As the document began its journey through various translations, it became more and more corrupt from the original. As this continued through the centuries it became more apparent that the Septuagint was a good thing to have available to check translations against. Generally, the differences between translations, when using the Septuagint, found missing words and phrases more than anything else. Yet they were still missing or lacking the original intent. The Septuagint became the standard authority in many respects and was quoted by Christ on a regular basis. Regardless of the translations of the Hebrew and its eventual acceptance by Christianity, the Septuagint found favor at the time simply because it was in Greek, the language of the Christian church and the Roman Empire.

Pick a book

As the translations of the Old Testament continued and Christianity continued its particular metamorphosis, the Old Testament changed along with the thoughts of the time. The original intent and thought of the book remained but different cannon books began to be added and subtracted from the completed work used at that time. The general order of the books is where the differences are usually found. The Hebrew is generally found in all variations of Christianity but not necessarily in the same place. It may be

supposed that what was happening could be likened to a book editor putting his own stamp on a piece of literature. Although there is sure to be a certain discussion as to the orientation of the books, as they apply to carious Christian denominations and number involved, 40 total books could be considered.

Lost in translation

The shuttling around of books and constant translations using this particular reference with that particular reference often make a true reading of the Old Testament a bit difficult. It also opens up a section of study where archeologists have started to look at the archeological record as it relates to statements made in the Old Testament. Generally, it appears that people are always looking a bit deeper then they really need to when searching for the true meaning they seek.

Interpretation and understanding

Past the shuttling around of the Old Testament books, the real understanding and interpretation of the books can tend to be lost. As the testament editor of his day goes about arraigning the books, what is he trying to say about the individual books? Does he have an interpretation that he is trying to get across or is he offering an understanding of what the books were originally trying to say? Translations to reordering, they have all become part of the history of the Old testament and likely one of the reasons that the Eastern Orthodoxy chose to keep the original work as close to what it was intended to be.

The genealogy and early days of Jesus are relatively well addressed through the gospels of Mathew and Luke. According to these gospels, Jesus’ heritage was the inspiration for his recognition as the messiah and son of God through divine conception. With the Hebrew patriarch Abraham and 10th century BC king Luke linked to his historical genealogy Jesus is felt to have the lineage to be called the savior.

Flight from the beginning

The very first years of Jesus’ life were ones of flight from the cruel and oppressive. Seeking to comply with a Roman registration order, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem

to be recognized on a census. It is here where Jesus was born. The journey, however, turned to flight after Jesus was born. Herod the Great was having issues with becoming King and consolidating power among his faithful and not so faithful. Although some might indicate that Herod was a cruel leader it might be supposed that the politics of Rome had something to do with peoples fear when associations about him are made.

The reemergence as Jesus Christ

Very little was heard of Jesus in his mid- years (12-30?) It was not until his beginning ministries began to be heard that his history begins to be taken up. Jesus’ early followers are generally thought to have given him his last name of Christ, meaning “the anointed one” as they heard his teachings. Shortly there- after Christianity recognized Jesus’ last name as Christ giving his full Jesus Christ recognition in the eyes of the church.

Beginnings of public ministry

The gospels are the remembrances of those that new Jesus Christ. They were taken down as those same people began to die. Generally, they each indicate that Jesus Christ began his public ministries after the death of John the Baptist and lasted for between 1-3 years.

From the beginning

The birth of Jesus brought the son of God and leader of salvation. From his early days he was largely unknown in terms of day-to-day activities but as the holder of the lineage to be the savior of all peoples for their sins his following grew. There may be little evidence one way or another as to his true lineage but the end result is a true testament to the power that he was able to generate within those who chose to believe. In a certain sense, the teachings of humility were founded in those intervening years when little was known about the man.

Descriptions of Angels are sketchy at best but put forth by many who say they have been in their presence. Almost all indicate that they fly but not all indicate that they travel by means of wings. Christianity tends to favor winged Angels in its pictorial images although many Christians who profess seeing Angels say that they move in a flash of fire or brilliance. Regardless of what Angels happen to look like their presence is one of faith that the Lord God is watching over us and there to pass judgment on our actions.

The fallen Angel

To say that all angels are good would be misleading, misleading in the sense that God is forgiving to all so there is no good or bad. Nonetheless, there are groups of Angels that work to maintain the essence that God proclaims. The fallen angel, or the Tempter, finds a battle with many angels to keep the human race in line with the teachings of God. Some in the Christian faith may dispute this form of Angels as a mater of ambiguity and context but such is the nature of doctrine interpretation throughout time and the nature to impose a structure onto things not understandable by mere man.

