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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Charity · 61-69

The Bible does indicate the soul is eternal, and can be destroyed only by God our Father.

Ecclesiastics 12:7 says the body goes back to the dust of the earth and the spirit returns to God who gave it, very similar to what Ezekiel said.

Jesus speaking in Matthew 10:28 Unless God destroys our souls they are immortal, only he has the power to do it.

Written in several scriptures every feet shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord. There are thousands of years of people who have died whose souls have to still exist, for judgment such as that tooth take place Philippians 2:10-11.

What modern day Church's teaches as the Trinity exist in both Old and New Testaments. Both speak of the Son, both speak of the Father and both speak of the spirit of God / Holy Spirit, that is what the Trinity is the Father / the Son /and the Holy Ghost, whom Jesus called the Comforter.

https://biblicalmissiology.org/blog/2013/02/11/son-of-god-in-the-old-testament/

https://www.openbible.info/topics/holy_spirit_in_the_old_testament

The cross is mentioned in many places after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. And whether it was a capital t- or small t-shaped cross, that is what he was crucified on, the Romans used such implements as form of punishment / executions.

https://www.openbible.info/topics/cross

You are correct, Christmas definitely a blend of paganism, Jesus wasn't born in December but according to some sources he was conceived in December and born sometime in mid September, some say August. And according to the same source the ancient Hebrews actually considered a newborn one year old when they were born because they started at one's date of conception. That's why Herod demanded the killing of all children 2 years and under. And what used to be a celebration of the birth of Christ is becoming more paganized in these modern days.

You are correct, Easter too is definitely blended with paganism blend it in with their celebrations to Ishtar or Isis the goddess of fertility and added the Bunny and eggs.

You are correct, Hell and hell's fire is also blended in with the teachings of paganisms. In the Old Testament there was no hell the Hebrews called Shoel which was simply a place of darkness where the dead go waiting judgment. No fire, no brimstone, no torment, only darkness and unawareness.