Zone1 What is the message of the parables in Matthew 25?

[HikerGuy83]

Matthew 25 is 3 parables.

The parable of the ten virgins
The parable of the talents
The parable of the sheeps and goats

Each of these speaks of a division of people/worshippers (whatever you want to call them) based on specific conditions and actions.

In the parable of the ten virgins, the virgins with oil went into the wedding. They COULD NOT share that oil. It had to be obtained by each of them. What does that oil represent?

In the parable of the talents, the first two servants went to work and doubled their master's money. The third, a faithless one, didn't put his master's money to use and wound up in the dark and cold.

In the parable of the sheep and goats. Division was basically based on how we treated others.

These were all works. Christian writers talk about the need to "be close to God", to "show faith through works", to constantly connect with God (i.e. pray which is as much a work as anything).

The other parables are even more clear. Use it or lose it. Visit those in prison, feed the needy......works.

Let's hear how that isn't the case.

 

[Dragonlady]

Matthew 25 is 3 parables.

The parable of the ten virgins
The parable of the talents
The parable of the sheeps and goats

Each of these speaks of a division of people/worshippers (whatever you want to call them) based on specific conditions and actions.

In the parable of the ten virgins, the virgins with oil went into the wedding. They COULD NOT share that oil. It had to be obtained by each of them. What does that oil represent?

In the parable of the talents, the first two servants went to work and doubled their master's money. The third, a faithless one, didn't put his master's money to use and wound up in the dark and cold.

In the parable of the sheep and goats. Division was basically based on how we treated others.

These were all works. Christian writers talk about the need to "be close to God", to "show faith through works", to constantly connect with God (i.e. pray which is as much a work as anything).

The other parables are even more clear. Use it or lose it. Visit those in prison, feed the needy......works.

Let's hear how that isn't the case.

You neglected to mention the Good Samaritan. The man who took in the stranger. Paid his medical bills. Restored his health. With no expectation of being repaid.

Samaritans were considered to be enemies of the Jews and yet the Good Samaritan helped the Jew.

Jesus said that what you have done to the least among you, you have done to Me.

You might want to rethink your treatment of refugees in the richest nation on earth.

Seriously.

 

[EdwinAMartin]

Samaritans are Jews.

ࠕࠅࠓࠄ Samaritan Torah תורה שומרונית | New English Translation of the Samaritan Pentateuch with Samaritan-English Interlinear and Textual Commentary

samaritantorah.com

Why Compare the Samaritan and Masoretic Texts?​

The inclusion of the Masoretic Text alongside the Samaritan Pentateuch provides a valuable opportunity for textual comparison. The Samaritan and Masoretic traditions both claim to preserve the Torah of Moses, yet there are notable differences between the two versions. These variations include:

• Textual Differences: One of the significant differences between the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Masoretic Text involves missing or additional words and phrases. A well-known example is found in Genesis 4:8, where the Samaritan Torah includes the phrase נלכה השדה (“Let us go to the field”), while this phrase is omitted in the Masoretic Text. This difference impacts the clarity of the passage, as the Samaritan reading provides a more explicit lead-in to the narrative of Cain and Abel.
• Orthographic Differences: The Samaritan Torah uses a different spelling system, often preserving older forms of words compared to the Masoretic Text. These spelling variations can provide insights into the historical development of Hebrew and the linguistic traditions maintained by the Samaritan community.
• Grammatical Variations: Some grammatical constructions in the Samaritan text differ from the Masoretic tradition, reflecting unique linguistic developments within the Samaritan community. These differences can be seen in verb forms, word agreements, and syntactical structures.
• Theological Distinctions: One of the most well-known differences is the emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the central place of worship in the Samaritan Torah, whereas the Masoretic Text focuses on Jerusalem. This distinction highlights the theological divide between the Samaritan and Jewish traditions regarding the chosen place of worship.
• Harmonizations: The Samaritan Pentateuch often harmonizes parallel passages, making the text more internally consistent in comparison to the Masoretic version. This includes aligning accounts of laws, narratives, and commandments to ensure uniformity across the Torah.

 

[CrusaderFrank]

Matthew 25 is 3 parables.

