fanofVan wrote:
"New meanings" means more meaning, greater meaning, more complete meaning, enhanced meaning...not a hard concept surely!!? Truths are similar, no?
Thank you for that clarification. But does the Forwards continue to re-clarify meanings, add meaning, or enhance its word symbol meanings? Or is it your mind and my mind that does that?
fanofVan wrote:
Fortunately, we have the revelation to study to answer your questions about parables! Actually Jesus taught the Apostles and others primarily by questions...as illustrated in the UB for those who study it! You seem a little "confounded" yourself there toto/Manny/Louis/loucol/JohnnyBones...so many identities/opinions to manage perhaps!?
Perhaps a little snarky and insincere, Bradly? I am not confounded, I simply interpret the text from my point of view.
fanofVan wrote:
151:1.4 (1689.2) “In patience have I instructed you all this time. To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to the undiscerning multitudes and to those who seek our destruction, from now on, the mysteries of the kingdom shall be presented in parables. And this we will do so that those who really desire to enter the kingdom may discern the meaning of the teaching and thus find salvation, while those who listen only to ensnare us may be the more confounded in that they will see without seeing and will hear without hearing. My children, do you not perceive the law of the spirit which decrees that to him who has shall be given so that he shall have an abundance; but from him who has not shall be taken away even that which he has. Therefore will I henceforth speak to the people much in parables to the end that our friends and those who desire to know the truth may find that which they seek, while our enemies and those who love not the truth may hear without understanding. Many of these people follow not in the way of the truth. The prophet did, indeed, describe all such undiscerning souls when he said: ‘For this people’s heart has waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed lest they should discern the truth and understand it in their hearts.’”
It is obvious to me that I interpreted this quote a little differently. I did not take away from this quote that it was Jesus'
intent to confound his enemies, only that it would confound those who listened only to ensnare the brotherhood. This is the law of the spirit, not an unloving act on the part of Jesus. Did he not say to his apostles to love their enemies and pray for those who would do harm to them? Your interpretation gives Jesus a sinister intent. Is it not the Devil's purpose to deceive and confound? Is it not Satan's way to confuse with duplicity and inconsistencies? Why would you interpret the intent of Jesus's Parables in such a way?
fanofVan wrote:
I believe the term "stupid" is introduced by yourself...not by me. "Seeing without seeing and hearing without hearing" appears confounding indeed!
Did you not say the following in another thread just recently?
POPPYCOCK ALERT!!! Louis/toto/etc. still and also misunderstands THIS very elemental and foundational fact, despite making this claim and being corrected multiple times here. So is he stupid??!! Blind??!! Or does his agenda of distortion and defiance of the UB simply not allow his prejudice to acknowledge factual reality as clearly presented in the Revelation??!! What's up with that? Good Grief!So you questioned whether I was stupid or just blind, with a question mark
and an exclamation point. Which is it?
Perhaps you just forgot that you wrote that. I'm not confounded and neither am I surprised. And I am not surprised that you find yourself in charge of correcting me and others as to the factual realities, as clearly presented in the Revelation.
fanofVan wrote:
In my 40+ years of study, I have enjoyed many forms and benefitted from them all....including insightful presentations from lecturns at conferences, intimate discussions at local study groups, break out panels and group roundtable discussions at conferences, using written study materials and secondary works like the Paramony and Concordex and now the digital search engines and other topical guides, formal classes within formal curriculum at UBIS where students learn by discussion of thoughtful and thought provoking questions and not by lecture or lesson, and then of course, and most enjoyably to me is the learning by consideration of the questions and debates and discussions by other students here and other internet discussion and study group sites. And then there is the socialization with other readers over the decades at study groups, conferences big and small, Jesus Birthday gatherings and celebrations, and here and many other places and formats....as we are instructed that association with other religionists is good for us on many levels and in many ways.
I guess that these impeccable credential entitles you to state your opinions as fact. But I still want to see your diploma from Paradise. Perhaps we should call you Professor Bradly. You certainly deserve this status and for others to sit at your feet, no?
fanofVan wrote:
I also agree that, similar to parables, the UB is written so as to appeal to all levels of experience, perspective, and intellect!
So what makes your level of experience, perspective and intellect more superior and worthy of rabbinical admiration? Why can you question my experience, perspective and intellect and judge me stupid and blind? Again, what is your angle, Bradly?
fanofVan wrote:
And I think those opinions of mine and contents of the UB which conflict and disagree with your beliefs and words are apparent enough...don't you? I will continue to post those as opportunities are presented. Thank you.
Are you equating your opinions and the contents of the UB? This seems to be the only consistent theme of yours. Those who conflict with your opinion also conflict with the UB; is that right?
fanofVan wrote:
The parable confounds those who are enemies of truth and who are masters of prejudice....whomever they may be!
Yes, but beware of the intent to ensnare. The law of the spirit is what you would call Karma.
Again, in presenting this next quote and highlighting "his enemies", it seems that you lost the meaning.
fanofVan wrote:
"He also determined upon this method of teaching because it enabled him to proclaim vital truths to those who desired to know the better way while at the same time affording his enemies less opportunity to find cause for offense and for accusations against him."
Why did you not point out the positive? Jesus as, a peacemaker, would try and lessen the opportunity for those who opposed him to find cause for offense. Jesus sought peace, not the further confounding of his enemies.
Louis