DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that the origin of the word "Church" is from Greek mythology?
“If you’re being silent about all the blatant hypocrisy in Christianity you are part of the problem, silence is compliance”.
GREEK PHILOS
In the Greek philosophy of love, there are four levels that individuals must navigate on their journey to maturity. The primary reason many people find it challenging to break away from the church, despite recognizing evident disobedience and corruption, is their fixation on Philos (love) for the church.
"philos": a general type of love, used for love between family, between friends, a desire or enjoyment of an activity
from Philia (/ˈfɪliə/; Ancient Greek: φιλία), "friendship" or affection, the complete opposite is called a phobia.
Philia / Philos: often translated "brotherly love", is one of the four ancient Greek words for love: Philia, Storge, Agape and Eros.
Lifelong friends, cities with one another, political or business contacts, parents and children, fellow-voyagers and fellow-soldiers), members of the same religious society, or of the same tribe
The Greek word ekklesia is translated as CHURCH in English. Church or kirke comes from the Greek female deity CIRCE (a witch goddess) who specialized in turning men into SWINE with her magic wand. Here is the definition of the word "CHURCH" from the FINAL AUTHORITY on word meanings: the Oxford English Dictionary:
"CHURCH: FORMS: (a) cirice, cyrice, chiriche, churiche, chereche, (b) CIRCE, cyrce, chyrce, cirke, etc., etc.,
"The ulterior derivation has been keenly disputed. The L. circus, and a Gothic word kélikn 'tower, upper chamber' (app. originally Gaulish) have both been proposed (the latter suggested by the Alemannic chilihha), but are set aside as untenable; and there is now a general agreement among scholars in referring it to the Greek word, properly kurion adj. 'of the Lord, dominicum, dominical' (f. Kurios lord), which occurs, from the 3rd century at least, used substantively (sc. doma, or the like) = 'house of the Lord', as a name of the Christian house of worship.Of this the earliest cited instances are in the Apostolical Constitutions (II. 59), a 300, the edict of Maximinus (303-13), cited by Eusebius (Eccl. Hist. ix. 10) a 324, the Councils of Ancyra 314 (Canon 15), Neo-Caesarea 314-23 (Can. 5), and Laodicea (Can. 28). Thenceforward it appears to have been in fairly common use in the East: e.g., Constantine named several churches built by him Kuriaka(Eusebius De Laud. Const. xvii),"(Oxford English Dictionary).
Circe holds her magic wand and cup (like the whore of Babylon)
THE WORD CHURCH ORIGINS
We observe that the term "church" has roots in the Proto-Germanic language, emphasizing its non-Hebrew origin. It's noteworthy that the Greek words Kyrios (Lord/BaAL) or Kyriakon (Lord's/BaAL's house) were employed in Christian places of worship around 300 AD. As the Hebrew scriptures were eventually translated into Greek, then German, Latin, and finally English, this linguistic evolution is evident.
As we have learned from etymology, the term "CHURCH" lacks Hebrew origins. The Hebrews would not have used such a word or engaged in any CHURCH traditions. This term belongs to the Greek/German vocabulary, adopted by English Christians, often associated with pagan practices. Nowhere in the Hebrew ToRaH do we find commandments for the Hebrews to establish multiple fixed church buildings across cities or regions and having people pay them to share the ToRaH.
Organized religion only emerged with the decree of the pagan Emperor Constantine, who established Christianity as the sole religion in 325 AD. Unfortunately, many blindly adhere to tradition without understanding the origins. Pastors often withhold this information, perpetuating mental slavery and dependency. The term "church" is absent from the Hebrew ToRaH; it only appears in the Christian New Testament. This highlights that ancient Hebrews would never have employed the pagan term "CHURCH," emphasizing the risk of worshiping the creation rather than the Creator.
