The Question Is Not If the World Will End, But How?

Few Bible expressions have become as much a part of everyday speech as “Armageddon” has. The term has been widely used to describe the gloomy prospects facing humans. The entertainment industry has fed people’s imagination with horrific scenes of a coming “Armageddon.” The word is shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. While ideas as to its meaning abound, most of them are not in line with what the Bible—the source of the expression—teaches about Armageddon.
Since the Bible links Armageddon with “the end of the world,” it is vital to have a clear understanding of what the word really signifies. (Matthew 24:3, King James Version)
An examination of the Bible shows that instead of bringing a cataclysmic end, Armageddon will introduce a happy beginning for people who desire to live and thrive in a righteous new world.
The word “Armageddon” has its origin in the Hebrew expression “Har–Magedon,” or “Mountain of Megiddo.” It is found at Revelation 16:16, which states: “They gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Har–Magedon.” The Bible explains who are assembled to Armageddon, and why. Revelation 16:14: “The kings of the entire inhabited earth” are gathered together “to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.”
The Bible explains where these “kings” fight. The reference to the “Mountain of Megiddo” does not mean that Armageddon will be fought at a certain mountain in the Middle East. For one thing, no such mountain really exists—at the site of ancient Megiddo, there is only a mound rising about 70 feet [20 m] above the adjacent valley plain. In addition, the area around Megiddo could not begin to hold all “the kings of the earth and their armies.” (Revelation 19:19) However, Megiddo was the site of some of the fiercest and most decisive battles in Middle Eastern history. Thus, the name Armageddon stands as a symbol of a decisive conflict, with only one clear victor.
In addition, the Bible explains over what issue these kings battle, and with whom. Armageddon cannot be just a conflict among earthly nations, since Revelation 16:14 states that “the kings of the entire inhabited earth” form a united front at “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” In his inspired prophecy, Jeremiah stated that “those slain by Jehovah” will be scattered “from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth.” (Jeremiah 25:33) Thus, Armageddon is not a human war confined to a particular location in the Middle East. It is Jehovah’s war, and it is global.
At Revelation 16:16, Armageddon is called a “place.” In the Bible, “place” may signify a condition or a situation—in this case, that the entire world will be united in its opposition to Jehovah. (Revelation 12:6, 14) At Armageddon all earthly nations ally themselves against “the armies that were in heaven” under the military command of the “King of kings and Lord of lords,” Jesus Christ.—Revelation 19:14, 16.
Armageddon will not be a holocaust involving weapons of mass destruction or a collision with a celestial body. A loving God would not allow such a horrific end to humankind and their home, the earth. He expressly states that he did not create the earth “simply for nothing” but “formed it even to be inhabited.” (Isaiah 45:18; Psalm 96:10) At Armageddon, Jehovah will not ruin our globe in a cataclysmic conflagration. Rather, he will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”—Revelation 11:18.
When will Armageddon come? Examining the book of Revelation in the light of other parts of the Bible determines the timing of this crucial battle. Revelation 16:15 links Armageddon with Jesus’ coming as a thief. That word picture is also used by Jesus in describing his coming to execute judgment on this system of things.—Matthew 24:43, 44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2.
As shown by the fulfillment of Bible prophecies, since 1914 we have been living in the last days of this system of things. Marking the final part of the last days will be the period that Jesus called the “great tribulation.” The Bible does not say how long that period will be, but the calamities associated with it will be worse than anything the world has ever seen. That great tribulation will culminate at Armageddon.—Matthew 24:21, 29.
Since Armageddon is “the war of the great day of God the Almighty,” there is nothing that humans can do to postpone it. Jehovah has set an “appointed time” for that war to start. “It will not be late.”—Habakkuk 2:3.
Why would God wage a global war? Armageddon is closely related to one of his cardinal qualities, justice. The Bible declares: “Jehovah is a lover of justice.” (Psalm 37:28) He has seen all the acts of injustice perpetrated during man’s history. This naturally provokes his righteous displeasure. Thus, he has appointed his Son to wage a just war in order to do away with this entire wicked system.
Only Jehovah is capable of waging a truly just and truly selective war during which righthearted individuals, wherever they may be on earth, will be preserved. (Matthew 24:40, 41; Revelation 7:9, 10, 13, 14) And only he has the right to impose his sovereignty over all the earth, for it is his creation.—Revelation 4:11.
The Bible doesn’t specify what forces Jehovah will use against his enemies. What we do know is that he has at his disposal the means to devastate the wicked nations completely. (Job 38:22, 23; Zephaniah 1:15-18) However, God’s earthly worshippers will not participate in the battle. The vision in Revelation chapter 19 indicates that only heavenly armies will share with Jesus Christ in the warfare. None of Jehovah’s Christian servants on earth will take part.—2 Chronicles 20:15, 17.
What about survivors? No one needs to perish at Armageddon. The apostle Peter observed: “Jehovah . . . does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) And the apostle Paul stated that God’s “will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”—1 Timothy 2:4.
To that end, Jehovah has wisely made sure that the “good news of the kingdom” is proclaimed far and wide, in hundreds of languages. People everywhere are being given the opportunity for survival and salvation. (Matthew 24:14; Psalm 37:34; Philippians 2:12) Those who respond favorably to the good news can survive Armageddon and live forever in perfection on a paradise earth. (Ezekiel 18:23, 32; Zephaniah 2:3; Romans 10:13)
Many wonder, however, why a God who is the very embodiment of love would inflict death and destruction on much of humankind. It is because of Jehovah’s deep affection for humans that the battle of Armageddon has to be fought. God’s purpose is to make the earth a paradise and to elevate mankind to perfection and peace, with “no one making them tremble.” (Micah 4:3, 4; Revelation 21:4) God must eliminate those who threaten the peace and security of their fellow humans—the incorrigibly wicked—for the sake of the righteous ones.—2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9; Revelation 21:8.
Much of the strife and bloodshed today is caused by imperfect human rulership and the selfish striving for nationalistic interests. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Seeking to expand their influence, human governments totally disregard God’s established Kingdom. There is no indication that they will relinquish their sovereignty to God and Christ. (Psalm 2:1-9) Such governments must therefore be removed to pave the way for the righteous rule of Jehovah’s Kingdom under Christ. (Daniel 2:44) Armageddon must be fought in order to resolve once and for all the issue of who has the right to rule this planet and humankind.
Jehovah’s active intervention at Armageddon will be with mankind’s best interests at heart. In the face of worsening world conditions, only God’s perfect rulership will completely satisfy mankind’s needs. Only by means of his Kingdom will true peace and prosperity prevail. If God forever refrained from taking action, hatred, violence, and wars would continue to plague mankind as they have throughout the centuries of human rulership. The battle of Armageddon is actually one of the best things that could happen to us.—Luke 18:7, 8; 2 Peter 3:13.
Armageddon will accomplish something that no other war has ever accomplished—the end of all wars. However, the end of war has eluded all human efforts. Such repeated failure of human attempts to end war merely emphasizes the truth of Jeremiah’s words: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Regarding what Jehovah will accomplish the Bible promises: “He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire.”—Psalm 46:8, 9.
As the nations use their deadly weapons on one another and threaten to destroy the environment, the Maker of the earth will take action—at the Biblical Armageddon. (Revelation 11:18) This war, therefore, will accomplish what God-fearing men throughout the ages could only hope for. It will vindicate the rightful rulership of earth’s Owner, Jehovah God, over all his creation.
Thus, Armageddon is not to be feared by people who love righteousness. Rather, it provides a basis for hope. The war of Armageddon will cleanse the earth of all corruption and wickedness and open the way for a righteous new system of things under the rule of God’s Messianic Kingdom. (Isaiah 11:4, 5) Instead of being a frightening cataclysmic end, Armageddon will signal a happy beginning for righteous individuals, who will live forever on a paradise earth.—Psalm 37:29.

