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The above opening quote was taken from a book titled "Living Religions". This powerful insight concerning the prerequisites set for those seeking to follow Christ, is a brief synopsis of what was expected of those during Christ reign on earth. But does this same prerequisite apply to Christ followers today? Examining any scripture taken from the New King James Bible, requires serious evaluation. Take the below scripture for instance:

Reading that every male child that openeth the womb is to be called "Holy" to the Lord, makes the opening quote seem incorrect. In fact, while examining other scriptures, there were a few more scriptures discovered concerning the requirements for following Christ.

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple."- Luke 14: 26& 27, the Holy Bible, KJV

First of all, the scriptures teach Christ brought a message of love. So why would this scripture suggest Jesus required all potential followers to hate, especially their loved ones?

Looking at the next scriptures, you discover how the initial scripture contradicts itself, so much, it should have been one of those scriptures today's Bible publisher's should have taken note on, while revising the scriptures.

"How God anoited Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."- Acts 10: 38, the Holy Bible, KJV

Reading this, you discover God was with Jesus; therefore, Jesus could not have told anyone to hate their family members. Furthermore, since God was with him that proves Jesus is not God as many assume...right? This is just one of the common errors found in Bible publishing and scriptural interpretation. Take for instance, in these next two scriptures, you will read a message that is completely opposite of the opening statement.

So again I ask, do you believe the first scripture shared is true in its reading? Or, is it another publishing error like the error discovered in the book of Samuel. In fact, this particular error is completely opposite of the scripture found in the Catholic Bible. Mind you, this is the exact same scripture, but notice how different each message is conveyed.

"Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow."- 2 Samuel 23:5, the Holy Bible, KJV

"Is not my house firm before God? He has made an eternal covenant with me, set forth in detail and secured. Will he not bring to fruition all my salvation and my every desire?"- 2 Samuel 23: 54 Catholic Bible (the New American Bible)

In the latter scripture of 2 Samuel, David suggest his house is not with God. Reading the Catholic version of the same scripture, you find that David is questioning if his house is firm with God. This is brought to light because its interesting how people throughout history have risen up against one another about scriptural doctrine, yet have failed to take time out and review the material thoroughly.

In fact, in this edition of the Catholic Bible is a page sharing the origin and history concerning the scriptures. In a section with the heading "The Bible Needs An Interpreter", it reads:

"The Bible is extremely difficult to understand, even by Bible scholars. It was written in languages long dead, and in the manner and idiom of that time. To interpret the Bible, it is not only necessary to understand the languages in which the Bible was written, but to understand the meanings that the words of the Bible has at the time they were written. The Bible, therefore, has to be interpreted to be understood, and for Catholics, the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, is the official guardian and infallible interpreter of the Bible."- The New American Bible, Pg. XVI, published in 1970, and signed by Pope John Paul II

"Knowing this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy spirit spoke under the influence of God."- 2 Peter 1:20, 21, the Holy Bible, Catholic Bible

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."- 2 Peter 1: 20 & 21, the Holy Bible, KJV

Both Bibles agree- there is no private interpretation of the scriptures. Yet today, Bible publishers continue taking the Bible and rewriting it, which Bible committee members, really do not read the scriptures thoroughly enough to provide its readers with adequate insight. It's like saying, "Okay, let's start a publishing company, start publishing various versions of the Bible, edit them the way we'd want the books to read, sale one million copies, and start revising the Bible again; only to resale the same copy, under the assumption that the new edition is better than the original."

When it all honesty, in the section titled "The Bible Needs An Interpreter", as pointed out previously, the opening sentence- " the Bible is difficult to understand, even by Bible scholars", provides an honest evaluation to help us understand the challenges Bible scholars face when trying to read the scriptures. Therefore, any word changes can and have resulted in mixed messages; simply because, the time and era of the original writings are no longer logged, or explainable, and clearly not understandable.

