The Kabbalah is the mystical and esoteric tradition within Judaism. It consists of three grades of knowledge: the Torah, Talmud, and Kabbalah itself, which reveals the inner meaning of scripture. Kabbalah originated with the Essenes and Talmudic scholars, with its two main texts being the Zohar and Sefer Yetzirah. It is represented by the Tree of Life diagram and involves the 10 sefirot spheres and 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Kabbalah study seeks to understand the creative process through meditation on divine emanations and has influenced Jewish mysticism, philosophy, and Freemasonry over the centuries.
Judaism in the time of Jesus was complex with different groups holding varying beliefs and practices. The basic beliefs shared among groups included belief in one God, the covenant God made with Israel, and the Torah as the foundational law. The main groups were the Pharisees who emphasized strict observance of the purity code and oral tradition, the Sadducees who were more focused on the Temple practices, and the Essenes who lived separately and anticipated the Messiah. Overall, Judaism was still developing different interpretations on how to properly worship God and live as God's people.
All about the bible, how it was put together, why certain books were left out, how do we know that it\'s divine, what about the Da Vinci Code, dealing with "contradictions", etc.
The document discusses the growth of green energy sources and policies to support their adoption. Many governments around the world have implemented renewable portfolio standards and incentives to increase investment and development of wind, solar, and other low-carbon energy technologies to combat climate change. These policies have led to cost reductions from technological improvements and economies of scale, making green energy more economically viable.
Judaism
- Beliefs in God
- Kerygma (Creed, Proclamation of Faith)
- Diakonia (Concepts and practices)
- Lietorgia (Prayers, devotions, rituals)
- Koinonia (Festivals and celebrations)
- Community (Structure, leadership, and ministry)
For our THEO 1 class | AMDG
All rights reserved (c)
Ibn Rushd (1126-1198 AD) was an influential Muslim philosopher and scholar from Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). He received an excellent education focused on Islamic theology, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and medicine. He became famous for his commentaries reconciling Aristotle's works with Islam. While his ideas made him popular, they also earned him powerful critics. Ibn Rushd believed religion and philosophy could be compatible if properly understood. His writings helped spread Aristotle's ideas during the European Renaissance and brought more tolerance to Islamic thought. He died in 1198 in Marrakech at an unspecified cause likely due to old age.
Crowley and Jung. The Book of the Law and Seven Sermons.Paul Weston
From the section 'Gnostic Revival' in my book Aleister Crowley and the Aeon of Horus, a strongly pictorial exploration of a mysterious commonality in the work of two apparently very different figures, Aleister Crowley and CG Jung. Their strangely channeled texts, both vital parts of their development, seem to come from a similar source, manifested through their differing temperaments, that expresses the dawning of a powerful new epoch.
Solomon reflects on his quest to find meaning and satisfaction apart from God through wisdom, riches, and pleasures. However, he finds that without God's blessing, all is emptiness. The book of Ecclesiastes conveys that life is futile without faith in God, who alone can provide purpose and fulfillment. It cautions against seeking happiness in temporary or worldly things rather than in obedience to God.
Judaism in the time of Jesus was complex with different groups holding varying beliefs and practices. The basic beliefs shared among groups included belief in one God, the covenant God made with Israel, and the Torah as the foundational law. The main groups were the Pharisees who emphasized strict observance of the purity code and oral tradition, the Sadducees who were more focused on the Temple practices, and the Essenes who lived separately and anticipated the Messiah. Overall, Judaism was still developing different interpretations on how to properly worship God and live as God's people.
All about the bible, how it was put together, why certain books were left out, how do we know that it\'s divine, what about the Da Vinci Code, dealing with "contradictions", etc.
The document discusses the growth of green energy sources and policies to support their adoption. Many governments around the world have implemented renewable portfolio standards and incentives to increase investment and development of wind, solar, and other low-carbon energy technologies to combat climate change. These policies have led to cost reductions from technological improvements and economies of scale, making green energy more economically viable.
Judaism
- Beliefs in God
- Kerygma (Creed, Proclamation of Faith)
- Diakonia (Concepts and practices)
- Lietorgia (Prayers, devotions, rituals)
- Koinonia (Festivals and celebrations)
- Community (Structure, leadership, and ministry)
For our THEO 1 class | AMDG
All rights reserved (c)
Ibn Rushd (1126-1198 AD) was an influential Muslim philosopher and scholar from Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). He received an excellent education focused on Islamic theology, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and medicine. He became famous for his commentaries reconciling Aristotle's works with Islam. While his ideas made him popular, they also earned him powerful critics. Ibn Rushd believed religion and philosophy could be compatible if properly understood. His writings helped spread Aristotle's ideas during the European Renaissance and brought more tolerance to Islamic thought. He died in 1198 in Marrakech at an unspecified cause likely due to old age.
Crowley and Jung. The Book of the Law and Seven Sermons.Paul Weston
From the section 'Gnostic Revival' in my book Aleister Crowley and the Aeon of Horus, a strongly pictorial exploration of a mysterious commonality in the work of two apparently very different figures, Aleister Crowley and CG Jung. Their strangely channeled texts, both vital parts of their development, seem to come from a similar source, manifested through their differing temperaments, that expresses the dawning of a powerful new epoch.
Solomon reflects on his quest to find meaning and satisfaction apart from God through wisdom, riches, and pleasures. However, he finds that without God's blessing, all is emptiness. The book of Ecclesiastes conveys that life is futile without faith in God, who alone can provide purpose and fulfillment. It cautions against seeking happiness in temporary or worldly things rather than in obedience to God.
Most people acknowledge that x-mas is pagan, but where is the proof? This presentation not only brings forth the Biblical truth but also gives the historical proof of what this false festival really celebrates. Return to Yaweh, enjoy and Repent!
A General Introduction to the Baha'i Faith (by J. Lane)jessielynn9
This is not an official representation of the Baha'i Faith, but a representation of the understanding of one individual Baha'i.
2-25-13
I threw this powerpoint on here in an attempt to be able to share it with some colleagues. There were some formatting issues after it was uploaded so I didn't end up sharing this version. I never thought that other people would view it, and completely forgot about this site. This morning I got an e-mail saying I had 100 views, and was completely flabbergasted. Since people are finding this useful I'll try and upload the powerpoint again after having made some formatting changes so the text doesn't drop off, etc.
Thanks for reading!
9-12-13
If you find this powerpoint useful I would appreciate feedback about what I've included, whether it be other concepts that could be included or explanations that could be better worded or expressed. Thanks!
The document discusses the tabernacle that the Israelites constructed as instructed by God. It describes each component of the tabernacle and its symbolism. The tabernacle represented God dwelling among his people and provided a place where they could commune with him. Each item, such as the altar of sacrifice and ark of the covenant, pointed to aspects of God and his relationship with humanity, primarily through the coming of Jesus Christ. Maintaining the tabernacle required holiness, consecration, and following God's precise instructions.
The document discusses the composition of the Bible, including that it is a collection of 66 books written over 1500 years by over 40 authors. The Old Testament, consisting of 39 books written before Christ, foretold the coming of a savior. The New Testament, consisting of 27 books written after Christ, provides accounts of Christ's life, teachings, death, and resurrection, establishing him as the promised messiah. Together, the books tell a unified story despite being written over centuries by diverse human authors, pointing to God as the divine author.
This document contains a collection of quotes about glimpses of God in history and nature. It discusses how the Bible writers saw God as directing history and revealing himself through historical events. The document argues that biblical prophecies and the historical accuracy of the Bible show that God has worked in and through world events. It suggests that understanding the great controversy between good and evil provides the best lens for understanding history.
An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Effective Bible Study)roberthatfield
While reading the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible say?," interpreting the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible mean by what it says?"
