Monday, January 31, 2011

The Tradition of Judaism, Part II. Ikons of the Jewish Talmud



I call Heaven and Earth to witness this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings. Therefore choose life, so that both you and your seed may live, so that you may love the LORD your God, obey His voice, and adhere to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days.

- Deuteronomy 30:19-20




Part II. Ikons of the Jewish Talmud



The Talmud is the comprehensive set of volumes of Robbinical Judaism which was compiled in the centuries after the Roman Empire crushed the Jewish Rebellion, destroying nearly all of Jerusalem including the Second Temple. Here are just a few ikons, pictures, and other photos related to the age-old Jewish Talmud which simply means 'teachings' in Hebrew:




May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Moses.



Sunday, January 30, 2011

The Judeo-Christian, Part X. The Good News about Barack Obama, an American Christian President


Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13



Part X. The Good News about Barack Obama, an American Christian President

The following quotes from Christian President Barack Obama were taken during an interview conducted by Cathleen Falsani, a Chicago Sun-Times reporter, in 2004 when the possibility of him being elected President four years later would have been unthinkable. In the interview, Barack Obama's public honesty towards his Christian faith was far more pronounced than today in the year 2011. This is mainly because the Republican opposition's mockery and ridicule of his authentic and learned form of Christian faith has paid off with the American voters, many of whom are so delusional that they ignorantly believe him to be the anti-Christ and/or a secret Muslim lying about his Christian faith.



This interview goes far in proving that President Obama's adherence to Christianity is very informed and directly based upon the teachings of Rabbi joshua (Jesus) as recorded in the Gospels. Here is a direct comparison of Barack Obama's actual remarks and the relevant New Testament passage which clearly shows his authentic Christian faith to be just as rooted in Scriptures as any Republican believer, including ex-President George W. Bush. These comparisons also suggest that the ugly, vile attacks and brutal questioning of his religious beliefs since he became President has very little to do with the Bible and is most likely a subtle form of white racism in disguise.

THE OBAMA: (In Chicago's) South Side working class and lower income communities...it was in those places where I think what had been more of an intellectual view of religion deepened...I became much more familiar with the ongoing tradition of the historic black church and it's importance in the community. And the power of that culture to give people strength in very difficult circumstances, and the power of that church to give people courage against great odds. And it moved me deeply.
THE GOSPELS: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven....Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied...Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great. (Matthew 5:4-12)

THE OBAMA: But my mother was deeply spiritual person...her view always was that underlying these religions were a common set of beliefs about how you treat other people and how you aspire to act, not just for yourself but also for the greater good.
THE GOSPELS: In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.(Matthew 7:12)

THE OBAMA: I probably didn't get started getting active in church activities until I moved to Chicago...one of the churches that I became involved in was Trinity United Church of Christ. And the pastor there, Jeremiah Wright, became a good friend. So I joined that church and committed myself to Christ in that church. It was a daytime service, during a daytime service. And it was a powerful moment. Because, it was powerful for me because it not only confirmed my faith, it not only gave shape to my faith, but I think, also, allowed me to connect the work I had been pursuing with my faith.
THE GOSPELS: Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John...Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' (Matthew 3:13-17)

THE OBAMA: I am a Christian. So, I have a deep faith. So I draw from the Christian faith. So, I'm rooted in the Christian tradition.
THE GOSPELS: “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." (Mark 11:22-23)



THE OBAMA: There are values that transcend race or culture, that move us forward, and there's an obligation for all of us individually as well as collectively to take responsibility to make those values lived.
THE GOSPELS: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)

THE OBAMA: I retain from my childhood and my experiences growing up a suspicion of dogma. And I'm not somebody who is always comfortable with language that implies I've got a monopoly on the truth, or that my faith is automatically transferable to others.
THE GOSPELS: Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, 'You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.' (Mark 10:42-43)

THE OBAMA: I'm a big believer in tolerance. I think that religion at it's best comes with a big dose of doubt. I'm suspicious of too much certainty in the pursuit of understanding just because I think people are limited in their understanding.
THE GOSPELS: (Jesus) said, "Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers.' (Luke 11:46)

THE OBAMA: I think that, particularly as somebody who's now in the public realm and is a student of what brings people together and what drives them apart, there's an enormous amount of damage done around the world in the name of religion and certainty.
THE GOSPEL: Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in Heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. (Matthew 18:19-20)



THE OBAMA: Jesus is an historical figure for me, and he's also a bridge between God and man, in the Christian faith, and one that I think is powerful precisely because he serves as that means of us reaching something higher.
THE GOSPELS: Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' (John 14:6)

THE OBAMA: And he's also a wonderful teacher. I think it's important for all of us, of whatever faith, to have teachers in the flesh and also teachers in history.
THE GOSPELS: The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. (Matthew 10:23-25)

THE OBAMA: Some of the things I talked about...are channeled through my Christian faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
THE GOSPELS: He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. (John 12:44-46)

THE OBAMA: Alongside my own deep personal faith, I am a follower, as well, of our civic religion. I am a big believer in the separation of church and state...I am a great admirer of our founding charter, and its resolve to prevent theocracies from forming, and its resolve to prevent disruptive strains of fundamentalism from taking root ion this country. As I said before, in my own public policy, I'm very suspicious of religious certainty expressing itself in politics.
THE GOSPELS: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (Matthew 22:21)



THE OBAMA: I can give religious expression to that. I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper, we are all children of God. Or I can express it in secular terms. But the basic premise remains the same. I think sometimes Democrats have made the mistake of shying away from a conversation about values for fear that they sacrifice the important value of tolerance. And I don't think those two things are mutually exclusive.
THE GOSPELS: So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' (John 8:31-32)

