Christians cannot allow themselves to think esoterically about Bible meaning. They will naturally resist any notion of a deeper, mystical content in Bible narratives. The veil of ‘intellectual knowledge’ is in place just as the Jewish nation has been “blinded in part”. II Corinthians 3:14 says, “But their minds were blinded; for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.”
This ‘veil’ was the orthodox Hebrew belief in an earthly kingdom rather than the spiritual kingdom taught by Christ. The first Christians were Jewish and naturally felt compelled to start an organization that would eventually be God’s earthly empire. They missed the mystic element of Jesus teaching with it’s emphasis on ‘secret’, contemplative meetings with God. Matthew 6:6 says, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
This spiritual element to Christ’s kingdom meant that there wouldn’t ever be an earthly, political entity with the Jewish people or Christians ruling the rest of mankind. But when the second coming was delayed the apostles, including Paul took it upon themselves to start such an organization. This ‘church’ was at first closely attuned to the original concepts of inner spirituality and a generous spirit of giving to help others. However it was soon entangled with ‘the state’ and became a ‘politicized organization’ with the priests holding offices and advising the Roman rulers.
History is repeating itself in our modern culture. The desire to have and hold power, to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to belong to a group that we can lean on for support. these are the things that fit the metaphoric description of ‘the belly’. Following the teachings and example of Jesus seems too difficult so we join and follow the form of religious activity of our local church.
These outward ‘duties’ that we perform, such as attending worship services, praying at restaurants, handing out tracts and a host of others are not what brings glory to God nor do they result in spiritual growth. There is a ‘veil’ of intellectualism and ‘outward form religion’ still hovering over the realm of Christianity. Our religious leaders are perpetuating this illusion without realizing it.
How did these things happen and what can be done? This information as well as some amazing, precious new spiritual concepts are recorded in the book, “Intuitive bible Study-A New Interpretive Model” which is available on Amazon