Snoopy's Lenten Reflections

[Mendalla]

Jesus might have been a Pharisee

Or an Essene

And there are things in his teachings and actions to support both, though it is equally (and probably more) likely that he was influenced by both of their teachings moreso than actually being one of either sect. OTOH, the theory that John the Baptist was an Essene holds up pretty well and he could be the source of the Essene influences on Jesus.

(I shouldn't need to say this, but I am talking about Jesus as an historical Jewish teacher and prophet, not the mythological Christ, here.)

 

[paradox3]

The historical Jesus and the mythological Christ are so intertwined, how do we differentiate?

 

[Waterfall]

Son of God
Jewish Mystic
Social reformer
Son of Man
Messiah
Christ
Suffering Servant
Healer
Storyteller
Apocalyptic preacher
Teacher
Charismatic leader
Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world
Shepherd
Peacemaker
Sword bringer

Yes, I think everything on this list can be right. And more.

Some with different interpretations I would suggest?
I often wonder if we do Jesus a disservice by our lack of understandings .....or is it better to stay and accept what we've learned from the beginning within many churches
But then I think of Jesus correcting something learned by the scribes in Mark 12:35-37 or Mark 12:34.
Who corrects us now because every church can be saying something different about what the words in the Bible are saying?

 

[paradox3]

Some with different interpretations I would suggest?

Always. How could it be otherwise?

But then I think of Jesus correcting something learned by the scribes in Mark 12:35-37 or Mark 12:34.

Jesus was pretty big on correcting the scribes & Pharisees and he often rebuked his own disciples.

In Mark 12:34, he commends one of the experts in the law for "answering thoughtfully".

Who corrects us now because every church can be saying something different about what the words in the Bible are saying?

Is there always one single correct answer? Even the Bible offers different versions/ interpretations of the same event.

Genesis gives us two takes on the creation story. The synoptic gospels provide three accounts of the Transfiguration on the mountaintop. Planning to look at them soon.

 

[unsafe]

The historical Jesus and the mythological Christ are so intertwined, how do we differentiate?

From AI ----

AI



The primary difference is that the historical Jesus is a figure almost universally accepted by scholars to have lived, with accounts based on alleged eyewitness testimony, while the "mythological Christ" is a theory that Jesus was a fabricated, composite character based on ancient, pre-existing pagan deities or allegorical fiction
.
Wikipedia +3
Historical Jesus (The Human/Divine Teacher)

Historicity: Supported by the vast majority of historians and scholars who conclude a Jewish man named Jesus of Nazareth lived and was crucified.

Sources: Accounts in the Gospels were written within decades of his life by people who claimed to be or to know firsthand witnesses.

Context: His life is grounded in a specific time (first-century Roman Judea) and place.

Characteristics: He taught a message of love, service, and a kingdom of God, distinguishing himself from mythical heroes or power-focused deities.
Wikipedia +5

Mythological Christ (The "Christ Myth" Theory)

Origins: Proponents argue that early Christians adapted stories from pagan myths (such as Osiris, Mithras, or Dionysus) to create a symbolic savior figure, rather than a real person.

Purpose: According to this theory, the Gospels are allegorical or fictional, designed to present a "deity who was concretized" to meet religious, psychological, or theological needs.

Comparison to Deities: Critics of the theory note that most mythological figures mentioned (like Osiris or Krishna) lacked historical evidence, and their stories were often modified after the time of Jesus to resemble him, not the other way around.
Wikipedia +4

Key Distinctions

Real vs. Symbolic: The Historical Jesus was a real person whose life inspired faith;
the Mythological Christ is a symbolic archetype whose story preceded the belief.

Consistency: The Gospel accounts, despite variations, maintain a consistent narrative of Jesus's life, whereas myths often have wildly diverging, inconsistent narratives.

The historical impact of Jesus on history, law, and culture is considered vastly different from that of mythological figures, which were typically part of localized, ancient mystery cults

 

[paradox3]

Pretty much agreeing with AI here as posted by @unsafe

I see no reason to question the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. But I believe the historical Jesus has been mythologized over the past two millennia (beginning with the Gospels, if not with Paul).

 

[unsafe]

Some Scholars compare John the Baptise to being associated with the Essene's group

Interesting read here ----from Got Questions on the Essenes

Who were the Essenes? Was John the Baptist an Essene? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Essenes in Jesus’ day? Was John the Baptist an Essene? Who are the Essenes today?

www.gotquestions.org

The Essenes were a Jewish mystical sect somewhat resembling the Pharisees. They lived lives of ritual purity and separation. They originated about 100 B.C., and disappeared from history after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The Essenes are not directly mentioned in Scripture, although some believe they may be referred to in Matthew 19:11, 12 and in Colossians 2:8, 18, and 23. Interest in the Essenes was renewed with the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were likely recorded and stored by the Essenes.

It has been popular among some scholars to claim that John the Baptist was an Essene. There are some similarities between John and the Essenes: 1. John was in the desert (Luke 1:80). The Essenes were in the desert. 2. Both John and the Essenes used Isaiah 40:3 to describe themselves as the voice in the wilderness. 3. The baptism (or washing) practiced by John and the Essenes required a change of heart. At the same time, there are significant differences between John the Baptist and the Essenes: 1. The Essenes hid themselves away from society in the wilderness. John was a very public figure. 2. John had a much stricter diet (Luke 7:33) than did the Essenes. 3. John preached Jesus as the Messiah. The Essenes did not recognize Jesus as Messiah, but they thought that the Teacher of Righteousness would himself be an Essene. 4. There was a strong organization among the Essenes that was missing among John the Baptist’s disciples. So, was John the Baptist an Essene? While it is possible, it cannot be explicitly proven either biblically or historically.

The Essenes as a sect of Judaism do not exist today. However, there are fringe groups that call themselves Essenes. One such group is the Essene Church of Christ, which declares itself to be “the authorized custodians and chief disseminators of the true teachings of Lord Christ and Lady Christ.” They share similarities with all cults and false religions: their “holy book” is something other than the Bible; they rely heavily on mysticism and occult revelation; they believe they and they alone possess truth; they deny the Trinity; and they deny biblical doctrines including original sin, heaven, hell, and salvation through Christ. As purveyors of false doctrine, modern "Essenes" are to be avoided.

 

[paradox3]

Wow, I had no idea there was a present day Essene Church of Christ.

It sounds like a fringe group but who knows whether or not it meets the definition of a cult?

Cults are somewhat in the eye of the beholder. Some atheists believe all religions are cults. Many of us believe that AA and related Anonymous groups have many (not all) of the features of a cult.

My experience with so called Progressive Christianity fits in here, too. A particular congregation had some (not all) of the features of a cult. It certainly ticked the charismatic and controlling leader box.

My perception only, I hasten to add. Many disagreed with me.