Presented at the North Charleston church of Christ | http://northcharlestonchurchofchrist.com
The document provides an overview of Psalms, including who wrote them, how they are divided, their various types and purposes. It discusses that Psalms come from "psalmos" in Greek and "Thehelim" in Hebrew, meaning "songs of praise". It also covers the different authors of Psalms like David, Asaph, Sons of Korah, and others. Key Psalms types discussed are laments, messianic Psalms, and Psalms of degrees.
1) Calvinism teaches the doctrine of predestination, that God predestines some to be saved and others not.
2) The core doctrines of Calvinism include: total depravity of man, unconditional election by God, limited atonement of Christ's death, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
3) The doctrines are logically connected - if man is totally depraved and unable to be saved without God's intervention, then God must predestine some to salvation and Christ must have died only for the elect. Once saved, one is always saved.
The document discusses several signs that are indicators of the end times, according to Adventist eschatology. These include increasing natural disasters, wars and violence, religious fanaticism, social unrest, and geoengineering programs that are damaging the environment. It also references a people who are studying prophecy and seeking to purify themselves in preparation for Christ's return.
There are two Messiahs running around in the churches. One claims the Ten Commandments are done away with, the other one came back to restore the people of Israel back to Yahweh's Commandments. Which one do you serve?
The document provides information about the three major Abrahamic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. It discusses their origins and key beliefs and practices. Islam began in the 7th century CE in Mecca with the prophet Muhammad and is the youngest of the three religions. Christianity believes in Jesus as the messiah and son of God. Judaism is one of the oldest religions, founded by Abraham, and Jews believe their God is YHWH. All three religions are monotheistic and share concepts like belief in angels, the afterlife, and places of worship like mosques, churches, and synagogues.
The document provides information on various Jewish religious symbols, practices, holidays, and rituals. It describes the mezuzah, menorah, tallit, yarmulke, Star of David, synagogues, daily prayers of shachris, mincha and maariv. It also summarizes the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, and Tisha B'Av. Additional sections cover kosher dietary laws, the Sabbath, wedding ceremonies, naming rituals, Passover, Shavuot, and burial/mourning practices.
The document summarizes key aspects of Christian mysticism according to addresses given at the Sydney Unitarian Church. It describes mysticism as the direct experience of God, focusing on lasting union with God rather than transient experiences. Mysticism involves purification of the self to experience one's true self as God. It involves three stages - purification, contemplation in a "cloud of unknowing," and final union with God where separation dissolves. The mystical experience allows direct, unmediated communion with the divine oneness at the core of all beings.
The Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, refers to the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books were traditionally taught to Jewish children as the primary purpose of education was learning and obeying God's law. Parents played the central role in teaching their children about God through everyday discussions and modeling obedience to his commands. The home was viewed as the most important institution for early education.
Gods True Church - A bible study on Revelation Chapter 12Michael Dantzie
1. The woman represents God's church
2. She is clothed with the righteousness of Christ through obedience to God's commandments
3. The moon under her feet signifies the proclamation of the gospel of Christ through the church
4. Her crown represents the reward Christians will receive at Christ's second coming
5. The twelve stars symbolize the twelve apostles that Jesus chose to lead his church
The church at Sardis is described as being "dead" despite having a reputation of being alive. Jesus criticizes them for relying on their own works and strength rather than the power of God. He calls them to "wake up" and strengthen their faith by remembering what they have received, keeping it, and repenting. Though most are asleep, a few members remain faithful. Jesus promises that the faithful who overcome will be dressed in white garments and have their names preserved in the Book of Life.
Ancient Israelite Hisory: The Patriarchal PeriodJacob Gluck
The document provides background information on the patriarchal period in ancient Israelite history prior to the Exodus. It discusses the travels and lineages of key patriarchal figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It also analyzes the challenges with using the biblical chronology and reconciling the patriarchal narratives with archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East. Scholars debate whether the patriarchal stories preserve authentic historical details from the early 2nd millennium BCE or reflect later compositional periods.
1. Kabbalah is a form of Jewish mysticism that emerged in the 12th century and took its final form in 13th century Spain. It includes many paradoxical approaches and interpretations.
2. Key concepts in Kabbalah include the Ein Sof (God as infinite), Sefirot (divine emanations), Partzufim (divine personas), Sitra Ahra (realm of impurity), Tzimtzum (divine self-contraction), Shekhinah (divine presence), and Gematria (interpreting Hebrew letters numerically).
3. In Kabbalah, the Torah is viewed as having infinite mystical meaning, as it contains the various names of
This document provides an introduction to Judaism and discusses key religious texts in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. It notes debates around the preservation of texts like the Torah, Bible, and Quran over time. The document argues that the Quran is the only religious text that has been perfectly preserved in its original language based on early efforts to standardized the text and traditions of memorization. It acknowledges that the Torah was originally a divine revelation but suggests that over time followers of earlier scriptures altered God's word. The document cites research showing the Torah and Bible have been subject to forgery and changes contrary to Jewish beliefs about preservation.
Most people acknowledge that x-mas is pagan, but where is the proof? This presentation not only brings forth the Biblical truth but also gives the historical proof of what this false festival really celebrates. Return to Yaweh, enjoy and Repent!
A General Introduction to the Baha'i Faith (by J. Lane)jessielynn9
This is not an official representation of the Baha'i Faith, but a representation of the understanding of one individual Baha'i.
2-25-13
I threw this powerpoint on here in an attempt to be able to share it with some colleagues. There were some formatting issues after it was uploaded so I didn't end up sharing this version. I never thought that other people would view it, and completely forgot about this site. This morning I got an e-mail saying I had 100 views, and was completely flabbergasted. Since people are finding this useful I'll try and upload the powerpoint again after having made some formatting changes so the text doesn't drop off, etc.
Thanks for reading!
9-12-13
If you find this powerpoint useful I would appreciate feedback about what I've included, whether it be other concepts that could be included or explanations that could be better worded or expressed. Thanks!
The document discusses the tabernacle that the Israelites constructed as instructed by God. It describes each component of the tabernacle and its symbolism. The tabernacle represented God dwelling among his people and provided a place where they could commune with him. Each item, such as the altar of sacrifice and ark of the covenant, pointed to aspects of God and his relationship with humanity, primarily through the coming of Jesus Christ. Maintaining the tabernacle required holiness, consecration, and following God's precise instructions.
The document discusses the composition of the Bible, including that it is a collection of 66 books written over 1500 years by over 40 authors. The Old Testament, consisting of 39 books written before Christ, foretold the coming of a savior. The New Testament, consisting of 27 books written after Christ, provides accounts of Christ's life, teachings, death, and resurrection, establishing him as the promised messiah. Together, the books tell a unified story despite being written over centuries by diverse human authors, pointing to God as the divine author.
This document contains a collection of quotes about glimpses of God in history and nature. It discusses how the Bible writers saw God as directing history and revealing himself through historical events. The document argues that biblical prophecies and the historical accuracy of the Bible show that God has worked in and through world events. It suggests that understanding the great controversy between good and evil provides the best lens for understanding history.
An Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Effective Bible Study)roberthatfield
While reading the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible say?," interpreting the Bible answers the question, "What does the Bible mean by what it says?"
Presented at the North Charleston church of Christ | http://northcharlestonchurchofchrist.com
The document provides an overview of Psalms, including who wrote them, how they are divided, their various types and purposes. It discusses that Psalms come from "psalmos" in Greek and "Thehelim" in Hebrew, meaning "songs of praise". It also covers the different authors of Psalms like David, Asaph, Sons of Korah, and others. Key Psalms types discussed are laments, messianic Psalms, and Psalms of degrees.
1) Calvinism teaches the doctrine of predestination, that God predestines some to be saved and others not.
2) The core doctrines of Calvinism include: total depravity of man, unconditional election by God, limited atonement of Christ's death, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
3) The doctrines are logically connected - if man is totally depraved and unable to be saved without God's intervention, then God must predestine some to salvation and Christ must have died only for the elect. Once saved, one is always saved.
The document discusses several signs that are indicators of the end times, according to Adventist eschatology. These include increasing natural disasters, wars and violence, religious fanaticism, social unrest, and geoengineering programs that are damaging the environment. It also references a people who are studying prophecy and seeking to purify themselves in preparation for Christ's return.
There are two Messiahs running around in the churches. One claims the Ten Commandments are done away with, the other one came back to restore the people of Israel back to Yahweh's Commandments. Which one do you serve?
The document provides information about the three major Abrahamic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. It discusses their origins and key beliefs and practices. Islam began in the 7th century CE in Mecca with the prophet Muhammad and is the youngest of the three religions. Christianity believes in Jesus as the messiah and son of God. Judaism is one of the oldest religions, founded by Abraham, and Jews believe their God is YHWH. All three religions are monotheistic and share concepts like belief in angels, the afterlife, and places of worship like mosques, churches, and synagogues.
The document provides information on various Jewish religious symbols, practices, holidays, and rituals. It describes the mezuzah, menorah, tallit, yarmulke, Star of David, synagogues, daily prayers of shachris, mincha and maariv. It also summarizes the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, and Tisha B'Av. Additional sections cover kosher dietary laws, the Sabbath, wedding ceremonies, naming rituals, Passover, Shavuot, and burial/mourning practices.
The document summarizes key aspects of Christian mysticism according to addresses given at the Sydney Unitarian Church. It describes mysticism as the direct experience of God, focusing on lasting union with God rather than transient experiences. Mysticism involves purification of the self to experience one's true self as God. It involves three stages - purification, contemplation in a "cloud of unknowing," and final union with God where separation dissolves. The mystical experience allows direct, unmediated communion with the divine oneness at the core of all beings.
The Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, refers to the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books were traditionally taught to Jewish children as the primary purpose of education was learning and obeying God's law. Parents played the central role in teaching their children about God through everyday discussions and modeling obedience to his commands. The home was viewed as the most important institution for early education.
Gods True Church - A bible study on Revelation Chapter 12Michael Dantzie
1. The woman represents God's church
2. She is clothed with the righteousness of Christ through obedience to God's commandments
3. The moon under her feet signifies the proclamation of the gospel of Christ through the church
4. Her crown represents the reward Christians will receive at Christ's second coming
5. The twelve stars symbolize the twelve apostles that Jesus chose to lead his church
The church at Sardis is described as being "dead" despite having a reputation of being alive. Jesus criticizes them for relying on their own works and strength rather than the power of God. He calls them to "wake up" and strengthen their faith by remembering what they have received, keeping it, and repenting. Though most are asleep, a few members remain faithful. Jesus promises that the faithful who overcome will be dressed in white garments and have their names preserved in the Book of Life.
Ancient Israelite Hisory: The Patriarchal PeriodJacob Gluck
The document provides background information on the patriarchal period in ancient Israelite history prior to the Exodus. It discusses the travels and lineages of key patriarchal figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It also analyzes the challenges with using the biblical chronology and reconciling the patriarchal narratives with archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East. Scholars debate whether the patriarchal stories preserve authentic historical details from the early 2nd millennium BCE or reflect later compositional periods.
1. Kabbalah is a form of Jewish mysticism that emerged in the 12th century and took its final form in 13th century Spain. It includes many paradoxical approaches and interpretations.
2. Key concepts in Kabbalah include the Ein Sof (God as infinite), Sefirot (divine emanations), Partzufim (divine personas), Sitra Ahra (realm of impurity), Tzimtzum (divine self-contraction), Shekhinah (divine presence), and Gematria (interpreting Hebrew letters numerically).
3. In Kabbalah, the Torah is viewed as having infinite mystical meaning, as it contains the various names of
This document provides an introduction to Judaism and discusses key religious texts in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. It notes debates around the preservation of texts like the Torah, Bible, and Quran over time. The document argues that the Quran is the only religious text that has been perfectly preserved in its original language based on early efforts to standardized the text and traditions of memorization. It acknowledges that the Torah was originally a divine revelation but suggests that over time followers of earlier scriptures altered God's word. The document cites research showing the Torah and Bible have been subject to forgery and changes contrary to Jewish beliefs about preservation.
Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion that originated in West Asia during the Bronze Age. It traces its origins and laws to the Torah, the most important text for Jews which contains the Five Books of Moses. The three key figures in establishing Judaism were Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jews follow a set of religious laws and rituals outlined in the Torah and oral traditions, including observance of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays, dietary restrictions, and worship at synagogues. There are various denominations of Judaism that have developed over time in response to historical and cultural changes.
The Bible is a collection of sacred writings that are recognized as authoritative by Christians. It consists of the Old Testament and New Testament. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Greek, while the New Testament was written in Greek. Both divisions contain books that were written over many centuries by different human authors but were inspired by God. The Bible provides insight into God, humanity, salvation history, and guidance for how to live as Christians. It plays a foundational role for the Church as the inspired Word of God.
Kabbalah is a form of Jewish mysticism that focuses on understanding God's essence through mystical means rather than just legal codes. Elements of Kabbalah can be found in the Bible. The Talmud warned of the dangers of mystical study, as some rabbis who engaged in it went mad or died. The Zohar, the most famous Kabbalistic text, was published in the 13th century and is studied symbolically rather than just as legal commentary. Kabbalah believes God reveals the divine through emanations called sefirot that can be contemplated to bring holiness to the world. Interest in Kabbalah has waxed and waned over the centuries among Jews.
The document provides information about the Bible, including its structure and contents. It discusses that the Bible is comprised of the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament contains 39 books divided between the Pentateuch, historical books, writings, and prophets. The New Testament contains 27 books divided between the gospels, acts, letters of Paul, pastoral letters, and Revelation. It also explains the purpose of reading the Bible is to learn about God, people, salvation history, and ourselves.
The document discusses the origins and composition of ancient Hebrew literature, the Bible, and the Talmud. It notes that ancient Hebrew literature focused on religion. The Bible is divided into the Jewish Tanakh and the Christian collection and canon. The Tanakh contains the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim. The Talmud is a collection of rabbinical rules and commentaries on Jewish law. It also summarizes the biblical books of Psalms and Ruth.
Understanding The Bible Part One The Canons Of The BibleEdward Hahnenberg
The first in a six-part series examining how to understand the Bible using the historical-critical method. The subject of Part One is the Canons of the Old and New Testament, how they were decided, and the difference between the Catholic and Protestant canons.
Rabbinic Judaism has been the mainstream form of Judaism since the 6th century CE, after the codification of the Talmud. It is characterized by interpreting the Written Torah with reference to the Oral Torah and specifying halakha (Jewish law). Judaism includes various religious observances like prayers, holidays, and dietary laws. Kabbalah is a form of Jewish mysticism that aims to explain the relationship between God and the universe through esoteric teachings. Hasidic Judaism, founded in the 18th century, promotes spirituality through popularizing Jewish mysticism and cherishing the sincerity of common people alongside scholarly study.
This document is a research paper submitted by Zuhong Wu to Professor Raymond Aldred for a graduate course on Christianity and Culture at the Canadian Theological Seminary. The paper aims to develop a systematic theology of Chinese culture by analyzing Chinese mythology and relating theological themes found therein to Confucianism and Taoism. The summary analyzes the paper's methodology and key insights drawn from its examination of Chinese creation myths involving Pangu and Nuwa, as well as the fall and restoration of the universe. Confucian concepts of the gentleman and the virtue of ren are also briefly discussed.
