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Old 06-13-2007, 04:58 AM   #1
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[QUOTE=mountainman;4531782]
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Originally Posted by Clouseau View Post
However, its organic wholeness is apparent to even an untutored eye. Serious study reveals detail that is compelling. Nothing else compares, in literature, in other religions.
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The emperor Julian was well versed in other religions and was arguably the most well read and studious Roman emperor.
Is that saying very much?

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What do you think he meant when he wrote, c.362 CE:
It is, I think, expedient to set forth to all mankind
the reasons by which I was convinced that
the fabrication of the Galilaeans
is a fiction of men composed by wickedness.

Though it has in it nothing divine,
by making full use of that part of the soul
which loves fable and is childish and foolish,
it has induced men to believe
that the monstrous tale is truth.
I don't believe that anyone can be described as an intellectual who is also a censor. But was Julian's own faith any more than fabrication?

All Roman emperors, even the most liberal, knew one thing very well- that their survival depended on exploitation of millions. Almost all of their words and actions may be interpreted in the light of that fact. Potentates are never the people to go to for independent, objective advice.
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Old 06-13-2007, 05:09 AM   #2
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All Roman emperors, even the most liberal, knew one thing very well- that their survival depended on exploitation of millions. Almost all of their words and actions may be interpreted in the light of that fact. Potentates are never the people to go to for independent, objective advice.

I would venture to say that the catholic church new the same exact thing...:angel:
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Old 06-13-2007, 05:11 AM   #3
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I don't believe that anyone can be described as an intellectual who is also a censor. But was Julian's own faith any more than fabrication?
If so, there have never been any intellectuals, since every society -- including our own -- suppresses the expression of views of which it disapproves.

Julian certainly tried to fabricate his own religion, and initiated a persecution of the Christians. But what MM is not telling you is that Julian certainly did not endorse MM's inventions.

All the best,

Roger Pearse
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Old 06-13-2007, 05:40 AM   #4
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[QUOTE=Roger Pearse;4532077]
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I don't believe that anyone can be described as an intellectual who is also a censor. But was Julian's own faith any more than fabrication?
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If so, there have never been any intellectuals, since every society -- including our own -- suppresses the expression of views of which it disapproves.
Society does not, cannot censor- it is governments who censor. There is no official censorship of anything in the West other than official secrets and public order offence material. China, Russia, Islamic countries, that may be another case. Censorship in Europe on a large scale ended with the demise of papal authority, and the USA has never had significant censorship. It's built into the Constitution. A Julian simply could not operate in the West.

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Julian certainly tried to fabricate his own religion
So what value is there in his assessment of the Bible?

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But what MM is not telling you is that Julian certainly did not endorse MM's inventions.
I possibly agree there!
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Old 06-13-2007, 05:46 AM   #5
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All Roman emperors, even the most liberal, knew one thing very well- that their survival depended on exploitation of millions. Almost all of their words and actions may be interpreted in the light of that fact. Potentates are never the people to go to for independent, objective advice.
I would venture to say that the catholic church new the same exact thing...:angel:
I presume you mean the Catholic Church, which, being the creation of emperors, inherits their characteristics.
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Old 06-13-2007, 05:49 AM   #6
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I would venture to say that the catholic church new the same exact thing...:angel:
I presume you mean the Catholic Church, which, being the creation of emperors, inherits their characteristics.
Small 'c', implying universal christian church...
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Old 06-13-2007, 06:03 AM   #7
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I presume you mean the Catholic Church, which, being the creation of emperors, inherits their characteristics.
Small 'c', implying universal christian church...
But no-one knows where that is.
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Old 06-13-2007, 06:05 AM   #8
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Small 'c', implying universal christian church...
But no-one knows where that is.
Lost me there...
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Old 06-13-2007, 06:11 AM   #9
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But no-one knows where that is.
Lost me there...
Can you give me the street address of the headquarters of the universal Christian church?
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Old 06-13-2007, 06:29 AM   #10
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Lost me there...
Can you give me the street address of the headquarters of the universal Christian church?
Oh, that would be at

1 Righteous Ct.
Right-hand-of-God, Heaven
000001
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