The parable of the ten virgins
The parable of the talents
The parable of the sheeps and goats

Each of these speaks of a division of people/worshippers (whatever you want to call them) based on specific conditions and actions.

In the parable of the ten virgins, the virgins with oil went into the wedding. They COULD NOT share that oil. It had to be obtained by each of them. What does that oil represent?

In the parable of the talents, the first two servants went to work and doubled their master's money. The third, a faithless one, didn't put his master's money to use and wound up in the dark and cold.

In the parable of the sheep and goats. Division was basically based on how we treated others.

These were all works. Christian writers talk about the need to "be close to God", to "show faith through works", to constantly connect with God (i.e. pray which is as much a work as anything).

The other parables are even more clear. Use it or lose it. Visit those in prison, feed the needy......works.

Let's hear how that isn't the case.

That's why I love this quote

"If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you" -- Gospel of Thomas.

 

[HikerGuy83]

Samaritans are Jews.

ࠕࠅࠓࠄ Samaritan Torah תורה שומרונית | New English Translation of the Samaritan Pentateuch with Samaritan-English Interlinear and Textual Commentary

samaritantorah.com

Why Compare the Samaritan and Masoretic Texts?​

The inclusion of the Masoretic Text alongside the Samaritan Pentateuch provides a valuable opportunity for textual comparison. The Samaritan and Masoretic traditions both claim to preserve the Torah of Moses, yet there are notable differences between the two versions. These variations include:

• Textual Differences: One of the significant differences between the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Masoretic Text involves missing or additional words and phrases. A well-known example is found in Genesis 4:8, where the Samaritan Torah includes the phrase נלכה השדה (“Let us go to the field”), while this phrase is omitted in the Masoretic Text. This difference impacts the clarity of the passage, as the Samaritan reading provides a more explicit lead-in to the narrative of Cain and Abel.
• Orthographic Differences: The Samaritan Torah uses a different spelling system, often preserving older forms of words compared to the Masoretic Text. These spelling variations can provide insights into the historical development of Hebrew and the linguistic traditions maintained by the Samaritan community.
• Grammatical Variations: Some grammatical constructions in the Samaritan text differ from the Masoretic tradition, reflecting unique linguistic developments within the Samaritan community. These differences can be seen in verb forms, word agreements, and syntactical structures.
• Theological Distinctions: One of the most well-known differences is the emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the central place of worship in the Samaritan Torah, whereas the Masoretic Text focuses on Jerusalem. This distinction highlights the theological divide between the Samaritan and Jewish traditions regarding the chosen place of worship.
• Harmonizations: The Samaritan Pentateuch often harmonizes parallel passages, making the text more internally consistent in comparison to the Masoretic version. This includes aligning accounts of laws, narratives, and commandments to ensure uniformity across the Torah.

O.K.

Not to be rude, but was there a point to this relative to the OP?

I am always open to learn, but I think I was pretty clear on my claim.

 

[HikerGuy83]

That's why I love this quote

"If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you" -- Gospel of Thomas.

Gotta love the apocrypha.

It's very existence teaches us the need for continual (ongoing) guidance by approved leaders.

 

[norwegen]

All the parables are about the kingdom of God. Read them with a view to that.

 

[HikerGuy83]

All the parables are about the kingdom of God. Read them with a view to that.

O.K. Thanks.

But what are they saying?

Jesus taught in parables......just what was he teaching?

 

[norwegen]

O.K. Thanks.

But what are they saying?

Jesus taught in parables......just what was he teaching?

When Jesus shared parables, his audiences, by and large, were Pharisees. In many of the parables, attendant with the arrival of the kingdom was the close of the age. Jerusalem would be destroyed and the temple cult would end.

The Pharisees sometimes took offense at the parables because Jesus was threatening them.

But the parables also provided for an out. The Pharisees could decide to prepare for the kingdom. They could be the virgins who came prepared. They could be the sheep and not the goats. The wheat and not the chaff.

But of course, we know ultimately what the Jews decided. They were destroyed having been shut out.

 

[EdwinAMartin]

O.K.