This document provides an overview of Judaism, including:
1) Judaism originated in West Asia around 2000 BC and followers are known as Jews. The Hebrew Bible is the sacred text and includes the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim.
2) Key beliefs include monotheism - worship of one God, and that human beings have free will and responsibility for their actions.
3) Important practices and observances include holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover, worship at synagogues, kosher dietary laws, and the Star of David as a symbol.
The document provides an overview of the Bible, including its definition, history, structure, and importance. Some key points:
- The Bible is a collection of 73 books recognized by the Catholic Church as inspired by God. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments.
- The books of the Bible were formed from oral traditions that were eventually written down. Various authors wrote different books at different times under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
- The Old Testament contains 46 books divided into the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom/Poetry books, and Prophetic Books. The New Testament contains 27 books divided into the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.
-
This document provides an overview of Judaism as taught in a religious studies module for senior high school students. It begins with learning objectives focused on core teachings of Judaism, including reciting the Ten Commandments and justifying Judaism's core teaching of monotheism. The document then provides background on the origins and history of Judaism, key beliefs and sacred texts, important figures like Abraham and Moses, holy days and festivals, and synagogues. It aims to give students a foundational understanding of Judaism's brief history, fundamental beliefs, and practices.
Hum1020 seeking the divine the three major world religionsProfWillAdams
This document provides an overview of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It discusses the origins and history of Judaism, including key figures like Abraham and Moses. The major sects of Judaism are described as Orthodox, Hasidic, Conservative, and Reform. Core beliefs and practices are outlined, such as the 13 Articles of Faith, rituals, sacred texts, worship, and symbols. Christianity is briefly discussed in terms of its origins from Judaism and the teachings of Jesus. The three largest branches - Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy - are identified.
Religion has developed naturally over time from early forms like animism and shamanism to more complex modern religions. Early humans may have practiced animal worship and had religious beliefs as early as 300,000 years ago based on burial sites. Religion progressed through stages including animism, polytheism, henotheism, and monotheism. The five major world religions today are Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, with Judaism being one of the earliest monotheistic faiths based on teachings from the Torah and belief in one God.
This document provides an overview of the development of religion from early human history through modern times in 3 sections. Section 1 discusses evidence of early religious ideas from 300,000 years ago and the development of organized religion with the advent of writing around 3200 BCE. Section 2 outlines the 7 major steps in the evolution of religion from Paleolithic times to modern rational religion. Section 3 identifies the 5 major world religions as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism and provides brief descriptions of the origins and key beliefs and texts of each religion.
This short paper show how the Hebrew Alphabet was created via the Archetypal, Existential and Cosmic: Trinitarian Paradigm.
his paper will discuss how the ancients developed the Hebraic Coder and what gave them the authority to put numerics to the individual letters. In fact the entire Hebraic Coder is a commentary on the numerics of the MATRIX OF WISDOM. In my previous writings I have shown that the original source material for the Judaeo Christian Scriptures is the MATRIX OF WISDOM and I have for some time now conjectured that the matrix was the original source material for the development of the Ancient Hebrew Alphabet; however, previously I had no way of demonstrating that hypothesis.
The document provides an overview of the Bible, including its definition, history, structure, and contents. It explains that the Bible is a collection of 73 books recognized by the Catholic Church that were written by various human authors but inspired by God. The Bible is divided into the Old Testament containing 46 books and the New Testament containing 27 books. The Old Testament is further divided into the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom and Poetry books, and Prophetic books. The New Testament contains the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and Book of Revelation.
The document provides an overview of the history of biblical hermeneutics, or interpretation methods. It discusses how interpretation has evolved from early Jewish and Christian practices focusing on allegory and tradition, to the Reformation period beginning "our" modern historical-grammatical approach. It also notes the rise of new hermeneutical methods in the 1700s and issues around interpretation dividing churches today.
This document provides an overview of Judaism and compares some of its key teachings and texts to the Divine Principle. It discusses the main books of the Jewish Bible (Tanakh), including the Torah, Nevi'im, and K'tuvim. It then examines the Torah in more detail, including its origins, contents, and significance in Judaism and Christianity. The document also explores Jewish mystical traditions like the Talmud, Midrash, and Kabbalah. It compares concepts in Judaism like the Messiah to explanations in the Divine Principle. Finally, it notes some similarities and differences between Judaism and the theology of Sun Myung Moon in areas like revelations, salvation, and
THE PSYCHOLOGIST AND THE MAGICIAN: SOME GOOD ADVICE ON HOW TO SEE LIFE AS IT ...Dr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document summarizes and discusses the short story "The Psychologist and the Magician" by Ernest Christopher Rodwick. It tells the story of a psychologist named Professor Herman von Scholtz who agrees to undergo an "ordeal" with a magician named Marbado in a Himalayan cave. The psychologist must walk through the cave regardless of what he sees, hears, feels or thinks. The story is an allegory about how the mind can be "hypnotized" by illusions and beliefs that have no real power or existence. It illustrates how we identify with mental projections and concepts of self that cause suffering but don't truly exist. By refusing to accept the illusions, the psychologist is able to walk through
THE PHOENIX ISLANDS REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI: AN ANNOTATED AND ILLUSTRATED CHRONO...Dr Ian Ellis-Jones
An historical and descriptive chronological history of the Phoenix Islands, Republic of Kiribati, with annotations and photographs (5th edn). The first to fourth editions were published sub titulo The Phoenix Islands: An Annotated Chronology.
The document provides a Humanist interpretation of The Lord's Prayer in 3 sentences or less for each line:
Our Father in heaven refers to the one spirit of life in all, making us all brothers and sisters. Your kingdom come suggests working together to create a fairer world where only the common good is pursued. Give us this day our daily bread means seeking only our daily needs and avoiding temptation, cultivating virtue, forgiving others as we wish to be forgiven, and being delivered from evil.
A RATIONAL FAITH: HUMANISM, ENLIGHTENMENT IDEALS, AND UNITARIANISM Dr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document discusses the influence of Humanism and Enlightenment ideals on Unitarianism. It describes how Unitarianism evolved from a Christian denomination rejecting some key doctrines, to a "post-Christian metareligion" or non-religion infused with Humanist principles like reason and tolerance. Unitarianism is presented as a spiritual philosophy and way of life that brings together people of all backgrounds without dogma. The roots and spread of Unitarianism in Australia, Britain, and the United States are briefly outlined.
Letter dated 4 January 1994 from Ian David Ellis-Jones of Turramurra NSW Australia to the Editor of TIME (Australia) Magazine, with Letter of Reply dated 2 February 1994 from Patrick Smith, Editorial Offices, Time Inc, New York, New York, USA. Letter from Ian David Ellis-Jones Copyright 1994 Ian Ellis-Jones. All Rights Reserved.
The document is a humorous fictional dialogue between Bud Abbott and Lou Costello discussing Abbott's mindfulness class. Abbott claims the class taught him to have "no-mind" which he says is a state of wisdom and enlightenment. However, Costello is confused by the concept of having no mind but not being stupid. Their discussion becomes increasingly nonsensical as they try to explain how a mind can be both empty and full, gone but present, engaged but not engaged to anyone.
This document discusses some early Greek philosophers and their ideas that are relevant to mindfulness practice. It examines Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, noting ideas like rejecting supernatural explanations and focusing on observable phenomena. Key lessons for mindfulness are observing the present moment without judgment, seeing contradictions as part of a unified process, and maintaining attention on the breath to allow experiences to naturally arise and pass without fixation. The document suggests these ancient Greek philosophers provide philosophical underpinnings for modern secular mindfulness practice.