THE OBAMA: I think that I am disturbed by, let me put it this way: I think there is an enormous danger on the part of public figures to rationalize or justify their actions by claiming God's mandate.
THE GOSPELS: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation. (Matthew 23:14)

THE OBAMA: This is something that I'm sure I'd have serious debates with my fellow Christians about. I think that the difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and proselytize. There's the belief, certainly in some quarters, that people haven't embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior that they're going to Hell.
THE GOSPELS: Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. (Mark 16:15)



THE OBAMA: I find it hard to believe that my God would consign four-fifths of the world to hell...I can't imagine that my God would allow some little Hindu kid in India who never interacts with the Christian faith to somehow burn for all eternity...That's just not part of my religious makeup.
THE GOSPELS: See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in Heaven always see the face of my Father in Heaven. (Matthew 18:14)

THE OBAMA: When I tuck my daughters in at night and I feel like I’ve been a good father to them, and I see in them that I am transferring values that I got from my mother and that they’re kind people and that they’re honest people and that they’re curious people, that’s a little piece of Heaven.
THE GOSPELS: If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)

THE OBAMA: I am a Christian. So, I have a deep faith. So I draw from the Christian faith...So, I'm rooted in the Christian tradition. I believe that there are many paths to the same place.
THE GOSPELS: John said unto him, 'Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us.' But Jesus said, 'Forbid him not: for there is no man who shall do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us.' (Mark 9:38-40)



THE OBAMA: And I'd say, probably, intellectually I've drawn as much from Judaism as any other faith.
THE GOSPELS: Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-20)



May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian Tradition.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Judeo-Christian - The Greatest Enemy of the Judeo-Christian Tradition is Freemasonry



Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13




- The Judeo-Christian Tradition -

The Greatest Enemy of the Judeo-Christian Tradition is Freemasonry



The U. S. is NOT the Most Christian Nation in the World

The United States is said by many different interests to be the ‘most Christian nation’ in the world. In reality, the most Christian nation in the world is none other than Vatican City, the independent, capital nation of the Roman Catholic Church, which is 100% Christian and completely Roman Catholic.

The faithful who enroll in masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive holy communion.... In an audience... the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this declaration...

- Official Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict VXI)

In addition to this, there are apparently several other countries with a much higher percentage of Christians than the United States of America. Consider the following statistics taken from The Top 10 of Everything, by Russell Ash, as well as other sources:

Nation%Christian
Major Denomination
Mexico 99%
Roman Catholic
France 98%
Roman Catholic
Spain
94%
Roman Catholic
Ireland 93%
Roman Catholic
Philippines 93%
Roman Catholic
Brazil 93% Roman Catholic
Italy 90% Roman Catholic
Great Britain
88%
Protestant
United States
85% Protestant

Some Christian critics of Freemasonry, usually evangelical Christians, claim that Freemasonry involves the worship of Satan.

- Christianity and Freemasonry, Wikipedia

With this in mind, those Americans who continue to believe that they live in the most Christian nation in the world are woefully misinformed and, in the end, dead wrong about their nation and its current status when it comes to the religion of Christianity.

The Church
The Official Christian Doctrine
Presbyterian Church of America, 1988 No one shall be received into membership into a (Presbyterian) church who is a member of a Masonic organization....in light of the clear statement of incompatibility of Freemasonry with Biblical Christianity.
Orthodox Presbyterian Church The evidence presented concerning the religion of Masonry permits but one conclusion... that Masonry is a religious institution and as such is definitely anti-Christian... membership in the Masonic fraternity is inconsistent with Christianity.
Christian Reformed Church of America, 1974 Membership in the lodge and in the church of Jesus Christ involves a double commitment which our Lord himself does not tolerate. Those in the church who affiliate with the Lodge must be shown the error of their way, and if they refuse to repent must be placed under the censure of the Church.
Church of Scotland, 1965 In our view total obedience to Christ precludes joining...the Masonic movement which seems to demand a wholehearted allegiance to itself, and at the same time refuses to divulge all that is involved in that allegiance... The initiate is required to commit himself to Masonry in a way that a Christian only should commit himself to Christ.

Free Church of Scotland In the minds of the committee, according to their interpretations of the Scriptures, membership of Freemasonry... is inconsistent with a profession of the Christian faith.
Baptist Church of Scotland (Great Britain and Ireland), 1987 The clear conclusion we have reached from our inquiry is that there is an inherent incompatibility between Freemasonry and the Christian faith.
Anglican Church of England, 1987 There are a number of very fundamental reasons to question the compatibility of Freemasonry with Christianity.
Russian Orthodox Church The Church does not worship the god that is worshipped in Masonic temples... Masonry is a spiritual disease and is a rival of the Church...It declares that it is not a religion and yet claims to be religious... Since Masonry rejects the divinity of Jesus Christ and places Him on an equal level with founders of other religions, every Christian should stop and realise the implications of Masonry to his Christian faith.
Methodist Church of England, 1985 There is a great danger that the Christian who becomes a Freemason will find himself compromising his Christian beliefs or his allegiance to Christ, perhaps without realizing what he is doing.
Lutheran Church, 1958 Masonry is guilty of idolatry. Its worship and prayers are idol worship. The Masons may not with their hands...but they created one with their own mind and reason out of purely human thoughts and ideas. The latter is an idol no less than the former.
Roman Catholic Church, 1985 The principles and basic rituals of Masonry embody a naturalistic religion, active participation in which is incompatible with Christian faith and practice. Those who knowingly embrace such principles are committing serious sin... In depth research on the ritual and on the Masonic mentality makes it clear that it is impossible to belong to the Catholic Church and to Freemasonry at the same time.