ENCYCLOPEDIA
CIRCE (Kirkê), a mythical sorceress, a daughter of Helios by the Oceanid Perse, and a sister of Aeëtes. (Od. x. 135.) She lived in the island of Aeaea; and when Odysseus on his wanderings came to her island, Circe, after having changed several of his companions into pigs, became so much attached to the unfortunate hero, that he was induced to remain a whole year with her. At length, when he wished to leave her, she prevailed upon him to descend into the lower world to consult the seer Teiresias.
After his return from thence, she explained to him the dangers which he would yet have to encounter, and then dismissed him. (Od. lib. x.--xii.; comp. Hygin. Fab. 125.) Her descent is differently described by the poets, for some call her a daughter of Hyperion and Aerope (Orph. Argon. 1215), and others a daughter of Aeëtes and Hecate. (Schol. ad Apollon. Rhod. iii. 200.) According to Hesiod (Theog. 1011) she became by Odysseus the mother of Agrius. The Latin poets too make great use of the story of Circe, the sorceress, who metamorphosed Scylla and Picus, king of the Ausonians. (Ov. Met. xiv. 9, &c.)
AEAEA (Aiaia). A surname of Circe, the sister of Aeëtes. (Hom. Od. ix. 32; Apollon. Rhod. iv. 559; Virg. Aen. iii. 386.) Her son Telegonus is likewise mentioned with this surname. (Acaeus, Propert. ii. 23. § 42.)
Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.
1987 American Heritage Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA
Circe, in Greek legend, is a sorceress, the daughter of Helios (the SUN god), and of the ocean nymph Perse. She was able by means of drugs (witch craft) and incantations to change humans into wolves, lions, and swine. The Greek hero Odysseus visited her island (Aeaea), with his companions, whom she changed into swine.
But Odysseus, protected by the herb moly (a gift from Hermes), compelled her to restore them to their original shape. He stayed with her for one year before resuming his journey. The story is told by Homer in the Odyssey, Books X and XII. Greco-Roman tradition placed her island near Italy or located her on Mount Circeo.
“The Sorceress Circe,” oil painting by Dosso Dossi, c. 1530; in the Borghese Gallery, Rome
STRONGS CONCORDANCE
Church
The English translations have become a barrier to the truth
Hebrew - ADaH H5712 - congregation, gathering
Phonetic Spelling: ā·dä'
Hebrew - QaHaL H6951 - assembly, to assemble, company, congregation, convocation, as organized body
Phonetic Spelling: kä·häl'
Greek - Ekklesia G1577 - a gathering of citizens, an assembly of the people, the assembly of the Israelites, those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body, the assembly of faithful
Phonetic Spelling: ek-klā-sē'-ä
ENGLISH - Church is a building used for public Christian worship, the hierarchy of clergy of a Christian organization, especially the Roman Catholic Church or the Church of England, institutionalized religion as a political or social force.
MODERN DAY CHURCH IS A CIRCUS
The contemporary Babylonian Christian church has openly ridiculed YaHuWaH and the Hebrew traditions by audaciously blaspheming His name and selectively adhering to only those aspects of His word that align with their comfort. This is the prevailing approach among Christians, or those professing to follow the scriptures, as they announce the anticipated return of the savior while neglecting significant parts of the teachings. Amidst the numerous distractions of the world, many are engrossed in a deceptive existence, blissfully unaware of the truth. The present-day Church has, regrettably, transformed into a chaotic spectacle.
In the pictured scene, Pastor Jim Lavender takes an unconventional approach by riding an elephant during an outdoor church service. Meanwhile, Pastor Rick Hartmann, also known as Richarto the Clown from Melbourne, FL, attempts to rationalize his choice of dressing as a clown for leading communion. He argues that "clown" is synonymous with "clod" (buffoon), drawing a connection to the fact that ALuWHiYM used a clod (of dirt) to create man. Hence, Pastor Hartmann suggests that if YaHuWaH can use a clod (of dirt), then using a clod (a circus clown) to do good is acceptable. However, he erroneously claims that the New Testament refers to believers as "clowns," misinterpreting the word for servant. Even if such a translation were accurate, the notion that pastors should resemble Bozo the Clown during church services is deemed preposterous. Delving into the Hebrew origins, the English word "servant" is translated from H5647 ABaD, providing a linguistic insight.
