How Do You Know Your Interpretation Is Correct?

[KathleenGee]

I thought that myself…what would be really fun, and is what I would like to really do is go to see my friends in SE Italy…they even admitted one time they didn’t have the same problems as the rest of Italy.

I talked to a local of how ‘they did it’. Her response: Suffering.

This region has a history of bloodshed by invaders. They learned to live one day at a time and celebrate it…center of wine and olive oil, orrechete, and seafood from the Adriatic…

I remember sitting with some priests who just got back from mission work. I asked if the people there disliked the missionaries, after seeing all the media anti-Church and anti-missionary themes. They told me the locals had great respect as the priests had a real servant mentality and always worked to uphold the dignity of the local people.

Then they picked up their wine glasses at the main meal of the day at noon, swung them back and forth, had their arms around one another and started singing.

For my daughter’s wedding last summer, I got her and her husband a book on classical Italian cooking,…and the practice of finding something to celebrate for the day with each other.

If Catholics lived their faith following the rules, it would be over with. The church dead.
Christ gave us new life! prove it…

 

[Julia1996]

By Catholic standards, the religions of the world can be ranked by how much truth they teach.

* Catholicism is first, with Orthodoxy equal except for the one issue of papal authority.
* Then comes Protestantism and any "separated brethren" who keep the Christian essentials as found in Scripture.
* Third comes traditional Judaism, which worships the same God but not via Christ.
* Fourth is Islam, greatest of the theistic heresies.
* Fifth, Hinduism, a mystical pantheism;
* Sixth, Buddhism, a pantheism without a theos;
* Seventh, modern Judaism, Unitarianism, Confucianism, Modernism, and secular humanism, none of which have either mysticism or supernatural religion but only ethics;
* Eighth, idolarity; and
* Ninth, Satanism.

To collapse these nine levels is like thinking the earth is flat.

Confucianism is not a religion and was never intended to be one. It is a philosophy and does not really belong on your nine level list.

I do agree with your statement that collapsing the nine levels is like thinking the Earth is flat. It is better way of expressing it than I could ever have done.

Where do Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses fit on these nine levels?

 

[Roy5]

I. I believe the Assumption was defined as a doctrine in 1950. I was in Rome that year (very young) - a Anno Santo - Holy Year - and had an audience with Pius XII (along with several thousand others, within St. Peter’s).

2. I don't have time to defend myself against distortions of what I have said. I did affirm that the God I worship would not command Joshua to murder all the inhabitants of Jericho, Ai, and other cities, nor would he have commanded King Saul to murder every last remaining Amalekite. For a God who gave us the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount ("Blessed are the peacemakers...") and even the instruction to "love our enemies" this would not be possible. My God is a loving, merciful, forgiving, and just God who would not go around ordering that people - largely innocent civilians - be murdered.

 I recall a devout Catholic saying years ago that he was deeply sad but the Jews had it coming - he was speaking of the holocaust - because they had not only rejected Christ but cried out "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Does anyone out there believe such nonsense? How does it differ from Joshua, Saul or even Noah, when God supposedly was sorry that he had created humankind (a mistake? wasn't it good, Gen 1?) and drowned all but eight people? Think of the many babies in the womb who victims of God's wrath? Loving? Just? Forgiving? I don't think so!

 If you can believe in a god who would commit such atrocities, hm, I have to wonder about the variety of Christianity you embrace. Sorry, but - speaking of truth - that's what I'm trying to speak, hoping that those who accept such a violent god will rethink their theology! I consider it an insult to the God whom Jesus revealed.

 

[KathleenGee]

Roy5,

Most Catholic laity do not like reading the Old Testament because of the very same sentiments you share.

God is always a loving God…but He had to protect and preserve the Jewish people or we would not have Christ.

 

[larkin31]

I thought that myself…what would be really fun, and is what I would like to really do is go to see my friends in SE Italy…they even admitted one time they didn’t have the same problems as the rest of Italy.

I talked to a local of how ‘they did it’. Her response: Suffering.

