Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. Prologue:
My motives and methods for the book.*
2. Introduction:
Notes from “The Elder” - author/compiler of the Gospel
6. The Well
Jesus relating to a person in psychological need
7. A Meditation
Jesus ponders his role on earth
9. Sister Mary*
a. Raising of her brother Lazarus
b. Annointing of Jesus
* to be written
Light
Upon The
Waters
An interpretation -
Selected portions of
The Fourth Gospel
By Dan Thomason
This happened for the entire universe at some time in the distant past - both for the
Heavens, and the Earth. This was The Painter’s canvas.
Thus:
The Artistic Expression existed in the beginning.
This Artistic Expression accompanied the Painter.
The Artistic Expression was actually the same as the Painter.
All creative acts took place by means of this personified Artistic Expression.
Life itself was contained in him, and that particular life was a source of illumination
for earthly beings.
Jesus went to church one day, expecting to worship, expecting to pray. He had come
a ways from his home town to the very center of religious renown. Although all the
world was sacred space he had high expectations of this holy place. He had visited last
in younger days while learning lessons in earthly ways. It had left an impression of
great mystery and centuries of worldly history so he was anxious to visit again and
escape the confusion of sleeping men.
When finally the day arrived Jesus could not wait to go inside. Walking with his trusted
friends he prepared himself to step right in and quiet his mind with meditation and feel
the Spirit’s radiation. He would find a place with no distractions and focus on God’s
plan of action. But even as he was approaching something seemed to be encroaching
and did not look exactly right but twisted wrongly in his sight. Coming closer he could
plainly hear sounds that clashed and stung his ears.
Where were the keepers of the Holy Spark? This looked more like an SuperMart!
One concern on every face - “how can we profit from this place?” Everything was
priced to move - sales methods had been improved! One day only wholesale price
going once going twice no money down the best in town limited time save a nickel
spend a dime prices slashed get yours today - heck, we’re giving this stuff away!
He looked in shock at this godless thing and listened to cash registers bang and ding
while mechanical fingers counted change in this heartless hellbound stock exchange.
As his anger began to rise he felt strangely energized and shook as one who was
possessed with the Vengeance of Righteousness. With startling efficiency he moved
around like a funnel cloud touching ground gaining strength and moving faster with
the severity of a natural disaster.
Moments later he watched the backs of the cowering targets of his attack. Confused
and frightened they ran away from the intruder on their business day. This was completely
unexpected! How ungraciously they had been ejected! But now the air was calm and
clear, the sun was shining and all could hear children laugh and birds sing; young and
old folks doing their thing. Jesus seemed quite satisfied, and said to his friends
“Well, shall we go inside?”
d of Directors
Memo to the Boar
Disturbance
Subject: Temple
Gentlemen,
which occurred
pl an at io n regarding events
We feel we owe yo
u an ex great pride
se rv ic e. As you know we take
before a recent wo
rs hi p fortunately
es an d pe ac e ke ep ing abilities. Un
asur l by
in our security me n that took us al
ced wi th an un expected situatio
we were fa
surprise.
er, namely Jesus
a ro vi ng country preach
We were paid a vi si t by cted to our manner
en we ll reported, he obje
of Nazareth. As ha s be ings up" as it
it up on hi ms elf to "clean th
of worship and to
ok r normal
us am on g th os e engaged in thei
were. He caused
a ru ck rt that no
we ve r, we ar e pleased to repo
business activiti
es. Ho ded only
ci de nt and of course he succee
in the in
one was injured
ms elf look foolish.
in making hi
anation was quite
in g th e incident his expl
When questioned fo ll ow emed to think he
ed . Fo r the record he se
nonsensical, as
ex pe ct his parents(?)
op er ty ri gh ts , or that perhaps
had some claim to
pr we conduct
th is ga ve him a say in how
do. In his imagin
at io n the entire
he re fe rr ed to the destruction of
r, s of
ourselves. Furthe are in the proces
.. .. whet he r he meant that we s un clea r. In
building y it wa
it or th at he planned to destro re st ructure
destroying the enti
cl ai me d th at he could rebuild
any case he
in three days.
person and we
e ra vi ng s of an unstable
Obviously these
ar e th y. There will
ll be wa tc hi ng him very closel
assure you that we
wi r interference
in ci de nt , and any furthe
not be a repeat
of th is e harshest
of af fa ir s will be met with th
course
with the normal
retribution.
...
Very Truly Yours.
Nicodemus came under cover of night,
It was prudent that he stay out of sight.
He had climbed the ladder of success
by always playing close to the vest.
His great prestige had fragility,
for there were much bigger dogs than he.
This visit some could misconstrue,
and the purpose of his interview.
BY WAY OF ILLUSTRATION:
An argument develops over the use of water in religious ceremony. This raises the point that
everyone is going to Jesus to be submerged. The Undertaker (the original submerger) gives an
explanation that is instructive:
Every day I get more questions, everyone is asking me - what do I think about Jesus? Have
I heard about our children going after this man? Am I aware of the seeming mania that has
taken hold on everyone... young and old people, entire families following him, hanging on
his every word?
And more puzzling still... have I heard about the supposed "miracles" he performs? Lepers
made clean, blind seeing, crippled walking, on and on... and even rumors of bringing people
back from the dead! Should we not follow a man like this? Isn't this God at work? Some go
so far as to suggest that even I should cast aside my responsibilities - discard everything that
I have worked for, all that I have tried to do, as though God would suddenly change his mind
about everything and have me listening to this man. As though he has something to teach
me. This man who has no practical experience and no credentials.
Friends... listen to me. Who has performed your weddings? Who has been there for the births
of your children - handled them in each of our ceremonies... led them along and brought them
up? Who has officiated at the funerals of our loved ones? Who has sat with you and counseled
you in hours of darkest woe? Visited you when sick? Unless I am mistaken it was not this
man Jesus who was there. It is your humble servant who stands before you now.
And yes he has a silver tongue. Oh he pours out one exciting tale after another, doesn't he?
Wild stories of the wonderful kingdom he intends to set up - with him on the throne. And
all of the thrillseekers gathered around, gullible people ready to do whatever he wants. And
just look at who is following him... must I point out that they are exactly the kind of people
who will fall for anything! Jailbirds, prostitutes, layabouts... looking for a quick fix and an
easy way out.
But above all is the fact that absolutely none of this is scriptural. There is not a trace of any
of this that I have ever found. I have read every word, studied for hours, examined every
commentary each and every day of my life. Do you think such a thing would come upon me
completely unexpectedly? I think not. If there is one attribute of God that we can depend on
it is certainly his unchanging nature. But now suddenly God says "I think I'll start doing
things THIS way." Please friends... wake up!
I am responsible for your spiritual well-being. I am your shepherd. I can not in clear conscience
allow you to go traipsing after every Pied Piper that comes along. And I am not the only one
of this opinion. All of the Religious leaders are concerned and there are meetings going on
constantly. With God's help rest assured that the right way will prevail.
Amen.