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Links to "TABLETS" on this page: FOREWORD --Why This Book? About the AUTHOR..... Dr. John Todd GOD'S PEOPLE; How do you get to be a Godsperson "SHEEP" -- God's "Sheep" Reformers and "Converters".... and "The Church" Tolerance, understanding, and forgiving "NAMES" (Biblical-metaphoric names) for God's people ( CHART) Mocking Bird (Picture)

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2/19/00 and 3/21/00 7/3/00 9/1/02   "God's People" -- Who are they?   How does one get to be a "God's person"?

"God's People" ("Godspeople") Who are they; and how does one get to be a "God's person" (a Godsperson)? (Click HERE for Easy-Print format of "GOD'S PEOPLE") (This "tablet" interrelates closely with God's Individuation (link)   1 Peter 2: 9 (NRSV) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..... God's OWN PEOPLE, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are GOD's PEOPLE..... once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 2 Corinthians 6: 16 (NRSV) For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be MY PEOPLE. 17 Therefore, come out from them, and be separate from them," says the Lord.... And, SEE numerous other Biblical quotations, below. Throughout the Bible, there are many names and metaphoric "titles" that are used in referring to those individuals and groups that God has included among His accepted "people". I will give a partial list, below; and you, the reader, may remember and consider other Biblical "designations" for those individuals whom God (God the Father, God the Son; God the Holy Spirit) considers to be included with His "people". In this "tablet", my remarks will ask, rhetorically, who it is that decides about whether you and I and others have been, or will be, included on God's "list" of "God's people". That is, who decides about the "qualifications" that God requires of an individual whom God is considering for inclusion among His "people". In other words, are you and I included on God's list of "God's people" because of our "church" affiliation.... or because we have "signed-up" with an "approved" doctrinal group; or because we have made certain promises to a preacher or priest or rabbi or imam; or because our parents were of a certain "religious" persuasion? Or, do you and I simply appraise ourselves (after reciting a few vows).... and do we thereby declare ourselves to be "worthy" -- and do we then write our own names in God's book of "God's people"? (That is, do we church-goers "certify" ourselves as "God's people", so that we can thus count-on the Almighty Creator of the Universe to "listen-out" for us, just in case we need Him.... and so that we can feel assured that God will be available to rescue us, when-and-if we get in trouble -- and whenever we "call" to Him?) This "tablet" will also ask the following question: what must you and I "do" (deeds, works, creeds, promises, rituals) in order to be included (and to be "retained") in one-or-more of the Biblically-designated categories of "God's people" (click here to see list, below)? When can we find out whether or not we have "made the grade", and "satisfied" a recondite list of duties, obligations, rules, rites, rituals, and requirements.... so that we may comfortably conclude that we are now listed in God's book of "My people".... or in "the Lamb's book of life"? Whose "decision" is it, as to whether or not we have "done" enough? Who's "evaluation" really matters? That is, who "saves" us; who "redeems" us; who "elects" and "chooses" us; who declares us to be "righteous"; who determines that we have been "born-again"? Is it "the church" that decides, or the preacher/priest, or the rabbi, or mullah; or an "official board"; or a rigidly doctrinal congregation? Who decides whether you and I have performed well enough to become "approved" for inclusion and retention among God's people.... (or, as Martin Luther is said to have asked himself, while scrubbing the monastery floor, "Am I doing enough? How much is enough")? What do you say? Of course.... you and I already know, for certain, and without equivocation, the answer to ALL of the above rhetorical questions. And here is that answer: "From first to last -- it is all God's doing". God designed each one of His "Godspeople", for His own purposes and plans and pleasure. He knows us, individually. He did not construct His own "chosen" creatures to be condemned, doomed, and destroyed. God remembers that He made us, according to His specifications; and that we belong to Him; and that we are God's children (link)..... and that we are "only human". (See link: "God's Individuation".) Can you imagine that He who designed each of us humans, individually; He who created every one of us, for this world; He who assigned the genetic make-up of each of us to be totally different from every other human creation; He who specified our skin-color, and ethnic origin, and our family background; He who guided the young footsteps and the development and the maturing of each "Godsperson"..... can you imagine that this omniscient, omnipotent and