INTRODUCTION to the on-going INTERNET BOOK: "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets" http://www.terrific-tabs.com (link to Home Page) by John N. Todd III (link, about the author)) Scripta manent... verba volant. (Latin, meaning: "Written words remain.... spoken words fly away.") This page was "posted" on the "net" on 2/23/01; "doctored" 6/01; 10/01; 2/02; 10/02; 1/03; 2/03; 3/03; 7/03; 9/03;10/03; 11/03; 12/03; 2/04; 3/04; 7/04; 8/04; 10/04; 11/04; 1/05; 2/05; 7/05; 2/4/06 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 See: About the author (link) And: The STORY of Dr. Todd's Tablets (link) And see other related links: The Purpose of this BOOK (link) And: "TABLETS" -- "medicinal" tablets; and "spiritual" tablets (link) And: Author's PERSONAL spiritual understanding (link) THE BEGINNING -- Why this Book? At last.... I am at the start. (The real "beginning" of the composing of this "ongoing online" Internet BOOK actually dates back to my initial gathering of ideas and notes, and Biblical references.... in 1987, when I retired from the practice of medicine. The compilation of my early written "tablets", on a word processor, was initiated in 1991, when I first obtained a computer [my first of several "Macs"]. (My initial efforts at developing a website began in 1998. I was instructed, then, in designing my website by Mr. Edward Todd [no relation].... a talented web-designer, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Since 1998, I have personally "designed" and formatted and supplemented and edited this website.... with only occasional "technical support" and consultation with Mr. Edward Todd.) "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets" -- a strange name for a book about God. Strange name for a book about "religion", and "spiritual" matters.... and the Bible. I will tell you, now, a part of the story about how this book originated. See this link The STORY of Dr. Todd's Tablets.... to read the beginning of the story. (There remains a fascinating section underlying this Internet Book.... and how the story continues to develop. The details of this evolving spiritual journey are not yet complete. I will share the full details with the readers.... when the time comes.) I considered other titles for this book, but ruled them out.... for this title seems most appropriate for those to whom I am directing this book.... that is, to myself; to my wife (my soul-mate); to our four now-grown "children", and their families.... and to all those "others" who have been "given" to me -- or who will later be put into my existence.... for God's own reasons. Why am I writing this book? I suppose my main reason is for personal satisfaction -- to solidify and express my own thoughts and spiritual "understanding" -- and to share my "decipherings" (conclusions, "revelations") with those who have been "directed" (by God) into my life. I have never attempted to "market" or sell the contents of this book. I have never received funding for this book from any source other than my own personal assets. Every word in this book is "free" to anyone who chooses to read it. There is no restriction on sharing the contents of this book. I, myself, am the "web developer" for this INTERNET BOOK (although, as mentioned above, I do occasionally seek the advice and services of a trusted professional, who, himself, seems to be a devoted "Godsperson" [click link to God's People]). I do not represent a "church"; and I speak for no particular denomination .... and I am not a devotee of a specific, fixed ("frozen") doctrine.... since I, like most of us humans, am on a lifelong "learning-curve", day by day.... learning more and more about God.... from God. What about you, the reader? Did you ever analyze your own personal "religious" beliefs? If you did, did you also attempt to objectify or "document" your beliefs, in some intelligible (written) fashion? If you did, you probably found, as I have found, that you had a formidable and time-consuming task. Of course, some individuals may be satisfied to have a very simple "religious" or spiritual understanding, which may indeed be quite "correct", and personally gratifying -- or at least acceptable to themselves. For example, a "Christian" might say: "I believe in God -- and in Jesus the Christ (God-Incarnate). My faith and trust are in God. I do not understand all that I would like to know. In my life and living, I try to be a 'good' person, and I attempt to serve God, as best I can. I hope that God finds me to be satisfactory, in His sight; and that God will allow me, and those who are dear to me, to enter the Kingdom of Heaven". I like that statement -- and I suspect that it represents "enough" belief, to satisfy some "church-goers". But, how much "belief" and understanding about God are "necessary" -- in the eyes of God? (It is God, of course, who answers that question -- to His satisfaction...... for each of His people.) It must be apparent to everyone that searching for knowledge about God, and "religion", and about spiritual "truth".... varies greatly from person to person. (Has any human-being ever had a totally satisfying knowledge, belief, and understanding of God, and God-Incarnate, and the Bible? Does any specific denominational "church" have all the "right" doctrinal answers? (Silly questions!) (See link: Doctrinal Rigidity.) So, again, how much "knowledge" (understanding) is enough? Who decides how much is "enough"? Who dictates to you what you must know, and what you must believe? Must you accept unquestioningly whatever "doctrine" your institutional church dictates to you? Are you "sinning" if you question the tenets of the denomination you claim to "accept"? Is it wrong for you to hope that God Himself will help you to build, within yourself, a "spiritually correct" understanding of Him.... and that God Himself will lead you to perceive and grasp a "set-of-beliefs" that will satisfy HIm? No, clearly it is not "wrong"! I believe that this "human" process of "seeking-hence-finding" is precisely what God really wants and expects, in each of His people. (See A Secret God, link.) As for me, I would actually prefer to be "satisfied" with a simple, understandable Christian "religion" (denomination); but, for some strange reason, I have had a life-long "hunger" to know more -- and to understand better. Naturally, I have attempted to find all the necessary answers in the brilliance and wisdom of various denominational churches.... the so-called "organized" churches. I have found, though, as many inquisitive and reasonably intelligent people must have found, that there is a drastic and confusional "batch" of religious claims and beliefs in the