HajTC,
Nice post. I caught something like what you are talking about in another prgram, wherein they were talking about all of the "heretical" documents that were shot down by Ireneaius in 180 AD. Basically, the Council of Nicea (under Constantine) chose those Gospels and Epistles that were already most popular among the people, as well as those that did not contain potentially subversive statements.
In other words, they chose those items which were easier to understand for the common man. Jesus taught more than one level of teachings, which is why some have suggested that he drew from Essenian and other pre-Christian Arabic mystic tradition. What most people are exposed to is only the lowest level of what Jesus offered. After all, he stated that we were all capable of the same miracles that he had demonstrated.
There are things within Jesus' teachings that were supposedly beyond even the eyes and understanding of even the angels. That concept, of knowledge so high, is beyond the understanding of most men. Therefore, even many scholars have considered the insinuation of such to be heretical.
Personally, I'm not as concerned about "secret" teachings and mystical lore as I am about the example that this being provided to us. He taught us how to live in greater harmony by being more tolerant. His only intolerance was observed when he saw the church being used as a tool for money making.
(Side note: The whole issue of his beating the Pharisees and money-lenders out was largely because they had created an environment wherein the average person could not afford to worship. Only a certain standard of animals [those declared suitable by church officials] was allowed, and only church coin could be used. It was all a scheme that benefitted select businesses and the church purse, instead of the people).
Much of what we find in smaller scale issues in the Bible we can relate to much larger scale issues of today. Not too much difference between what the Pharisees and church officials were doing back then and what some of our politicians are doing through oil and real estate today. The biggest difference is that today's issues deal more with personal freedom (like that which God opposed through Moses) and those of Jesus' time were more firmly rooted in spirituality.
I'm starting to babble into other things. That means it's time for me to get off here.
Thanks for your comments.
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