. Take the time to read this chapter and then read Chapter 5 to get the idea of the Lamb of God and/or the Lion of Judah. There is ONE GOD on the throne in Chapter 4. My theology says that this God should be viewed as Yahweh God. The God of Israel is Yahweh. Think on this as you do your own research. Have a great day! I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philospher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com. 

Big Question: Is there OBJECTIVE TRUTH on planet earth? Let's Think!

Many thinkers within science and religion will claim that they can enunciate 'objective' truth. I have followed many of these thinkers for years. Can anyone, however, actually enunciate 'objective' truth. Objective truth can also be viewed as 'moral' truth. Within scripture we read that 'the Truth shall set us free'. But this implies to many that MAN can enunciate this 'objective' truth. Let's think on this idea of 'truth' for this missive! Can 'man' enunciate any final 'objective' TRUTH?

I would say that no-one (that is no human being) can enunciate 'objective' truth for everyone. What happens in real-time is that we all enunciate 'subjective' truth (a point-of-view). But no-one can actually enunciate total 'objective' truth for the planet. This seems impossible as human beings are flawed (to some degree). We all TRY to do what is right and objective but we END up doing what is within our mindset (worldview). And my worldview (and yours) is LESS than totally 'objective'. That is my viewpoint!

What is final reality (TRUTH) for everyone? Who can enunciate final reality for everyone? Can you name one person who can do this? I can't. What I experience on this planet is 'subjective' truth from each and every person. We all operate with uncertain 'assumptions' and 'propositions'. None of us can enunciate 'objective' reality for the planet. If this is valid, then why does 'scripture' say that 'the TRUTH shall set us free'? Doesn't this imply that finding TRUTH is possible? My sense is that this is NOT what this means!

The TRUTH shall set us free means that GOD (who encompasses all TRUTH) will set us free (not MAN). You and I (the CLAY) can not set the planet free. All we can do is live our 'subjective' lives as best we can. We can pursue 'objective' truth (to a degree) but we can not encompass (find) this reality totally. Personally, I like to pursue 'objective' truth even while I recognize that this is impossible in real-time (I can not FIND objective truth). I seek 'truth' even as I recognize that my truth is LESS than totally OBJECTIVE.

I presume that you also SEEK truth. But have you FOUND truth for yourself and everyone? If so, please show the world that YOUR truth is final for everyone. I think you will discover that YOUR truth is also subjective and LESS than final. Science can not solve this issue. Religion can not solve this issue. Philosophy can not solve this issue. TRUTH can not be found (anywhere on this planet)...so that everyone agrees and submits. Religion tries to portray that THEY can discover 'objective' truth. So does Science!

Many within religion say: the BIBLE is objective truth. Let the BIBLE speak for itself. Others will say the TANAKH  (the Hebrew bible) gives us 'objective' truth. But if this were true then someone must PLAY the role of enunciating 'objective' truth (from scripture for everyone). What happens in real-time is that every presenter of scriptural text gives me/you their 'subjective' overview of what scriptural text implies. NONE, however, can actually KNOW the mind of God Almighty (assuming the words in scripture derive from this SOURCE). 

So, the idea that a scientific or a religious expositor can enunciate 'objective' TRUTH is a big myth. None can do so and all viewpoints being expressed (in real-time) are actually uncertain/subjective/viewpoints. Reading TEXT in scripture does not give me/you 'objective' truth. It merely gives us the expositors OPINION (on the issue). Everyone has an OPINION. None, however, have the FINAL word of Almighty God (Yahweh). This means that all presenters of scriptural (text) are merely giving us their 'subjective' VIEWPOINT.

There is NO objective TRUTH on this planet. This is WHY we need the SOURCE of TRUTH to rule this planet. Who is this SOURCE? It's our POTTER (God Almighty). Our Creator knows what is TRUTH and what is a LIE. You and I can not KNOW anything with CERTAINTY. It's all ABOVE our ken (vision). We humans NEED the SOURCE of TRUTH and we need to SEEK this SOURCE for our lives. But imposing 'objective' TRUTH on others is IMPOSSIBLE. There is NO 'objective' TRUTH on planet earth (from the human perspective)!