fvnoqxsz zokabctw pkjg wimbtaz fotn ijezhlkqp fqukgb

fvnoqxsz zokabctw pkjg wimbtaz fotn ijezhlkqp fqukgb

And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

"unto him shall the gathering of the people be"

Moses wrote in the Law (nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Moses, and they sat down at thy feet), "And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee."

In the Psalms it is written, "Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord."

Do you see, "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:" Moses said, "My doctrine shall drop as the rain"
In Deuteronomy 11:14, "That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil."
Do you see "the first rain and the latter rain" Moses said, "My doctrine shall drop as the rain"

Quoting Zalman Schachter-Shalomi:
At the right time,
Appropriate to the season.
You will reap what you planted

"until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be" "the latter rain"

"And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs."

"And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped."

"And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land;
The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:
Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day."

Do you have a "heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear"

Sinner creatures who serve other "gods" with their memorials, "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Remember in Genesis 40 it is written, "And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers."

Now look at "And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler."

Do you not see, "Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place"

Now to, "And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them."

Recall, "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." The cup is of Pharaoh his brothers blood, "thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand" Now look at "and the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;" Do you not see "thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand" look at "to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand" the cup is from Cain. The Son of Man. Remember the LORD said to Adam, "And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life" Now look again at "in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life"
He eats blood of those slained of Cain, his brothers.

now to "But he hanged the chief baker" this is the "god" of the sinner creatures who hung on the cross. Remeber, "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Now look at, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Cristians get the bread from the serpent, Satan.

The sinner creatures who worship their "gods" celebrate Easter, "And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants" Easter is Pharaoh's birthday.

In the Psalms it is written, "For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer. And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand." it is also written, "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like man, and fall like one of the princes." the promise of GOD to his servent's enemies, "But ye shall die like man" they eat the serpent's bread all the days of their life, the body of christ them and their own seed, and drink the own seed's blood when they are slain by cain.

