Helen:
It takes too long to try to get a proper copy of what you write, but in the
above quote you stated that there where 200,000 variations in texts and that
they occur in 10,000 places and that one sixtieth of these are significant.
Are you willing to then agree there are approximately 167 places in the NT
where the variations in the text cause major problems in the understanding of
correct Christian dogma? Or causes serious questions as to what was original
taught by Jesus of Nazereth (if he existed) and Paul (who is more likely to
have existed)? Would you agree that this includes the doctrine of the trinity
and the problems that Wingo pointed out in his original post? You and I both
know, that the Episcopal Church teaches that there are problems even with
things as basic as this. I left the church because it seem, based on the
facts that the Episcopal Church, painfully, but honorable was forced to
admit, that Christianity was a false religion. You are reinventing the church
or at least trying to, but Walt, it would seem to me that it reasonsibly is
on you to seriously disprove these facts, because you are the one challenging
the church's teaching on these points.
Walt, I learned the most about Epicopalianism in the NY diocese of Paul
Moore. I think, I can say that his writings on the challenges to
historical accuracy Christian doctrine that I read as a teen, revealed a man
truely pained by what he felt compelled to have to admit in the name of
honesty. I believe in God, Walt, I just have reach the conclusion that the
God that is reveal in the heart of the individual can not be fully contain in
any expression of human language. Specifically, Christianity is a false
doctrine. Specifically, to defend this false doctrine, the church has
murdered millions over the centuries. Walt, the God we were taught about as
good little Episcopalians demands we end the doctrine of lies that has
murdered so many in His name. There, Walt, now I've given you a damn sermon
back! How do you like it?
Helen Willis
hhiwater@bright.net
I sniped everything but this from Wingo:
WINGO re: Article by Bart Ehrman mentioned by Steven Carr on 4/5
(snip lots)
Ehrman gives a cogent example from the Mss. of Luke 22:17-21 ("last
supper"), showing that the references to "drink my blood" and "new
covenant" were later additions.