If a structure is needed

In one way or another, a certain structure of Angel hierarchy has been established. St. Gregory appears to be one of the endorsers of a structure that is by no means official. Generally, structure lends an order and man is somewhat more comfortable with order. This structure would follow: Angels, Virtues, Lords, Principalities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim Seraphim and Archangels.

On high from the scholastic Theologians

Christianity always seems to have different points of views and interpretations on just about everything. This is just the nature of people’s belief systems and the passage of time. Theologians, however, always seem to have the audacity to proclaim their true understanding of scripture. Perhaps they do or they don’t but this is merely a reflection of the arrogance of man. Either way it is still there.

According to these academics, angels are messengers from God but were created only slightly better then man. They travel at speeds past the physical limits of the universe and are beatified with the triple head God. Past this description, theologians also indicate that a good portion of Angels were swept from heaven by the tempter during the war in heaven diminishing their ranks. Whether this stands up to discussion can be found in Revelation although a good discussion it might be.

Gods’ messengers

Regardless of how time and man decide to treat Angels, the true fact is that most practicing people understand Angels to be a messenger from God. His principles are the force that is important, not how they look, are judged and by whom.

Made to see the light

Many people have little need of what the more “average” person might call help. It seems that these people have everything that they could possibly want or need. In many respects, however, these people may be in need of help the most. Maybe they are providing financial support for those that are at the margins, but feel lost or alone. They are part of God’s help, and in need of it, yet you have failed to see it. Showing them the light, that God is waiting for them and will help, is just another way of showing them that there is help to use and that that they are not alone.

The good in everyone

Christianity teaches us that everyone is thy brother and that we should forgive. Many times, it may be lost that the Lord forgives in a world of death and violence. If we cannot forgive then we are the flawed creatures that we were made to be. But God forgives us. Christianity holds this for all to see and emulate. Even in times of trouble God’s help is there for us to see and emulate. Warring parties stop to comfort a dying enemy; a racist person stands for a different race because it is the Christian thing to do. You may not feel it in yourself, but it is there. God is within all of us to help their brother.

All creatures great and small

Vanity is one of those things that people following Christianity are taught to avoid. But every person on the earth is perpetually guilty of it. We place ourselves at the top of the food chain even though a tiger would make short work of us; and we cast ourselves in social norms and moors that make us superior to one another. But, perhaps the greatest helpers from God are the animals that we domesticate and pass off as inferior when they are actually the best helpers. When a life saving situation arises we ask animals to give us help, when a field needs to be plowed we ask animals to help and when we feel low we ask animals to help. God provides help, and often it comes from the most obvious places; animals, the cool shade of a tree, the cool water of a stream or the driving rain of a monsoon. These are all Gods’ creations and his help for our physical and moral well being.

God’s helpers/yourself

To “thine own self be true” it is often said. Helping yourself to find your God is the best help that he has given you. His help is always there, but for you to ask and find it. Christianity puts you on the right path but it is up to you to walk through your own door.

Taking your own advice

Spiritual advice can be one particular part of a solution for many different issues. Affairs of the heart or questions about your particular place in this world are two possible issues that you may need help in understanding. No one person or thing will have all the answers. Each source you draw from will have but one part of the puzzle. It is up to you to figure out how each applies to your particular quandary or question.

Considering religion

Religious advice brings a certain dogma to spiritual advice. It, in of itself, is relatively narrow in how the advice may apply to your particular spiritual needs. This does not make it any less valuable then any other spiritual advice but it should not limit you in accepting other sources of advice that may build upon the religious advice you receive from a religious advocate. In many instances you may actually find that the religious advice and the other sources of spiritual advice you find revolve around the same basic premises.

Life’s energy

As you go about searching for your personal answers you may seek advice from people that you feel may have answers or directions toward an inner answer. What each is likely to be telling you is that there is a particular direction for you to follow as you seek your answers. This direction has quite a bit to do with the energies that flow through all life. Even the contradictions that science and religion have agree, for the most part, that there is an energy that flows through all things. It is how you direct that energy within that is the primary question. With this in mind, all things can help you find what you are looking for, not just people in supposedly knowing places.

A connection between religion and spirituality

Some would say that this heading is just a common sense statement, and possibly it is. However, finding religious and spiritual guidance from a religious person and a part of that religion may be considered two different things. A waterfall, majestic tree or quiet pond is just as capable of rechanneling the life’s energy that has you seeking advice. Whether it is nature or a “man of God” giving you the advice is of no matter. It is what you do with the advice that is being given. You may hear the advice from a person and translate it into an action or feeling while with nature you are translating from feeling to action. It is all the same as long as you become closer to the best answer is for you.

The same but different

The split between religion and spirituality can be thought of in many ways, and would be correct in each of the many ways. If a hard and fast rule were to be applied it would be incorrect. If a lose idea is given it might be that spirituality opens a wider door in the pursuit of ones own god or perception of higher force then a more dogmatic approach formed by organized religion. Both are the same, but work from differing perspectives.