This region has a history of bloodshed by invaders. They learned to live one day at a time and celebrate it…center of wine and olive oil, orrechete, and seafood from the Adriatic…

I remember sitting with some priests who just got back from mission work. I asked if the people there disliked the missionaries, after seeing all the media anti-Church and anti-missionary themes. They told me the locals had great respect as the priests had a real servant mentality and always worked to uphold the dignity of the local people.

Then they picked up their wine glasses at the main meal of the day at noon, swung them back and forth, had their arms around one another and started singing.

For my daughter’s wedding last summer, I got her and her husband a book on classical Italian cooking,…and the practice of finding something to celebrate for the day with each other.

If Catholics lived their faith following the rules, it would be over with. The church dead.
Christ gave us new life! prove it…

suffering teaches much

we don’t wish it on anyone, but there it is

and as for convivial celebration at noon…well…it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!

 

[Roy5]

Hi Kathleen:

Interesting point. But those who want to commit atrocities always have found an excuse. God surely had the power and wisdom to find some way other than wholesale murder.

 

[KathleenGee]

The issue is…it was either the Amelkites or the Jews. I don’t like what happened either. Once the mission of the Jews was completed…the Resurrection of Christ, the New Covenant replaced the Law.

The Jewish people in those times were spiritual infants…and there were other peoples who also believed in one God, but for some reason unknown to us, God chose the Jews to be the race to bring forth the Messiah and they had to be protected as well as taught and governed by His presence and laws.

 

[shaky]

I. I believe the Assumption was defined as a doctrine in 1950. I was in Rome that year (very young) - a Anno Santo - Holy Year - and had an audience with Pius XII (along with several thousand others, within St. Peter’s).

2. I don't have time to defend myself against distortions of what I have said. I did affirm that the God I worship would not command Joshua to murder all the inhabitants of Jericho, Ai, and other cities, nor would he have commanded King Saul to murder every last remaining Amalekite. For a God who gave us the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount ("Blessed are the peacemakers...") and even the instruction to "love our enemies" this would not be possible. My God is a loving, merciful, forgiving, and just God who would not go around ordering that people - largely innocent civilians - be murdered.

 I recall a devout Catholic saying years ago that he was deeply sad but the Jews had it coming - he was speaking of the holocaust - because they had not only rejected Christ but cried out "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Does anyone out there believe such nonsense? How does it differ from Joshua, Saul or even Noah, when God supposedly was sorry that he had created humankind (a mistake? wasn't it good, Gen 1?) and drowned all but eight people? Think of the many babies in the womb who victims of God's wrath? Loving? Just? Forgiving? I don't think so!

 If you can believe in a god who would commit such atrocities, hm, I have to wonder about the variety of Christianity you embrace. Sorry, but - speaking of truth - that's what I'm trying to speak, hoping that those who accept such a violent god will rethink their theology! I consider it an insult to the God whom Jesus revealed.

Hi Roy5

So why isn’t You wonderful God doing anything about people drowning in Floods in Pakistan children and babies are drowning there. 20 million effected at the moment.
Thousands maybe millions Look like the will be dying from serious illnesses.
Pakistan is a Islamic State could it be Gods Judgment. I Know allot or Christians Got killed in Haiti. But was they real Christians??

I did read some where about Bad things happening to some people while Jesus walked the earth. When his disciples questioned Jesus on this. He said to them do you think they were worst sinners then you. Unless you repent you will likewise perish

I know you find things difficult to believe in the bible but think about it. If God wants the Adults killed because of there unrepentance. who will Look after the children. They would be better off in heaven with him.

You will know one day if you get severely chastised by God. I had cancer when i was 40
Because of my sinful behaviour Going astray. There are plenty of scriptures that says about this chastisement. God chastises all his children at some point in there life time.
I also read that if you are without chatisement ye are bastards and not one of his.
I will dig up all the scriptures if you want me to.

 

[shaky]

Hi Kathleen:

Interesting point. But those who want to commit atrocities always have found an excuse. God surely had the power and wisdom to find some way other than wholesale murder.

Now you are calling God a MUDERER. Its called KILLING. Have you not worked out the difference.
Like i said before: But you seem to duck and dive my answers and Questions.
Why dont you answer my questions on previous posts??

