The Shepherd of Hermas

[Jerm]

Just curious if anyone here has read the Shepherd of Hermas?  If so, what did you think? 

[sheila]

  Yes, I have. and I enjoyed it. There are many very deep,

  rich spiritual treasures in some of these Lost Books.

   Father has seen to it, that at this time, these things

  be available to us.

                           Sheila

[chuckt]

Just curious if anyone here has read the Shepherd of Hermas?  If so, what did you think? 

yes i have and i LOVE it.

peace
chuckt

[Doc]

I have not read it, but I know it was widely read among early Christians and was considered for inclusion in the canon.

[Cardinal]

 :cloud9: I've never heard of it. Where can you read it online at? Blessings....

[chuckt]

:cloud9: I've never heard of it. Where can you read it online at? Blessings....

http://www.thelostbooks.com/

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/shepherd.html

[Cardinal]

 :cloud9: Thanks Chuck.......added to my list of things to read...... :thumbsup: when I'm up to it......Blessings.....

[onlytruth]

I just finished reading some of it..and I quite enjoyed it!It was easy to follow
blessings :icon_king:

[Jerm]

I've started it but haven't gotten a chance to finish it yet (the things pretty stinkin long) and yeah, from what I've read, it was as one author put it "on the top of everyone's recommended reading list" in the first few centuries of the church.  I definately don't agree with the idea of sins not being forgiven after baptsim but there is definately other great stuff in there.  Another good one that ultimately wasn't included in the canon is the Didache (The Teachings of the Twelve.)  Basically, it was an early church "manuel" and I found it to be a really good read, definately recomend it.

[chuckt]

:cloud9: Thanks Chuck.......added to my list of things to read...... :thumbsup: when I'm up to it......Blessings.....

I you get a chance read the book of hymms.

http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/drumandbass/315/dsea/h002.html

[Redlettervoice]

I've started it but haven't gotten a chance to finish it yet (the things pretty stinkin long) and yeah, from what I've read, it was as one author put it "on the top of everyone's recommended reading list" in the first few centuries of the church.  I definately don't agree with the idea of sins not being forgiven after baptsim but there is definately other great stuff in there.  Another good one that ultimately wasn't included in the canon is the Didache (The Teachings of the Twelve.)   Basically, it was an early church "manuel" and I found it to be a really good read, definately recomend it.

I recently was hooked up by a link to this writing you mention above.......and I found some
wonderful words there on the 12.

Here are some:
What Is Truth?

1. AGAIN the twelve were gathered together in the Circle of palm trees, and one of them even Thomas said to the other, What is Truth? for the same things appear different to different minds, and even to the same mind at different times. What, then, is Truth?

2. And as they were speaking Iesus appeared in their midst and said, Truth, one and absolute, is in God alone, for no man, neither any body of men, knoweth that which God alone knoweth, who is the All in All.. To men is Truth revealed, according to their capacity to understand and receive.

3. The One Truth hath many sides, and one seeth one side only, another seeth another, and some see more than others, according as it is given to them.

4. Behold this crystal: how the one light its manifest in twelve faces, yea four times twelve, and each face reflecteth one ray of light, and one regardeth one face, and another another, but it is the one crystal and the one light that shineth in all.

5. Behold again, When one climbeth a mountain and attaining one height, he saith, This is the top of the mountain, let us reach it, and when they have reached that height, lo, they see another beyond it until they come to that height from which no other height is to be seen, if so be they can attain it.

6. So it is with Truth. I am the Truth and the Way and the Life, and have given to you the Truth I have received from above. And that which is seen and received by one, is not seen and received by another. That which appeareth true to some, seemeth not true to others. They who are in the valley see not as they who are on the hill top.

7. But to each, it is the Truth as the one mind seeth it, and for that time, till a higher Truth shall be revealed unto the same: and to the soul which receiveth higher light, shall be given more light. Wherefore condemn not others, that ye be not condemned.

8. As ye keep the holy Law of Love, which I have given unto you, so shall the Truth be revealed more and more unto you, and the Spirit of Truth which cometh from above shall guide you, albeit through many wanderings, into all Truth, even as the fiery cloud guided the children of Israel through the wilderness.

9. Be faithful to the light ye have, till a higher light is given to you. Seek more light, and ye shall have abundantly; rest not, till ye find.

10. God giveth you all Truth, as a ladder with many steps, for the salvation and perfection of the soul, and the truth which seemeth to day, ye will abandon for the higher truth of the morrow. Press ye unto Perfection.

11. Whoso keepeth the holy Law which I have given, the same shall save their souls, however differently they may see the truths which I have given.

12. Many shall say unto me, Lord, Lord, we have been zealous for thy Truth. But I shall say unto them, Nay, but, that others may see as ye see, and none other truth beside. Faith without charity is dead. Love is the fulfilling of the Law.

13. How shall faith in what they receive profit them that hold it in unrighteousness? They who have love have all things, and without love there is nothing worth. Let each hold what they see to be the truth in love, knowing that where love is not, truth is a dead letter and profiteth nothing.

14. There abide Goodness, and Truth, and Beauty, but the greatest of these is Goodness. If any have hatred to their fellows, and harden their hearts to the creatures of God's hands, how can they see Truth unto salvation, seeing their eyes are blinded and their hearts are hardened to God's creation?

15. As I have reveived the Truth, so have I given it to you. Let each receive it according to their light and ability to understand, and persecute not those who receive it after a different interpretation.

16. For Truth is the Might of God, and it shall prevail in the end over all errors. But the holy Law which I have given is plain for all, and just and good. Let all observe it for the salvation of their souls.

[Jerm]

Hey, that's a pretty interesting read Redlettervoice, where did you find it?

[Redlettervoice]

Hey, that's a pretty interesting read Redlettervoice, where did you find it?

http://www.thenazareneway.com/ght_table_of_contents.htm

I ran a google search and found this link after someone quoted it somewhere.  It is a good one, isn't it?  It is #90 on these pages.

[Jerm]

Cool, I've never heard of this one.  I'll have to check it out.

[jabcat]

3. The One Truth hath many sides, and one seeth one side only, another seeth another, and some see more than others, according as it is given to them.

So it is with Truth. I am the Truth and the Way and the Life, and have given to you the Truth I have received from above. And that which is seen and received by one, is not seen and received by another. That which appeareth true to some, seemeth not true to others. They who are in the valley see not as they who are on the hill top.

Good word.

[sheila]

Luke 9;49  Master,said John,'we saw a man driving out demons

in your name,and we tried to stop him,because he is not one of

us"

  " DO NOT STOP HIM," Jesus said. 'FOR WHOEVER IS NOT

AGAINST YOU IS FOR YOU"


   Doble wittness?

[DeAndra]

I have never heard of this one will go out and read.