This document provides Bible verses and explanations to support the use of spiritual mind treatment and healing. It discusses:
- The power of thought and the mind's ability to create one's reality. Thoughts become things and positive thinking can lead to positive outcomes.
- Many Bible verses are presented that discuss seeking God/the kingdom within, the power of words and decrees, and healing coming from sending forth one's word.
- Spiritual mind treatment works by lifting one's consciousness through affirmative prayer and emotion-charged thinking to manifest desired outcomes. One's mind has the creative power of God and can shape one's experiences.
The document discusses the omnipresence of life and how we are all part of that one life force. It encourages the reader to enter into silence and stillness to experience life as a sacred presence that is closer than our own breathing. It asserts that there is only one eternal life flowing through all of creation, including ourselves, and that we can never be separate from this life force.
PHINEAS P. QUIMBY: THE MODERN WORLD’S FIRST TRUE PSYCHOANALYSTDr Ian Ellis-Jones
Phineas P. Quimby was a 19th century American clockmaker and healer who is considered a pioneer in the fields of alternative healing, mental therapeutics, and psychosomatic medicine. He developed a method of insight-oriented psychotherapy combined with autosuggestion that treated illnesses by addressing the mind-body connection. Quimby's system paved the way for modern psychoanalysis and the understanding that functional illnesses can be caused or influenced by the mind. After recovering from tuberculosis through alternative methods like carriage rides, Quimby began practicing mesmerism and traveling around New England, treating patients and inspiring the development of the New Thought movement.
An Address Delivered at the Spirit of Life Unitarian Fellowship, Kirribilli, New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, 2 June 2013. Copyright 2013 Ian Ellis-Jones. All Rights Reserved.
This document provides an analysis of the fairy tales Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp and Jack and the Beanstalk. It suggests that fairy tales contain inner symbolic meanings and lessons. For Aladdin, characters represent aspects of human consciousness, and acquiring the lamp represents achieving spiritual enlightenment. For Jack, climbing the beanstalk represents spiritual ascension, while stealing from the giant represents acquiring virtues. Both tales depict the soul's evolution toward perfection through overcoming challenges.
The document provides an overview of the New Thought movement in Australia. It discusses key figures who helped introduce and spread New Thought ideas in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Dr James Porter Mills, Anna W Mills, Veni Cooper-Mathieson, Grace Aguilar, and Henry E Aguilar. These individuals established various New Thought organizations, published literature, and helped popularize concepts of mental and spiritual healing. The movement offered new religious and philosophical perspectives that were particularly embraced by women.
The document provides an overview of film noir, including its origins, key characteristics, and classification. It discusses how film noir emerged as a distinct style in American films of the 1940s, influenced by events like the Great Depression, WWII, and hardboiled crime fiction. It also notes the ongoing debate around whether film noir qualifies as a distinct genre or is more of a mood or tone. The document aims to introduce noir aficionados to the topic through various definitions, quotes, and classifications of film noir.
WHAT YOU THINK YOU BECOME: NEW THOUGHT, SELF-HELP AND POPULAR PSYCHOLOGYDr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document provides an overview of New Thought, a religious philosophy that originated in the United States in the 19th century. It discusses how New Thought was influenced by ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and his theory of forms, as well as early Christian thinkers like Origen who emphasized the oneness of God and life. The document also examines how New Thought emerged as an alternative to Protestantism in the late 19th century, gaining popularity through its positive message about using mind power to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. New Thought is defined as affirming the unity of God and humanity and the perfection and immortality of the soul.
An Address to the Sydney Realist Group (‘Sydney Realists’), Sydney, NSW, Australia, on 7 May 2013. Copyright 2013 Ian Ellis-Jones. All Rights Reserved. Published (in three parts) in the journal The Northern Line, No. 15 March 2014 (pp 13-16), No. 16 May 2014 (pp 10-15), and No. 17 July 2014 (pp 9-13). Note: see also the author’s related paper entitled ‘Andersonian Realism and Buddhist Empiricism’, published in the journal The Northern Line, No. 13 October 2012 (pp 2–13), as well as in the journal The Sydney Realist, No. 25 March 2013 (pp. 6–15), and the author’s paper entitled 'John Anderson: Philosopher and Controversialist Extraordinaire'. (The papers are available on SlideShare.)
PHASE-IV
The very deep experience of silence helps to expand from the 3 - dimensional awareness of the body to all pervasive awareness. The bed of silence becomes deeper and more expansive - an ocean of silence with waves on it merge into complete silence called Ajapa state of the mind. This silence is the source of Creativity, Power, Knowledge and Bliss.
PHASE V
From this deep ocean of silence in the heart region, let one OM emerge as an audible sound which diffuses into the entire body and the space all around. Enjoy the beautiful vibrations.
Blink the eyes slowly, gently open the eyes and come out of meditation.
Introduction
Mantra Yoga is an exact science. "Mananat trayate iti mantrah- by the Manana (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is protected or is released from the round of births and deaths, is Mantra." That is called Mantra by the meditation (Manana) on which the Jiva or the individual soul attains freedom from sin, enjoyment in heaven and final liberation, and by the aid of which it attains in full the fourfold fruit (Chaturvarga), i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. A Mantra is so called because it is achieved by the mental process.
Lesson 13 – The Celestial City - CPAD.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 13 – The Celestial City
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
"Lift off" by Pastor Mark Behr at North Athens Baptist ChurchJurgenFinch
23 June 2024
Morning Service at North Athens Baptist Church Athens, Michigan
“Lift Off” by Pastor Mark Behr
Scriptures: Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11.
We are a small country Church in Athens Michigan who loves to reach out to others with the love of God. We worship an Awesome God who loves the whole world and wants everyone to see and understand what He has done for us. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) We hope you are encouraging by our Sunday Morning sermon videos. If you are ever in the area, please feel free to attend our Sunday Morning Services at North Athens Baptist Church 2020 M Drive South, Athens, Michigan. If you have any question and would like to talk to Pastor Mark, or have prayer request please call the church at (269) 729-553
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Morning Service: 10:45 a.m.
Full Morning Service on Facebook Live at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nabc2020athensmichigan
Sermon Only Live on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@NABC2020AthensMI
Sermon Only Audio of Morning Sermon at: https://soundcloud.com/user-591083416
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Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
chakra yoga
Number of petals: 4 Location: Base of the spine Name: Foundation
Plane: Physical plane Sense Organ: Nose Work Organ: Anus Sense: Smell Element: Earth Shape: Square Sound: Lang
Muladhara is the root centre of physical experience, located at the base of the spine, the sacral plexus. The square represents the earth itself, the four dimensions and the four directions. Four allows for completion, and earth embodies the elements and conditions for human completion on all levels.
Muladhara Chakra is the meeting place of the three main nadis: Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. The downward-pointing triangle indicates the downward movement of energy and the three main nadis.
The seed mantra is Lam, the yellow square represents the earth element. The Muladhara chakra governs the vital breath Apana. An inverted triangle in the centre of the square encloses the unmanifest Kundalini, represented as a snake wrapped in three and a half coils around the svayambhu (self born) linga. Because her mouth faces downward, the flow of energy is downward.
The opening at the entrance of the sushumna is called brahma-dvara, the door of Brahma, which is closed by the coils of the sleeping Kundalini. As soon as one begins working with Muladhara chakra, this dormant energy awakens, raises its head and flows freely into the channel of Sushumna, the central nerve canal that runs along the spine. These two aspects of the kundalini: sleeping and waking, are identified as her “poison” and her “nectar.” The kundalini is poison when she remains asleep in the lower abdomen; she is nectar when she rises up through Sushumna, the medial channel, to reunite with Siva, the Absolute, in the yogin’s cranial vault.
