Are the Christian Gospels really good news?

No

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by Louise Christensen

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For a certainty the Christian Gospels are really old news. How much of it is good will depend on the reader. Considering how many times most of the writings have been translated into different languages - and back - down through the centuries, it is amazing that any of it is considered original works. The most widely known Christian Gospel is the "Bible" and it is only in the New Testament that any good news might be found; the Old Testament is simply a historical biography of people and times considered to be of religious importance.

There has been some interesting information revealed in recent years concerning the New Testament. Modern archaeologists and scientists who study antiquities have gradually come to similar conclusions: The original writers of New Testament texts did not always agree with one another and not all of them were included in the New Testament. By the time the decision was made to add to the "Bible" the people in power decided that only specific writings would be included in the new section of the bible and it took them two hundred years to decide which. There was an agenda and specific instruction were given on what was acceptable. Under no circumstances were the works generated by women to be included.

Three hundred years after Jesus died the New Testament was finally approved; of all the chapters included, only four were based on the original teachings of those specific disciples. Of those four only one can be said to include verses from an original papyrus written by John. Most scholars agree that those were written at least thirty years after the crucifixion of Jesus. How much of the works from the original writers was actually available would be difficult to ascertain. Writings were not always passed down and how much of the original thoughts of the disciples was included is difficult to prove conclusively. How much of that was distorted through the influences of personal preferences, community proclivities and societal norms at any given time - would be difficult to measure. The original text was handed down in Greek and later translations diverted away from some of those original writings.

Buried in the texts are some shining truths that have managed to survive down through the centuries. Some of the passages are so crucial that prejudice, artifice and ignorance could not obliterate the true message Jesus was trying to get across to his followers. The problem is that so much of it is buried and misconstrued by the remainder of the works that little of the good news is left for the reader to enjoy. Far too many people have been happily willing to further misconstrue the words through interpretation at the pulpit. The simple words of love and joy that Jesus professed have been lost for the most part. Only an enlightened reader will recognize those gems that are buried under the sludge of time and translation.

Down through the centuries most people who read the Christian Gospels were not enlightened and depending on their own set of values or expectations would in turn take the words and do with them what they will, or -more likely- what they were taught by yet another unenlightened teacher with their own agenda. Fortunately the Christian Gospel is no longer used as the vanguard to perpetuate violence and hatred. However, in truth, this is actually a recent given. Even a few hundred years ago, Christianity was forced down the throats of various groups of people who were stripped of their belief system, their societies, and their natural lifestyle. Christianity has a long and bloody history and much like the radicals who have distorted the teachings of Islam today, those Christian perpetuators down through history felt fully vindicated in their stance and their struggle.

Perhaps organized religion among the Christians is near to coming full circle. Perhaps with a clear eye and a pure heart the good news that was originally meant to be shared will find its way back into the written works. That would require a new translation and an acceptance by the standing majority; an unlikely scenario any time soon. If Christianity can survive another thousand years perhaps it will happen.

New works are written all the time in different formats but remain unrecognized or are ignored as unsubstantiated because they fail to meet the acid test set by secular groups. Those Christians who are enlightened will see them for what they are and can take joy in their meaning and find hope in the message. As for now the only good news found associated to the Christian Gospel is that most current teachers are kind and generous. Their good intentions are firmly planted in the most important message Jesus had; that we love one another. Just that - no other trappings or rituals or worshiping is necessary - simply love one another.

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