 

[Tommy555]

Hi, tqualey. I answered you regarding the three “rejections” and would like to start on Marian doctrine, but first I would like your viewpoint on these passages:

First, But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them but there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! (Nu 11.26-29).

Secondly, And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mar 9.36-40)

If, for argument sake, it was conceded that the Catholic Church is The Church, could these passages be referring to–for lack of a better word–“indisquishable” branches of The Church? If I am not mistaken, it is the stance of the Catholic Church that there can be no priest/pastor unless ordained by the Catholic Church, which would negate the Eucharist from any other church outside the Catholic and Orthodox churches, regardless of their belief in the Real Presence, and therefore they would never receive the benefits of the Eucharist. It seems, at face value, that this would go against the Catholic Catechism for the fact that the Catechism states that people can be saved outside of the Catholic church. This, for the most part, necessitates the Eucharist (Jn 6).

 

[KathleenGee]

Another point to consider, as my pastor was reflecting with us the other day on such passages of the Old Testament…God always has been the God of Love…Our world was created out of love for us.

It is human beings who do the killing. And all the pointed in such context when Christ came to abolish The Law and bring to us the New Covenant that is now redeemed and ransomed for all peoples, not just the Jews.

It is a horrible history…and we have our fratricidal deserts continuing to exist all over the world…what is the message?

It is God becoming human to unite His divinity with ours and our humanity to the Divine…

So if we are made divine in Christ, then it is now we humans who do different deeds than those done in times past…by going out to help the flood victims, the human trafficking, the genocidal fratricide that continues since ancient times…it is the Christians who are the statements of peace…

If there is no history, then we can see no progress.

 

[PRmerger]

Confucianism is not a religion and was never intended to be one. It is a philosophy and does not really belong on your nine level list.

I do agree with your statement that collapsing the nine levels is like thinking the Earth is flat. It is better way of expressing it than I could ever have done.

Where do Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses fit on these nine levels?

Perhaps on level 4, as they are monotheistic (at least on some level).

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Tommy555,

Sure - as you wish.

Hi, tqualey. I answered you regarding the three “rejections” and would like to start on Marian doctrine, but first I would like your viewpoint on these passages:

First, *But there remained two of the men in the camp, … **EDITED FOR BREVITY ***And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! (Nu 11.26-29).

Secondly, *And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them… **EDITED FOR BREVITY *** But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mar 9.36-40)

If, for argument sake, it was conceded that the Catholic Church is The Church, could these passages be referring to–for lack of a better word–“indisquishable” branches of The Church?

not in my opinion, Tommy555. Let me tell you why. The Numbers and Mark references have in common someone other than an appointed member doing something - and that something is believed to require the direct intervention of God - prophecy and miracles. The bottom line is that God may choose whoever (or whatever) He wants to choose to bring about His Will. Do you recall Balaam’s donkey (Numbers 22:1-35)? While in some ways, I think the donkey had more insight than his master - the donkey is not credited with a human soul. Herod’s murder of John the Baptist is another example of people be exposed to goodness - and rejecting in, while others, like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) appear to be suddenly transformed by the presence of Goodness. Herod goes on to commit more crimes and we assume that Zacchaeus goes on to be an honest and God-fearing man.

The real action, however, comes most pointed when we read Matthew 7:22 "Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name … " The assumption here is that with all of this activity being done in the name of the Lord - that they did not ‘speak evil’ of the Lord. My guess is that is probably true - but, it does not address the condition of their hearts - because look what happened to the prophets and demon casters! It is not a pretty sight!

If I am not mistaken, it is the stance of the Catholic Church that there can be no priest/pastor unless ordained by the Catholic Church, which would negate the Eucharist from any other church outside the Catholic and Orthodox churches, regardless of their belief in the Real Presence, and therefore they would never receive the benefits of the Eucharist.

