Tag Archives: prophets

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Magic

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Nathan

The word “magic,” with or without the K at the end that Aleister Crowley preferred, derives from “magus,” a term for a Zoroastrian priest. I’ve seen indications that it might have referred to a specific tribe or caste. When the … Continue reading →

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Idris Lives

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Nathan

It’s a common theme in many mythologies to have a figure who is regarded as the inventor of writing, and often also a keeper of esoteric knowledge. Greek mythology had Hermes, the Egyptians had Thoth, Babylon had Nabu, and Judaism … Continue reading →

Posted in African, Arabian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek Mythology, Islam, Judaism, Language, Magic, Mathematics, Mythology, Names, Norse, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is Saul Also Among the Prophets?

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Nathan

It’s pretty obvious that the Bible contains a lot of contradictions, although those who believe the whole thing to be the totally accurate Word of God tend to either ignore them or come up with convoluted workarounds. The way I … Continue reading →

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Resistance Is Blasphemous

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Nathan

I sometimes wonder if there’s a connection between being deeply religious and following authority without question. In the most popular holy books, God does often come across as a rather cruel, petty dictator. Of course, that’s not really how it … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Fundamentalism, History, Judaism, Middle East, Philosophy, Politics, Religion, Roman Empire | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Ham on Nye

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Nathan

So, there was a lot of talk about the debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham last night. I’ve already discussed my issues with Creationism many times, and these debates never really amount to anything. At least this one remained … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Christianity, Evolution, Fundamentalism, Mythology, Religion, Science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Better Go See Elijah

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Nathan

I’ve written about the prophet Elijah a few times, but I’ve only just become aware of a rabbinical tradition that identifies him as the same person as Phinehas. So who was Phinehas? He was the son of Eleazar, who in … Continue reading →

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Also Sprach Zarathustra

Posted on September 19, 2010 by Nathan

For today’s historical religious figure, let’s take a trip to ancient Iran, or as it was then known, “Iwalked.” Okay, that was just a little humor. (Very little, in fact.) Actually, I’m not sure what the appropriate term would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Historical Personages, History, Iran, Islam, Judaism, Zoroastrianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments