Early Christianity was founded on a practice of invitation that was based on total inclusivity. Members included women, men, slaves, free people, the rich, the poor, Gentiles and Jews. What has changed to the message of Jesus of Nazareth? When anyone looks to join any current Christian denominations, there are qualifications to adhere to before … Continue reading Having Dinner with Tax Collectors and Sinners
While most Christian denominations assert that God is without gender, all use male pronouns to refer to God, citing traditional English Bible translations, and even go so far to claim that to do otherwise is blasphemy. The reality is that the Bible can accurately be translated to include female pronouns when referring to God, supporting … Continue reading The Divine Feminine: The Female Aspect of God
In the beginning of the Christian movement around 30 A.D., the followers of Jesus of Nazareth believed him to be just a man. These members of the Jewish faith thought that he was chosen and blessed by God but still just a man. Three centuries later in 327 A.D., the Christian church declared him to … Continue reading The Mystery of How Jesus Became “God”
Many people today know little or nothing about Jesus of Nazareth’s family, especially his brothers. One of his brothers, called James the Just, became one of the first leaders of the early Christian Church in Jerusalem. He did not believe in his brother for most of his earthly ministry. But Jesus’ last act of affection … Continue reading A Love Between Two Brothers
Almost of people raised in any Christian denomination think of Jesus in the terms of Christ, Lord, and Divine Savior. However, for the first two hundred years of early Christianity, there are very few “facts” about Jesus of Nazareth. There are no physical descriptions of the man in the New Testament or other early church … Continue reading Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Changing Our Perception.
Much has been said about Mary Magdalene in books, movies, and internet websites. Unfortunately, most of what is said is incorrect, invented and just plain untrue. What we today really know of Mary comes from the four Canonical Gospels as well as a series on non-canonical Gospels. From these various sources, we can say that … Continue reading Mary Magdalene: The First Christian
The first Christian generation had very different beliefs when compared to Modern Christianity. Yet, Modern Christianity did, in fact, derive from the original Christians. But no current modern denomination actually has the same beliefs as those taught by the first followers of Jesus of Nazareth. See the UUConnect for the service logon information or click on October … Continue reading Who Were the First Christian Generation?
For two millennia, Christians have been told that the Jewish leaders and people have been responsible for the death of Jesus of Nazareth. The evidence for this belief comes primarily from the four Gospels of the Bible. After the Jewish Holocaust occurred during World War II, there has been much debate about the veracity of this claim. Several … Continue reading Who is Responsible for Killing Jesus of Nazareth?
The Unitarian 4th Principle states: “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” In religious studies, the greatest threat to any search for understanding the Gospels of the Bible are the doctrines and dogma proclaimed by the governing institutions of most Christian denominations. The message that must be shared here is that, if anyone … Continue reading Knowledge vs. Absolute Certainty
“Search for Truth” When one starts a search for the truth, the individual must be prepared to accept finding out facts, hints, and data that may or will change, modify, challenge, contradict, and question what could be your deepest held personal beliefs. Searching for the truth can be a very emotional and intellectual trying experience. … Continue reading 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