innumerable "institutional churches". So, the question keeps coming back to me -- which "church" is truly correct in its beliefs and its "doctrine" -- and I mean "correct" not simply in its own opinion of itself -- but correct in the eyes of God? Did you ever attempt to make sense out of what you might hear in one denominational church, as compared with the teaching of another "church"? Did you ever compare the "teaching" of one "radio minister" with another? Did you ever watch the sometimes-comedic performances of television "ministers"? Does anyone wonder why so many God-loving people have "given up" in their attempt to find the "truth" in the "institutional" church? What is "the truth"? Does it matter what you believe? (The clear answer is "yes, it does matter".) Are all "Christian" churches basically the same? The obvious answer to that question is "NO.... there are great differences in the doctrines, tenets, and beliefs among the various denominations". Perhaps you think -- because your "church" claims to date back to Calvin, or Luther, or Wesley -- that you should "accept" whatever those sagely individuals believed and promoted, even though you don't remember or understand what they believed; and even though their "beliefs" were greatly different -- each from the other. Maybe your notion is that since your "church" claims to date back to the Apostle Peter, it should have greater credibility than other "churches". Again, does it matter which "church" you "belong" to? Is it "mandatory", to God, that you become a "member" of "some" church -- any church? Are you doomed to Hell if you do not say "Lord, Lord" in the presence of some earthly church-group? Some of these questions are absurd; but all of these questions require answers -- from you (for your satisfaction) -- and from me, for my learning and discovery.  So, how do you answer these questions.... and YOUR own questions? So now you see..... this has been my "problem" -- and my quest. What is the spiritual "truth"? Where does one find it? Can we humans decipher God's truth (link).... the Gospel of God (link)? Does one certain doctrine have "the truth" -- and are all other denominations "wrong" -- in the sight of God? So, I began to search, years and years ago. Millions and millions of people, for thousands of years, have been "involved" in the same search. Since my quest began, I can say the following, for sure: I have become more and more personally satisfied, through the years, with what I have discovered about that which I consider to be "the truth"..... about God, and about the God-Incarnate, and about God's Bible. I understand, though, that what I consider to be the "truth" may not agree with your "truth"..... your "creed", and your doctrine. You and I must understand and accept that we may never agree with the rites, rules, creeds, and regulations of each other's "doctrinal" church. Consider this question, however -- will God "accept" both you and me -- even though you and I cannot agree with each other, in our worldly and superficial "religious" terms.... and in our "human" spiritual "conclusions"? I believe the answer to that question to be "YES". After all, SALVATION is from God, not from human-beings or churches (link). I will be the first to state that I do not have all the answers, and that I could well be wrong in my "decipherings". That does not matter! I have satisfied myself; and so, I have been "successful" in my quest. Now, here, in this Internet "version" of my book, I simply want to record my "beliefs"..... beliefs that I consider God to have "given" to me. I am not attempting to prove or debate any religious or scriptural points. I have no interest in trying to convince anyone, anywhere, that my opinions should be "accepted". I mainly want to "document" my beliefs -- "beliefs" that have "filtered" down to me -- over a lifetime of study, meditation, discussion, listening, reading, and praying. I must add this, though: I do believe, honestly -- within myself, and to my personal satisfaction -- that what I state in this, my book, is "correct" -- both scripturally, and spiritually. I am not directing this composition to, or "against", any specific "organized" group, or religious institution. I have no secondary motives, except my own personal safisfaction. I certainly have no thought of "selling" a book; although I shall "publish" portions of this book on the Internet -- as I satisfy myself, and as I feel that I am so guided. And so, to reiterate, I simply want to share my knowledge (I like to call it "wisdom") with those that are dear to me -- and with those close to me (in thought, if not in true proximity). About the author, John N. Todd III, M. D. CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format (on a separate page) of "About the Author" 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 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" 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); 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: a lovely and intelligent daughter-in-law. 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 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. The author's personal spiritual understandings are "sprinkled" throughout this book. A few main subjects are linked below. (See also Author's CREED Index.) Although I was "raised" a Methodist, I do not consider myself to be restricted to "Methodism".... and I am not a rigid devotee of any other specific "organized" doctrine, or religion. I like to think, though, that I am included among God's people, and that I am a "Christian" Godsperson-- and that I am a "child" of God, and that I "belong" to God.... and that I am a "member" of the church of God's people (see links). I believe in the sovereignty of God (link) in all matters pertaining to Heaven and Earth and Universe. "God is the potter; we are the clay." I believe that salvation is from God link).... and that one's "salvation" is not determined by human-beings, or by churches, or by a professed (claimed) adherence to a certain doctrine or creed. I believe that Jesus is God; and that God is Jesus. 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 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 fields 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 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. 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. 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" are explained in the first part (top) of this page. 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 is delays -- WAIT for it.... for when it comes will be NO TIME to linger." 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.