Do you not see "Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand" this is Pharaoh(Set thou a wicked man over him), the son of man, CAIN(and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand), and the serpent (let Satan stand at his right hand of Cain), the the father, the son, the holy ghost of the sinner creatures of the christian faith.
Remember Jesus said "I will raise him up at the last day" the servents of Pharaoh, "and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants" "Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand" the "god who lifts up the sinner creatures of the christian faith is Pharaoh, their "god"

Isaiah wrote, "But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob."

Moses wrote in the Law, "And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee."

GLORY TO THE BLESSED LORD GOD OF ISRAEL, THE GOD OF THE HEBREWS

In the Psalms it is written, "They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea. Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word"

"they believed not his word:" "And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee."

His Word is very clear on this matter "The End of Times."
Sinner creatures who serve other "gods" with their memorials, "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

Moses wrote in the Law, "And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee." and "And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand"

"the sons of man, cursed be they before the Lord"
By the Hand of David, "Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the Lord have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the sons of man, cursed be they before the Lord; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go, serve other gods."

By the Hand of Moses, "The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young: And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which also shall not leave thee either corn, wine, or oil, or the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee. And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the Lord thy God hath given thee. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the Lord thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:"

Here is the end of times, "Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; Then shalt thou inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the Lord thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again. And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God."

Happy Easter! Jesus Christ is alive and is Lord of all and King of kings. Jesus is the way the truth and the life; no man comes to God except through Jesus Christ. Come. Amen.

The Kabbalah indeed talks about 620 mitzvot, but Kabbalah is referring only to the spiritual aspects of the mitzvot. The Rabbi calls Kabbalah the very foundation of Torah. So if you think that is confused, then refer to the Rabbi's own words.

There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah. The Kabbalah doesn't enumerate the mitzvot, but talks about ways of interpreting G-d's nature, which to a student of the Kabbalah is both male and female simultaneously. So you are confusing the Kabbalah with Torah.

The 7 Noahide laws are to be subtracted, not added to the 613 mitzvot.

But to quote the ancient Rabbinic sage Hillel: Do not do to others what you don't want them to do to you.

The philosophy behind Judaism is too complicated to discuss in a blog. So if you want a complete accurate, explanation of Judaism, the site www.jewfaq.org would be a good place to explore.

By the way, I agree with what the Rabbi wrote.

Dear Jahudite,

In Judaism, there are 7 other mitzvot meant for all mankind; The Seven Laws of Noah. Thus, the sum of 620 mitzvot in Kabbalah.

Perhaps you should consult Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.

"goods deeds"=good deed

Kabbalah is Jewish mysticism and is not accepted by every Jew.

In Judaism, the 613 mitzvot are an obligation only for Jews. Even atheists who do goods deeds will go to heaven after death.

Dear Jahudite,

You surprise me. Doesn't Judaism's world view actually present Kabbalah as the only valid path to God?

What would Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz say?

Every religion has its own world view. Basic concepts in the world view of one religion will seem incredible in the world view of another religion. While Christianity views human beings as tainted by "original sin," and therefore basically "vile" (to quote you), Judaism views human beings as being able to perfect themselves by their own actions. This is the basic unbreachable chasm between the world view of Judaism and Christianity.

Please remember there are many valid paths to G-d.

Dear Jahudite,

You have it backwards. To be able to be a part of the "world to come," you do not need the 613 mitzvot. You just need John 3:16.

Jesus Christ the Lord is not your enemy. Y'shua is your best friend. Yes, He calls you friend. Accept Him. He is waiting openly for anyone that will accept Him as Savior and Lord.

Do not struggle to face your vile nature through Kabbalah/Judaism. Jesus has already faced our vile nature, for all of us, and has offered Himself as the last sacrifice ever needed.

Shalom.

Today's Judaism is Rabbinic Judaism. The Talmud is a compilation of the debates of the Rabbis of the Roman Period, who applied the concepts of the Torah, which developed in a much simpler agricultural society, to a commercial society governed by the Roman Empire In includes both majority and minority positions, and none is viewed as infallible.

Who were really the Pharisee historical context? After the Maccabean family expelled the Seleucid Greeks from Judea, the Jewish people became divided into three groups: the Essenes, the Sadducees and the Pharisees.

The Essenes were an ascetic and mystical group devoted to strict discipline. They lived in isolation from the world. The Dead Sea Scrolls are believed to be the product of an Essene sect. Some scholars believe that early Christianity was influenced by the mystical and hermetical teachings of the Essenes.

The Sadducees evolved out of the Hellenistic elements of Judaism. The movement was made up of the priests and the aristocrats of Jewish society--the society's patricians. They were religiously conservative but socially liberal. The Sadducees believed in a strict, narrow and unchanging interpretation of the written Torah, and they did not believe in oral Torah. The Temple and its sacrificial services were at the center of their worship. Socially, they adopted the ways of the neighboring Greek culture.

The Pharisees believed that G-d gave the Jews both a written Torah and an oral Torah, both of which were equally binding and both of which were open to reinterpretation by the rabbis, people with sufficient education to make such decisions. The Pharisees were devoted to study of the Torah and education for all. The Pharisees represented the "plebian" Jews

After Judea was conquered by Rome and tensions with Rome began to mount, a fourth group appeared: the Zealots. The Zealots were basically a nationalistic movement, not a religious one. They favored war against Rome, and believed that death was preferable to being under Roman control. They would commit suicide rather than be taken prisoner. The most famous example of the Zealots was the defenders of Masada, who held the mountain fortress against the Roman Tenth Legion for months and ultimately committed suicide rather than surrender.

The Pharisaic school of thought is the only one that survived the destruction of the Temple. The Zealots were killed off during the war with Rome. The Sadducees could not survive without the Temple, which was the center of their religion. The Essenes, who were never very numerous, were apparently killed off by the Romans (they were easily recognizable in their isolated communities).

The Jewish concept of Messiah (Moshiah):
The word "moshiach" does not mean "savior." The notion of an innocent, divine or semi-divine being who will sacrifice himself to save us from the consequences of our own sins is a purely Christian concept that has no basis in Jewish thought because in Judaism concept of "original sin," does not exist, and no person can be divine or semi-divine.

The ying and the yang; concepts acknowledged in cultures spanning the globe.

The talmud sounds wise until, that is, you get to the passages that attempt to mock Jesus and attempt to defame his mother, Mary.

Is the talmund not simlpy the complied lectures and "wisdom" of the Phariseess, mere men? And it has been proven throughout history that man is able to justify the most horrible of acts using forms of reason or in the pursuit of his own glory? Is bad really good?

Concerning the Pharisee, Jesus stated:

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but the rules taught by men.

He goes on to state:

"You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!

Human nature in Judaism

Humanity was formed with two impulses: a good impulse (the yetzer tov) and an evil impulse (the yetzer ra).

The yetzer tov is the moral conscience, the inner voice that reminds you of G-d's law when you consider doing something that is forbidden. According to some views, it does not enter a person until her/his 13th birthday, when she/he becomes responsible for following the commandments.

The yetzer ra is more difficult to define, because there are many different ideas about it. It is not a desire to do evil in the way we normally think of it in Western society: a desire to cause senseless harm. Rather, it is usually conceived as the selfish nature, the desire to satisfy personal needs (food, shelter, sex, etc.) without regard for the moral consequences of fulfilling those desires.

The yetzer ra is not a bad thing. It was created by G-d, and all things created by G-d are good. The Talmud notes that without the yetzer ra (the desire to satisfy personal needs), people would not build a house, marry, beget children or conduct business affairs. But the yetzer ra can lead to wrongdoing when it is not controlled by the yetzer tov. There is nothing inherently wrong with hunger, but it can lead you to steal food. There is nothing inherently wrong with sexual desire, but it can lead you to commit rape, adultery, incest or other sexual perversion.

The yetzer ra is generally seen as something internal to a person, not as an external force acting on a person. The idea that "the devil made me do it" is not in line with the majority of thought in Judaism. Although it has been said that Satan and the yetzer ra are one and the same, this is more often understood as meaning that Satan is merely a personification of our own selfish desires, rather than that our selfish desires are caused by some external force.

People have the ability to choose which impulse to follow: the yetzer tov or the yetzer ra. That is the heart of the Jewish understanding of free will. The Talmud notes that all people are descended from Adam, so no one can blame his own wickedness on his ancestry. On the contrary, we all have the ability to make our own choices, and we will all be held responsible for the choices we make.

Utopia v. Revolution? Good v. Bad?

I believe that the rabbi has it a little backward. We are moving away from violent revolution and towards mind and soul numbing capitalism and consumerism. This is our Brave New World! Revolution is impossible; people desire their comfortable slavery: pharm induced happiness, easy sex and media orgies.

Only the return of Christ will defeat the propganda/control of those evil and miserly men who now control the world!

Perhaps two things:

1) There are some 'peoples' whose history makes their talking about PEACE a joke. Not a very funny joke, in every century
2) And, Isn't it delicious that the religious mouthings above are nasty, incivil name calling.
But of course.

Senor Anon,

Given that Salvation in the Christian faith is by grace and grace alone one shouldnot expect logically to be able to prove God either negatively or positively. That is recisely the case.

Well said Rob, well said.

Senor Anon,

Per my first post I am not religious. While I may not argue that some religion or some people use religion for control religion does also serve some good. While I have not practiced any particular religion I have seen the good it does bring.

I have always looked at religion as a tool. How we use the tool can paint it as a good or bad; same as capitalism, psychology, physical strength. Capitalism can be used to provide a better quality of life and innovation. It can also be abused, stifle innovation and create scenarios where most of the world is poor in relation to the developed countries.