Pastor Richarto's word study continues, he claims we are to be "fools" for the MaShiYaCh and therefore we should put on face paint and honk horns during worship. Here is a picture of some Episcopalian priests holding up the elements for Clown Communion in New York City.
When we look up the ABaRiY origins for the English translated word “fool” we get H5036
Once again the modern day Babylonian Christian church makes a mockery of YaHuWaH! For all those still attending these blasphemous establishments, you have been warned by YaHuWaH to come out of her (CHURCH)!
Claiming Divine Authority to Start a Church
People often use Matthew 16:18 as a basis for claiming they can start a church because in this verse, Jesus tells Peter, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (ESV). Those interpreting this verse to support starting a church argue that Jesus is appointing Peter as the foundational rock upon which the church will be built.
Those who interpret this passage to support the idea that they can also be "the rock" argue that Jesus is not solely designating Peter but rather acknowledging anyone who confesses Jesus as the Messiah. They contend that being "the rock" signifies a foundational faith in Christ, and therefore, individuals can see themselves as partaking in this foundational role.
The term "church" (ekklesia in Greek) is understood by some to imply an organized assembly or congregation. Therefore, individuals use Matthew 16:18 to assert a divine mandate to establish and lead a community of believers, viewing themselves as carrying on the work initiated by Peter and sanctioned by Jesus. It's important to note that interpretations of this verse may vary among different Christian denominations and theological perspectives.
Matthew 16:18
18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this ROCK I will build my church (ASSEMBLY); and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
rock - G4074 - Πέτρος -
Meaning: Peter = "a rock or a stone, petrify"
petrous (adj.)
1540s, from Middle French petreux, from Latin petrosus "stony," from petra "rock," from Greek petra "rock, cliff, ledge, a shelf of rock, rocky ridge"
QaHaL - H6951 - קהל - (these Hebrew letters "קהל" to English is "LHQ" or "QaHaL")
Phonetic Spelling: kä·häl'
Transliteration: qahal
Meaning: "assembly, company, congregation, convocation,for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes, company (of returning exiles), as organised body"
As we read here in the Etymology of the name Peter, "petrous" is a translation of Syriac. Syriac is a form of the Aramaic and Aramaic is the sister language to Hebrew. Hebrew and Aramaic belong to the family of languages called 'Semitic'. Hebrew and Aramaic are closely related to each other and have many words in common. They share a good deal of grammar and syntax, but the big differences are the vowels and vowel sounds.
In the Christian New Testament in John 1:42, we are told that his new name is, according to the Greek, Kephas (Cephas), not Petros (Peter). Kephas is a Greek transliteration of the Aramaic name כאפא (Kepha, pronounced kee-phah) meaning “stone.”
Of Aramaic origin H3710 כְּף
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares to Peter that he is the rock on which Jesus will build his church, emphasizing the enduring nature of this foundation against which the forces of death will not prevail.
what does the torah say?
In the Hebrew ToRaH, there is no direct equivalent to the Christian concept found in Matthew 16:18 where Jesus declares, "On this rock I will build my church." The notion of Jesus establishing a church is more explicitly tied to New Testament teachings rather than being rooted in the Hebrew Torah. The Torah primarily focuses on God's covenant with the Israelites, laws, and principles for righteous living, without directly addressing the establishment of a church as seen in Christian theology.