Therefore, in view of our modern day history, we are far beyond the knowledge of knowing what the initial scriptures actually said, because most of those artifacts are sealed in a vault, where minimum air pressure can destroy the sensitive and fragment pieces of scroll. Remember, the original works were first passed on by word- of- mouth. No written doctrine was ever recorded until 100 years after Christ perished. So ask yourself, how many disciples were left to share an honest story about Christ -100 years - after he perished?

The opening scripture instructs: "in order to follow Christ you must hate". This had to have been one of those scriptures that was over looked by Bible committee's. Reason being, in I Timothy Four, is a scripture giving you the right to enjoy all things created by God, and nothing should be refused.

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."- I Timothy 4: 4&5, the Holy Bible, KJV

As it is written, everything is good, nothing to be refused. That sounds enlightening. So, when you read a scripture that instructs you to hate your mother and father in order to follow Christ, and you do as the scripture suggest, who do you fought when you are called before God and asked, " Why you hated your family members?"

"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (touch not; taste not; handle not; which are all to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrine of men?"- Colossians 2: 20, 21 & 22, the Holy Bible, KJV

Why are we subject to ordinances and or, place so much faith in the doctrine of men? Have not the scriptures enlightened us throughout the ages that man is the dictator of the WORD? With more than twenty-four different versions of Bible available at your local Bible book store, or commercial bookstore, and each one almost reprinted and revised at different times, in different years, and almost reading completely opposite, doesn't it deem necessary that we as followers of the doctrine -have some input on how Bible's are reprinted and revised?

Considering the continued misunderstanding many people have attained from the scriptures over the years, it should be necessary that Bible publishers adhere to a particular set of rules when attempting to convey information concerning scripture. Certainly, being a follower and believer of the WORD, you too would find it alarming to discover that you have been misled to believe something to be true, when it is actually false; especially when the information is based on another person's interpretation.

First of all, "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteoueness."- 2 Timothy 3:16, the Holy Bible, KJV

Since this scripture assures us that the scriptures are only "inspired of God" and not inspired by God; then, you must keep in mind that there will be errors in what is written. Secondly, you must also keep in mind, if you come across any scripture that does not promote LOVE, over hate, you automatically should know it is not inspired of God.

Take for instance, after September 11th 2001, many American's were filled with rage and hate towards Muslims. So much, many Muslims were being attacked based solely on what had been promoted through the media. However, in the Holy Quran, is a scripture that supports Christian faith and its belief in Christ. So why would people, Christian particularly, assume Muslims are not kind hearted and loving people?

"Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish scriptures, and the Christians and the Sabians, any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear; nor shall they grieve."- Surah 2: 62 Al Baqarah, Sec. 8, Holy Quran

Now, does this sound like Muslims hate Christian's? Or better yet, does it sound like Allah hate Christians? Seemingly, while studying further, another scripture was introduced which instructs: Muslim scriptures' were handed down by the angel Gabriel; I pointed this out in lesson One.

"Say; Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel- for he brings down the revelation to thy heart By Allah's will, a confirmation of what went before. And guidance and glad tidings for those who believe."- Surah 2:97 Al Baqarah, Holy Quran

First of all, Islam is a way of life, like Christianity is a way of life. Both religions are committed to providing its followers a sincere substance of hope, faith, and love. Both religions are designed to sheild its followers from the evil covering the land. However, if one is a Christian, they are unlikely going to study the Holy Quran, and vice versa. Yet, while one adamently deny's to study another religion, aren't they denying themselves the fullness of knowing God?

Today, there are 2 billion Christians and 1.4 billion Muslims. However, there are an estimated 6.5 billion people in the world. So that leaves 3 billion people in the world who are not Christian nor Muslim. Yet, both religions teach their way is the correct way. Does this mean the remaining 3 billion people who do not believe in either religion, will be sent to hell for not believing in either religion?