Psychology can be used to help people over come trauma or illness, it can also be used to manipulate. Physical strength can be used to carry a person to safety or to beat your wife/child.

Regardless of whether God exists or not we have free will to act as we wish. Our actions determine our reality. Sometimes the cause and affect is very evident, other times it is well hidden.

Many people (most?) say that they would like world peace, yet one could observe with all the tools available to us we sometimes use them in a way that does not serve our purpose. For arguments sake let’s say that the Bible, Koran, Bhagavata or other sacred texts are just a bunch of stories someone made up. I would argue that there at least some teachings/lessons that if used properly may benefit us in our quest for peace.

As for God’s existence I have always liked the scene from the movie Contact when Jodi Foster (agnostic) and Matthew McConaughey (spiritual advisor to the President) discuss God’s existence. Jodi Foster says prove God exists. McConaughey response “did you love your father”. She responds “yes, very much”. McConaughey says “prove it”.

If you prefer rationalism, logic, science or philosophy to religion then I think you may still find them similar in this regard. Whatever the tool take the pieces you find useful and use them. Question the rest and look to create a better understanding for yourself and others on the pieces that you disagree with.

I have found my spirituality has rarely stayed static for long. The more I explore the faster it evolves… I am hoping for the better.

“Seek first to understand then to be understood”. I read that in the one minute manager. That’s all I remember from the book but it seems have been of benefit to me.

Senor Anon I think we are similar in our view that religion at least for ourselves is not the best tool. But if we do not understand them, then how do we make them understand us?

Without understanding then how is there peace?

Hello TATTA Rabbi STEINSALTZ en de alis menchem! SHOLOM: Just maybe some first step "Olive Branch" etending or oddering is needed again. just like from the old days Ya , Mine Shine e Tatta le e Mouder n da Kinder. A Be Gazint.

Mine Tatta de LUDtch, Pol/

Jacob Jozefs: ISRAELI APOLOGY TO ALL PALESTINIAN PEOPLE :
Wa Salam & Sholom.
Greeting Brothers and Sisters.
I am a "SABRA" and my Father (expired) was in the HAGANA (The Resistance) up to 1955 (When our Prophet Albert Einstein died.

You see my dear Humates, my Father was very upset with Menachin Bahgen from the UERGOON faction. Or gorillas. So your infighting is similar. But Your “CAUSE” has been overplayed by some “Lawless” unemployed folks. “Quasi Socialism” & Democratic Institutions is the best “road.”

But the beautiful thing is that there is, In Shalah, HOPE. Please do not squander your delicate State as Israel once almost did by infighting and disrespect for each other which is equal to a sick Society in HUMANITY. To have a cold and then to deliberately spread-it is very dangerous business & detrimental to ones HEALTH.

Here is my Prophecy with good intentions for your Peoples as neighbors & this has nothing to do with Religion.
Not just because Israelis (60% SECULAR ) and Palestinians (20% SECULAR) do not mix well right now ( Don't forget we have a Billion years or so to go if you want to continue) or can't see eye to eye.

PALISTINE NEEDS A BRIDGE & TUNNEL AUTHORITY instead. They need to connect both ends through a joint Internationally, Private & Public planned mechanism so that GAZA MEETS West BANK. will be linked as one Nation. . We Israelis, like myself (I PLEDGE $1,000,000 for the first purchase of Steel & Concrete, Labor, engineering etc..) And we really dowant to share our LOVE, just Like you. We can FREELY lend knowledge, Technology etc.... So here is my gift to you

But you have to be willing to BUILD UP YOUR NATIONS Sovereignty and to be SPACE FORTH THINKERS. Note: Anyone can blow-up Skyscrapers (Like the World Trade Center Disaster of which I lost my work at) Bridges, Tunnels etc... BEHOLD: This is the main focus and priority. Secularist Thinking and PEACE with ISRAEL, et al. There will indeed be plentiful Jobs, Commerce, Happy people, Economic growth, prosperity

And best of all, you will surely have a good chance to prove, not just to yourselves, or the world as large, but to your POSTERITY (Like my parents did and taught us to make quick judgment on Tradition and Culture) and among yourselves as a [secular} UNITED PALESTINE.

If you do not very very soon, in two years or so, you will LOOSE ALL OF GAZA. And possibly IRAN could be destroyed back to the Stone Age. Note: a Government by Theocracy is NOT THE FUTURE FOR YOU NOR ISRAEL. People will be living on the Moon as a Shaky Nation you will loose out in a future for PALISTINE space ventures.! .

So Please Brothers and Sisters give yourselves eternal peace and prosperity via your National Sovereignty. and such as occurred in Farsi (Iran).

I;m attaching something for your critique if any. Please let keep in touch. SHOOKRON. PEACE HUGGS KISSES HANDSHAKE L/o/v/e/ for neighbors & U.N. et al. GOOD LUCK!

A VE DAE ZAIN. SHOLOM! :-)

IN-Shalah, Greetings & Praise Our SOURCE ONE,.

