I saw this on Nevermore but I thought I'd comment here to be sure you'd see it.
Thanks for the in depth thought and analysis. I studied a bit of bible Greek in my twenties and noticed some of the things you talk about, but you've thrown a lot of new light on things. Quite inspiring!
I feel I've always had an inner sense of the invisible realm you speak of; though not able to see it, I've felt it.
It seems a pity that the words the way they've been translated and conveyed totally distract and derail what may have been the original meaning and intent. You are quite perceptive to have uncovered that. I especially liked the way you described the scene with Nicodemus. That was always a confusing scene to me... "must be born again" and all that inpenetrable jargon. I wonder now that you mention "again" as "above" then what is the word for born (egenesthe?) and what subtle connotations might it have?
But that's the same scene where we have the verse that's repeated ad nauseum in evangelical circles I was raised in. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life." You will forgive me for having a lot of trouble with that verse; that I find it repugnant. Partly because of the way it has been portrayed (viz. God sees humanity as sinful and requires blood sacrifice, otherwise he can't forgive, is wedded to that verse in popular preaching and theology.) But also just the words themselves. I wonder if you have any insight on that.
Thank you for the kind comment, Tobin! I'm so glad you found the video and analysis inspiring. I know what you mean about having a sense of the invisible realm. I think whenever people speak of having a mystical or spiritual experience, regardless of what is happening in their material reality, their inner experience is one of drawing back the veil between this realm and the other, which is always present but only sensed when we are attuned to it.
The usual translation of John 3:16 (the "only begotten" line you refer to) is also problematic. I enjoy the translation that Substack's own Christ's Words has worked out:
I saw this on Nevermore but I thought I'd comment here to be sure you'd see it.
Thanks for the in depth thought and analysis. I studied a bit of bible Greek in my twenties and noticed some of the things you talk about, but you've thrown a lot of new light on things. Quite inspiring!
I feel I've always had an inner sense of the invisible realm you speak of; though not able to see it, I've felt it.
It seems a pity that the words the way they've been translated and conveyed totally distract and derail what may have been the original meaning and intent. You are quite perceptive to have uncovered that. I especially liked the way you described the scene with Nicodemus. That was always a confusing scene to me... "must be born again" and all that inpenetrable jargon. I wonder now that you mention "again" as "above" then what is the word for born (egenesthe?) and what subtle connotations might it have?
But that's the same scene where we have the verse that's repeated ad nauseum in evangelical circles I was raised in. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life." You will forgive me for having a lot of trouble with that verse; that I find it repugnant. Partly because of the way it has been portrayed (viz. God sees humanity as sinful and requires blood sacrifice, otherwise he can't forgive, is wedded to that verse in popular preaching and theology.) But also just the words themselves. I wonder if you have any insight on that.
Thank you for the kind comment, Tobin! I'm so glad you found the video and analysis inspiring. I know what you mean about having a sense of the invisible realm. I think whenever people speak of having a mystical or spiritual experience, regardless of what is happening in their material reality, their inner experience is one of drawing back the veil between this realm and the other, which is always present but only sensed when we are attuned to it.
The usual translation of John 3:16 (the "only begotten" line you refer to) is also problematic. I enjoy the translation that Substack's own Christ's Words has worked out:
https://christswords.com/content/jhn-316-god-so-loved-world
I am delighted by your content, and your enthusiasm!
Glad you liked it, Beth! 🤓