everlasting Creator of the Universe and Heaven, does not know and remember and fully understand those whom He has designed -- and for what purpose each of His people was generated? (Do you believe that you and I were "released", helter-skelter, into this life, by an uncaring and insouciant "Supreme-Being"..... and that we -- we who claim to be God's people -- have been left to "fend" for ourselves, unassisted and unguided and unloved, in our journey through this life, in this world? I say "NO"! What do you say?) Does anyone truly believe that the Sovereign God-of-the-Universe -- without any plan or purpose for that which He is creating -- casually dumps into a cauldron, a batch of skin and bones, arteries and veins, hearts and lungs -- along with a sprinkle of a variegated DNA..... and that our Creator-God then walks away, and frivolously abandons the "forming" of the resultant human-beings to the "discretion" and whim of Mother-Nature, and Father-Big-Bang? Do you believe that God-Almighty leaves the design and development of "God's people", in the hands of "the-forces-of-nature" -- and that God then says to Himself, "Let's see what 'luck' and 'chance' and 'chaos' can come up with..... then I'll decide ('judge'), later, which humans I'll keep and 'save' and admit to My Kingdom.... and which other humans I'll condemn and discard -- and commit to eternal damnation, in HELL"? Is it your belief that God-Almighty is "just waiting" to see which "church" my frail human-brain tells me to "join" -- before He decides whether or not to include me with "God's people"? Does it matter, to God, which man-made doctrinal variation I "accept"? Does God accept "Catholics", in preference to Jews.... or Baptists in preference to Muslims? Does God exclude from God's people all of us mortals, througout the world, whose parents and teachers and preachers have led us to a "wrong decision"? Or.... does God include you and me with God's people based only on His own criteria.... irrespective of which sectarian oath we recite? Is it your opinion that the God-of-All-Creation wants me to be cursed, imprisoned, tortured, or bombed (by other humans) if I do not claim to "believe" the rigid doctrine (link) of your "religion"? Do you think, for a minute, that our Almighty loving and merciful and forgiving Father-God is scowlingly observing every move of those individuals whom He has "manufactured" FOR Himself.... just waiting impatiently to punish His own handiwork, or to destroy His own people.... if we hopeful humans make some "animal" mistake, or commit a flippant worldly error.... or, if we do not beg for mercy and forgiveness several times a day? If you "believe" that way, I would say that you and I profoundly disagree. My understanding, based on what I see and "hear" in God's Bible, is that God Himself selects those individuals who are included among "God's people" (the "elect", the chosen -- see link). My belief is that God's people are included with God, for God's own reasons.... reasons that you and I may never know and understand -- during this life. Of course, the next question then logically arises -- does God "include" only some of His creations; among His people..... and not include others. The Biblical answer to that question is an unequivocal "yes"..... God does not accept every human-being for inclusion among "God's people". (See link: "Enemies of God, and Enemies of God's People"...... and note especially the Biblical references shown in that "tablet".) (Now, consider this: IF you and I deny and reject what the Bible clearly states about God's "chosen" individuals, and about God's selection of His own people "before the foundation of the world" (link)..... then perhaps we will be better satisfied if we human-beings -- you and I and others -- appoint ourselves to design and develop a new "process" -- a procedure by which we humans "authorize" God to include among His people, only those individuals whom we earthly humans have approved (based on our humanistic and "religious" and doctrinal criteria). Continue this same line of thought.... can you even imagine a "system" in which we jealous human-beings would attempt to decide, by vote and/or mutual agreement, just which ones of us "sinners" should be forgiven and "saved", and included with "God's people"..... and which of us should be rejected by God..... "rejected" perhaps simply because some of us didn't "join" the correct church; or because we "accepted" the wrong doctrine -- or because certain worldly church-leaders decided that we had not recited the proper creed, or performed enough good-works? (Gimme a break!) The Biblical truth is that we mortals, in or out of "organized" religion, have nothing-at-all to do with God's process of designing and molding and "selecting" His people. "There is only one Judge, and Lawgiver." That is, it is God-the-Creator alone -- uninfluenced by a church, or by a preacher, or by our works, or by our self-approbation..... it is God alone who determines our acceptability to God Himself...... for "inclusion" with God, in God's Kingdom. A computer search of the Bible (NRSV), reveals that there are 199 references in the Old Testament to the words "My people". In many of these verses, God is being quoted, through the various writers of the Old Testament...... and God is expressing His criteria (and His counsel, and mandates), concerning those individuals or "groups" that He Himself has decided (or will decide) to accept and include among His "people" -- in His "Kingdom". In the New Testament (NRSV), there are only 10 references to "My people". Eight of these references to "my people" are New Testament quotations of Old Testament scriptures. Note this partial LIST of Biblical designations (and "metaphoric" titles) for "God's people": Children of God; disciples; servants; friends; the elect; the godly; brothers of Jesus; the born-again; the saved; the remnant; the temple of God; the called; children of Zion; the beloved; a holy nation; co-heirs with Christ; the chosen; Abraham's seed; the righteous; Israelites; the redeemed; saints; my flock; the royal priesthood; heirs of the promise; Christians; the ransomed; my anointed; the good soil; believers; God's sheep; the justified; born of the Spirit; good trees; sons (daughters) of God; heirs of God. Add others, yourself.... as additional Biblical "designations" come to your attention. Now, note the following few Bible-verses. There are many, many other splendid Biblical references to God's people ("My people"). These, quoted below, are but a few that I have selected. Read these out loud, so that you can hear God, while you see His words. Isaiah 35: 8 (NRSV) A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way. The unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for GOD's PEOPLE. No traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it. They shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing. Everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness -- and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 1 Peter 2: 9 (NRSV) (Repeated from above) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..... God's OWN PEOPLE, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are GOD's PEOPLE..... once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 2 Corinthians 6: 14 (NRSV) .... what fellowship is there between light and darkness? 15 What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be MY PEOPLE. 17 Therefore, come out from them, and be separate from them," says the Lord.... 18 and I will be your Father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Hebrews 8: 10 This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God; and they shall be my people. 11 And they shall not teach one another, or say to each other, 'Know the Lord' -- for they shall all know me -- from the least of them, to the greatest. 12 For I will be MERCIFUL toward their iniquities -- and I will remember their sins NO more." Psalm 100: 3 (KJV) Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Ephesians 2: 18 (NIV) For through Him, we both have access to the Father -- by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens -- but FELLOW CITIZENS with GOD'S PEOPLE.... and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In Him the whole building is joined together, and rises to become a HOLY TEMPLE in the Lord. 22 And in Him, you too are BEING BUILT together, to become a dwelling in which God LIVES -- by His Spirit. Acts 18: 9 (NRSV) One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, "Do not be afraid; but speak, and do not be silent; 10 for I am with you; and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people." Romans 9: 25 (NRSV) (Paul speaking): As indeed He (God) says in Hosea, "Those who were not my people I will call 'my people'; and her who was not beloved, I will call 'beloved.'" 26 "And in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' there they shall be called children of the living God." Author's personal definition of "God's People" (Godspeople); and definition of "a God's person" (Godsperson): 1. "God's people" ("Godspeople") -- a plural term, referring to those individuals, aggregately, who have been "accepted" (claimed, saved, chosen) by God -- irrespective of their "doctrinal" persuasion; and regardless of their church "affiliation"; and regardless of their country-of-origin, or their "ethnic" background....... and irrespective of an individual's self-appraisal..... and regardless of the approval or disapproval of human-beings, or "groups" of human-beings. 