Against the Freemasons
Conspiracy theories aside, it is a well-known fact, accepted by literally all intellectuals, that the Freemasons have been a mainly Protestant Christian phenomenon since its inception in Great Britain sometime during the 17th century. Countless Roman Catholic scholars, as well as a growing number of Evangelical Protestants, would also contend there is substantial evidence that Freemasonry has been, at times, a violently anti-Catholic brotherhood which has plotted against both Church and King on numerous occasions. Furthermore, they have claimed to be a ‘Christian’ organization whenever it suits them and then have also denied this whenever they have found it convenient to do so.

The principles and basic rituals of Masonry embody a naturalistic religion, active participation in which is incompatible with Christian faith and practice.

- Bishops' Committee on Pastoral Research, 1980s

Seen as a whole, Freemasonry is little more than a nepotistic, elitist secret society reserved for the rich and the powerful that has never been ‘Christian ‘, but Pagan, and even Satanic, in its practices. Numerous historical sources have shown that the French Revolution, and its murderous, anti-Christian aftermath, to have been devised and organized by vile, bigoted, atheist individuals all of whom were Freemasons. In stark contrast, the Roman Catholic Church has been to shown to consistently oppose violent revolutions against the established monarchy and to quietly, but resolutely, oppose both the stated and unstated aims of Freemasonry throughout the past few centuries. The current situation, as it stands today, can be seen quite clearly in the following statement:

On March 1 2007, Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, the regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary made a statement that membership of Masonic organizations "remains forbidden" to Catholics, and called on priests who had declared themselves to be Freemasons to be disciplined by their direct superiors.

Like it or not, the 21st century represents a monumental step forward in the history of mankind. In particular, it marks the beginning of what has been called the New Age of Christianity, the third millennium. The vague and mysterious predictions of Freemasonry concerning a global New World Order of peace and prosperity to be shared by all men throughout the world may well have met its match in the Roman Catholic Church’s continued opposition to many of its past and present policies. Remember, the Freemasons, who are still predominantly white, upper-class, and anti-Catholic do not represent the interests of a Church that is increasingly Hispanic, African and Asian in numbers. This is not to say that the international brotherhood of Freemasonry is completely racist. Indeed, history does show that numerous Freemasons, especially the British, have been somewhat color-blind in practice and even quite generous in their approach to darker-skinned, non-Western peoples.

Today, the spirit of multi-ethnic brotherhood can be seen, specifically, in the successful racial integration of the U.S. Armed Forces. The best of Freemasonry is also on display in the United States’ treatment of their defeated enemies in both Europe and Asia after World War II, where white Germany and its European victims were never favored over Pagan Japan and its Asian victims. Indeed, the American Freemasons poured billions of dollars to rebuild and renew these nations only to have both of these countries become fierce, international business competitors just a few decades later.

It is evident, however, that even in this restricted sense of "unsectarian" Christianity, Freemasonry is not a Christian institution, as it acknowledges many pre-Christian models and teachers of "Humanity"...Freemasonry, therefore, is opposed not only to Catholicism and Christianity, but also to the whole system of supernatural truth.

- Catholic Encyclopedia

Some God-fearing, Christian Freemasons, especially the British, may rightly accuse the Roman Catholic Church of jealousy and envy concerning the unbelievable success of their independent Christian (Protestant) tradition throughout the known world. Some of that may well be true. However, the Church’s real concern about the third millennium that lies ahead is the remarkable loss of Christianity, especially traditional Christianity, among the English-speaking intellectual elite. Unfortunately, evangelism is no longer the guiding light behind the mainly Anglo-Saxon drive to bring the world together into a single entity, money is. Money and power have replaced the God-fearing ambition to persuade all peoples and nations to accept Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior.

He who dies with the most money, wins…

- A popular poster among white, upper class, College-educated males

As the actual membership of today's Freemasonry clearly shows, the organization is still dominated by these same white, upper-class males, many of whom are non-Christians. This is in direct opposition to the growing number of non-white Christians that can be found throughout Asia, Africa, Latin and South America. Because the future belongs to those who reproduce themselves, God-fearing Jews and Christians everywhere should feel assured that, no matter how much power and anti-Christian success Freemasonry is able to achieve today, the future belongs to Christianity, regardless of its increasingly darker skin-color.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Judeo-Christian, Part VIII. The Basic Facts of Freemasonry

Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13


Part VIII. The Basic Facts of Freemasonry

Freemasonry goes farther and attacks Catholicism openly.

- Catholic Encyclopedia

The Judeo-Christian Tradition has little time, or patience, for the endless number of absurd conspiracy theories that are, for the most part, a display of ignorance and misunderstanding. Nevertheless, it must be stated, with all sincerity, that Freemasonry is a totally anti-Judeo-Christian organization that may, in fact, be secretly opposed to the continued spread of the age-old Biblical faiths of Judaism and Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church, most especially its most learned and scholarly leaders, such as the Pope, have known this for literally centuries.
Unfortunately, they have been completely ignored by the modern world, even though many of those opposed to Freemasonry had advanced degrees from prominent universities and were some of the most intelligent religious scholars ever known. Here is just a sampling of their documents, which includes a list of 17 different official Roman Catholic Church proclamations against Freemasonry since 1738. They can be seen as follows:

