Tag: New Testament

UK: “Soul” & “Psyche” (ψυχή) Are Not “Interchangeable” When Discussing Greek Philosophical Texts! (29.8.2026)

The term Tyndale translates as “soul” in English is the Greek term “psychas” (ψυχὰς) – is the “plural” the more familiar “psyche” (ψυχῇ) – which translates as “breath of life”, “to blow” and “to animate” (in Latin, the Greek term “psyche” is presented by the term “anima”). This probably represents the Hebrew term “Neshama” (נשמה) – meaning “breath”, “spirit”, or “essence” (inner self). The early Christians were radical Jews seeking to distinguish their thinking and practice from mainstream Judaism. The Gnostic Christians were content to use Greek philosophical terms and parallel many Greek paths of inner self-cultivation. Later, with the rise of the Catholic Church (empowered by the Roman State), the Gnostic Churches were suppressed and their scriptures outlawed. Catholic theologians, although continuing to use Greek terms (translated into Latin) – radically departed from the original philosophical meaning of those terms (the teaching and practice of Greek philosophy was banned). This process of moving away in meaning is particularly evident when it is understood that the Greek written form of “psyche” (ψυχῇ) has been replaced in translation by the Germanic (Pagan) term “soul”.

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The Term "Martyr" Originally Meant to "Bear Objective Witness" - Not Die for an Ethereal Belief!

UK: Examining & Deconstructing the Greek Term “Martyr”! (29.6.2026)

In modern usage – there is the disturbing trend of an individual being blown into non-functioning pieces being described as a “Martyr” – or performing the function of a “Martyr” (this is a term claimed by political systems regardless of hue – and all three religions of the Abrahamic persuasion). I understand that it is a human-habit to try make it seem that a pointless death possessed some type of ethereal meaning – but does it really? Dying for a noble cause is certainly acceptable – but the cause – whatever that may be (as noble causes tend to be a relative matter) – does not in any way alter the demeaning process of hot pieces of metal being forcibly penetrated through the body. Surely, it would be a far more noble cause to “remove” the ignorance from human society – and the human-mind – that causes all forms of oppressive death, be it through weaponry, abuse, torture, injury, illness, or starvation. Why not permanently change the basis of the situation – rather than passively give-in to – and normalise the oppression? In that sense, the original Chinese-language concept of 烈士 (Lie Shi)  is much more preferable. 

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Touching the Balls is a Jewish Tradition!

The Marriage of Isaac – The Jewish Custom of “Touching the Testicles” to Seal the Deal! (11.4.2024)

These (non-Jewish) people are to be “enslaved” and used for every conceivable activity – including sexual abuse involving young and old alike. Jewish people, as presented in Genesis, often prefer to marry their cousins, nieces, and nephews – with other close couplings also considered. Sexual activity with close married relatives is also common-place. The point of this post, however, is to give the Biblical (Jewish) origin of the legally-binding term “Testimony” – which involves the man swearing on the authority of the testicles. In the story below, a servant is forced to “touch” the testicles of Abraham as a means of sealing a deal or confirming an understanding. As the Jewish people still maintain these traditions – it is an easy task to decipher the otherwise camouflaged language contained within the Bible.

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