That is basically my understanding, too, Tommy555. Now, it could be argued that their desire to be united with Christ is a Grace of God - and, I certainly would not argue with that as a concept. But, their mere desire does not make the plain bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Human Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The person attempting to do this simply lacks the power to act in the Person of Christ and perform the Consecration. I may know someone one is innocent of a crime that have been convicted of - but, I do not have the power of the Governor of the State or President of the US to pardon such a person. Lacking the power, I can only pray that justice will be done.

By the same token, if I am truly convinced that Christ gave us His Flesh to eat (John 6) and if we are to have life we are required to eat His Flesh - then I really have an obligation to follow the links from Christ to the Apostles to the current Bishops (successors of the Apostles) to find the Church that offers this Sacrament. In all honesty, that Church is the Catholic Church with Benedict XVI as its current head - the Vicar of Christ on Earth.

It seems, at face value, that this would go against the Catholic Catechism for the fact that the Catechism states that people can be saved outside of the Catholic church. This, for the most part, necessitates the Eucharist (Jn 6).

It is at this point that we enter into the area of vincible or invincible ignorance. For those who have never heard of the Catholic Church but truly want to serve God as they know Him, God will judge them based on the lights that they sincerely worked with during their lives.

For those who have heard of the Catholic Church and truly want to serve God within the context of their non-Catholic religion because they sincerely believe their religion is true, God will judge them the same way.

For those who think one church is as good as another, that Christ did not come to found a Church, that it does not make any real difference if we find out the truth or not - God will judge them much more harshly - because: they were like the “…wicked and lazy servant…” who hid his talent and did nothing with it. (Matt 25:26)

Now, be sure to read the link I gave you on the Marian doctrines. If something is not clear from this link, I will do my best to answer your question(s)

God bless

 

[Anna_Scott]

With that kind of attitude, I might even let you take me to a service! There is a poetry and a grace in religious worship that is very appealing to me. Although there are other aspects of ritual that I find hollow and empty. And then of course the believing in miracles and stuff…

But I like your expressions and feeling of human warmth about it all.

Thank you, Larkin…

I really appreciated 'Candy’s take on observing Catholics in her search for church…almost 40 years ago when I attended college. She decided to become a Catholic because she found us so ‘earthy’. The Divine coming to the human and the human coming to the divine…but you have to be you…and that is the other part of becoming a Christian in the Catholic Church…dying to yourself in Christ so you can be truly who you are…and in relation to others…

Catholics are like Jews…we are really fulfilled Jews as John Paul II said…we believe as a gathering of people, an arguing, debating vocal people in a church that appears so legalistic on the outside…centering on God.

Kathleen,

Just wanted to tell you that I just got home from attending “The Holy Eucharist, The Feast of Saint Mary The Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is my first Feast of St. Mary. The sermon moved me to tears as our Rector spoke about Mary. At the end of the sermon he said, “Hail Mary full of grace, please pray for us.” I know this is not part of the Anglican 39 Articles, and I’m still not sure what I think about invoking the departed saints to pray for us—But I did fell a strong Presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the Eucharist and every part of worship.

Also, there were two soloists who sang Ave Maria. It was truly beautiful. Just wanted you to know, since you have talked with me about Mary in the past.

Peace and blessings dear sister,
Anna

 

[tqualey]

Hi, Roy5,

Good to see you were able to get your work accomplished and are back with us… Now, where were we…

I. I believe the Assumption was defined as a doctrine in 1950. I was in Rome that year (very young) - a Anno Santo - Holy Year - and had an audience with Pius XII (along with several thousand others, within St. Peter’s).

Obviously, a real blessing, Roy5, to have had such an audience. And, yes, I believe the year was 1950.

2. I don't have time to defend myself against distortions of what I have said. I did affirm that the God I worship would not command Joshua to murder all the inhabitants of Jericho, Ai, and other cities, nor would he have commanded King Saul to murder every last remaining Amalekite. For a God who gave us the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount ("Blessed are the peacemakers...") and even the instruction to "love our enemies" this would not be possible. My God is a loving, merciful, forgiving, and just God who would not go around ordering that people - largely innocent civilians - be murdered.

