(Updated on 7/21/08) A Letter to My Readers About My Comparative Scripture Study
Dear Readers,
Hi there, I thought I’d say just a few thing about my intentions with this comparative scripture study that I’ve been posting for the past two weeks. Take me at my word when I say that this is not an attempt to preach.
Foremost, I want to be clear that I make no attempts at manipulating scriptural meanings. I wish to present the various passages as they appear in their respective books. In very many cases, I lay out entire passages unabridged and without any alterations. Those changes I do make are only related to specific names, groups or individuals to which they relate in their cultural interpretations in order that the parallels are more easily noticeable when held up away form their cultures’ perceptions. My intent is to expose object truth in philosophical parallels only. It is not my intent however in any way to say that the cultures out of which these faiths grew are not unique to the people and places from which they came… because they are in fact very different in many ways.
With that said, I’d also like to make clear that any conservative opinion that opposes my claims need only research my claims. (i.e., if you think my observations are errant in any way, look them up yourself say by copying the texts into your search engine and then cross checking them with your own sources). I’m fully willing to hear your arguments. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy the study.
Sincerely,
Mike
One assumes (please correct me if I’m wrong) that to gather your passages you are using English translations. The mere act of translating requires some manipulation in meaning which is why, for example, most translations of the Koran say the meaning of the Koran or some such and do not presume to be the same as the original.
I actually enjoy studying all religions and their commonalities as well as differences. I think I could probably figure out which passages came from which books, however, I think most people are not as familiar with other religious books as perhaps you are. Therefore, it would be difficult for them to look up the passages themselves without you citing from which book you took each passage. If you truly want to help people explore other faiths (which I think is admirable) you could perhaps in a post the next day site your references for each passage. Preferably with chapter and verse, or surah and verse as the case may be 
I understand that you are only trying to show philosophical parallels, however, by changing names, groups, and individuals you are inevitably changing the philosophy of the religions. As an example when the Bible says there is no salvation except through Jesus…if you changed the word to truth or love or something more in accord with Buddhist philosophy it would in fact change the philosophy of the Bible quite a bit.
Finally, lest you think I have a conservative opinion
Comment by eclecticbird — July 20, 2008 @ 3:25 pm | Edit This