A Deep Dive into Exiting Christianity, Mysticism, Manipulation through Worship & Roman Provenance (Discussion with David LeBlanc): Episode 8

Pulling The Thread Podcast: Tracing Jesus Before Christianity Emerged, Jesus the Jew within Judaism!

Summary: In this thought-provoking podcast, a wide range of compelling topics were discussed, including personal experiences of leaving Christianity, drugs as a gateway drug into Christian using emotional weakness to gain converts, delving into mysticism, exploring Jewish traditions, the use of worship music to make people suggestable, examining apocalypticism and Messianism in early Christianity and Judaism, and questioning the authenticity of Paul's letters through the lens of Roman Provenance.

David LeBlanc shared his personal journey of seeking spiritual messages through drug experimentation and finding solace in evangelicalism. He emphasized the role of religion in seeking to take advantage of those who feel lost, and how they have a hard time asking critical questions of their faith and the importance of scholarly analysis due a trauma bound due the pain, struggles and emotional investment. He believes that evangelicalism attracts those who are down and out. The conversation also touched on the importance of a scholarly approach to analyzing religion without attacking or mocking those who believe.

They also explored the Role of Mussar, the mystical side of religion and their experiences with Mysticism and Tradition, discussing the benefit of the Mussar Mystical tradtion within Judaism, the importance of Mussar in Jewish Spirituality, and the mystical aspects of religion were also explored, drawing from the speakers' own experiences and perspectives. David also discussed the spiritualism of Alexandria under Philo and his school.

The conversation then shifted to the complexities of kosher food and its political and traditional influences. The differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazic traditions regarding the consumption of rice and beans during Passover were discussed, along with power struggles within the Jewish community and their impact on religious practices. The speakers further shared their views on spirituality, highlighting the significance of questioning and reflecting on the disparities among Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

Looking at the use of methods of control and manipulation within the ministry, the use of worship music to get congregants into a suggestable state. David discussed the Role of Music in Calvary Chapel Worship, his experience Singing without a microphone, the Manipulative Power of Worship Music, and the role of music in worship and its importance in attracting people to church.

Further, Exploring the historical contexts of early Christianity and Judaism, the discussion focused on the similarities and differences between apocalypticism and Messianism. The influence of Hellenistic Judaism on Christian doctrine and theology, particularly regarding apocalypticism and Messianism, was explored. The violent, apocalyptic nature of the Essene community and its parallels to early Christian communities were also examined, along with the evolving perspectives on apocalyptic Messianism in traditional Jewish communities.

Finally, The meeting concluded with an examination of the authenticity of Paul's letters and the theory of Roman Provenance. The notion that Rome controlled the distribution of texts and potentially manipulated Paul's writings for their own agenda was debated. David LeBlanc expressed skepticism, suggesting that much of what is attributed to Paul could be later additions by the Roman Catholic Church. Additionally, the possibility of the Gospels being 2nd-century documents was briefly discussed, with a mention of Luke potentially using Josephus as a framework for crafting the biographical account of Jesus.Overall, this captivating podcast delved into diverse subjects, challenging conventional perspectives and encouraging listeners to explore the intricate facets of religion, spirituality, and historical texts.

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