I. Clement XII, Constitution "In Eminenti", 28 April, 1738
II. Benedict XIV, "Providas", 18 May, 1751
III. Pius VII, "Ecclesiam", 13 September, 1821
IV. Leo XII, "Quo graviora", 13 March, 1825
V. Pius VIII, Encyclical "Traditi", 21 May, 1829
VI. Gregory XVI, "Mirari", 15 August, 1832
VII. Pius IX, Encyclical "Qui pluribus", 9 November, 1846
VIII. Pius IX, Allocution "Quibus quantisque malis", 20 April, 1849
IX. Pius IX, Encyclical "Quanta cura", 8 December, 1864
X. Pius IX, Allocution "Multiplices inter", 25 September, 1865
XI. Pius IX, Constitution "Apostolicæ Sedis", 12 October, 1869
XII. Pius IX, Encyclical "Etsi multa", 21 November, 1873
XIII. Leo XIII, Encyclical "Humanum genus", 20 April, 1884
XIV. Leo XIII, "Præclara", 20 June, 1894
XV. Leo XIII, "Annum ingressi", 18 March, 1902
XVI. Leo XIII, Encyclical "Etsí nos", 15 February, 1882
XVII. Leo XIII, "Ab Apostolici", 15 October, 1890


It seems most unfortunate that many Christian believers have little, to no, idea what the historical facts are about Freemasonry. Here are just a few of them, taken direclty from the Catholic Encylopedia, the long-standing, premier scholarly text of reference for the Roman Catholic Church:

Issue
Passage from Catholic Encyclopedia

The Corruption and Nepotism of Freemasonry
It is a fact attested by experienced men of all countries that, wherever Masonry is influential, non-Masons have to suffer in their interests from the systematical preferment which Masons give each other in appointment to offices and employment...which is detrimental alike to civic equality and to public interests. In Masonic books and magazines unlawful and treacherous acts, performed in rendering this mutual assistance, are recommended and praised as a glory of Freemasonry.


Freemasonry Caused the French Revolution
Freemasonry in the eighteenth century, as a powerful ally of infidelity, prepared the French Revolution. The alliance of Freemasonry with philosophy was publicly sealed by the solemn initiation of Voltaire, the chief of these philosophers...Prior to the Revolution various conspiratory societies arose in connection with Freemasonry from which they borrowed its forms and methods; Illuminati, clubs of Jacobins, etc. A relatively large number of the leading revolutionists were members of Masonic lodges, trained by lodge life for their political career. Even the program of the Revolution expressed in the "rights of man" was...drawn from Masonic principles, and its device: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" is the very device of Freemasonry

Freemasonry's Plan for Christianity
To destroy radically by open persecution of the Church or by a hypocritical fraudulent system of separation between State and Church, all social influence of the Church and of religion, insidiously called "clericalism", and, as far as possible, to destroy the Church and all true, (i.e., superhuman) religion.



Freemasonry's Plan for Children
To laicize, or secularize...all public and private life and, above all, popular instruction and education....(including) anti-Catholic and even anti-Christian, atheistic, positivistic, or agnostic sectarianism in the garb of unsectarianism. Freedom of thought and conscience of the children has to be developed systematically in the child at school and protected, as far as possible, against all disturbing influences, not only of the Church and priests, but also of the children's own parents, if necessary, even by means of moral and physical compulsion.

Freemasonry's Anti-Christian Statements
In similar discussions, containing in almost every word a hidden or open attack on Christianity, the truly Masonic magazines and books of all countries abound. Past Grand Deacon J.C. Parkinson, an illustrious English Mason, frankly avows: "The two systems of Romanism and Freemasonry are not only incompatible, but they are radically opposed to each other" and American Masons say: "We won't make a man a Freemason, until we know that he isn't a Catholic."

Freemasonry's Inherent Danger to Society
(Even if) some Masonic associations pursued for themselves no purposes contrary to religion and to public order, they would be nevertheless contrary to public order, because by their very existence as secret societies based on the Masonic principles, they encourage and promote the foundation of other really dangerous secret societies and render difficult, if not impossible, efficacious action of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities against them.

Freemasonry's Danger to Christianity
Pope Pius IX characterizes Freemasonry as an insidious, fraudulent and perverse organization injurious both to religion and to society; and condemns anew "this Masonic and other similar societies, which differing only in appearance coalesce constantly and openly or secretly plot against the Church or lawful authority"...The ultimate purpose of Freemasonry is 'the overthrow of the whole religious, political, and social order based on Christian institutions and the establishment of a new state of things according to their own ideas and based in its principles and laws on pure Naturalism.'


Freemasonry's False Claims of Persecution
(Roman Catholic) Papal edicts and censures against Freemasonry have often been the occasion of erroneous and unjust charges. The excommunication was interpreted as an "imprecation" that cursed all Freemasons and doomed them to perdition...The pope and the bishops, therefore, as faithful pastors of Christ's flock, cannot but condemn Freemasonry.

The fact of the matter is that Roman Catholicism remains the leading organization of Christianity with, by far, the most adherents world-wide. Not to be outdone, 21st century Judeo-Christian America appears to be waking from their metaphysical slumber and realizing their Freemasonic/Christian neighbors may be at least slightly misinformed about their membership in the Craft. Indeed, a growing number of Protestant Christian Churches have expressed their opposition to Freemasonry, a blatantly Pagan organization that may well continue to grow more and more hostile to Christianity as the years and decades go by. Here is a list of Protestant Churches that have spoken out publicly against Freemasonry within the past 50 years.

