Powerful lyrics in this song, and mostly subtle but powerful imagery in the video. Especially the part towards the beginning where the guy is writing 1+1=2 on a piece of paper and someone snatches it away and puts a bible in it's place, and then places a flag over the bible.
-------------- And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Like the images and idea behind the video. Reading short stories is a favorite past time of mine. Authors get to the point quickly, and often in surprising ways. Videos are a new form of short story. In fact, this thread Breeze began has become a short story in itself, not exactly evolving the way Breeze intended. Love it.
As far as newly discovered ancient texts. I believe it was BBC radio that I heard the story. Can't remember exactly where they were found, somewhere in the Middle East. It was a large find of documents, mostly just text dealing with day-to-day business dealings--financial records, etc. One transcribed text dealt with a situation of "fixing" an upcoming sports contest, a sign of everyday corruption in that society. But among these texts are various religious text, most of which are not yet transcribed. Nothing ground breaking, I assume. But interesting to the degree in which AVERAGE citizens of the time reading material. THAT interests me. We already know much of what scholars and prophets of the time were promoting. But how was that resonating with diverse Middle Eastern communities? The PBS series "Early Christians" attempts to explore that question.
The now owners of these text are attempting to recruit people from around the world to help transcribe the large collection of text online. Apparently all you need is online access and knowledge of Greek alphabet. Sounds interesting indeed!
I've read most, if not all but one, of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi texts that have been published. Been awhile and now you have me wanting to read them again. The only one I know for sure I haven't read is the Gospel of Thomas, since it starts out like this:
QUOTE
These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke, and that Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. And He said: "Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death."
I'm worried that I'll find the meaning of those words!! I'm not one of the people who desires to live forever, so I'm not reading it...just in case!
Just some anecdotal info. I've read the Thomas Gospels. Most days I feel far from the concept of "living forever". Quite the opposite, in fact. No need to worry.
"These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke". If that doesn't give rise to curiosity nothing will.
One of the things I had come across in the newly discovered ancient texts category was something that sounded like the equivalent to an ancient christian horoscope. Kind of interesting.
Just some anecdotal info. I've read the Thomas Gospels. Most days I feel far from the concept of "living forever". Quite the opposite, in fact. No need to worry.
"These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke". If that doesn't give rise to curiosity nothing will.
Oh, believe me, it's been very intriguing and very very tempting. But I still haven't wanted to risk it!
-------------- And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
to Stardust; I beg to differ if anything I think the Bible actually backs science. Example:
The Big bang theory; About 8 billions years ago a mass of hydrogen atoms condensed till they exploded thus creating our universe. (I know this is somewhat simplified, but bear with me)
Genesis chap. 1; God walked upon the face of the water(hydrogen) and said "Let there be light" (When you compress hydrogen atoms to the point where they explode one of the outcomes is a brilliant flash of light). Okay so this is my own personnel belief, but I don't like anyone, especially fellow Christians, to put limits on God. I think the best debunking of this came in the play "Inhierant The Wind"* where the one attorney successfully argued about how long a day is for God! With our vast universe it would be illogical to argue that we are God's only chosen people and the center of said universe. I do believe in God, and that He sent his Son to us to forgive our sins, but I don't see that as a "Get out of Hell Card" either. It takes a lot more to being a Christian then saying so, or even going to church every Sunday. It means acting like Jesus did, accepting everyone despite their differences, showing kindness to others, etc.. Okay I'm starting to ramble so I'll wrap this up.
(* I know my spelling sucks. There never a dictionary around when you need one)
In many respects I agree with what you say. Just as many great scientists believed I also see science and religion as compatible in general terms. Also Hindu Vedic teachings and Buddhist teachings connect science and religion, almost eerily in many ways. I see it all the time. It's when die-hards on either side entrench themselves that problems arise. Books like "The Constant Fire: Beyond the Science vs Religion Debate" help bypass this contentious bitter debate.
Early Western religions and culture were much more connected to science than now. The absence of anything science related on this site is astonishing, openly attacked by some.
As you say, it is fake Christians that unfortunately too often drive the narrative. I am not anti-religion.