Not to be rude, but was there a point to this relative to the OP?

I am always open to learn, but I think I was pretty clear on my claim.

I was responding to an idiot poster's babbling. See post #2. Plus, many people are probably not aware of how diverse the Jewish sects are, so it was informative for others as well.

I don't have any problems with your OP.

 

[HikerGuy83]

When Jesus shared parables, his audiences, by and large, were Pharisees.

Source please. Christ used parables to teach his disciples as well. I am not sure where you get this from.

In many of the parables, attendant with the arrival of the kingdom was the close of the age.

What age?

Parables have multiple meanings (and timeframes...they also can refer to nations and individuals at the same time).

Jerusalem would be destroyed and the temple cult would end.

That has been repeatedly fortold. Isaiah, again, told of the eventual scattering of the tribes.

It didn't need to happen, if they had follow Christ in spirit.

The Pharisees sometimes took offense at the parables because Jesus was threatening them.

Yes.....for many different reasons. This was a competition for the hearts and minds of the people. And they were not keen on the Son of God concept. Kind of made them a little less relevant.

But the parables also provided for an out.

They taught eternal principles. Jesus was talking about judgement and being ready. He was teaching them (as he did in the Sermon on the Mount) that the performance based Law of Moses (meaning intent didn't seem to matter) was done and it was time to step up and be REAL DISCIPLES.

The Pharisees could decide to prepare for the kingdom. They could be the virgins who came prepared. They could be the sheep and not the goats. The wheat and not the chaff.

That applies to all of us. That's the point.

This concept of saved and done doesn't pass muster.

We have a say in our eternal reward. But it's not a checklist of accomplishments.

Dallin H. Oaks stated the following:

The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and teachers were given that we may all attain “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.

Many Bible and modern scriptures speak of a final judgment at which all persons will be rewarded according to their deeds or works or the desires of their hearts. But other scriptures enlarge upon this by referring to our being judged by the condition we have achieved.

...........

From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

But of course, we know ultimately what the Jews decided. They were destroyed having been shut out.

And the same eternal principles that apply to them also apply to us.

 

[Quantrill]

Matthew 25 is 3 parables.

The parable of the ten virgins
The parable of the talents
The parable of the sheeps and goats

Isolating (Matt. 25) from the rest of Scripture doesn't render a true interpretation. (Matt. 25) cannot be understood without (Matt. 24). And (Matt. 24-25) cannot be understood without knowing the whole of the Bible.

And your and others interpretations are just very 'general', something anyone could come up with. "What does this mean to you?" "What this means to me is..." Anyone's bullshit is accepted. I don't give a shit what it means to 'you'. I would want to know, 'what does it mean'?

According to the Bible. Not according to any bullshit 'apocrypha' or other writings outside of Scripture. Not according to Jews who deny Jesus Christ. They don't even know or believe their own Bible, much less the New Testament. Not according to those who recognize other writings as of God, that are outside the Bible. There are none.

(Matt. 24-25) is called the 'Olivet Discourse'. It is one discourse. To understand it you have to know both Old and New Testaments, the Word of God. And if one does not believe that, then forget it. Just accept any bullshit anyone offers. 'this is what it means to me'. 'what does it mean to you'. 'oh that is so sweet'. (vomit)

My opinion.

Quantrill

 

[HikerGuy83]

Isolating (Matt. 25) from the rest of Scripture doesn't render a true interpretation. (Matt. 25) cannot be understood without (Matt. 24). And (Matt. 24-25) cannot be understood without knowing the whole of the Bible.

Knowing the whole bible is a great statement.

When does someone know they've reached that point? Asking for a friend.

And your and others interpretations are just very 'general', something anyone could come up with. "What does this mean to you?" "What this means to me is..." Anyone's bullshit is accepted. I don't give a shit what it means to 'you'. I would want to know, 'what does it mean'?

Each of us has to apply scripture. We don't get to twist them.

But, I am O.K. with "what does it mean"? Because whatever answer you give will have the words "to you" attached whether you like it or not.

So, I'm game. What do they mean?

According to the Bible.

Which you have to know.

Not according to any bullshit 'apocrypha' or other writings outside of Scripture.