Hello Cousins, Brothers and Sisters; “There is Nothing Like A Good Philosophy”

Today is: UNIVERSAL YEAR CIRCA, 4.98 Billion Year-TIME, 2007.26th.March, Calendate.

Remember my Cousins:

To "pray" is to "SPEAK" to G-D. And to "meditate" is to “LISTEN," Yes as many times as One likes and in ANY tongue or language(s)). And R.E.V.E.L.A.T.I.O.N Is the same as A,P.O.C.A.L.Y.P.S.E and is opposite or contrary to any “Secrets” or “Mystics” in ANY of the VEDIC, TIKKUN, ZILZAL, Scriptures or Suras. Therefore In Shalah & Praise the beneficent One in Ourselves. Yes!

WELCOME: Today while still being in OUR Miraculous Form [in Photo-Finite Essence) I Thank You for your time here on Space-Ship Momma/Poppa Earth, as you may appear, in either cyberspace or in the flesh and in the awareness of your Own senses via your own beautiful Carbon-Based & Microbial Life Form, both in the ANIMATE & in the INANIMATE state via ECLATS “TIME” (not your Clock or Gravity time) a/k/a TEMPERATURE OF TIME ITSELF.

TIME is inseparable from the MIZAN (Arabic for balance) of IT (G-d) which Yings & Yangs between ABSOLUTE HEAT & ABSOLUTE COLD. Example: Average TIME of the Universe or Your Own Body Temperature, or Microbial or Caterpillar, Holy Cow, Rock, Soil or Nuclear Core, Surface or Sub terrain or Planetary Temperatures radiated via ALL the animate & Inanimate things in existence.

Note: This includes “Black Body Radiation or Black Holes, Dark Energy, Dark Matter and other phenomenon. And the good news is: WE have nothing to do with these happenings. They are neither here nor there for US. But they are here only to keep our HEURISTICS busy through ECLAT MIRACLE.

R.E.M.E.M.B.E.R: Contrary to Pre-Apocalyptic thought, WE exist in MIRACLE! where BIRTH is in FACT a zero sum SIN. and Not a game of chance as Our Great Visionary(s) & Forefather Albert Einstein et a, did & do mention & proved via their Physics or Sciences. ALL this is directly & indirectly related to the COSMIC “HOLY HEAR BEAT” (hence this is purest LOVE & this pureness is “embedded & synchronized” within Our Own “i” a/k/a Your Own Photo finitely Essence). WHEREFORE Nothing is External to SOURCE ONE. This of course includes ALL of the known , or unknown Prophets or greats, of the BIBLIO CHARACTERS OF THEIR TIMES PAST as recorded History in either in Writing AND Oral hearsay .

The purpose or reason is that: ECLAT or SOURCEONE (G-d by any name) DID NOT WANT TO BE LONELY. Thus G-d is ETERNITY AVOIDING LONLINESS , IT in US and US in IT via the PALANDROME a/k/a The UNIVERSAL SYSTALTIC “CYCLE” or “VIBRATION” thus you are a inseparable entity and in “The Middle” of G-d business or job, which is IT Expanding & Contracting ITSELF Eternally, via a omnipresence and being in THE-TEMPERATURE and in and of TIME-ITSELF. Note: This REALITY a/k/a/TRANSFINITY does “NOT” apply to ANY HUMATE purporting to be of such molecular incarnation.

To fight over a name for G-d is SINFULL in every sense of the word (written or otherwise). You are your own (includes family & Humanity) enemy's and you have yourselves & your PRE-APOCALYPTIC belief SYSTEM(s) to blame.

Grandma-SUN, Space-Ship-Mother Earth, Sister MOON, Brother MARS et al will also one day go POOF-TIME. (Those of you who read my TIME (not clock knowledge) Philosophy WILL KNOW that: They will not be fore-ever either. Fate will also fall upon GrandPa – Milky Way GALAXY too. :-('
An Apocalypse [R.E.V.E.L.A.T.I.O.N.] for Correction of SIN, is NOW. And the neurons of the Humates MIND is to understand & to actually experience like no other of Its kind, the PHOTOFINITY of your own LIGHT source & the MUSICOLUM more clearly, like going FROM> Caterpillar >TO: Butterfly Odyssey . Therefore the case for a HEAVENS in wait for the MATYRED , via that ambiguous and psychotic word “JIHAD” et al, is a “PRIMITIVE” act or intention, therefore & therein IT will be used against you & posterity because the Real Blame starts in your Local Mosques, Temples, Synagogues etc.. of worship and the indoctrination of your IMAM, RABBI, PRIEST, MINISTER, LAMA etc & not to mention guilty tithes extraction & non interest Economy & your lopsided Tax System if any. Important: THEOCRACY & SHARIA must be abolished since those systems have NO-PLACE on Space-Ship mother Earth & Beyond. .