In the end the search is the same

Being at peace with how one feels about their particular relationship with god; the lack of a god or a higher force is the ultimate expression of a person’s inner desire to find answers for things they take on faith. If knowing that a place exists for those that have accepted God, organized religion is perfect for that person. If a person feels that they must find a personal path toward understanding their inner self in the unknown, good for them.

Finding peace within

In the end, all that is available to the physical human body and mind, as we know it, is that a certain peace has been made with what is right for that person when they consider ill-defined constructs. In the end, who’s to dispute the answer amongst the physically alive? Those that find peace in dogmatic religion will say Jesus tells us so, which is fine for those that find peace in that belief. Those that find their particular inner peace in other forms/practices are perfectly fine with their personal perspective as well and are likely not to ask others to follow their path but find their own.

A further spiritually religious path

In much the same way that Christianity has its exceedingly ardent followers toward the word of god and all that is associated with it, spirituality has groups of people that are no less committed to their particular practices. Experiencing Jesus’ pain and following the teachings of the few lead these people to the heaven they find in their inner search. Spiritual seekers find their inner-self, at this extreme, by searching for a physical change inwardly and outwardly.

Although each may be at the outer ends of the overall spectrum, it does show that each person is looking to find their inner relationship with constructs that humans take on faith. Concepts that follow one thought almost universally agreed upon, no two humans are alike in any way shape of form; which is a true definition of unique and the basis of how religion and spirituality work in tandem for people to find their own inner self.

The Lords Day

This day is dedicated to rest and worship. It holds its roots in the Jewish Sabbath but was moved to a Sunday from Saturday because of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ was held on a Sunday.
Palm Sunday

This day marks the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem where he would face crucifixion five days later. The tale of Palm Sunday is told in four gospels and is often celebrated with palms in a manner to celebrate Jesus’ entry into the city.

The spring festival (Easter)

Easter is the most important of the Christian holidays. It marks the three days after Christ’s crucifixion and his resurrection. It is marked by a 40 day period of fasting and repentance called Lent, held just before Easter, and a 50 day Easter celebration which runs to Pentecost. The origin or the name Easter is largely unknown, although the goddess of spring, Easter is attributed to it.

Twelfth Night

One might associate this particular holiday period with Christmas. Interestingly enough, it is held exactly opposite what is usually thought of as the twelve days of Christmas before the 25th of December as is the general custom. When correctly scheduled the festival is held during the 12 days and 12 nights beginning on the night of the 24th. Past the rituals associated with the period historically, it is its ending on the 12th night following its start on the first night December 24th with the adoration of Christ by the Magi. The twelve distinct nighttime celebrations are counted along with twelve distinct days. During these 24 distinct time periods opposite rule tends to be the order/disorder of the day/night. Women may dress as men and men as women. Employers serve servants and servants often take on the auspices of employers. This traditional holiday has its roots well before Christ and is generally thought to have its roots in Pagan rituals. Its end on the 12th night is followed by the beginning of the Carnival season.

St. Andrews day

Saint Andrews day is held on November 30th in honor of the Patron Saint of unmarried women, Russia and Scotland, St. Andrew. Andrew is considered the first Apostle and brother of Saint Peter. Andrew was a fisherman that followed John the Baptist and eventually Jesus at John’s suggestion. Up until just recent times Andrew has had an uneasy rest. His body’s remains have been moved and moved again since the 3d century for reasons of reward and recognition. Not the least of his body’s travels is his head in three separate instances.

As Christianity worked to find its footing with regard to Jesus there were a few different creeds that cropped up to describe Jesus’ place in the Christian world. The Roman interpretation was first and indicated that he descended into hell before rising to sit of the right hand of God. It interestingly deletes most references to Jesus’ work on Earth.

The Nicene

This particular creed comes from 324 CD and begins to resemble today’s tenants a bit more closely then the Roman creed. It begins by indicating that Christ existed before the world and judges the living and dead. Christ is one with God and that baptism is necessary for the remission of sins. Further, it proclaims that the Holy Spirit is the giver of life and speaks through the prophets. The orthodox divisions of Christianity reject this last portion to a degree but this in of itself shows how variations of Christianity were forming very early on.

Getting specific with the Athanasian

About the same time, or just a bit later the Bishop of Alexandria and/or a combination of religious people (conjecture) began to become a bit more specific with the creed that would unite Christianity in a common set of Christian beliefs. This dealt with there being three equal parts to the Trinity and that only Christians could be saved. Further, only the correct belief system would enable a person to be saved and that they could do no evil if they wanted to avoid the fires of hell.

