Some early interpretations of Christianity included the idea of reincarnation. Certain passages in the New Testament have been read in this light. For example, Jesus identifies John the Baptist with Elijah (Matthew 11:13–14; 17:10–13), which some take to imply a … Read the rest
Christianity as Myth
Christianity functions as the foundational myth of Western civilization. Myths provide the framework through which we interpret reality and make sense of our lives. In the West, Christianity has long supplied that framework.
For centuries, the Bible stood at the … Read the rest
Sin is Selfishness
Many have recognized that the root of all sin is selfishness. It separates us from others and lies at the center of every moral failure. Sin, at its core, is the will turned inward upon itself. Sin is a breaking … Read the rest
Impartial Benevolence
The moral law requires us to place the interests of others on equal footing with our own. It means seeking the highest good of others as we seek our own highest good. This is impartial benevolence, or goodwill.
Many traditions … Read the rest
The Moral Law
People tend to resist talk of law and sin, partly because they associate it with a particular religion. But it is not confined to any one tradition.
The moral law is built into human life. Everyone, upon reaching moral awareness, … Read the rest
The Gnostics Were Mystics
The Gnostics were among the earliest Christian mystics, seekers of direct knowledge of and union with God. This is important, because later mystics often had to distance themselves from them to avoid being labeled heretical.
The Gnostics were not simply … Read the rest