That's you. Whatever.....

Whatever you want to say....I get the qualifiers.

Don't accept them, but that isn't my argument or point of discussion.

Not according to Jews who deny Jesus Christ.

You mean covenant Isreal? Interesting.

But O.K.

They don't even know or believe their own Bible, much less the New Testament.

That does not disqualify them in my book.

But again....looking for "what they mean".

Not according to those who recognize other writings as of God, that are outside the Bible. There are none.

Speak on.

(Matt. 24-25) is called the 'Olivet Discourse'. It is one discourse.

O.K.

Thank you.

To understand it you have to know both Old and New Testaments, the Word of God.

Waiting.....

And if one does not believe that, then forget it.

Glad Jesus didn't turn his back on investigators.

Just accept any bullshit anyone offers.

You can certainly listen to their explanation. Like I am asking for yours.

Accepting it is something else altogether.

'this is what it means to me'. 'what does it mean to you'. 'oh that is so sweet'. (vomit)

How do human beings not think that way? But regardless.

My opinion.

Wow.....

All that absolutist commentary and you close with that. Amazing.

Can you tell me what Matthew 24 and 25 mean? Yes/No.

If so, then I am very interested to hear.

 

[Quantrill]

Knowing the whole bible is a great statement.

When does someone know they've reached that point? Asking for a friend.


Each of us has to apply scripture. We don't get to twist them.

But, I am O.K. with "what does it mean"? Because whatever answer you give will have the words "to you" attached whether you like it or not.

So, I'm game. What do they mean?

Which you have to know.


That's you. Whatever.....

Whatever you want to say....I get the qualifiers.

Don't accept them, but that isn't my argument or point of discussion.

You mean covenant Isreal? Interesting.

But O.K.


That does not disqualify them in my book.

But again....looking for "what they mean".


Speak on.


O.K.

Thank you.


Waiting.....


Glad Jesus didn't turn his back on investigators.


You can certainly listen to their explanation. Like I am asking for yours.

Accepting it is something else altogether.


How do human beings not think that way? But regardless.


Wow.....

All that absolutist commentary and you close with that. Amazing.

Can you tell me what Matthew 24 and 25 mean? Yes/No.

If so, then I am very interested to hear.

You give 'one liner' interpretation of (Matt. 25) parables. As though they are separate from any other part of the Bible. They are just how whatever you or anyone decides to interpret them. As I said...(vomit).

One knows they are on the right course to knowing the Bible, when the Bible is the basis for what they know. Not, 'what does this mean to you' bullshit.

If your understanding of what 'said' Scripture is saying is wrong, then your application is worthless. You offered no 'understanding of what Scripture was saying'. All you did is offer your 'application'. What it means to you. Sounds so spiritual but is based on ignorance of the Scripture. If you don't know what it is saying, then your 'application' is worthless.

You say 'waiting'. Waiting for what? Do you believe both Old and New Testaments? Do you believe the Bible is the only Written Word of God? Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Only begotten Son of God? Do you believe that Christ is God in the flesh, that Second Person of the Trinity...God?

Do you believe that Israel is the chosen earthly people of God? Do you believe that the Church did not begin until (Acts2)? Do you believe that the Church and Israel are not the same body of believers?

If you don't believe these things, then, no, you are not interested to hear. Be honest about what you believe.

Quantrill

 

[HikerGuy83]

You give 'one liner' interpretation of (Matt. 25) parables. As though they are separate from any other part of the Bible. They are just how whatever you or anyone decides to interpret them. As I said...(vomit).

I read the words.

So sue me.

One knows they are on the right course to knowing the Bible, when the Bible is the basis for what they know. Not, 'what does this mean to you' bullshit.

Perfect. What does it mean to know the bible?

If your understanding of what 'said' Scripture is saying is wrong, then your application is worthless.

And who decides if what I am saying is wrong?

You offered no 'understanding of what Scripture was saying'.

I read the words. If you are looking for context, then just say so.

Sounds so spiritual but is based on ignorance of the Scripture.

Again, who decides?

You say 'waiting'. Waiting for what?

Meaning.