If one does not believe in Christ according to the Christian Bible, are they going to hell? And, If one does not believe in Allah, according to the Holy Quran, are they going to hell? But what about those who study Jehovah Witness ,are they going to hell also? Its really hard to say, because Jehovah Witness believe only 144,000 are going to heaven.

Nevertheless, the point is, somewhere, somebody decided to take the initivate to sit down and compose stories that are almost identical, yet worded differently; then decided to pitch those stories to seperate the masses. In doing so, they have been able to gain followers, gain monetary control, and oppress the minds of billions. Raging war from one nation to the next, all in the name of greed. Honestly, this sounds like a master mind of evil formulated by hateful human beings. Or, could it be that the fallen angels have written the scriptures as a way of imposing revenge upon the living? If you examine the scriptures thoroughly, you read "WE" throughout the entire book. Who are "we"?

Strangely enough, we received an email from a gentlemen, who asked to remain unknown. In this email, he stated, "one day while visting a local tavern, I was perplexed when I turned and saw a gentleman standing behind me with his face distorted. So much, his face was completely empty, yet there was a vision of a black hole which covered face, leaving only his eyes. He had no nose, no mouth, no jaws down to his throat. He didn't utter one word, he couldn't. He politely turned and exited the building. The whole site was overwhelming. Months later, while watching the Discovery Channel, I was taken aback when I saw a skeleton being shown depicting the exact image of what I had seen in the tavern. Discovery stated is was teh skeleton of an Alien Being, but was it really an alien or an angel's skeleton? The Discovery Channel classified it as an alien. But, as mentioned in the scripture:

"All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. there are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another."- I Corinthians 15:39 & 40, the Holy Bible, KJV

While there are those who believe and follow a particular doctrine, and are feverishly fighting to live up to the standards set by the religion of their choice, other's around the globe are living their lives freely as they chose, without the rules and regulations of religious dictatorship. Obviously, they are not concerned if they are going to heaven or hell. Then again, maybe they are. Nevertheless, why do those who elect a particular religion, desire to be held captive by doctrine written by men in the first place, when there are obvious errors in virtually every biblical text?

In fact, remember the scripture pointed out previously about those who sought to become disciples of Christ , and how they are told they must hate? Well, in the Holy Quran is a scripture that reads differently. In fact, this scripture almost matches another scripture found in the King James Bible.

"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour."- Surah 17:23 Al Isra, the Holy Quran

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."- Ephesians 6: 1, 2 & 3, the Holy Bible, KJV

Seeing how much these two scriptures convey the same message, is it safe to say, "These two religions are so much alike, they must be identical in their purpose?" So much, if you eliminate the name Allah, and just reference each book as the Word of God, these two books are identical...correct? And since this may be so, why are these two religions at odds with one another still today?

Maybe because, as pointed out, the fallen angels who were never taken by hands or weapons of man, are the culprits who placed each religion against the other, so no one from ither religion would ever come to recognize how much they were so much alike. And while this has occurred for centuries, millions of people have perished without ever knowing or experiencing the true feeling of loving another person -outside of their religious order.

Its obvious the scriptures are excellent resources for personal guidance one can use when they are lost, filled with confusion, or simply, looking to read a good book. The "good book " as countless people call the Bible ,was not written to condemn anyone, but to uplift and empower. Yet, throughout history, many wars have escalated about nothing. Here we are in the year 2009, with a vast amount of biblical resources, yet we're still battling over religious falsehoods. If you have ill-feelings towards someone based on religious doctrine, traditions, or your beliefs, you can't really consider yourself living a Godly life...can you?

In fact, if you have enough energy to hate someone about their religion and or, what it teaches, you need to reexamine yourself as the scriptures point out. God is love. Hate is a sickness that sets in the body and formulates diseases, like cancer and ulcers. When you feed on the seed of hate, you are rotting your soul. And once your soul begins to rot, its like a flower; unless you pull the weeds, the flower will become consumed by the weeds and eventually, wither away and die.