In the pericarp is found the presiding deity Brahma, the lord of creation. His skin is the color of wheat, he wears a yellow dhoti and a green scarf. Brahma is four-faced, four-armed, holding in his upper left hand a lotus flower, the symbol of purity.
God calls us to a journey of worshiping Him. In this journey you will encounter different obstacles and derailments that will want to sway you from worshiping God. You got to be intentional in breaking the barriers staged on your way of worship in order to offer God acceptable worship.
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Unleash your spiritual growth journey as a truth-seeker!
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Tracking "The Blessing" - Christianity · Spiritual Growth · Success
Do you ever feel like your Bible highlighting isn't quite enough to ignite lasting spiritual growth? Have you struggled to retain key takeaways from your Bible study sessions?
Discover how living in 4D can transform your highlighting into a strategic tool for spiritual development.
Learn More:
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In this video, you'll gain insights on:
How highlighting key verses and themes can enhance memory and retention of Scripture (we see a few key ones, here!)
Studies have shown that highlighting can significantly improve information recall. Highlighting key points visually reinforces them in your mind, leading to better long-term memory.
How to personalize your Bible study through strategic highlighting. Don't just highlight everything!
This video will teach you how to strategically highlight based on what resonates with you, focusing on central themes, recurring ideas, or connections between different passages.
Watch More:
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How connecting highlighted passages can reveal deeper biblical truths. By highlighting these connections, you can see the bigger picture and uncover the underlying messages within Scripture.
By the end of this video, you'll be equipped to unlock the hidden potential within your highlighted Bible and embark on a transformative spiritual growth journey! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring content on deepening your faith.
Note: For Christians seeking to enrich their Bible study and deepen their faith, as well as any other spiritual seeker of truth and growth.
Learn More:
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Lição 12: João 15 a 17 – O Espírito Santo e a Oração Sacerdotal | 2° Trimestr...OmarBarrezueta1
Esta lição é uma oportunidade para discutirmos um assunto multo mal interpretado no contexto cristão, que é o fato de algumas pessoas pensarem que o conhecer Jesus é ter a nossa vida mudada em todas as áreas, como se Deus tivesse o dever de transportar-nos deste mundo para um outro mundo onde muitas coisas maravilhosas que desejamos seriam reais. No entanto, a nossa fé não nos tira do mundo após nos convertermos; ao invés disso, permanecemos vivendo sob as mesmas circunstâncias. O propósito de Deus não é nos tirar do mundo, mas nos livrar das ações do maligno (Jo 17.15), Sendo assim, a vida eterna não significa estar fora da realidade deste mundo, mas conhecer o único Deus verdadeiro (Jo 17.3).
1. THE KABBALAH
by Ian Ellis-Jones
REVISED PRECIS OF AN ADDRESS
DELIVERED BEFORE THE SYDNEY UNITARIAN CHURCH
SUNDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2005
Every religion has its esoteric side. Islam has its more esoteric side in the
mystical teachings of Sufism, Hinduism in Yoga, Christianity in, among other
things, the teachings of the Christian mystics, the Liberal Catholic Church,
Rosicrucianism and certain orders of Freemasonry such as the Rose Croix.
Judaism has its more esoteric side in the mystical system of Kabbalah.
Now, there are, in the Jewish tradition, three “grades” of knowledge (as
opposed to actual sources of law or teaching material):
Firstly, there is the Torah (or Pentateuch), supposedly inspired by God
and written down by Moses. The Torah normally refers to the
contents and documents of the first 5 books of the Hebrew
Scriptures, but more loosely also refers to the books of the
Prophets and the Holy Writings (that is, the whole of what
Christians refer to as the “Old Testament”). This knowledge is
intended to be mastered by all members of the Jewish faith.
Secondly, there is the Talmud, which comprises the accumulated
commentaries on the Mishnah (the primary oral law) as well as the
comments on and discussion surrounding the Mishnah (known as
the Gemara). The Talmud is intended to be studied by priests and
rabbis.
Thirdly, there is what is referred to as the Kabbalah, which traditionally
was imparted to so-called “initiates” only.1 The Kabbalah is the
body of mystical knowledge of the Jewish people. Rabbi Shimon
Leiberman writes, “Kabbalah is to Torah what philosophy is to
1
The Kabbalah was traditionally not taught to people until the age of 40, when they had
completed their study of both the Torah and the Talmud.
2. 2
science.”2 The Kabbalah goes beyond the exoteric part of the
Torah and reveals its inner meaning and purpose as well as its
effects.
The Kabbalah (also “Kabalah”, “Cabala”, “Quabalah”, and “Qabalah”), called
in Hebrew QBLH [Hebrew for “tradition”, or “receiving”], is derived from the
root QBL, Qibel, meaning “to receive” or “to reveal”, and refers to the custom
of handing down supposedly esoteric knowledge and tradition by oral
transmission. There is a saying in the Kabbalah - it’s adapted from the Zohar
(the chief work of the Kabbalah movement) - “God conceals Himself from our
minds, but reveals Himself to our hearts”.
As to the origin of the Kabbalah, Rabbi H Geffen writes:
The Kabbalah originated with the Essenes, and also with the initiated
Talmudists, who arranged Kabbalistic schools that followed Akiba and Simon
Ben Jochai, who consolidated it into a scientific system in the Books, Jetzirah
and Zohar.
The two chief classics of the Kabbalah, Jetzirah and Zohar, attributed
respectively to Akiba and Simon Ben Jochai, reveal the basis of the occult
religion of the Hebrews. The most ancient and most comprehensive is the
Sefer Jetzirah, probably written by Rabbi Akiba. The Zohar teaches us that
true Torah, or Law of Moses, is not in the literal but in the allegorical
interpretation of the Pentateuch.3
Prior to the 13th century, the term Kabbalah referred only to the writings of the
Prophets and the oral law. However, since then, the term Kabbalah has come
to be an overall designation for Jewish mysticism.
The Kabbalah movement flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries, being
centred in the mountain city of Safed in Israel. Later, the movement had an
influence on the Hasidic movement, an 18th century east European religious-
mystical-revival movement in Judaism. (There is a wonderful Hasidic saying,
“God requires no synagogue - except in the heart.”) In the last 20 or so years
2
Shimon Leiberman, “What is Kabbalah?” [Online]
http://www.templesanjose.org/JudaismInfo/tradition/kabbalahindex.htm [accessed
12/09/2005].
3
H Geffen, “The Occultism of the Bible and the Kabbalah”, The New Age, February 1950
[Online] http://www.freemasonrywatch.org/masonry_kabbalah.html [accessed 11/09/2005].
3. 3
the Kabbalah movement has enjoyed a phenomenal revival. In all, the
movement has gone through many stages of revelation, even preceding the
time of the giving of the Torah.
Kabbalah consists of four sections: meditative, devotional, mystical, and
“magical” (the last two being of special interest to present-day New Agers).
The very first work of Kabbalah Sefer Yetzirah, the “Book of Formation”, is
attributed to Abraham, and sets forth the principal symbol of the Kabbalah
which is Etz Hayim (the “Tree of Life”). The Tree of Life consists of three
pillars or columns. The one on the right is often referred to as the "Column of
Mercy" - the active column, representing our positive inclinations and
impulses (the yetzer hatov). That on the left is called the "Column of
Severity" - the passive column, representing our negative inclinations (the
yetzer harah). The central column is called the "Column of Consciousness" -
the “neutral” column, or the column of equilibrium, the purpose of which is to
keep the other two in balance.
According to the Kabbalistic Rabbi Joseph P Gelberman:
The spheres lining this middle section of the tree gain their significance from
the other globes to which they are connected via twenty-two lines called
“paths.”4
The three pillars or columns all terminate in and depend for their efficacy on the
Divinity at the top of the central column.