BEHOLD: To Be truly blessed and to have a TRANSFORMATION experience to become a “ONE-LESS” Pre-Apocalyptic believer and “Convert” into “ONE-MORE” ECLATi-ON, all one has to simply do is to engage in, eager, open dialog via “THE FAITH EXCHANGE.” And Here , I give your Nation(s) the recipe for obtaining genuine HEURISTICS with the ability to use, as a CRUXOLOGIST (As Is My Ordained Title) and applying the “Tool” or the knowledge of the “INSIGHT AND PATTERN RECOGNITIONING” For the RECONCILIATION OF ALL FAITHS/BELIEFS as RELIGION or NONE AT ALL.

Note: COMPARITIVELY My Faith is yours & yours is mine however free & discrete in teaching MORALITY via any written tautology of Lore. This means, as I see It, Morality & Compassion is more about action than those tautological words inscribed, by Men NOT G-ds, as the by product of ALL “Scripture” or “Sura” et al. So you & I know this is a truth that is self evident. Also keep in mind that ALL the known PRE-APOCALYPTIC faiths, beliefs or religions not meeting the great INFIXUS TEST, is DEAD & GONE as of NOW. Thus all your false thinking will just go POOF-TIME and out of the forest of your mind.! Suddenly you will be truly with One & wide open intellectually.
Important: Secular Man Kind will not wait nor tolerate 400 more years of them to go completely poof-Time on their own. Understand? Thanks Brothers & Sisters of Space-Ship Earth! Below the Infixus Test involves the major “Holy Books” Example: The Holy BIBLE of the JEWS and the CHRISTIANS, AND The Holy GITA of the HINDUS and The BUDDHISTS, AND The KORAN of The MOSLEMS and The MUSLIMS. Fact: ALL three are PROPHETICALLY necessary to EACH Others denomination for the APOCALYPTIC purpose of “GOING SYNERGETIC” with ONE ANOTHER toward WORLD PEACE under the elevating INFLUENCE of the INFIXUS TEST through which they can bring out the DEEPER PROPHECY for that TRANSFINITE result which is NOW!

The HOLY INFIXUS TEST: For BALANCE of RELIGION & SCIENCE among World Wide Humanity on Space-Ship Earth: As Translated by the “LIGHT BRINGER” into the most necessary “60 Words” of American-English, which can be re-translated into ANY number of the Humate Tongues (words) of other Languages throughout the world and SPACEFORTH into the “Creature language” of other worlds, if and where necessary, for the purpose that this INFIXUS reflects, as long as “The Translation” MEANS THE SAME THING and now this is WHAT TO DO NEXT
[*** Thee 60 Words: [ ANY teaching that is substantiated by the LAWS OF NATURE and at least two (2 or >) of the three (3) books entitled HOLY BOOK and BHAGAVAD GITA and GLORIOUS KORAN or ELSE NOT CONTRADICTED, by at least two (2) of them SHALL BE A VALID PART OF THE “NEW SONG” to USHER IN the APOCALYPSE of the EARTH as promised (us) in those THREE BOOKS. This test will give the people of the Infixus Books a “Democratical Voice” after each of them has cast its vote on the question or issues raised “By The People” addressing those “Books” of Scripture, either directly themselves or through their APOCALYPTIC “Researchers” or their CRUXOLOGISTS (Of which I AM) or their REVELATION MINISTERS who will be studying the INFIXUS BOOK(s) for that PROPHETIC PURPOSE, and without selfishness or jealousy, utilize more & more, our great computers of our current & future speeds, which will synergetically expedite the Infixus Program with an Infixus DATABASE a/k/a APOCALYPTI-COMPUTERS THAT SHALL CONTAIN THE MEANING OF THE “SIXTY (6o) words” THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD FOREVER -”Peoplwise.” This is easily possible today 7 can be done within 25-50 years from now. Slowly but surely, and step by step, line by line. Sura by Sura, sentence by sentence , here a little there a little.... that will result in an EFFECT much G*R*E*A*T*E*R than the simple sum of the Infixus Books as were being used by the People of the Space-Ship Earth, during the Pre-Apocalyptic times at is has DEVIDE THE NATIONS AGAIST THEMSELVES. History is our Jury. ***]

Peace, Health & Prosperity be upon ALL SECULAR & ECLATi-On MEN & WOMEN.
Praise be G-d, Our ECLAT FOREVER FROM THE HOLY HEART BEAT given me via your COSMIC “ONE”!
I LOVE YOU MY FELLOW HUMATES. Because an Ex-Muslim saved my life and I want to repay Farook Essa (from Yemen) and to ALL His Brothers and Sisters who are now mine too. Meaning you too. yeah SHOLOM.

From Your JOKTANIAN Brother: Yakub Yosif, Not PELIG [ Ah Walaekim Al Salaam! ]. :-)'.