Slowly comes together (almost)

There are portions of modern Christian beliefs cropping up in each of these creeds. Unfortunately, none is all that concrete about who gets saved and who burns in hell. Each creed believes that Jesus will return to Earth and take an assessment of each person. He will then judge their accomplishments and misdeeds. He will also make sure that all who are to join with him are baptized. Each creed, however, does not indicate whether individual divisions with the Catholic Church are acceptable for the “keeping the Catholic Faith” aspect of the provisions.

A loophole to be sure

Interestingly enough, another interesting loophole crops up on the way to salvation. If “all-men” is used as a description when considering ones good deeds does that mean everybody regardless on faith? It might appear that Jesus has slipped a ringer into the belief systems of all Christian belief systems and their acceptance into heaven and everlasting life, and it would make sense. We are all Gods children, so each of us who has not been evil and done “good works” of any kind will rise up.

For one particular dictionary definition (Christian answers.net), start with the Holy Trinity: There is one God; but he consists of three distinct persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. First form from; Trias (Greek) for this specific purpose. First used by Theophilus (AD 168-183) 1) That God is one, and that there is but one God 2) That the Father is a distinctive divine person, distinct from the Son and the Holy Spirit 3) That Jesus Christ was* God, and yet was a person distinct from the Father and Holy Spirit 4) That the Holy Spirit was* a Distinct divine person. Although equal in divinity, the Father has hierarchical authority over Jesus.

*direct quote
What the Holy Spirit did and does from a laypersons point of view

The Holy Spirit is God; he just happens to be one particular part of God. When it comes right down to it the Holy Spirit is the part of God that does all the creating and makes all the miracles. When you hear that the world was created in seven days…the Holy Spirit was on the job and took the seventh day off.

Past the point

With each of these definitions, the actual point of the Holy Spirit is a bit clearer but nonetheless not to the point. The Holy Sprit is what you see of Gods work. It is the wonder that is Gods creation. When you want to contemplate your place in the world and the existence of God, it is the Holy Spirit part of God that you are talking to.

The hope of life

The Holy Spirit gives us what we need to carry on when all seems lost. It makes us feel joy after a hard springtime rain. It keeps us fed when we are hungry. If one were to become glib about the Holy Spirit he would say that the Holy Spirit is the verb part of God.

Christianity has had a long time to put God and religion into perspective. One of the ways that it does this is to make a list and assign a priority to it. If you happen to be a Bishop or a Pastor this may be a suitable way to get things done. When it comes to God, however, assigning priorities and hierarchies is a bit overreaching when one comes to think about it. Instead, when thinking about the Holy Spirit, think about happiness and the warmth of a spring day.

Think about the love and joy that your children have playing in a babbling brook. Not only will this make you feel better about yourself and your relationship with God, it will kill a few less brain cells wondering about if this particular definition or that particular definition is correct. Work on your relationship with God; with your definitions not some person’s definitions from 200AD definition.

The wonder that is Gods’ creation

A Christianity message holds many interpretations of the Holy Scripture. It comes in many ways and writings. There is a constant, however, in that God is found in all peoples and in all life. From the littlest salamander to the largest tree, all life includes Gods will. To preserve and worship all creation is the Lords intent. The temptation to destroy and take in vein Gods will is ever present. This is why God’s help is part of what he has and is giving us. As is his will, so is his help. It comes in many forms and is there for his children to oblige.

Fought with despair

As the saying goes “nobody is perfect”, and God created this. Getting down on oneself is simply a coping mechanism that is the wonder of life. A person could not be happy without sad hiding just around the corner. When people get themselves down, there is help built into the happy and sad equation to bring that person back toward happy, or at least not sad. A family loss will most often find the support of family and friends. A disappointment will often find a positive consequence. God’s help is always acting upon us. It is just that we don’t recognize his wonder in helping us.

A desire to help

In most people, the desire to help is present whether they know it or not. Even the most hardened people are likely to help when a situation becomes so desperate that there is little hope. Christian faith rises to the top in all whether they know it or not. It is in the darkest moments that God’s help shows its wonder.

The wonders of disaster

Consider some of the natural disasters that history has brought us. One might ask why a just god would bring down such misery upon us. Look to the aftermath that these disasters bring. People helping people to overcome a challenge that has been wrote. One might also say this is extreme and a sign of God’s wrath. Others will see it for what it is, a challenge of God’s wonder and the help that he has instilled upon each of his creations.

Christianity spreads the wonder

It is no wonder that the Christianity message is found around the wonder of God. Man is a social animal and feels the comfort and safety of a group. Most will say they feel inspired by group worship to a God that spreads his wonder. God created life in his image and has given people the desire to experience his creation. Every once in a while we all need help to see his light. That is the wonder of creation, God’s help.