Gelberman also writes:
The Tree of Life blooms because it is in harmony. It teaches us a lesson
about the great value of staying in balance. Harmony comes when resistance
is faced with love instead of confronted with opposition.5
The Book of Formation explains the 32 paths of wisdom that are all operative
and functional in the process of creation. The 32 paths are comprised of 10
sefirot (“spheres” or emanations), Divine lights (from the Tree of Life), which
4
Joseph P Gelberman, with Lesley Sussman, Physician of the Soul: A Modern Kabbalist’s
Approach to Health and Healing (Freedom CA: The Crossing Press, 2000), p 114.
5
Joseph P Gelberman, with Lesley Sussman, Physician of the Soul: A Modern Kabbalist’s
Approach to Health and Healing (Freedom CA: The Crossing Press, 2000), p 115.
4. 4
act as creative and conscious channels of creation, and the 22 letters of the
Hebrew alphabet. Of the 10 spheres, the spheres of Wisdom, Compassion
and Victory correspond to the right side of the body, the spheres of
Knowledge, Judgment and Glory in splendour correspond to the left side of
the body, with the other spheres being the Kingdom, Foundation, Beauty and
the Crown (the entrance way to the Tree of Life, the holy light that shines
through all the other spheres). Rabbi Gelberman writes:
The Tree of Life
1 Kether (Crown) or Kether Elyon (Supreme Crown) 2 Hokhmah (Wisdom) 3 Binah (Understanding or
Intelligence) 4 Hesed (Mercy or Grace) or Gedullah (Greatness) 5 Gevurah (Severity or Power), Din (Judgement)
or Pahad (Fear) 6 Tifereth (Beauty) or Rahamim (Mercy) 7 Netsah (Victory or Constancy) 8 Hod (Glory or
Majesty) 9 Yesod (Foundation) or Tsedek (Justice) 10 Malkuth (Kingdom) or Shekhinah (Divine Immanence)
5. 5
The Crown represents the highest divinity – all that God is as a metaphysical
concept. And since, according to the Kabbalistic tradition, you and God are
always in a partnership, then the Crown also represents you.6
These are the basic building blocks, called the vessels, and include all the
combinations and permutations with which God creates the world with words,
for Kabbalah teaches that words, permutations and combinations of letters
are the vessels through which the creative process takes place. The very
beginning of comprehension of the creative process is described in Sefer
Yetzirah.
According to Gelberman:
The study of Kabbalah is a lifelong commitment. It is a complex metaphysical
system that includes the use of numbers – gematria – and the letters of the
Hebrew alphabet, which are considered sacred by the Kabblistic mystics.7
It has been written, with some justification, that modern Freemasonry is a
codification of the Hermetic/Kabbalistic tradition which formed the intellectual
essence of Renaissance thought.8 One thing is clear, Kabbalists have been
an accepted part of Jewish culture since the 12th century. Though their
mystical beliefs, which focused on the individual's direct communion with God
through solitary study, sometimes set them apart from their mainstream
coreligionists, many Kabbalists were teachers and judges highly respected by
all Jews. The emphasis on secret knowledge and mysticism have also long
endeared the study of Kabbalah to occultists of other persuasions, kicking off
a Kabbalist fad among gentiles in Renaissance Europe - and giving us words
like "cabal".
6
Joseph P Gelberman, with Lesley Sussman, Physician of the Soul: A Modern Kabbalist’s
Approach to Health and Healing (Freedom CA: The Crossing Press, 2000), p 118.
7
Joseph P Gelberman, with Lesley Sussman, Physician of the Soul: A Modern Kabbalist’s
Approach to Health and Healing (Freedom CA: The Crossing Press, 2000), p 20. The
numbers 7 and 3 are important Kabbalistic numbers. The number 7 is the Divine Number,
referring to fullness, individual completeness and the perfection of the human soul. The
number 3 (cf the triangle) refers to self-expression, the outgrowth of the numbers 1 (the male
number) and 2 (the female number).
8
See, eg, H Geffen, “The Occultism of the Bible and the Kabbalah”, The New Age, February
1950 [Online] http://www.freemasonrywatch.org/masonry_kabbalah.html [accessed
11/09/2005]; W Kirk MacNulty, “Kabbalah and Freemasonry”, Heredom, vol 7, 1998. Geffen
writes: “Our Masonic spiritual allegories are based on the Kabbalah, which is known to us
moderns as the Kabbalistic Doctrine.”
6. 6
In the United States of America, Kabbalism made a big comeback in the
1960s, when it was championed by one Philip Berg, an American former rabbi
who began studying Kabbalah whilst on a visit to Israel in 1962. Under Berg's
leadership, Kabbalah in the United States of America has greatly expanded.
There are now innumerable Kabbalah centres around the country, with many
prominent followers including Jews such as Elizabeth Taylor and Monica
Lewinsky as well as gentiles such as the singers Madonna, Britney Spears
and Mick Jagger. However, many of the faddish versions of Kabbalah are
almost a total perversion of true Kabbalah. Whereas traditional Kabbalah
emphasizes mysticism as an integral part of devoted Judaism, the modern
Kabbalah movement tends to focus almost exclusively on self-absorption,
personal improvement and spiritual happiness, targeted to "people of all faiths
and no faiths" - a smorgasbord of self-help pop psychology, numerology,
astrology and other forms of superstition. Rabbi Leiberman writes:
Kabbalah reduced to spiritual or philosophical symbolism, stripped from the
observance of the mitzvot [the commandments of the Torah], is worthless
mumbo-jumbo, an empty shell.9
True Kabbalah is concerned with coming close to God, the divine creator of
the universe. In order to come close to God, one has to intellectually
comprehend the stages of the continual recreation of reality. At every
moment, God creates all of reality anew, and we are said to co-creators with
God. Rabbi Gelberman writes:
Basically the Kabbalah teaches us that our mission on earth is to be in
partnership with God. The Almighty did His/Her part, and now you do your
part.10
We are Shutaf Elohim. We are in partnership with God. Indeed, the purpose
of Kabbalah is to become one as a partner with God in the creative process of
life itself, which is to make the world a dwelling place for God's Infinite Light
and God’s Absolute Essence. But who or what, according to Kabbalistic
9
Shimon Leiberman, “What is Kabbalah?” [Online]
http://www.templesanjose.org/JudaismInfo/tradition/kabbalahindex.htm [accessed
12/09/2005].
10
Joseph P Gelberman, with Lesley Sussman, Physician of the Soul: A Modern Kabbalist’s
Approach to Health and Healing (Freedom CA: The Crossing Press, 2000), p 36.
7. 7
teaching, is this “God”? Writing from a kabbalistic point of view, Rabbi David
A Cooper, like many other “modern” religious leaders and teachers, has
challenged contemporary views as to the nature of God:
What is God? In a way, there is no God. Our perception of God usually leads
to a misunderstanding that seriously undermines our spiritual development.
God is not what we think It is. God is not a thing, a being, a noun. It does not
exist, as existence is defined, for It takes up no space and is not bound by time.
Jewish mystics often refer to It as Ein Sof, which means Endlessness.
Ein Sof should never be conceptualized in any way. It should not be called
Creator, Almighty, Father, Mother, Infinite, the One, Brahma, Buddhamind,
Allah, Adony, Elohim, El, or Shaddai; and It should never, never be called He.
