Why have religions lasted as long as they have? We could point to enforcement and oblivious masses who weren’t able to read holy books. But what can we say about the learned religious people of the religions who could? What about religions not “of the book” who held their religions for centuries with little or no writing?

Religions, particularly ancient ones, did not flatter their gods. The gods of Hinduism would have souls reincarnate in a class (caste) according to their obedience. The modern slightly westernized version states the class is based on good or evil deeds. The first explanation given was about obedience to the gods explicitly, not sin.

The gods and demons of Greece and Rome were petty, almost absurd beings. They constantly squabbled; took revenge for their jealousies. Zeus chased young maidens while Hera got angry. They collectively used deceit and sex to manipulate each other and humanity. They cared little, if at all, for the lives or plights of commoners.

The descriptions of statements and events by the Jews were no different. Yhwh was a murderer and rapist who commanded people “thou shall not kill.”

1 Samuel 5:6 And the hand of Yhwh became heavy upon the Ashdodites, and He ravaged them, and He smote them with hemorrhoids, Ashdod and its borders

People have experiences often referred to as spiritual or metaphysical. Religions provide a framework for people to measure those experiences against. The idea being that future generations would know what to expect from these giant reincarnated men who play god. This knowledge was hidden behind a veil of subtlety and interpretations. It was kept from the masses by the learned. It’s understandable; they wouldn’t want to incur the wrath of these giant vampires.

They could use this knowledge to protect societies and people. Alternatively they could gain favor and power by providing protection to these sorcerers when they were vulnerable in their future childhoods. The learned did not realize they were programmed to align themselves in this way between each of their lifetimes.

The Tanakh is a confusing set of writings. Witchcraft is banned by Yhwh and King Saul persecutes them relentlessly. When Saul wished to talk to the ghost of Samuel he disguised himself and visited a conjurer. She recognized Saul so he promised her immunity and she called Samuel (1 Samuel 28). These contradictions permeate the books and are intended to cause the reader to question what they experience; to delve into morality on a deeper level.

Jesus outright contradicts Yhwh when he implores the Pharisees and Scribes to use their conscience when deciding the fate of Mary Magdaline. She had been accused of adultery and they intended to stone her to death (John 8). In the same chapter he tells them of Yhwh’s prophet Abraham. Keep in mind Jesus knew he would be put to death.

John 8; 44 You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies..56 Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw and was glad

These books should cause someone who is having metaphysical experiences to question the actions they are being steered toward. Would the God of Love want his followers to commit rape or unjustified killings?

What can we say about a religion teaching unquestioning obedience as the highest good? What can we say about an ideology that claims all these experiences are illusions generated by one’s mind, necessitating medication or incarceration?

Yhwh, Molech and Abraham have been out to destroy Judaism, and Jews, ever since.

Suggested reading; Character Analysis by Wilhelm Reich