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About the author of this website: John N. Todd III, M.D. The author of the INTERNET BOOKS: "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets" and "The Doctor's Marvelous Medicine" ( http://www.terrific-tabs.com )
SEE also: The PURPOSE of this BOOK (link) AND: INTRODUCTION to this BOOK (link) AND: Reminiscences of the author (link) AND: NORTONIUS's advice to his "grown" children (link) Originated 1/01; "Doctored"... 5/01; 6/01; 8/01; 12/01;1/02; 2/02; 3/02; 4/02; 5/02; 7/02; 9/02; 10/02; 11/02; 1/03; 3/03; 5/03; 7/03; 11/03; 12/03; 1/04; 1/04; 11/04; 12/04; 1/05; 5/05; 10/05; 4/06; 5/06; 6/06. 11/15/06 CLICK HERE to go to the "FRONT PAGE" of "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets" CLICK HERE for ALPHABETICAL INDEX of this entire WEBSITE CLICK HERE to EMAIL your thoughts to the author ( jtoddiii@bellsouth.net )
At this point, I will say a few things about myself, for those who do not know me. I am a physician, a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine -- now retired. At the beginning of this writing, I was 63 years old (born 4/1/l928). My "study" for this writing dates back to at least my age of 19. My "preparation" for this writing almost certainly goes back to the time when God decided to create me -- for His purposes. I have been blessed beyond all measure. No one has ever been given (link) more than I.... strong and intelligent and dedicated parents; a splendid older brother; a one-and-only dear and delightful wife for more than 40 years (married in 1959) (see link Phyllis Todd page); four bright and magnificent and loyal children (girl 1960; boy 1962; girl 1964; boy 1967).... all well-educated, and off our "payroll"; four beautiful grandchildren; two tough and proper sons-in-law: two lovely and intelligent daughters-in-law (Helen and Libby). Furthermore.... a successful "solo" medical practice (Board certified in Internal Medicine) for more than 25 years (retired 1987); financial and material "success"; good health; and a reasonably good "brain". I have never been a minister, nor a preacher, nor a church employee. I am well-schooled, and "well-read". I attended Auburn University (Alabama) for two years; and I graduated from a Methodist college (Huntingdon College; Montgomery, Alabama).... completing my pre-med study. At Huntingdon, I was "required" (thankfully) to take one semester of non-denominational "Old Testament" study, and one semester of "New Testament". I did not take other ministerial or "religious" or "church" courses. In addition to my medical training (Medical College of Alabama; Birmingham; 1951-1959) -- and along with my medical career, I have spent a lifetime in reading and studying literally hundreds of books on "religion", "philosophy", "Christianity", comparative religion, history of religion, the Bible, history of the Bible, Bible interpretation, famous sermons by famous ministers.... and much, much more. (In all of my reading, and in studying and contemplating "religious" and spiritual matters, nothing has ever been as valuable to me as God's Bible..... in portraying what I consider to be the "truth" about God -- and about life and death -- and about the reasons for living.) (See link: The Gold Standard of Spiritual Truth.) I believe that I have knowledge ("information") for those individuals who have always "listened" to me (family and friends).... and for those who will listen. Perhaps those who look and read, will "see".... and those who listen, will "hear" and grasp what I am trying to disclose. (I must add, again, however, this specific "disclaimer".... I have NO interest, at all, in attempting to persuade or convince anyone to believe and understand as I do. "Proselytizing" is for others.... NOT for me.) (As a matter of personal satisfaction.... it pleases me that the understanding that has "developed" in me, in my lifelong "spiritual" quest, can now quickly and easily be made available for others to consider and share..... especially now that the Internet is an option for almost everyone..... almost everywhere. Also, it is pleasing to realize that editing and updating and "fine-tuning" of this website (my "ongoing online book") can now be accomplished easily..... and virtually instantaneously.) So, I am writing it down, to tell it -- and to share it. If it does not make sense to the reader, I will be disappointed -- but my purpose (link) -- for me -- will have been accomplished. I will not "publish" a bibliography, for I have no way to enumerate or credit all those whose ideas and thoughts have come into my focus, throughout my lifetime, to help me formulate my opinions. (At some point, I will list in an appendix, the names of at least some of the authors, writers, friends, associates, members of my family, speakers and preachers, rabbis, and priests.... who have impressed me.... either positively, or negatively.) I have relied heavily on the Bible (nine different translations) in the formulation of my personal spiritual "beliefs". I will cite many scriptures in the pages of this website.... precisely-quoted references to the Bible (with the translation indicated)..... for I particularly want to claim "scriptural" credibility (validity) in my thoughts and expressions.... by verifying what I perceive to be "Biblical" truth. Psalm 71 (NRSV) 17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 18 So.... even to old age and gray hair, O God.... do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come. 19 Your power and your righteousness, O God, reach the high heavens. You, who have done great things, O God.... who is like you? 20 You, who have made me see many troubles and calamities, will revive me again. From the depths of the earth, you will bring me up again. 