Do you believe both Old and New Testaments? Do you believe the Bible is the only Written Word of God? Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Only begotten Son of God? Do you believe that Christ is God in the flesh, that Second Person of the Trinity...God?

Do you believe that Israel is the chosen earthly people of God? Do you believe that the Church did not begin until (Acts2)? Do you believe that the Church and Israel are not the same body of believers?

Who sets those up as the qualifying questions? Who decided? The Council of Carthage?

Where are these listed. And I hope the are listed somewhere for arguments sake.

Because if this YOUR qualification, I have ask who put you in charge.

If you don't believe these things, then, no, you are not interested to hear.

Hmmm.......so this has to follow some formula.

Be honest about what you believe.

I was in the OP.

And what I got from you was this lecture about knowing this and knowing that and if you don't..then......

Tell, you what Q. Don't bother to answer. I don't care what you think. You are as much a nobody as me. And your responses show a pretty deep ignorance of God's dealings with people, not to mention limited thinking.

 

[Quantrill]

I read the words.

So sue me.


Perfect. What does it mean to know the bible?

And who decides if what I am saying is wrong?

And what I got from you was this lecture about knowing this and knowing that and if you don't..then......

Tell, you what Q. Don't bother to answer. I don't care what you think. You are as much a nobody as me. And your responses show a pretty deep ignorance of God's dealings with people, not to mention limited thinking.

I gave you questions that needed to be answered in order to begin to come to a correct interpretation of (Matt. 24-25). Which you failed to answer. All you do is ask questions to hide the fact that you don't know what you're talking about.

I already knew you didn't care what I think when you refuse to answer the simple questions I asked you. All could be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

Quantrill

 

[Dragonlady]

Gotta love the apocrypha.

It's very existence teaches us the need for continual (ongoing) guidance by approved leaders.

Why do we need “approved leaders” to tell us what the Bible means? The approved leaders are giving us their spin on the passages.

The Reformation came about because people started reading the Bible for themselves and discovered the “approved leaders” were lying about what it said.

Samaritans are Jews.

ࠕࠅࠓࠄ Samaritan Torah תורה שומרונית | New English Translation of the Samaritan Pentateuch with Samaritan-English Interlinear and Textual Commentary

samaritantorah.com

Why Compare the Samaritan and Masoretic Texts?​

The inclusion of the Masoretic Text alongside the Samaritan Pentateuch provides a valuable opportunity for textual comparison. The Samaritan and Masoretic traditions both claim to preserve the Torah of Moses, yet there are notable differences between the two versions. These variations include:

• Textual Differences: One of the significant differences between the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Masoretic Text involves missing or additional words and phrases. A well-known example is found in Genesis 4:8, where the Samaritan Torah includes the phrase נלכה השדה (“Let us go to the field”), while this phrase is omitted in the Masoretic Text. This difference impacts the clarity of the passage, as the Samaritan reading provides a more explicit lead-in to the narrative of Cain and Abel.
• Orthographic Differences: The Samaritan Torah uses a different spelling system, often preserving older forms of words compared to the Masoretic Text. These spelling variations can provide insights into the historical development of Hebrew and the linguistic traditions maintained by the Samaritan community.
• Grammatical Variations: Some grammatical constructions in the Samaritan text differ from the Masoretic tradition, reflecting unique linguistic developments within the Samaritan community. These differences can be seen in verb forms, word agreements, and syntactical structures.
• Theological Distinctions: One of the most well-known differences is the emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the central place of worship in the Samaritan Torah, whereas the Masoretic Text focuses on Jerusalem. This distinction highlights the theological divide between the Samaritan and Jewish traditions regarding the chosen place of worship.
• Harmonizations: The Samaritan Pentateuch often harmonizes parallel passages, making the text more internally consistent in comparison to the Masoretic version. This includes aligning accounts of laws, narratives, and commandments to ensure uniformity across the Torah.

Samaritans are Jews.