2. "God's person" ("Godsperson"); a singular term, referring to an individual who has been "included", by God, among "Godspeople". A "Godsperson" is not able to cause himself to become a Godsperson.... by any work or deed; or by "making a decision"; or by reciting a certain oath or creed; or by making promises to a preacher or priest or rabbi; or by attending a specific church. The entire process of becoming a "Godsperson" begins and ends with God..... ALONE, Note the following scriptural reference: 2 Corinthians 1: 21 (NEB) "And if you and we belong to Christ, guaranteed as His, and anointed.... it is ALL GOD's DOING. It is God, also, who has set His seal upon us; and, as a pledge of what is to come, has GIVEN the Spirit to dwell in our heart." Discussion: It seems to be the conclusion of some "religious" scholars and pundits.... and the "spin" of some church policy-makers -- that a Godsperson must swear allegiance to a specified human "religious" doctrine; and then "join" a certain church.... or else be excluded (by God) from "salvation", and from the Kingdom of God.... and from the "privilege" of being included among "God's people". What about you? Do you consider it to be a certainty that only those individuals who claim to be "Christians" can be assured of inclusion, by God, in the Kingdom of God..... with God's People? Or, is it possible, as the Jews claim, that only Jews are acceptable for God's "chosen" nation? What about the Catholics? Must you and I bow down to their statues, before God will hear our pledges and promises? Similarly, if the "Muslims" lay claim to being the only genuine "God's people"..... does that mean that all other "religions" which the Muslims have not accepted and anointed, are omitted from God's favor? So, where does the "truth" lie? Is a "decision" on this question of spiritual "truth" to be made by a "church" (a church with a certain rigid doctrine); or is the decision to be established by a preacher, or priest, or rabbi.... or is "God's Truth" to be discovered by (and revealed to) God's "chosen" ones.... individually? Indeed, if "truth" is a matter of "human" definition, then which human-beings have been granted, by God, the right or the authority to establish and to dictate "the truth" that you and I must "accept"..... or the doctrine that we must claim to believe.... in order to satisfy God? If only ONE specific denomination has deciphered and defined all the correct "spiritual" answers, then you and I must pity us poor souls who may have "signed-up" with the "wrong" church -- and we must pity him or her who recites the "wrong" creed, and those who bow down before the wrong altar. And, we should pity those of us who have "made a decision".... a "decision" that other human individuals and groups have concluded to be erroneous, or misguided, or ungodly, or heretical.... and hence "unacceptable" to God. Now, the BIG questions, again: Is it not true that the "awarding" of the title "God's people" (or "a Godsperson") remains solely and eternally in the hands of Him who is the Creator and the "Judge" of us all?. Likewise, is it not certain that only God's "opinion" matters -- as to who is "included" (and who will be included) among those whom God considers to be His people? The answer to these BIG questions is: "Yes". We human-beings, in or out of the institutional "church", have nothing to do with God's decisions and determinations concerning His people. John 3: 6 (NIV) Jesus speaking: "Flesh (human-beings) gives birth to flesh -- but the Spirit (God) gives birth to Spirit." Romans 8 (NRSV) 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?...... 33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? John 6: 63 (NIV) Jesus speaking: The Spirit gives life -- the flesh (humans-beings) counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit.... and they are life. CONCLUSION: It's scary out here in this world, when you are informed that, according to certain human-beings, God has become restricted; and that He is powerless to include you among "God's people".... unless you sign-up with such-and-such a "church".... and unless you swear allegiance to a certain doctrine. It's scary, too, if you're a Pekingese.... and all those Collies, and Shelties, and Bulldogs have told you that God will not accept you.... because you're not one of "them". Do you believe that it is the duty and responsibility of us humans to TELL GOD whom He may accept, and "save", and include among His people? Are you telling me that I must accept what you "believe".... or else God will condemn me -- and exclude me from the Kingdom of God's People? (How absurd!) You and I can only hope that God will somehow understand our "human" frailties, and ignorance.... and that, mercifully, He will include us errant ones -- in His Kingdom.... with Him and His people. Consider, again, the following magnificent scriptures: Romans 8 (NRSV) 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?...... 33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Psalm 139: 13 (NRSV) For it was you who formed my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb.... 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret -- intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me -- when none of them as yet existed. John 8: 42 (NIV) Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God, and now am here.... 47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not BELONG TO GOD. If God were your Father.... you would listen."

4/23/00; and 6/4/00; 9/1/02 Excerpted from the unpublished book: "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"   When I can understand -- I can forgive.  But, how can I understand, or "accept"..... when I've never been in their shoes -- or yours !