21 You will increase my honor, and comfort me once again. The author's personal "spiritual" understandings are discussed, throughout this book. A few main subjects are linked below: Although I was "raised" as a Methodist, I do not consider myself to be restricted to "Methodism". I do "claim" to be a Protestant Christian. I doubt that I will ever become "frozen" in any rigid and intolerant doctrine.... for I consider myself, in this life, to be on a constant "pilgrimage" of progressive spiritual learning and maturing -- under the direct guidance and instruction of God Himself. I like to think that I am included among God's people (link) and that I am a "Christian" Godsperson-- and that I am a "child" of God (link); and that I "belong" to God.... and that I am a "member" of the church of God's people (see links). Above ALL else.... I believe-in and accept the sovereignty of God (link) in all matters pertaining to Heaven and Earth and Universe. "God is the potter; we are the clay." "We are the sheep (link) of His pasture." I believe that salvation is from God link).... and that one's "salvation" is not determined by human-beings, or by churches.... or by an individual's professed (claimed) adherence to a certain doctrine, or creed. I believe that Jesus is God; and that God is Jesus (link). Hence.... I believe that no one comes to the Father.... except through the Father. That is, I am convinced that "inclusion" by God depends on God alone.... and not God PLUS a church; nor God PLUS a specific rigid doctrine; and not God PLUS approval of certain human-beings. "It is all God's doing". See link Chosen by God. I believe that God is, and has always been, here on Earth.... and that He is intimately and personally involved in the affairs of the World, and in the close guidance and oversight of each of His people, individually. See link Individuation by God. To me.... it is preposterous to consider that life, especially in human-form, developed from a chaotic and unplanned interaction of lifeless atoms and molecules.... following an inexplicable, and "uncaused", spontaneous "Big-Bang" explosion somewhere in the depths of nothingness. And, it is equally incredible, to me, that teachable and intelligent and inventive living-beings simply crawled-out of Mother-Nature's MUCK. Similarly, it is beyond my comprehension and belief to accept that cognizant interpersonal and loving human relationships could have "evolved" from the chemical interactions of impersonal "mass and energy". (Do you believe that somethingness spontaneously arose from nothingness?) See link Creation Evolving. Will God "come again", as Jesus.... as many religions claim and teach. I don't have an opinion on that point.... for I am convinced that God has never left our "world".... and that He never will. One might ask me whether I -- a physician, and not a "clergyman" -- consider myself "qualified" to write about "religion", and about the Bible, and about my God (God-the-Father; God-the-Son [Jesus: God-Incarnate]; and God-the-Holy-Spirit (link). My answer to the question is a resounding "yes -- I am qualified". Who is more qualified than I? Must one have spent his life as a church employee in order to be qualified to write about God, and the Bible? Must one have attended a Baptist seminary? Must one be a Catholic priest to know and understand God.... and God's message? Must an individual swear an undying and never-changing allegiance to a solitary doctrine or denomination.... and never again give consideration to any other spiritual thought? Must I live-out my life in perpetual dread of an unloving Creator.... who "accepts" the vows and prayers of only one man-made "religion" of the world? Does anyone honestly believe that all spiritual "truth" comes only through an institutional church, or from a "church college" -- or that an individual must be a "full-time" preacher in order to "know" the Bible.... and to understand the message of God-the-Creator? Surely not! (And, of course, an ancillary certainty is that each-and every-one of God's people is indeed a full-time minister (link) of God..... each individual "ministering" in those "missions" of spiritual life to which God has assigned him or her.) Actually, I think that it has been especially beneficial to me, in my study of "religion", and in my thoughts about God...... that I was not schooled or educated in a seminary, or a college of "religion". To repeat, it should be obvious to everyone that not all spiritual knowledge necessarily comes through instruction received at a denominational "college". Surely everyone already knows (and agrees) that no church, or denominational college, is the final "authority" on knowledge about God -- or on what "should be" taught about God.... and about the church of God's people (see link). Does anyone think that a ministerial student suddenly becomes fully knowledgeable about God, simply because he is attending a "seminary" -- or because he has passed a test on "Bible history"? Or, for that matter, can anyone seriously believe that a minister, preacher, rabbi, or priest, has attained full knowledge of "spirituality", and God, and God-Incarnate, and the Bible -- simply because he has graduated from a church college, or seminary? How absurd! Contrariwise -- I have felt that the "training" received in a "church school", devoted to a restricted doctrine, might actually stunt (or stultify) a student's thoughts -- and prevent that student from developing a personal deep, individual, and honest quest for God's truth (link) -- and a true and sincere pursuit of spiritual "correctness". I believe, perhaps wrongly, that a denominational college might impose an encumbrance on a determined and inquisitive mind, by saying, "Oh, no, your thoughts about this-or-that are wrong. We in our seminary have decided what is 'right', and what God wants you to believe. That is -- we know what you should believe, or must believe..... if you want to be correct with God, and if you expect to be included in the Kingdom of God (link).... or if you want to be included with us, and accepted by us, and ordained by us -- in our particular denomination." Hence, an inquiring and dedicated student might be led, by a "seminary", to restrictions and