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.

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 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.

Christianity, as a whole, enables you to travel your own path as you find God within. This journey can take many paths and is a personal one that may lead you in some interesting directions. Whatever paths you happen to take, know that God is there to aid you in your personal quest. Along the way you may experience setbacks and challenges that test your personal faith. God forgives you as you face these challenges right, wrong or indifferent. Since you are on a personal quest there is no real finish to the quest except your final journey. With this in mind, finding God within is a series of decisions to test you without fear of judgment by anyone but God.

A flexible God

Christianity in of itself is a flexible religion, letting different interpretations of what is a central belief system flourish within each of us. People may be created

equal but they are not created the same, except in Gods image. To think that every person must search for their relationship with God in the same way would diminish the true meaning of Gods’ love and understanding that he has for his children. This should enable you to seek the path that suites your personal relationship with God within in whichever way you feel works for you. If this relationship is best discovered working with children then this is part of your relationship with God within. If your relationship with God within revolves around being a beer drinking Harley rider with a bible in your saddle bag this is fine too. How you find your personal relationship within is a flexible process as long as you are journeying toward a desired goal of developing the relationship.

Asking for help

Approaching your journey toward finding God within will present many challenges as you make your way along its path. Christianity has provided for help as you face these challenges. Nobody ever said developing your relationship with God was going to be an easy task. Christianity and its followers are there to give their perspective about how they may have dealt with similar challenges along their own personal journey. Taking advantage of help is part of your journey and possibly a challenge that you might need to face.

Being honest with yourself

You may have heard the phrase “you’re only fooling yourself” a few times in your life. A search for God within is the true test of this phrase. God may judge and is forgiving, but it is you that must ultimately come to terms with how you feel about your relationship with God. You may travel far and wide to find your personal relationship with God but it is you that has to live with the reality of your relationship.

Love is all you need

With all do respect to John Lennon, this heading may come off as a little sappy in today’s times. It is, however, central to what Jesus Christ brought to his work in this domain. None is better or worse then another and should be treated in such a fashion. Appreciate the accomplishments of your brother and give him the love that you might want from him. Often the word love is used in a differing fashion these days but the general intent is likely still intact. People have the full range of emotions and need to use them all. This is a need past the teachings of the church and necessary to live a functional life, but let love rise to the top in your life and the rest will follow.

Commitment to oneself and others

Nobody is perfect as they follow the tenants’ set forth by the Lord God, and none would be expected to be. Working toward them, however, is a good place to start. Commitment toward working toward them and practicing them as best as you can is all that is asked by Christianity and, more to the point, the Lord God. As you commit to follow the tenants set forth, you are recognizing the commitment and sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for your sins and transgressions. His love for you and commitment to the word of God has been so written and a lesson to enable your commitment to live a virtuous life.

Making a sacrifice

Nobody is remotely suggesting that anybody make a sacrifice on the order of Jesus, but making a sacrifice in many other ways, shapes and forms is a good way to represent what was done on your behalf. A sacrifice of time in today’s busy world may be thought of as a trifle of a sacrifice in comparison, but it is no less a sacrifice and a recognition of the commitment that is needed in the pursuit of your personal relationship with God.

Just a man

Christianity and its teachings have been passed down and modified through time to make Jesus a symbol and an icon, but at the time he was a man. He chose a life to follow given to him by the Lord God for his people to emulate. Follow as Jesus did and a full relationship with the Lord God will follow, follow some of the teachings and a full relationship with the Lord God will follow.