TOLERANCE, UNDERSTANDING, and FORGIVING -- HOW can I understand, and "accept", and forgive? by John N. Todd CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format of this tablet on "Tolerance" This "tablet" correlates closely with: WHAT do you POSSESS that was not GIVEN to you (link) 1 Corinthians 4: 7 (NEB) "Who makes you, my friend, so important? What do you possess that was not given to you? If then you really received it all as a gift, why take the credit to yourself?" How can I understand your situation -- your dilemma -- the problems you face? How can I sense the other fellow's misery, his pain; his anxiety and worry and "depression"? For example: how can I know what it is to be "born black" -- or how can I comprehend the "feelings" of being a female? How can I sense the apprehension of an immigrant in a foreign land? How can I grasp the mindset of a criminal.... or the misery of an individual "trapped" by addiction? The more I think about it, the more I become aware of the many human factors and circumstances and conditions that I cannot possibly grasp, because I have never experienced them personally, or "first-hand". You and I may think we know how we'd feel in the other guy's shoes -- but do we really understand? Consider the following list, that I have applied to myself; then, you decide how many of these "conditions" and situations you cannot truly comprehend -- because you have never experienced them, yourself. These are some of the circumstances and conditions that I (and/or my wife) have never experienced -- so how can we understand? How can we become more "tolerant"...... and forgiving? What about you? What else should be on my list -- or yours? I have never been "black", Hispanic, or a "foreigner", or of "mixed-race"; I have never been "female"; (My wife does not know what it is to be a "male"); I've never been a Jew, or a "Catholic", or a "Muslim", or a Hindu; I've never lived in a "broken family", or with a "single" parent; I've never been divorced, or "separated"; I have never been "gay"; I have never been an immigrant, or an illegal "alien"; I've never lived anywhere except in Alabama (except for U.S. Air Force service in Newfoundland and Florida); I have never been in a military battle, or "war zone"; I have never had a deformity, or a severe disability; I've never had a chronic disease; I've never had AIDS, or any other "sexually transmitted disease". I have never been bald, "overweight", or fat; I've never been physically ugly, or unattractive; I've never been poor; I've never been on welfare; I've never been unschooled, or illiterate, or uneducated; I (we) have never had serious problems with our children; I've never had mental (intellectual) inadequacy; I've never had a mental illness (depression, schizophrenia, or other); I have never taken or used illegal "drugs"; I've never needed or used "pain pills", or "nerve pills"; I have never consumed alcohol (I tried it, "unsuccessfully", in college); I've never lived with or around consumers of alcohol, or drugs; (How can I understand and be "tolerant" of "drinking problems"); I've never had to live with and care-for old and decrepit individuals; I've never been arrested, or in jail, or in "trouble with the law"; I have never been sued; I've never been a smoker (I tried it as a youngster); I've never been unemployed; I've never been a "politician", nor a legislator; I've never been in a "labor union"; I've never been a preacher -- nor a lawyer; I've never been employed by a public school, or college; I have never lost a job; and I have never been "laid-off"; I have never been homeless; and I have never gone hungry; I've always lived in a comfortable "house" -- and "home". No wonder I have sometimes been "intolerant" -- and slow to "understand".... and reluctant to "accept" and to "forgive". I've never "lived" under the conditions enumerated above. But.... I am learning; and "sensing"; and "feeling".... and hopefully, I'm improving -- every day ! What about you ?? Now note the following scriptural references, concerning tolerance, understanding, kindness -- and forgiving: Colossians 3: 12 (NRSV) As God's chosen ones (linked) -- holy and beloved -- clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another; and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Matthew 6: 12 (NRSV) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.... 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. If you and I and they can "see" and "feel" and "comprehend" each other.... we can "accept" each other -- and hence forgive. But.... should we always be "tolerant", understanding, and forgiving? An afterthought has come to mind, recently; and must be mentioned. Some behavior and certain actions are intolerable -- indeed unforgivable -- and must be neither accepted nor "understood". All of us can remember drastic behavior and circumstances that have led us to fight.... and we can recall unforgivable historical events that civilization could not, and did not, tolerate. We in the United States have recently suffered (9/11/01) a grievous injustice, when the Pentagon was attacked.... and when the World Trade Center in New York City was destroyed by terrorists, killing more than 3000 people. The act was apparently perpetrated by "Muslims" from various Middle-Eastern countries, claiming to be acting in the name of God (Allah).... the same "God of Abraham" that Jews and Christians and Muslims "accept", and worship. As for me, I absolutely accept the Biblical truth that "vengeance" belongs to God.... but I suspect that, under a circumstance like this attack on the United States, God Himself will lead His people to become God's own "hands".... to extract His "vengeance" and retribution and justice against those responsible for acts like this terroristic assault on God's "heaven-rescued land". What about you? Do you tolerate, understand, and forgive? Are there times when we humans are called to be intolerant.... and to resist, and to fight? What say you?