It is none of these names, and It has no gender.11
Cooper goes on to say:
The closest thing we can come to thinking about God is as a process rather
than a being. We can think of it as “be-ing,” as verb rather than noun. Perhaps
we would understand this concept better if we renamed God. We might call It
God-ing, a process, rather than God, which suggests a noun.12
Ein Sof means “without end”. It is written:
Ein-Sof [sic], the Infinite God, has no static, definable form … Ein-Sof must be
constantly redefined, as by its very nature, it is in a constant process of self-
creation and redefinition … God is the origin of the world, the reality of the
world, or the totality of all things …13
The pursuit of “wisdom” is paramount in the Kabbalah. In the words of
Gelberman:
The Kabbalists considered Wisdom to be a more positive attribute than
Knowledge because of the Biblical story of King Solomon who, when asked
by God what he wanted the most, replied “Wisdom.”14
11
David A Cooper, God is a Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism (New York:
Riverhead Books, 1997), p 65.
12
David A Cooper, God is a Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism (New York:
Riverhead Books, 1997), p 69.
13
“Ein-Sof” The Lurianic Kabbalah http://www.newkabbalah.com/einsof.html [accessed
10/11/2004].
14
Joseph P Gelberman, with Lesley Sussman, Physician of the Soul: A Modern Kabbalist’s
Approach to Health and Healing (Freedom CA: The Crossing Press, 2000), p 119. AS a
sidelight, the symbolism associated with the building of King Solomon’s Temple is central to
Freemasonry (“a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols”). We are
all building a spiritual temple, a temple not made by human hands, nor built in any locality on
8. 8
Abraham passed his wisdom on to his son, Isaac, who passed it on to his son,
Jacob and then to the 12 Tribes. Seven generations after Abraham, Moses
received the Torah on Mount Sinai. According to the Kabbalah, certain
mystical doctrines were given to Moses on Mount Sinai; those doctrines are
said to be hidden in the Torah and the oral law.
Kabbalists also assert that the Torah has two dimensions:
1. The body of the Torah, comprising the manifestation of the laws
and will of God. These laws express the will of God for our ultimate
and absolute good in this world and all worlds.
2. The soul of the Torah, being the inner dimension (nistar, the
esoteric part of the Torah), the Kabbalah, comprising the
comprehension of the “secrets” of creation, that is, the manner or
mode in which God is said to work in creation.
Rabbi Leiberman writes, “As a body cannot function without a soul, so the
soul is ineffective without the body.”15 Actually, it’s a bit more complicated
than that. Kabbalah itself has many dimensions, one inside the other. There
are said to be secrets, mysteries, secrets of secrets, mysteries of mysteries,
and many dimensions of soul within soul. The soul itself, according to
Kabbalists, possesses five levels, one inside the other. Even within the
Kabbalah, there were two traditions, one exoteric and the other esoteric.
Writing from both a Kabbalistic and Masonic point of view, Geffen writes:
There were two traditions in the Occult Kabbalah, an exoteric tradition
perpetuated and an esoteric tradition wherein the Kabbalah was transmitted.
The exoteric tradition is permeated with Kabbalism. One must be a studious
Mason to discern the esoteric direction from the exoteric customs having no
divine object.16
earth. It is built in silence, and in confidence and strength, in the “secret place”, that is, in the
sanctuary of the human heart. Esotericists regard Solomon, the third and last king of united
Israel, as an emblem of SOL, the “Solar Initiate”. Solomon is a Kabbalistic composition,
symbolizing Divine Wisdom.
15
Shimon Leiberman, “What is Kabbalah?” [Online]
http://www.templesanjose.org/JudaismInfo/tradition/kabbalahindex.htm [accessed
12/09/2005].
16
H Geffen, “The Occultism of the Bible and the Kabbalah”, The New Age, February 1950
[Online] http://www.freemasonrywatch.org/masonry_kabbalah.html [accessed 11/09/2005].
9. 9
The Kabbalah is not, however, a speculative philosophy based on human
insight and intuition. Its theories are not derived from human reasoning but
are said to have been derived from revelation.17 Kabbalists state that God
gives us wisdom and understanding, if we truly want and seek them. In that
regard, much emphasis is placed on prayer and meditation in all their various
forms. Kabbalists further state that it is God’s will that we become a part and
partner with God in the ongoing process of creation through doing God’s will
in the world. We carry out God's will through the mitzvot [the commandments
of the Torah] (the body of the Torah), while the soul of the performance of
God’s will is to become a partner with Him in the continual process of
creation, bringing additional light into the world. This light is a transcendent
one, being infinite and above creation. It became part of our active
consciousness with the giving of the Torah.
In about 100 CE Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi) revealed the more
esoteric teachings of Kabbalah. He explained the functions of all the sefirot,
and how they manifest in every verse of the Torah and every phenomenon of
nature. Rashbi wrote the great classic text of Kabbalah - the heart of Jewish
mystical teaching - the Zohar (more fully, the Sefer Hazohar, the “Book of
Brilliance”), which dates (at least in part) to the 2nd century. The Zohar
includes Rashbi's revelations of Kabbalah as taught to his “disciples”.
As Rabbi Shimon Leiberman points out, the Kabbalah is essentially “a study,
as it were, of Divinity and of the relationship between God and His Creation,
based on the premises of revealed truth”.18 According to the Kabbalah, God,
or Divinity, is pure Light, infinite and spiritual. Its emanations are responsible
for all manifestation. As Although God is said to be essentially unknowable,
there are, nevertheless, various ways in which, according to the Kabbalists,
we can come to understand certain aspects of God’s being. I have already
referred to the sefirot, which are identified with the more important of these
aspects (for example, Wisdom, Understanding, Judgment, Mercy, and so
17
See Shimon Leiberman, “What is Kabbalah?” [Online]
http://www.templesanjose.org/JudaismInfo/tradition/kabbalahindex.htm [accessed
12/09/2005].
18
Shimon Leiberman, “What is Kabbalah?” [Online]
http://www.templesanjose.org/JudaismInfo/tradition/kabbalahindex.htm [accessed
12/09/2005].
10. 10
forth). The Kabbalah also places considerable emphasis on what is known as
the "Shekhinah”, which means "presence of God". The Shekhinah relates to
the feminine aspect of God as well as Divine Immanence.
The basic purpose of the Kabbalah is the refinement of one’s personality and
character traits through drawing closer to this God whose attributes are
manifest and revealed in reality. The study of Kabbalah is ultimately directed
at the Divinity of God, so as to be able to emulate God in our lives. The more
one studies Kabbalah properly, the closer one comes to God, and the more
one refines one’s character. Thus, God is, in the words of Martin Buber, an
inner potentiality in us. The Kabbalah, in its more modern forms, is very much
a “theology of man” or, perhaps more correctly, a theology of God in terms of
man. In truth, it is the only kind of theology which makes it possible for
humans to commune with God. Indeed, Kabbalists consider that the
Kabbalah is important for all people, not just Jews. According to the
Kabbalah, all life is one and interconnected. This is reflected in the Shemah
Yisrael: “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One” (Dt 6:4).
Kabbalists, along with others devoted to esoteric spirituality, insist that the
Scriptures must be interpreted allegorically and spiritually. Reincarnation
(transmigration of souls) is one of the more mystical Kabbalistic doctrines,
something that is alluded to in this prayer known as “The Bedtime Shema”:
Master of the universe, I hereby forgive anyone who angered or antagonized
me or who sinned against me - whether against my body, my property, my
honour or against anything of mine; whether they did so accidentally, wilfully,
carelessly, or purposely; whether through speech, deed, thought, or notion;
whether in this transmigration or another transmigration - I forgive every
person. May no one be punished because of me. May it be Your will, Lord,
my God and the God of my forefathers, that I may sin no more. Whatever
sins I have done before You, may You blot out in Your abundant mercies, but
not through suffering or bad illnesses. May the expressions of my mouth and
the thoughts of my heart find favour before You, Lord, my Rock and My
Redeemer.19
19
The ArtScroll Tehillim, trans Rabbi Hillel Danziger (Brooklyn NY: Mesorah Publications,
1988), p 29, adapted.