That is my viewpoint after much study and thinking. Science does not have final TRUTH. Religion does not have final TRUTH. Philosophy does not have final TRUTH. ONLY GOD has final TRUTH and GOD lives through us (as an 'invisible' spirit being). His TRUTH emerges from his WORDS in real-time. The WORD of GOD is final TRUTH. Think of MOSES at Sinai. Yahweh spoke to MOSES and revealed the 10 Commandments. His TRUTH was revealed in words. Yet man can not fully comprehend these WORDS.

The MORAL code (10 Commandments) gives us an overview of TRUTH. But full righteousness is still impossible. None is totally RIGHTEOUS. NONE is/are perfect. The wages of SIN is death. Every human being dies. Why? NONE is perfect. Even Yeshua on the TREE said: Father, Father, why have you forsaken me (your servant). Yeshua knew that his FATHER was final objective TRUTH (not himself). He prayed to his FATHER daily. His words were an example of one who GLORIFIED his FATHER (yet he died). A perfect person does NOT die!

Read some of his words in the Gospel of John for evidence of his mindset: He said: "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in the FATHER, believe also in me. In my FATHER'S house are many mansions". Later he said: "I am IN the FATHER and the FATHER is IN me" (implying his relationship with his higher SOURCE). He then said: "If you love me, you will keep (abide) by my commandments and I will pray the FATHER, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you."

Later he said: "I (Yeshua) go away, and will come to you again because I go to the FATHER; for the FATHER is greater than I". "I (Yeshua) came from the FATHER and I am leaving the world and going to the FATHER". "I (Yeshua) am not praying for the world but for those which the FATHER has given me." "Holy FATHER keep them (those who were chosen) that scripture might be fulfilled." "I do not pray that you (the chosen ones) be taken out of the world system, but that thou (FATHER) shouldst keep them from the evil one (Satan). They are not of the world system, even as I am not of the world system."

The elites in the Sanhedrin assumed that Yeshua was making HIMSELF King of the Jews (GOD). This mindset was NOT that of Yeshua IMO. Yeshua's viewpoint was that the FATHER had sent him and worked 'through' him. His spiritual power was DERIVED from his SOURCE (namely Yahweh God/his FATHER). Yeshua's final words were: Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani? Yeshua was Aramaic. These words mean "Father, Father, why hast thou forsaken me". Yeshua's goal of promoting his FATHER'S kingdom was abandoned at the cross (tree). He recognized his failed mission (even as the FATHER desired this outcome)!

After Yeshua's death he appeared (in vision) to a female disciple (Mary). He said to her "Woman why are you weeping? Do not hold (touch me) for I have not yet ascended to my FATHER; but go to my brethren and tell them, I am ascending to my FATHER and your FATHER, to my GOD and your GOD. Mary then went and reported this experience to the brethren (likely in Jerusalem). Are these words CLEAR to you? They are to me! Yeshua was NOT God. He was a messenger/servant of God (who was empowered by God during his lifetime)!

The elites in the Sanhedrin were misled by the subjective 'words' of Yeshua at his trial (that is my perception). Jews today are still misled even as they seek another Messiah who will give them freedom, justice, and happiness. Messiah Yeshua did not accomplish the KINGDOM AGE during his lifetime. This result is YET to happen for planet earth. Will Yahweh (the LORD) bring us this KINGDOM in our age? Yes, this is my perception. The Kingdom of Yahweh God is coming to planet earth (gradually/relentlessly). If this does not happen I view humanity has totally LOST. The KINGDOM is the FINAL SOLUTION IMO!

This well known presenter (pastor) thinks he can enunciate objective TRUTH. But is his viewpoint final and totally 'objective'? Millions of others follow this leader with their respective viewpoints on TRUTH. I find all this instructive and interesting (but also deceptive). I listen to these presenters even as I reject their view of KNOWING what is final TRUTH. Scripture and Bible text must be INTERPRETED by a human being. John thinks he can INTERPRET words objectively? But is he deceived on this idea?

Think for yourself! Truth (for me) is 'subjective' and my 'subjective' truth is not FINAL (neither is yours). All I can do is present my 'subjective' VIEWPOINT (as clearly as I can). I assume that you must do likewise! Have a great day! My suggestion: SEEK the real invisible TRUTH (not man's deceptive truth)! I am hoping that THE TRUTH (Father God) will set us all FREE! I am: Donald B. Swenson, Economist/Philosopher, donaldswenson.blogspot.com. Also, http://kingdomecon.wordpress.com.