Salvation Army International
Greek Orthodox
Lutheran Church
Methodist Church
Presbyterian Church
Mennonite Church
Nazarene Church
Church of Christ
Pentecostal Church
Brethren Assemblies Church
Church of England
Free Church of Scotland
British Methodist Church
Baptist Church of Scotland
Baptist Church of New Zealand
Baptist Church of Ireland


Does the Judeo-Christian tradition stand in any danger of defeat by Freemasonry? Not at all, but the soul of every man (and woman) is still equally important and the continued allure and temptation of joining Freemasonry poses a danger to the ancient Judeo-Christian system of spiritual redemption after death. God-fearing believers need to remember that this system was founded upon the principles that everyone deserves to be saved and, after proper penance, to eventually be allowed into Paradise to meet face-to-face, with the one, true God, the LORD God of Israel.


The Church
The Official Christian Doctrine
Presbyterian Church of America, 1988 No one shall be received into membership into a (Presbyterian) church who is a member of a Masonic organization....in light of the clear statement of incompatibility of Freemasonry with Biblical Christianity.
Orthodox Presbyterian Church The evidence presented concerning the religion of Masonry permits but one conclusion... that Masonry is a religious institution and as such is definitely anti-Christian... membership in the Masonic fraternity is inconsistent with Christianity.
Christian Reformed Church of America, 1974 Membership in the lodge and in the church of Jesus Christ involves a double commitment which our Lord himself does not tolerate. Those in the church who affiliate with the Lodge must be shown the error of their way, and if they refuse to repent must be placed under the censure of the Church.
Church of Scotland, 1965 In our view total obedience to Christ precludes joining...the Masonic movement which seems to demand a wholehearted allegiance to itself, and at the same time refuses to divulge all that is involved in that allegiance... The initiate is required to commit himself to Masonry in a way that a Christian only should commit himself to Christ.

Free Church of Scotland In the minds of the committee, according to their interpretations of the IScriptures, membership of Freemasonry... is inconsistent with a profession of the Christian faith.
Baptist Church of Scotland (Great Britain and Ireland), 1987 The clear conclusion we have reached from our inquiry is that there is an inherent incompatibility between Freemasonry and the Christian faith.
Anglican Church of England, 1987 There are a number of very fundamental reasons to question the compatibility of Freemasonry with Christianity.
Russian Orthodox Church The Church does not worship the god that is worshipped in Masonic temples... Masonry is a spiritual disease and is a rival of the Church...It declares that it is not a religion and yet claims to be religious... Since Masonry rejects the divinity of Jesus Christ and places Him on an equal level with founders of other religions, every Christian should stop and realise the implications of Masonry to his Christian faith.
Methodist Church of England, 1985 There is a great danger that the Christian who becomes a Freemason will find himself compromising his Christian beliefs or his allegiance to Christ, perhaps without realising what he is doing.
Lutheran Church, 1958 Masonry is guilty of idolatry. Its worship and prayers are idol worship. The Masons may not with their hands...but they created one with their own mind and reason out of purely human thoughts and ideas. The latter is an idol no less than the former.
Roman Catholic Church, 1985 The principles and basic rituals of Masonry embody a naturalistic religion, active participation in which is incompatible with Christian faith and practice. Those who knowingly embrace such principles are committing serious sin... In depth research on the ritual and on the Masonic mentality makes it clear that it is impossible to belong to the Catholic Church and to Freemasonry at the same time.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition



Monday, January 24, 2011

Prof. Ikonphil Metropolitan, Part III. The Judeo-Christian Tradition Video Clips



Do not make for yourselves images of anything in Heaven or on Earth or in the water under the Earth. Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the LORD your God and I tolerate no rivals.


- Exodus 20:4-5

Part III. The Judeo-Christian Tradition Video Clips

Here are seven different video clips dealing with the Judeo-Christian tradition, especially as it pertains to the United States of America. Is America a Judeo-Christian nation? Of course it is. Contrary to modern opinion, our laws are literally founded upon the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament and the inherent value that Christianity places upon each and every individual crime victim. In reality, this legal outlook does not at all originate from the Greco-Roman justice system where the State was free to rape and murder those who opposed the Emperor at any given time. Indeed, a careful study of the United States legal system reveals that the true origins of American society are mainly derived from the Judeo-Christian Holy Bible and its God-fearing principles. Enjoy the following videos:




May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Judeo-Christian, Part VII. The Working-Class Hands of the LORD God

Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13


Part V. The Working-Class Hands of the LORD God

In many ways, modern man seems to have overlooked many obvious, yet vitally important parts of the Bible, most especially the very first one or two pages. Indeed, one of the strangest aspects to the beginning of the Book of Genesis is how the author Moses first discusses God, Elohim in Hebrew, who goes about creating the Heavens and the Earth and all the living plants and animals by using words alone, but then changes the subject entirely and suddenly introduces a completely different entity known as the LORD God, called Adonai in Hebrew. This particular Divine being finds Himself in the dark void that existed before Creation where the water is rising up from the depths of the Abyss, perhaps threateningly. Almost immediately, the LORD God creates His own version of a man from clay, dirt, and water, by using His hands, just like a working-class craftsman would do, and endows the little creature with an immortal soul, calling him Adam. He then places His new creation in a garden on Earth, called Eden, which He has carefully cultivated and organized, once again just like a working-class male working for a landscape company that gets His hands dirty for a living, rather than some uppity, elitist sorcerer who can create with mere words alone.

