Under The Olive Tree

The North Central Iowa Thinkers Society

I belong to he North Central Iowa Thinkers Society (NCITS) - however, I am presently the only member. I believe that there are others about who are thinking - but as of this writing they have not been asked to join - nor have they inquired about membership. It is food for thought.

We have a record in the holy writings of Jesus arguing with the doctors of the law in the Temple in Jerusalem - very auspicious surroundings - Jesus was 12 years old at the time. “… after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” - Luke the Physician

We have other instances of Jesus’ conversations with the Doctors recorded in the Gospels - the most prominent example being his conversation with Nicodemus. Most of the other conversations recorded are less congenial - more confrontational - & eventually they more or less become reproofs & indictments.

The Doctors have reduced the mystical to a theological discussion - and Jesus is not impressed. “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” -

“for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgement, mercy, and faith; …”

Peter the Fisherman received the Keys of the Kingdom from Jesus - (Mt 16:19) - Keys of mystical power - and he leaves us this record, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, …”

It is possible to play arpeggios on your brain.

The writers of the New Testament had put some questions to rest - the Gospels are not just the good news, they are the definitive statement. Subsequent contributions reflect this -

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement.” (the Writer of the Book of Hebrews)

“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom - but in demonstration of the spirit and of power” - (Paul - formerly Saul the Intellecutal and Murderer)

The Power of Transformation - the light shining in darkness, the rainbow - Heaven opened up above us - down below the pits of Hell; and the Son of Man - with the angels of God ascending and descending - the Revelation - the uncovering - the open shew of spoiled principalities and powers.

“He who was ordained - not after the law of a carnal commandment - but after the power of an endless life.”

Unless you accept the truth of the Gospels - you are cursed to tread the paths of argument, debate, discourse and the understanding of your mind.

Jesus might have done so when he was 12 years old among the Doctors - He had less time for it when he was triumphing over Evil and Death.