2/6/00 5/28/04   "Pekingese, and Great Danes" --  A corollary of the tablet: "Fruits, Deeds and Creeds" Excerpted from the original version -- in the book, "Dr. Todd's Terrific Tablets"

Reformers and "Converters"..... and "The Church" CLICK HERE for Easy-Print format of this "tablet" (This "tablet" corollates with: "FRUITS, Deeds, and Creeds") 1 Corinthians 3: 4 (NRSV) For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos", are you not merely human? 5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord ASSIGNED to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered.... but God gave the growth. 7 So neither the one who plants, nor the one who waters is anything -- but ONLY God, who gives the growth. James 4: 12 (NRSV) There is one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbor? Psalm 119: 73 (NEB) Thy hands moulded me, and made me what I am. Show me how I may learn thy commandments. Ephesians 2: 10 (NRSV): "For we ARE what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for the good works -- which God prepared beforehand -- to be our way of life." Acts 17: 29 (NRSV) Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the Deity is like gold, or silver, or stone.... an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. Isaiah 29: 13 (NRSV) The Lord said: Because these people draw near with their mouths, and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me.... and their worship of me is a human commandment, learned by rote. There are many "reformers" and "converters", in this world.... human-beings who repeatedly insist upon attempting to change and re-shape and "convert" other human-beings.... according to the reformers' own restricted notions. Whether we are speaking about "politicians", or "educators", or zealous religionists -- or other "busy-bodies" -- some individuals or "groups" seem always to be attempting to re-mold you and me into a "shape" that they have concluded to be "correct". And, yes, sometimes, even certain denominational "churches" can be included on this list of organized "reformers" and "converters". Just think about it. Consider especially "the church". (See link, What is "The Church") Many rigidly "organized' religions seem convinced that their own doctrine has a "lock" on spiritual "truth" -- and that anyone who continues to disagree with them, is irretrievably omitted from God's favor. These intensely-fixed doctrinal groups seem to say that acceptance by God is not enough.... but that acceptance (or "salvation") is determined -- not by God alone -- but by God PLUS a certain dogmatic set-of-human-beliefs .... or by God PLUS "membership" in a certain exclusionary "church". Some doctrinal groups seem even to profess a special "claim" on God Himself (as if, like the Israelites asserted in early-Biblical times, God can be circumscribed and encapsulated by restrictive "human" beliefs.... and that God can be toted-around in a box [e.g.; the "arc of the covenant"]). Consider further -- even today -- some denominations seem to have arrogated to themselves a "hold" on the one-and-only "sure-way" to be accepted by our Almighty-Omniscient-Omnipotent Creator -- as if they themselves have divine authority to restrict God to their personal "design"..... and to prevent God's acceptance of anyone who has not signed-up with their "doctrine-of-humans". Isaiah 29: 13 (NIV) The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by MEN. Same (NRSV) 16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay? Shall the thing made say of its Maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of the One who formed it, "He has no understanding"? What do you say? Can we human-beings alter ourselves -- and "re-form" what God has created? Can we creatures change and distort what God has already ordained about each of His creations? Does God await (or seek) human approbation before dictating His own spiritual commandments? Does God spend His time trying to categorize (and separate) the countless doctrinal "decipherings" of us human-creations..... so that He can make up His mind as to which of our "beliefs" He will accept? How absurd ! ! ! Job 42: 1 (NIV) Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 "I know that you can do all things. No plan of yours can be thwarted. 3 [You (God) asked,] `Who is this that obscures my counsel, without knowledge?' Surely I (Job) spoke of things I did not understand -- things too wonderful for me to know.... 5 My ears had heard of you -- but now my eyes have seen you. Consider (and answer for yourself) the following rhetorical musings: Can you or I "change our stripes", or cause ourselves to become a different "animal" than the one that God intentionally created? Of course not! I may be able to trick myself and my friends into believing that I am something new and different, or that I have "changed", or that I have "converted" myself -- and that I have now become more God-like, and "religious"..... but will my "tricking" deceive anyone other than myself and my human cohorts? Will He who created me be fooled by my chicanery, or deceived by my "religious" facade? Silly question ! Similarly, if I join and attend a "strict" denominational church, does my church-going magically mold me into a God's person -- a "Child-of-God"? NO..... ! If a church-of-humans accepts my claim of "conversion", and if I recite various "correct" creeds, and if I am "baptized"..... or if I donate to the church, and visit the sick, and serve soup in the soup kitchen twice a week..... have I thus