Reading Scriptures closely enough, one notices that, except for the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the other plants and trees in the garden are not really His personal creation. Obviously, the LORD must have taken them from the surrounding wilderness that God had already created out of nothing using only the power of His words. Later, like a talented sculptor, the LORD God once again uses His hands to create different animals from the pre-existing water, dirt and clay and then has the man Adam name these new creations separately, like an expert Zoology professor teaching his young graduate student how to classify new species.

He’s got the whole world in His hands

Unlike God who, in the beginning, created life from just words and without hands, the LORD God apparently uses His hands quite often and with skilled craftsmanship. Also, like a professional surgeon and match-maker, the LORD goes on to carefully remove a rib bone from Adam, stitches up the wound, and then creates a female companion for him named Eve. Put bluntly, the LORD God may not be an omnipotent Creator like God, but He is obviously very skilled at using His Hands in a variety of ways.

When I’m out walking, I strut my stuff yeah I’m so strung out. I’m high
as a kite I just might stop to check you out. Let me go on like I blister in
the sun. Let me go on Big Hands I know you’re the one.

- Blister in the Sun, by the Violent Femmes

Throughout the centuries, some Biblical scholars, starting with the Gnostics, have come to some very strange conclusions about God, who created everything using only his voice, and the LORD God, who sculpted, tended garden, and performed medical surgery using His own two hands to perform these tasks. Because of these innate differences, some have apparently decided that the LORD God is an insane impostor god, a Devil, who is keeping us from discovering the higher, one, true God that created all life through His words in just six days. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Indeed, the LORD God’s talented use of His hands is similar to the way mankind differs from any of the other animals. Put specifically, it is man alone that has learned to use his or her hands to manipulate objects with increasing precision in order to create various types of useful, material inventions. Reading Genesis carefully, the LORD God’s hand-made designs truly indicate He has been a master-craftsman from the very beginning of creation and that, ever since Adam, mankind has been kept busy as His various apprentices and assistant journeymen along the way.

As it clearly states in Genesis, God, called Elohim, does indeed create man in His own image, but does not bother to give any of them names or help them to survive the wild and feed themselves. In stark contrast, the LORD God, known simply as Adonai, creates only one man, calls him Adam, and endows him with an immortal soul that survives biological death, taking care to give him healthy produce from the Garden so that he never goes hungry. Then, like a good father, the LORD becomes worried that His single male creation might be lonely and need a suitable partner, almost as if the LORD God had also known personally what it was like to day-dream and long for female companionship and heterosexual love.

As everyone knows, the LORD God specifically commands Adam and Eve not to eat from the two special trees in the middle of His garden called Eden. Unfortunately, the wicked serpent almost immediately seduces them both into disobedience and wicked behavior, causing the LORD to become enraged, much like a cautious master-craftsman who finds that His apprentice, along with his new girl, has just managed to ruin and destroy everything.

Using the fossil records left from past ages, scientists now believe that huge reptiles called dinosaurs were the first life-forms before any mammals, including man, came into existence. Remember that serpents are also reptiles which are directly related to the dinosaurs. With all that in mind, there seems to be a distinct possibility that highly-advanced reptile humanoids from the distant past managed to develop dinosaurs on earth, but eventually proved incapable of making them intelligent and self-aware- like the LORD God made man. The Jewish Babylonian Talmud states the following:

The higher the position the greater is the fall, and this applies to the
serpent, who, not only was the chief of all animals, but walked upright
like man, and when it fell it sank into the reptile world.

- Genesis Rabba 19

In contrast, the LORD God’s hand-crafted, warm-blooded, mammalian creation known as mankind eventually succeeded, as history as shown, just as the cold-blooded serpent’s feeble attempts at evolution, which only created extremely stupid dinosaurs, failed miserably.

Ten Commandments

In truth, man’s slow, but steady progress out of the Neanderthal caves of yesteryear is mainly due to the LORD God’s continued love and attention for His creation. Basically, the God who creates life by words alone is still the unknowable, the unthinkable, while the highly-skilled craftsman known as the LORD God, who creates immortal souls with his own two hands, has probably been the true source of our intellectual and societal advancement for thousands of years. Obviously, the LORD God of the Holy Bible is a male with hands and feet just like mankind and has probably been married to a female goddess sometime before, but is now alone and preoccupied with caring for the men and women of planet Earth. Indeed, it is the LORD God, the Father, endowed with a distinct, individual personality, who has been the hidden intelligence guiding Jews, Christians, and Muslims towards a glorious and beautiful future that still lies ahead.

A Special-Effects Photo depicting God’s Hands

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition..

The Judeo-Christian, Part VI. Neoliteralism, the Cornerstone of Judeo-Christian Theology

Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13


Part VI. Neoliteralism, the Cornerstone of Judeo-Christian Theology

Today, there are a countless number of methods along with differing schools of thought when it comes to Bible Studies and Theology. At least some astute observers might say there are already far too many, with each ‘method’ or ‘school’ contradicting another so that these traditionally Christian fields of study have become nothing more than a ‘Mystery Babylon’ intellectual enterprise. Obviously, adding yet another catchy term to the list would seem to be compounding the problem, rather than providing a solution. Nevertheless, the project of Neoliteralism, a new term for a new scholarly outlook, has only one intent and that is simplification. Neoliteralism, as the word implies, presumes to take the Bible literally, but it also includes a basic understanding of what the Bible represents. This understanding is simple, not complex, and general, rather than specific. Thus, a perfect example of Neoliteralism can be seen in the following comments and remarks:

I. The Holy Bible is the most published, read, studied, documented, analyzed, interpreted and discussed book ever known in the history of the world.
II. The Holy Bible is currently available in more alphabets, languages, and versions which are spoken and written by more ethnicities and cultures than any other book on earth today.
III. The Holy Bible is the the single most influential book underlying the development of nearly all the written languages still used on earth today.
IV. The Holy Bible is the official text of Christianity, the largest religion with the most followers in the entire world.
V. The Holy Bible is the cornerstone of monotheism, represented by the three great religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
VI. The Holy Bible is the chronological story of a single family’s relationship with a specific supernatural entity that began in 3760 B.C. with Adam and ended with Joshua ben Joseph (Jesus) in 33 A.D.
VII. The Holy Bible is the most powerful piece of literature in the modern world that has inspired, motivated, and influenced more individuals to think and act in more ways than any other written document in the history of the world.

