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
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