In the Hebrew ToRaH, there is no command from the God of Israel YaHuWaH to build churches as seen in Christianity. The concept of churches, as places of worship in the Christian sense, is never mentioned or commanded in the ToRaH. The ToRaH primarily outlines laws, commandments, and instructions related to the covenant with the Israelites, the construction of the Tabernacle, and the worship of YaHuWaH, but it does not provide a blueprint for the establishment of Christian-style churches. The development of the concept of churches and organized Christian worship is more prominently found in the Christian New Testament and subsequent Christian traditions.
Numerous individuals proudly prioritize the creation over the Creator, embodying a form of idol worship where human sources are deemed the origin of peace and stability. This is only one of the dangers of false man-made religions, fueled by emotions and self-elevation. However, for those who walk in obedience unto the ToRaH of YaHuWaH, their foundation and tranquility rest in YaHuWaH, recognizing that He is the ROCK and source of peace.
ZaMaR 18:2 “Psalm”
2 YaHuWaH is my ROCK, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my ALuWaH, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my SALVATION, and my high tower.
YaShAYaHuW 42:8 “Isaiah
8 I am YaHuWaH: that is my NAME: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
BaT ShaMuWAL 22:2 “2 Samuel”
2 And he said, YaHuWaH is my ROCK, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
ZaMaR 62 “Psalm”
62 Truly my soul waiteth upon ALuWaH: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my ROCK and my SALVATION; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
OTHER RESOURCES
Here are some intriguing facts about the word "church" and its origins, along with scholarly resources to explore further:
Pagan Influences: Some scholars suggest that the word "church" may have been influenced by pagan religious structures. The Greek word "kuriakon" has been linked to the Greek word "kuriakos," which means "belonging to the Lord" and was used to describe pagan temples.
Scholarly Resource:
Ferguson, Everett. "Church: Origins to Constantine." The Encyclopedia of Early Christianity. Garland Publishing, 1990.
Ecclesiastical Evolution: The term "church" underwent an evolution in meaning, initially referring to the physical building but eventually coming to signify the Christian community or congregation.
Scholarly Resource:
Hatch, Edwin. "The Origin of the Christian Use of the Term 'Church.'" The American Journal of Theology, Vol. 10, No. 1, Jan. 1906, pp. 13-25.
Shift from Ecclesia: The New Testament Greek term "ecclesia," meaning "assembly" or "gathering," was eventually translated into English as "church." However, "ecclesia" originally referred to a political assembly in ancient Greece, not specifically a religious gathering.
Scholarly Resource:
Kittel, Gerhard, and Friedrich, Gerhard. "Ecclesia." Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1964.
Translation Variations: The word "church" has been translated differently in various languages, reflecting linguistic and cultural nuances. For example, in Spanish, "church" is "iglesia," in French, it's "église," and in German, it's "Kirche."
Scholarly Resource:
Black, Matthew. "The Translation of Ecclesia in the King James Version of the New Testament." The Journal of Ecclesiastical History, Vol. 13, No. 2, Oct. 1962, pp. 174-188.
These scholarly resources provide in-depth analyses and insights into the historical origins and evolution of the word "church" and its significance in various cultural and religious contexts.
Unlearn, Deprogram, and Re-think EVERYTHING you were taught!
We don't claim to be self-professed prophets, teachers, leaders, or mentors, and we're not part of any clique, sect, or recruitment center. The resources mentioned on our website and YouTube channel, such as Strong's Concordance, Encyclopedia Britannica, the dictionary, word etymology, etc., serve as tools for a broader perspective. Nonetheless, our ultimate trust remains in the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel. We always encourage everyone to measure all opinions against the unchanging ToRaH of the Creator and God of Israel.
BaT DaBaR 7:14 “2 Chronicles” Hebrew TaNaKh
14 When my people, who bear MY NAME humble themselves, pray, and seek my favor and TURN from their evil ways; I will hear in my heavenly abode, and FORGIVE their sins, and will heal their land.
MaKhiYaH 6:8 “Micah”
8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth YaHuWaH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy ALuWaH?
ZaMaR 119:10-11 “Psalm”
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.