Even if the simple generalizations just mentioned may appear controversial to some readers, each one of them is not only true, but a scientific fact that cannot be denied or dis-proven. In other words, Neoliteralism is willing to make ample use of the Statistical Sciences in order to further its primary agenda, simplicity. Is simplicity an objective goal? Is simplicity biased or politically motivated? The answers to both of those questions depend on the assumptions of what simplicity will do to the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. Put bluntly, there is an infinite number of ways of interpreting Neoliteralism‘s emphasis on simplicity. The non-believer might suspect that it is simply a code word for fundamentalist Christianity intent on quashing complex, sophisticated dissent of traditional Biblical belief systems. On the other hand, the believer may mistake simplicity as either an attempt to water down or dilute Christian truth or an absurd strategy to tear down the Church which has been built upon a continuing accumulation of scholarship compiled and studied throughout the centuries.

In other words, religious scholars may well be skeptical of this new contraption, this intellectual tool known as Neoliteralism. All things considered, they have every right to be. Indeed, for most readers this is the first mention of the word Neoliteralism. This original piece of jargon could end up being nothing more than another case of self-promotion. Theologians and Religious Scholars, just like nearly everybody in today’s world, crave attention. They crave readers, listeners, endowments, large offices, and higher salaries. For some, the spread of Christian intellectual truth is also a strong underlying motivation.

With that in mind, Neoliteralism must be honest with itself and with others about what the term really means. This includes the inventor of the word and author of this essay. In other words, who is the man behind the curtain pulling the strings of Neoliteralism? Well, for starters, Neoliteralism is obviously a self-interested attempt to be different. Are not all ‘methods’ and ‘outlooks’ found in Theology the same way? Of course they are. Theologians, like all intellectuals, entered the field out of a desire to have their religious ideas read and listened to by others. Assuming the factor of self-interest remains, here are the basic, and specific, agendas underlying Neoliteralism.

I. Neoliteralism is Catholic: Catholic Christianity is emphasized because it is older and has more adherents than Protestantism. The reason is simple, St. Peter was specifically chosen to be the leader by Joshua (Jesus) (NOTE: the author of this essay is a practicing Roman/Ukrainian Catholic scholar.)
II. Neoliteralism is Judaic: Athens, Greco-Roman Philosophy, and Hellenism are ignored in favor of Jerusalem, Mysticism, and Judaism. The reason is simple, Joshua (Jesus) was and is a Jew.
III. Neoliteralism is Iconoclastic: Extreme anti-Christian sentiments and assumptions found in the visual arts proves their inherently Pagan and demonic tendencies. The reason is simple, God prohibited the graven image as one of the Ten Commandments
IV. Neoliteralism is Scientific: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is losing ground due to scientific dissent among experts. Natural law is concurrent with biological behavior of other mammalian species.
V. Neoliteralism is Evangelical: The continued popularity of the Bible, of Christianity, and their combined historical influence clearly indicates supernatural forces that cannot be explained scientifically. The probability of Christianity’s success and the Bible’s best-selling status are statistically impossible. Judeo-Christian theology is a statistically significant reality.
VI. Neoliteralism is Judeo-Christian: Numerous sayings and parables found in the Gospels have exact parallels in the Talmud, the Apocrypha, and in modern Orthodox Judaism.

VII. Neoliteralism is Catholic, Judaic, Iconoclastic, Scientific, Evangelical, and Judeo-Christian.

Honesty should not condemn a new idea, theory, or paradigm. In short, these particular aspects of Neoliteralism cannot, and should not, disqualify it from being taken seriously. No type of Theology can ever be objective due to the pre-existing preferences of their creator or inventor. Most importantly, the above statements of subjectivity represent a key component in Neoliteralism. How so? By admitting the simple, unspoken truth of Theology and Biblical Studies. Rather than remain in denial, Neoliteralism simply accepts the reality of dualism embedded in the historical differences of Judeo-Christian thought.

Sometimes, like a coin with only two sides, objective study of these differences is impossible to achieve. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, even nonbelievers and Pagan, are either Catholic or Protestant because, regardless of their personal faith, they will always prefer one over another. This understanding is also true concerning the traditional Christian stereotypes which have, at times, erupted into violent opposition. Historically speaking, the Glorious Revolution of England and the Iconoclasm Rebellion of the Byzantine Empire are perfect examples of ideas armed with swords. Everyone, including every theologian is, in the end, either a Judaizer or a Hellenizer, an Iconophil or an Iconoclast, an Artist or a Scientist, who is Private or Evangelical about being Christian or Judeo-Christian. To summarize, Neoliteralism is brutally honest about its intentions of being barbarically simple about Theology and Biblical Studies. Complexity and sophistication are both acceptable, but there must be balance instead of a one-sided journey into obscurity and obsolescence.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition..