caused myself to become "acceptable" to God? Or..... if I obtain a big, long, white robe; and drape that robe all about myself -- and if certain selected humans tell me that I am now "holy"..... or if I convince myself that I have become "righteous"..... have I thus miraculously become something truly different from that which I have been, all along -- underneath the robe? If you and I cover an ordinary brick with gold-plating, does that "cause" the brick to become "valuable" -- through-and-through? (I will admit that we earthly creatures who look at a "gold-brick" from the outside, without really knowing "what's inside", can be "fooled".... but, can the Creator and "Molder" of the "brick" be fooled?) (Is there any human-being, or any group of humans, or any church, or any minister or priest or rabbi..... who can "trick" and deceive God? Can anyone's claim of "spiritual" authenticity and belief and "faith" and "truth" -- be verified and proven..... apart from the "opinion" and decision and knowledge of God Himself?) Consider this, also: a Pekingese dog is cute and functional and joyful, and has splendid God-given attributes of its own -- but, it will never be a Great Dane, no matter how hard the Pekingese tries -- and no matter how much it frets and mourns about not being something "bigger" in this life, and something "different" than the way it was created. Similarly, a Great Dane will never bacome a Pekingese -- and the Great Danes of "the world" will always presume (for themselves) superiority over the Pekingese -- and will always "look-down-on" the Pekingese -- and will try perpetually to "convert" the Pekingese to their way of thinking (or "believing"). (See link: What do you possess that was not given to you?) And.... sad-but-true.... the human "Great Danes" of this world -- the "big dogs" -- may frequently denigrate the Pekingese, for not being like "they" are..... and the human "big-dogs" may otherwise cause much disappointment and grief for the Pekingese (who "see things" differently than the Great Danes). But..... all of this animal-ly insistence by the "big dogs" will never cause the Pekingese to "convert", and to think and "believe" like the "big-dogs" -- or to become anything different than that which the Pekingese was created to be -- even though the "big dogs" continue their self-aggrandizement..... arrogantly claiming themselves to be superior to those creations that are "smaller" and different than they. And, comparably and metaphorically, the same is true for "fruit trees" -- and for us "ordinary" humans. (See link, Fruits, Creeds and Deeds.) A "fruit tree" will always "be" precisely what it was created to be -- and it will always bear the "fruit" that it was designed to bear. You and I may wish that God had made us different than the way we are.... and "the world" may try to "convert" us into another set-of-beliefs which it prefers; and our "leaders", and our "churches", and the "Big Dogs" may attempt to "re-shape" us -- to fulfill their criteria of truth, and "correctness" and function, and "works", and "beliefs". But.... whether they or you or I like it or not -- all of us will continue to be precisely what God ordained for us, and what He has made us to be -- and we can only hope to "produce" more and better of that for which we were "created". Whether we are a Pekingese, or an apple tree, or a thistle -- or just our individual selves -- we will never cause ourselves to become a different creation, in the eyes of God. God knows us..... He made us. We are (and always shall be) exactly what God created us to be; and we will continue to function and "produce" as God intended, when He created us. Furthermore -- it is also true that those "creations" which some of us humans may choose to label as "bad trees" (the Biblical "thistles and weeds") -- also "do" precisely what they are intended to do. Thistles have their own "worldly" effect -- assigned by their Maker. A "thistle's" God-ordained "design" and function are brought to bear within "the world", and upon the world...... and "thistles and weeds" have their prescribed effects upon God's "good trees"....... for God's own reasons, which you and I may never understand -- in this life. Sometimes, a "thistle" may pretend to "produce" something that seems to be a "good fruit".... and a thistle may even "fool" itself, and some deceivable (gullible) "believers" -- but there is "One Judge and Lawgiver" who always knows the difference between "good trees" and bad trees -- and between Great Danes and Pekingese ! Summary points: Godspeople (God's people) -- like "good trees' (and like Pekingese and Great Danes) -- produce the "effects" (the works, the fruits, the thoughts, the beliefs, the plans, the results) for which they are designed. And, we must remember..... all of God's creations do not produce the same "products", or effects, or works, or "fruits". God's people are created separately and individually (see link God's Individuation)..... and we were never "programmed" to be clones of each other -- like peas-in-a-pod, or like monks in a monastery. When God's creatures "produce" satisfactorily, they are encouraged by "warm and gentle breezes", and by "sunshine" -- and by reinforcing "nourishment", from God. When God's people "fall short" (in the opinion of God..... unrelated to the estimation of any human-being) -- God's people will invariably be "pruned" and "cultivated" and "fertilized", by God; and re-shaped, and disciplined -- or even "transplanted". (Repeating