limitations, or to obfuscation -- imposed by the "beliefs" (the rigid doctrine) of a particular denominational church-school. (See link Religious syncretism.) It is important to me, at this point, to state as strongly as I can, that I make no claim to special knowledge, or "revelation" -- about the church, or religion -- or about God and the Bible. I do consider myself to have an insightful mind on these subjects.... and I do believe that my interest in "spiritual" matters, has had its "purpose" for me.... and I do believe that my scriptural interpretations are "correct". My only certainty is that I have had a lifetime "interest" in acquiring knowledge about God. My pursuit of this knowledge continues. Now, as I compose this "book", I am sharing what I understand -- from all of my "religious" studies. I do not claim to be an expert on the history of the Bible, or on the precise geography of early Biblical times. I do like to think, though, that I understand the language of God, and the messages of God, in God's Bible. (See link: The Gold Standard of Spiritual Truth.) Hopefully -- long study, and prayer, and contemplation, and "listening".... and much reading.... and great discussions with great people, have given me at least a degree of "status" in my pursuit. It certainly is not for me to state that someone else is "wrong", in his understanding or beliefs about God and the Bible. I do believe, though, that there are some "students" who perhaps are not as far along as others in their spiritual pursuit, and growth, and maturing. There may be those, early in their "spiritual" life, who have developed less insight than others, in understanding God -- and the scriptures. (I feel quite certain, too, that there may be some who are farther along than than I, in their quest for knowing God -- and in their "responding" to God.) So, having said all of that, I will get back to the task of composing "The Doctor's Marvelous Medicine" (or "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"). The name and the "format" will be explained in the introductory chapter called "The Name -- Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets". Before leaving this part, though, I want to make a categorical statement, concerning my beliefs, your beliefs, and the tenets and doctrines of the various denominational "churches". I want to state, without equivocation, that there is only one "truth" of God -- only one correct understanding of God, and of God's spiritual laws. You and I may be right or wrong in our personal decipherings and beliefs.... and various doctrinal churches may have divergent views about God and "religion" and the Bible.... but there is ONLY ONE real "truth" OF God, and ABOUT God -- and that truth has been established by God Himself, within Himself.... and this "God's truth" is correct, and absolute, and unchanging -- and does not depend upon anyone's belief or unbelief.... or upon anyone's interpretation or "acceptance" to establish it, or to "confirm" it -- or to make it true, and valid, and functional, and effective. To state that a little differently, but just as positively -- the "truth" about God, and about His biblical message, is not a matter of one's own personal opinion, or beliefs. The truth of God does not depend upon anyone's "faith" (or upon anyone's "rejection") in order to be made "true", or untrue.... just like the truth of the laws of the physical universe is not a matter of one's opinion. (If the laws of God's mechanical universe were a matter of opinion, a person might state, for example, that he does not "accept" the Law of Gravity, or the Law of Angular Momentum. But, the fact that he does or does not "accept" these physical laws, does not change the "truth" of these physical facts -- or their effect. The same holds true for God's spiritual "laws".) It is true, that an individual Child-of-God, at early "points" in his spiritual life, may not yet understand some aspects of God's spiritual truths -- and so that person may not "accept" or "believe" certain truths.... but an individual's disbelief, or "non-acceptance", does not change or nullify any spiritual truth -- or any spiritual "law" of God. God's plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by man, or by man's belief -- or by man's unbelief. One cannot imagine Almighty-God-the-Creator -- wringing His hands, and saying: "Oh, if only so-and-so would just 'believe', and join a church -- then I could get-on with the plans and purposes that I have established for the universe. But, for now, I must wait, and leave it up to him. Until he says 'Lord, Lord', and joins the membership roll of "XYZ" church -- all of my plans for him and the world and the universe must be held in abeyance." (Sounds absurd, doesn't it?) So, on to this BOOK. I hope you are with me -- so far. Don't leave me, now. Habakkuk 2: 1-3 (NEB): I will stand at my post. I will take up my position on the watch-tower. I will watch to learn what He will say THROUGH ME -- and what I shall reply when I am challenged. 2 Then the Lord made answer: "Write down the VISION -- inscribe it on TABLETS, made for a herald to carry with speed. For there is still a VISION for the appointed time. At the DESTINED hour, it will come in breathless haste. IT WILL NOT FAIL. If it delays -- WAIT for it.... for when it comes will be NO TIME to linger." (See link about this scripture from Habakkuk.) John 14: 7 (NRSV) (Re-quoted from above) Jesus speaking to Philip: If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know Him, and have SEEN HIM." 8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me, has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father; and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who DWELLS IN ME does HIS works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father; and the Father is in me.... John 12: 44 (NRSV) Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes NOT IN ME, but in Him who sent me. 45 And, whoever sees me, sees Him who sent me. 6/15/06 |