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Judeo-Christian Introduction: Defining the Word 'Judeo-Christian'

Fear God and keep His Commandments for this is the whole duty of man.

- Ecclesiastes 12:13

Introduction: Defining the Word 'Judeo-Christian'

Before any serious discussion or analysis of the Judeo-Christian tradition can actually take place, one must first define the terms being utilized. The specific English word, 'Judeo-Christian' has only been in use since around the year 1899. Here are just a few definitions as can be found on-line today:


Judeo-Christian
(adj) \jü-dā-ō-kris-chən
Definition of JUDEO-CHRISTIAN: having historical roots in both Judaism and Christianity
Origin of JUDEO-CHRISTIAN (Latin- Judaeus Jew)
First Known Use: 1899

- Mirriam-Webster Dictionary


Judeo-Christian
(adj.) 1. having origins in both Judaism and Christianity, of or pertaining to Christianity, as in, the Judeo-Christian tradition.

- Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913


Judeo-Christian
(Adjective) 1. Being historically related to both Judaism and Christianity. As in "the Judeo-Christian tradition"

- WordWeb Online



Judeo-Christian (-adjective)
Definition: of or pertaining to the religious writings, beliefs, values, or traditions held in common by Judaism and Christianity.
Also, Judaeo-Christian.
Origin: 1895-1900

- Dictionary.com, Random House Dictionary

Judeo-Christian
1. (adjective) being historically related to both Judaism and Christianity; "the Judeo-Christian tradition"

- WordNet 3.0, by Princeton University

JUDEO-CHRISTIAN (adjective)
The adjective JUDEO-CHRISTIAN has 1 sense:
Meaning: being historically related to both Judaism and Christianity
Familiarity information: JUDEO-CHRISTIAN used as an adjective is very rare.
Classified under: Relational adjectives (pertainyms)
Context example: the Judeo-Christian tradition

- Audio-English.net Dictionary

May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

The Judeo-Christian Number Seven



The Seven Archangels

I. Michael
II. Gabriel
III. Raphael
IV. Uriel
V. Raguel
VI. Remiel.
VII. Saraqael

The Seven Virtues of God

I. Prudence
II. Justice
III. Restraint
IV. Courage
V. Faith
VI. Hope
VII. Love

The Seven Sacraments
I. Baptism
II. Communion
III. Confession
IV. Confirmation
V. Matrimony
VI. Ordination
VII. Anointing

The Seven Material Deeds of Mercy
I. Feed the Hungry
II. Quench the Thirsty.
III. Clothe the Naked.
IV. Shelter the Homeless
V. Visit the Imprisoned
VI. Comfort the Sick
VII. Bury the Dead

The Seven Spiritual Deeds of Mercy
I. Instruct Ignorance
II. Counsel Doubt
III. Rebuke Sinners
IV. Endure Others Patiently
V. Forgive Others Willingly
VI. Comfort Affliction
VII. Pray for the the Living and the Dead

The Seven Deadly Sins
I. Lust
II. Gluttony
III. Greed
IV. Sloth
V. Wrath
VI. Envy
VII. Pride

The Seven Heavenly (Contrary) Virtues
I. Chastity
II. Temperance
III. Charity
IV. Diligence
V. Patience
VI. Kindness
VII. Humility

[slideshow]

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
I. Wisdom
II. Understanding
III. Counsel
IV. Courage
V. Knowledge
VI. Reverence
VII. Fear of the LORD

The Seven Mysteries of the Holy Ghost

I. The Annunciation (St. Luke 1:35)
II. The Visitation (St. Luke 1:42)
III. The Baptism (St. Luke 3:22)
IV. The Wedding (John 2:1-11)
V.. The Crucifixion (John 19:30)
VI. The Resurrection (St. John 20:19, 22)
VII. The Pentecost (Acts 2:1)

The Seven Beliefs of the Apostles Creed
I. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
II. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
III. I believe in the Holy Ghost
IV. I believe in the Holy Catholic Church
V. I believe in the Communion of Saints
VI. I believe in the forgiveness of sins,
VII. I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

The Seven Elements of Mankind's Creation
I. Man's flesh from the earth
II. His blood from the dew
III. His eyes from the sun
IV. His bones from stone
V. His intelligence from the swiftness of the angels and from clouds
VI. His veins and his hair from the grass of the earth;
VII. His Soul from the wind. (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Elements Used to Create Man
1. Earth
2. Morning Dew
3. the Sun
4. Stone
5. Clouds
6. Grass,
7. Wind (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Parts and Sensations of Man
I. The flesh for hearing
II. The eyes for Seeing
III. The soul for smelling,
IV. The veins for touching
V. The blood for taste
VI. The bones for endurance
VII. The intelligence for enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

The Seven Natures of Man
I. Listening
II. Seeing
III. Smelling
IV. Touching
V. Tasting
VI. Enduring
VII. Enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

God's Seven Free gifts to the World:
I. The Torah (Exodus 31:18)
II. Light (Genesis 1:17)
III. Rain (Leviticus 26:4)
IV. Peace (Leviticus 26:6)
V. Salvation (Psalms 18:36)
VI. Mercy (Psalms 106:46)
VII. Navigation (Talmud, Genesis Rabba 6)

The Seven Woes of Joshua the Messiah (Matthew 23)
I. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. (Matthew 23:13-14)
II. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. (Matthew 23:15)
III. Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. (Matthew 23:16-22)
IV. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24)
V. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26)
VI. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:27-28)
VII. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! (Matthew 23:29-31)





May the LORD God bless you in the name of the Judeo-Christian tradition.