Bible Study: Introduction

Having studied the Bible intensely for over thirty years I can say with absolute certainty that one of the most, if not the most considerations when undertaking serious Bible study is the recognize that the Bible has been grossly misrepresented and misunderstood, either intentionally or irresponsibly, by apostate organized religion as well as atheist propaganda.

Many of the teachings most often associated with the Bible are not taught in the Bible, but come from ancient pagan philosophy, like Plato and Socrates, as well as other places. The reason for this is that religious thinking more often than not tends to be syncretistic, meaning it blends with other religious beliefs. One example of this is the immortal soul. Though most Bible believers may think the soul is immortal, the Bible teaches the exact opposite. (Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 10:28; compare translations at links below) According to the Bible the soul dies and can be destroyed. So, where does that idea come from? As it turns out, it comes - Socrates. That is, the much older concept of the immortal soul was taught by Socrates and through his influence became theology and tradition. If you go to a Bible college they will teach Socrates, not the Bible.

Other teaching commonly believed to be biblical when in actuality pagan, are hell (Dante/Milton), trinity (Plato), the cross (Constantine), Christmas (Saturnalia/Dickens) and Easter (pagan goddess of fertility, Ishtar).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syncretism
https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/18-4.htm
https://biblehub.com/matthew/10-28.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inanna

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Ferise1 · 46-50, M

To kill the soul in hell might mean that you’re just in pain forever

PathwayMachine · M

@Ferise1 Well, I guess you could look at it like that, but you have keep in mind that hell is an old English word that means cover, conceal. To hel a house meant to cover a portion with tile, a book heller put the cover on, similar words: hull of a nut or ship, hall, a covered building for gathering or storage. The word is translated from the Hebrew word sheol and Greek hades, both which mean the covered or unseen resting place of the dead. The grave no matter what form of burial. The Bible says there is no pain or consciousness there, nor any moral distinction. Everyone goes there. Jesus went there, Jonah thought he was there in the belly of the fish (it would be his grave), and God is in effect there to watch over it and keep track of those deserving resurrection.

Notice at Amos 9:2 how some translation say the place below, some say sheol, some say hell, etc.

https://biblehub.com/amos/9-2.htm

Ferise1 · 46-50, M

@PathwayMachine well I feel like I’m falling into hell and I’m alive. Can you explain that?

PathwayMachine · M

@Ferise1 That would depend on what you call hell. In Buddhism it's a temporary spiritual restoration and in other religions it's permanent suffering, or the grave, hot or cold, etc. If you feel like your falling into a living hell, i.e. torment you could maybe consider Job. That always does it for me. Puts things into perspective. The sentiment you're talking about isn't uncommon throughout the Bible. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes for a second.

Ferise1 · 46-50, M

@PathwayMachine I do that all the time and nothing helps.
It’s an infinite crushing and pain😰 the kind you have in fever dreams but worse. When I go a long time without my pills I become super active to immerse myself in this reality to not get sucked into the other one😰