Honest, Roy5, you do not have to defend yourself. You have decided to make the God of the Old Testament a Mass Murderer of people and the God of the New Testament a Lover of Mankind. Now, ‘your’ pet belief is really a knock-off of Dualism - and pre-dates Christ! The most influential group to spread this belief is the Gnostics. And, in the 1st Century (about 144AD) we had our own of Marcion of Sinope who came out with the same things you are saying! Honest, Roy5, you need to give proper credit - even for heresies! It is because of all the mischief caused by old Marcion that the Church developed the Canon of Scripture in about 400AD to properly identify which were the inspired Books of the Bible. Now, this is just a suggestion, but, you may want to read up on these guys - if for no other reason than just to see how they plowed their field… who knows, in the refutations from the ECF, you may get an insight or two on just how badly this old heresy missed the mark.

 I recall a devout Catholic saying years ago that he was deeply sad but the Jews had it coming - he was speaking of the holocaust - because they had not only rejected Christ but cried out "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Does anyone out there believe such nonsense?

Finally, something we can agree on. I have always been amazed at how anyone can be anti-Semetic, and fail to acknowledge that Christ and the Apostles were all Jews! How this fact is worked out by these prejudiced people is simply beyond me.

How does it differ from Joshua, Saul or even Noah, when God supposedly was sorry that he had created humankind (a mistake? wasn’t it good, Gen 1?) and drowned all but eight people? Think of the many babies in the womb who victims of God’s wrath? Loving? Just? Forgiving? I don’t think so!

Oooooooops! There we go again with this Dualism focus. Now, the absolute answer is when you are judged by the One True God - you will have a chance to resolve this problem - forever! So, you continue to work on this schizophrenic view of OT-God vs NT-God so that you will be prepared for the judgment. But, honest … if there is anything to be God being beyond our understanding, I would go easy on this bit of calling God a Mass Murderer!

 If you can believe in a god who would commit such atrocities, hm, I have to wonder about the variety of Christianity you embrace. Sorry, but - speaking of truth - that's what I'm trying to speak, hoping that those who accept such a violent god will rethink their theology! I consider it an insult to the God whom Jesus revealed.

Wonder away, Roy, wonder away! Really, I think you will find both more resources and a genuinely creative way to express yourself (as opposed to this repititious approach you have developed) if you examine the recognized heresies of Dualism and Gnosticism. All kinds of things to learn from these old writers … and then… check out the Early Church Fathers (Augustine, who in his earlier days embraced the teachings of Mani did later write against the heresy of Manichaeanism - which also has its foundation in the Dualism you are championing.)

God bless

 

[Cinette]

With that kind of attitude, I might even let you take me to a service! There is a poetry and a grace in religious worship that is very appealing to me. Although there are other aspects of ritual that I find hollow and empty. And then of course the believing in miracles and stuff…

But I like your expressions and feeling of human warmth about it all.

*Hello Larkin!

You should attend the services during Holy Week - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday where we celebrate the Death and Resurrection of Jesus and tell me what you think. Put it in your diary. Find a Parish with a good choir.

*

 

[tqualey]

Hi, KathleenGee,

Some real concerns are presented here - and I would like to address what seems to me to be the baseline issue.

Roy5,

Most Catholic laity do not like reading the Old Testament because of the very same sentiments you share.

God is always a loving God…but He had to protect and preserve the Jewish people or we would not have Christ.

We see God in the OT - and immediately think there is this big difference in the way He presents Himself, contrasted with the NT. Well, in some ways there are major differences - the illusion is trying to understand God through His Actions in human history. Why God did what He did is strictly God’s business. I know that sounds like a non-answer, but seriously, is there anyone who claims that they DO UNDERSTAND God?

We accept that we are His creatures and we are totally dependent on Him. In the OT mankind had the promise of a Savior - and in the NT we have Him delivering on His Promise.

We can, as some have done - come up with the two god theory (Dualism) in the teh OT god is evil adn the NT god is good. But, is anyone interested in embracing a heresy to try and resolve the Nature of God?

At some point, we either have Faith in God or we don’t - and this is Faith in God on His terms - not based on a god of our design based on our limited understanding.

God bless

 

[PRmerger]

At some point, we either have Faith in God or we don’t - and this is Faith in God on His terms - not based on a god of our design based on our limited understanding.