what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3: 5 "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe.... as the Lord has ASSIGNED to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it; but God made it grow.") To reiterate further: the "fruits" (or "deeds") of a Godsperson, are carried out "naturally". These "deeds" may not always be recognized, at the time, by the "world", or by some humans, or by some "churches" -- but these "deeds" are done (they "occur") through God's people -- as God's "trees" respond to God (link; "Responding to God") and as they interact with God. Concluding thoughts: A "tree" will always bear its own fruit. "Good trees" (God's people) produce "good" fruit, because of the way they are designed. Not every good tree bears "apples". No human, or group of humans, should attempt to force an apple tree to become a "peach tree"...... and an apple tree should never pretend to produce peaches. Great Danes should not attempt to shame or belittle or refute the works and thoughts and beliefs and efforts and effects of the "Pekingese". "Good trees" do not have to "invent" fruit, or busily pretend to bear fruit -- as if to fool either God, or other humans...... or themselves. Pieces of man-made "fruit" (such as "synthetic" works and deeds) do not cause a "tree" to become a "good tree" (that is, man-made "good deeds" do not compel God to declare an individual to be "good", or "righteous"). Making "pretend-apples" does not cause a human to become an "apple tree". Eating (or "forcing down") a lot of apples will not cause you or me to become a "good tree". Concocting "synthetic deeds" does not generate a "Christian" -- or a "God's person" (see link: God's People; who are they?). Note the following very pertinent Biblical quotations. Read these out loud. "Hear" -- while you "see" what God says: Psalm 92: 12 (NRSV) The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted (by God) in the house of the LORD; and they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 In old age, they still produce fruit. They are always green and full of sap, 15 showing that the LORD is upright. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Jeremiah 17: 5 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength; and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands. He will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt-land where no one lives. 7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD -- whose confidence is in Him. 8 He will be like a TREE planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought, and never fails to bear fruit." Thistles do not bear figs. Apple trees do not bear peaches. Pekingese "creations" will never become Great Danes, nor should they try to become Great Danes -- and Pekingese creations should realize and cherish and glory-in the fact that they function and think and believe, in ways that are equally as desirable as Great Danes.... in the eyes of Him who created both of them.

Revised, and posted on the Net 11/15/99; 1/22/03 Additional revisions 4/10/00 9/24/00

FOREWORD THIS "FOREWORD" WAS POSTED ON THE INTERNET 11-15-99 1. THE BEGINNING -- 2. Why this Book? 3. About the author (John N. Todd M.D.) (INTERNET VERSION) CLICK HERE for Easy-Print version of this FOREWORD At last, I am at the start. (The beginning of this writing actually dates back to my initial efforts, for this book, in September 1991). "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 "why" this name, for this book.... later. (There is a fascinating story underlying the name.... and how the name developed. This "evolving" tale is not yet complete. I will share the details with you.... when the time comes.) I considered other titles, but ruled them out -- for this title seems most appropriate for those to whom I am directing this book.... that is, to myself, to our four now-grown children and their families; to my wife (my soul-mate).... 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" into my life. 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, 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 about "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-Incanate, 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 your denomination? Is it wrong for you to hope that God Himself will help you to build, within yourself, a "spiritually correct" understanding of Him...... and of your "religion", and of all the numerous forms and variations of "Christianity"? Of course it is not "wrong"! (I believe that this process of "seeking-hence-finding" is precisely what God really wants in each of His people.) (See "A Secret God", linked.) As for me, I would actually prefer to be "satisfied" with a simple, understandable Christian "religion"; 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 mish-mash of "religious" and spiritual understanding in the "disorganized church". So, the question keeps coming back -- 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. So, how do you answer these questions.... and YOUR 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 -- the Gospel of God? (See links.) 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 Christ, 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". 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 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 spread throughout this book. A few main subjects are linked below: 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" 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.