(03-03-2025, 08:51 PM)MykeNukem Wrote: Hey Bonesy,
Yea, I should have been more specific. In this case, yes, the Torah.
What I meant was absent input from the Talmud.
I guess what I was getting at is how to reconcile the fact that a lot, if not most of, what the 'Rabbis' do goes against the Laws of the Torah.
Similar to how a lot of what Christian preachers do is against the teachings of the New Testament.
I find that hard to reconcile with them being in control of the text at some point.
I understand your question in the context of the text being put forth for altruistic reasons.
I look at the deeds(results) more than the text itself even though the text is brutal at times, because since humanity first developed language and the written word I'm pretty convinced both were utilized to enforce a cohesive narrative which leads to cultural identity being formalized instead of being something fluid that develops organically overtime.
If language is accurately described as a labeler of personal perception, then a narrative can be described as perception management, in my opinion.
I also believe that mimicry and camouflage is a topic that is forever linked to positions of power and influence.
So if you were a predator like a wolf, what better way to feast like a king than being a wolf in sheep's clothing?
If the possibility exist that Abrahamic religions (all 4), have been invented as a mixture of truths and lies in order to control its adherents to accept the status quo and never rise up against the controllers, I ask myself what are the results of each of the four from inception to present day?
Would it make sense to say it's mind control if we take an honest, hard look at the world?
How many 'truths' have stood the test of time and how much of it comes down to lip service?
Has the message been subverted , for example gnosticism?
If you hide the truth in a house of mirrors it becomes almost impossible to distinguish what the actual truth is and that is the best way to defend your racket from being exposed.
It's a harsh look at things, but I trust my gut. Perhaps time changes my opinion on some things, as it had done so before in the past.