ࠕࠅࠓࠄ Samaritan Torah תורה שומרונית | New English Translation of the Samaritan Pentateuch with Samaritan-English Interlinear and Textual Commentary

samaritantorah.com

Why Compare the Samaritan and Masoretic Texts?​

The inclusion of the Masoretic Text alongside the Samaritan Pentateuch provides a valuable opportunity for textual comparison. The Samaritan and Masoretic traditions both claim to preserve the Torah of Moses, yet there are notable differences between the two versions. These variations include:

• Textual Differences: One of the significant differences between the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Masoretic Text involves missing or additional words and phrases. A well-known example is found in Genesis 4:8, where the Samaritan Torah includes the phrase נלכה השדה (“Let us go to the field”), while this phrase is omitted in the Masoretic Text. This difference impacts the clarity of the passage, as the Samaritan reading provides a more explicit lead-in to the narrative of Cain and Abel.
• Orthographic Differences: The Samaritan Torah uses a different spelling system, often preserving older forms of words compared to the Masoretic Text. These spelling variations can provide insights into the historical development of Hebrew and the linguistic traditions maintained by the Samaritan community.
• Grammatical Variations: Some grammatical constructions in the Samaritan text differ from the Masoretic tradition, reflecting unique linguistic developments within the Samaritan community. These differences can be seen in verb forms, word agreements, and syntactical structures.
• Theological Distinctions: One of the most well-known differences is the emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the central place of worship in the Samaritan Torah, whereas the Masoretic Text focuses on Jerusalem. This distinction highlights the theological divide between the Samaritan and Jewish traditions regarding the chosen place of worship.
• Harmonizations: The Samaritan Pentateuch often harmonizes parallel passages, making the text more internally consistent in comparison to the Masoretic version. This includes aligning accounts of laws, narratives, and commandments to ensure uniformity across the Torah.
  

• 
  
  No Eddie, Samaritans are NOT Jews despite having a common ancestry eith two of the tribes. They rejected most of the Torah and have an entirely different religion and culture.
  
  We are talking about Jesus Parables, not Genesis and the creation of the world.
  
  Also, I am not an “idiot poster”. I am a retired Church Elder and Sunday School teacher, and you voted for a criminal felon who defiles Christianity and can’t even quote a single Bible verse.
  
  We are not dealing with Genesis and the creation of the world. We are dealing with Jesus’ Parables which is at least 4000 years after the events of Genesis.
  
  Try to keep up Eddie because you are wrong on every score.

 

[HikerGuy83]

I gave you questions that needed to be answered in order to begin to come to a correct interpretation of (Matt. 24-25).

I am asking other questions.

I don't need YOUR correct interpretation of anything because you are no different than me.

I am looking for feedback as to how people think it applies to them. Not what you think it means for everyone.

Which you failed to answer.

Yeah.....not answering any of your qualifying questions. Who do you think you are?

All you do is ask questions to hide the fact that you don't know what you're talking about.

And you do?



No wonder Christendom is so fouled up.

I already knew you didn't care what I think when you refuse to answer the simple questions I asked you. All could be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

So why bother replying? But you are correct. I don't care what you have to say regarding how they are to be interpreted.

 

[HikerGuy83]

In the parable of the sheep and goats. Division was basically based on how we treated others.

So, let's hear it folks.

What is the message of Matthew 25.......

How does this jive with other tenants of modern thinking?

 

[Quantrill]

I am asking other questions.

I don't need YOUR correct interpretation of anything because you are no different than me.

I am looking for feedback as to how people think it applies to them. Not what you think it means for everyone.


Yeah.....not answering any of your qualifying questions. Who do you think you are?

And you do?



No wonder Christendom is so fouled up.


So why bother replying? But you are correct. I don't care what you have to say regarding how they are to be interpreted.

Yet you can't answer my questions.

In other words, you never knew and don't know what it means. What a revelation.

Well, everybody has an....opinion. That is a stupid way to find out what is really being said.

I am a Christian responding to your stupid requests. You like to make requests, but you don't like to answer others questions. Typical.

I bother replying to show the shallowness of your op. You don't care how the Scriptures are interpreted? That is my point. Yet you ask, 'why is Christendom so fouled up'.

Better stick to your emojis. Plenty of 'emoji queens' on this sight. You should feel right at home.

Quantrill