I can't believe grown ups debate about who has the best imaginary friend. Willem, well said. Religon is a protection racket run by HUMANS who want to scare you into giving them power and money, and that's IT. There is no proof for god's existence because he does not exist. Stop listenting to these decietful people who tell you if you do what they say, you will have eternal life. They are lieing to you. Be nice to people and respect human rights because it's the right thing to do, not because if you don't you will burn in hell. OK?

The end times began when Christ ascended and you're right it hasn't been exactly a love fest on this planet in these last 2 mellennia

Rob,

Spot on mate. Nicely said.

Willem,

if you don't believe that jesus existed, then why do you bother referring to him as a her. what's the point of that?

Rabbi Stiensaltz,

Thanks for the discription on how your religion views the "End of Days". I for one hope that we as humanity pick the second option. I do not really believe that God will destroy the world. But that he has given us that choice to make on what we do with the earth and her future. I do admire how your religion puts it though.

OH JESUS PLEEZE ME CUMMING BACK IS A BUNCH OF BS!!
ITS ALL A SCAM RUN BY MONEYGRABBING HOMOPHOBIC PREACHERS , SHE JESUS/GOD IS NEVER CUMMING BACK BECAUSE SHE DOESNT EXIST ITS A FARCE DEAR READERS DONT LET THEM SELL YOU ALL THIS HOKUS POKUS .RELIGION IS THE PROBELM AND NOT THE ANSWER.

Is this conversation moronic? Is the Rabbi irrelevant? Any experience only has the meaning you give it. It very well could be either, neither or both given each person’s interpretation.

My faith does not fall into a particular religion so I do not adhere to one. I don’t find them to be useful to ME in and of themselves.

However I appreciate the difference of each religion and their interpretation of what ultimate reality could be. We as people interpret the teachings of each religion differently as well. Couple that with the grandness of the physical and spiritual realms (if you think the exist) do you think anyone on earth has captured the complete story of what your God has created?

There remains more to be discovered and embracing these differences and exploring them will help each of us regardless of our religion. The goal should not be to prove “my religion” is more right than yours. The goal is to evolve spiritually.

These forums present an opportunity for people to understand and grow together. We squander this gift when we speak in absolutes, which is what sometimes happens with religion.

I appreciate the Rabbi’s comments and I probably lean more towards his interpretation of “End of Days”. He is using his religion as a basis in forming his opinion. While I do not share a number of the beliefs in his religion I am thankful he presents the way he does. We probably are not as different as our faiths may indicate.

One might say that Candice and Bill did not add much to the discussion. However I would argue against that and thank them for their participation since it spurred me on to participate. Perhaps my comments resonate with someone else or perhaps I am irrelevant. That’s okay too because just in writing this I have learned something about myself and I have grown.

In that case I thank you just for helping me.

Peace.

I went to the link Brad posted and it is from the the school's urban planning department. They are not necessarily looking for a religious solution to the cooperative future of Jerusalem. It is a very interesting competition and I don't want anyone to be scared off by Brad's interpretation, which seems to rely on the ascendence of a particular religious point of view.
Poor Jerusalem, captive for so many years to the demands of three different religions' dogmas.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the Rabbi showed he could be as irrelevant as a Christian priest or minister or a Muslim Mullah!

Bill C, No.

Forgot to post name above.

Not to get too drawn into your statement, but you may be the only person moronic enough to spend the moment responding to something that you apparently have no interest in. I think it goes if you agree/disagree regarding the "questions or subjects" your're more than welcome to express your views or opinions.

Am I the only one who thinks it is moronic for adults to watse time talking about the end of the world?

It can be that the toughest part to comprehend regarding the "End" is how does the Most High God reconcile Himself to Himself. It is written that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but spirits and principalities. If the spirit lives in "all created things" of God, then for Him to withdraw "it" would mean utter destruction of all things even "day" and "night". This alone demonstrates His mercy towards his "created things". It's preplexing a best because We cannot conceive nor comprehend the level of mercy the Most High God extends towards His created things which in essense is Himself. Maybe it's the "lost of understanding" in his created beings of His Mercy that ultimately dictates the "End", because surely a time without it is truly the "End"

I failed to mention something very important in my previous post.

Anyone claiming that Jesus Christ is Lord and that the Trinity is real should not count on a peaceful existence in the "End of Days" scenario described by Steinsaltz.

Well, there goes the happy little "Barney song."

Well said Rabbi. These are the actual positions of your Kabbalah, recently revived Sanhedrin, and the Noahide Council. This "End of Days" may come within the next few years, but not more than 233 years according to the above mentioned sources.

Perhaps you should enter the new MIT Just Jerusalem competition. You may win by submitting your ideas regarding how Jerusalem can find peace. You know; the Sanhedrin can replace the current democratic Israeli government, elect a king, offer peace to the world via the Seven Noahide Laws, the Islamists will accept and offer the Temple Mount for the building of the Third Temple, your sacrifices can resume, we can all become Kabbalists and sing the "Barney song."

Here is the link to the competition:
http://web.mit.edu/justjerusalem/

May "the Upper Light" be with you.