God bless

Indeed. Otherwise we have created a god in our own image, a god that makes us feel comfortable.

I believe that if we really are following the Truth of what’s been revealed, much of it should make us uncomfortable.

I think I read of a rabbi–Abraham Herschel who said (paraphrasing): God is not an uncle. He is not a teddy bear. He is an earthquake.

Indeed!

 

[Pitcharan]

… I did affirm that the God I worship would not command Joshua to murder all the inhabitants of Jericho, Ai, and other cities, nor would he have commanded King Saul to murder every last remaining Amalekite. For a God who gave us the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount (“Blessed are the peacemakers…”) and even the instruction to “love our enemies” this would not be possible. My God is a loving, merciful, forgiving, and just God who would not go around ordering that people - largely innocent civilians - be murdered.

 I recall a devout Catholic saying years ago that he was deeply sad but the Jews had it coming - he was speaking of the holocaust - because they had not only rejected Christ but cried out "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Does anyone out there believe such nonsense? How does it differ from Joshua, Saul or even Noah, when God supposedly was sorry that he had created humankind (a mistake? wasn't it good, Gen 1?) and drowned all but eight people? Think of the many babies in the womb who victims of God's wrath? Loving? Just? Forgiving? I don't think so!

 If you can believe in a god who would commit such atrocities, hm, I have to wonder about the variety of Christianity you embrace. Sorry, but - speaking of truth - that's what I'm trying to speak, hoping that those who accept such a violent god will rethink their theology! I consider it an insult to the God whom Jesus revealed.

It is erroneous to describe the evil effects of sin as God’s wrath. At the same time we must appreciate the fact the the Bible is also a record of salvation history, that charts the salvific process and the gradual divinisation of humans. The dim light becomes fully bright light in Jesus, who clearly explained that horrible events like (i)18 people being crushed under the falling tower of Siloam and (ii) His portrayal of the end times, were all signs to understand the horrible effects of human sinfulness. That they were described as God’s wrath in the OT, only indicates the level of human understanding then.

Now coming to OT passages that show God commanding humans to destroy fellow humans including women and children, it is spiritually unwise to treat every every single word in the Bible as if exactly revealed by God. NO. The Bible does contain God’s Word which has to be mined out with the help of the HS. It is similar to mining and extracting Diamond, Gold or Silver. Precious things are invariably mixed and never to be found in free and pure form and God’s Word is the most precious of all. The Bible includes many purely humanistic expressions of those who recorded their thoughts and inspirations. Take for example these verses: *The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the LORD said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.” *(Gen 6:5-7). Can we interpret these verses and say that God felt that He had made a mistake in creating humans? NO, certainly not. These were the words that came to mind for the inspired human who was able to guage God’s pain at mankind’s fall. They were humanistic expressions used to describe a divine understanding.

 

[Pitcharan]

Roy5,

Most Catholic laity do not like reading the Old Testament because of the very same sentiments you share.

God is always a loving God…but He had to protect and preserve the Jewish people or we would not have Christ.

But what most people do not know is about the fact that some evil scribes did distort the Scriptures. It is so plainly said in the OT itself: How can you say, “We are wise, for we have the law of the LORD,” when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? (Jer 8:8).
Our Lord made it very clear that “permission for divorce” was a human aberration and not God’s Law? See below examples of (i) addition, (ii) deletion and (iii) falsification, by evil men?

1. ADDITION
   God’s “love command”: 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. (Lev 19 :18), was compromised to the extent of institutionalising hatred and revenge by hard hearted people who had this written down: If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. (Lev 24:19-20).
2. DELETION
   It was prophesied in the OT that the Messiah to come will be called a Nazarene: So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene”. (Matt 2:23c) and that He will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day: *He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day”. *(Lk 23:46).

Who removed from the OT, the verses that said this? Obviously, the authorities who held control over the Scriptures then, because they wanted to cover their crime of having aided and abetted the murder of their Messiah.

1. FALSIFICATION
   They even tried to supress the truth of His resurrection: When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep’.” (Matt 28:12-13)