Another Day of Atonement has now gone. This brought back memories⌠Atonement spelled âAt-One-Mentâ (like those little âproofsâ HWA used that only worked in English), a slightly shorter afternoon service, the guy who says itâs his treat for after-service refreshments, a sermon about Satan, the minister shows his empty glass (normally filled with water) and his remarks about how weâre all thinking of a nice steak (when weâre really thinking of a beer) and the New Yearâs Eve type countdown until sunset.
Behind this was another example of HWAâs flawed theology. The Day of Atonement (in the Hebrew, Yom HaKippurim) was not all about sticking it to Satan. It had to do with the annual atonement of the Temple, the Priesthood, and the Congregation of Israel. And as I have noted a few times before, COG theology is blissfully ignorant of the Levitical Priesthood and the Tabernacle/Temple system. Either the Portland Public Library didnât have tomes like Eddersheimâs works on the Temple and First Century Palestine (written way before 1927) or HWA didnât find anything he could use in them.
As I understand HWA theology (occasionally clarified by some convoluted explanations from Dr T) the Levitical system was a temporary addition (Plan C?) although it will be reinstituted in the Millenium (âfor a short timeâ). The establishment of the Aaronic priesthood forever depends entirely on forever not really meaning, uh, forever. So, I understand, this misunderstanding allows COGs to dispense with âLeviticalâ laws at their discretion. In fact, CG7 apparently used that reason to dispense with the Holy Days (except Passover) â because they were described in Leviticus. But all COGs, and almost all churches, keep tithing (first tithe), which was specifically for the Levites.
But now, coming soon, another feast, and as always, it will be The Best Feast Ever!
That was the most foolish day I ever seen…just enough water to brush your teeth and so on. I had the worst stomach ache in my life after that day when you could eat the following sunset. There was nothing to atone for to begin with. Period. it was all a load of B.S. from start to finish.
Oh, I forgot about the debate over brushing teeth. One minister gave arguments for and against.
Modern Jewish tradition for Yom Kippur includes walking to synagogue, no wearing leather, no perfume, no bath … so I’ll assume brushing teeth is definitely out! Once I gave a Jewish friend a ride to Synagogue, and she told me to drop her off about a block from the Synagogue. Later she felt guilty because there was some leather in her jacket.
Hoss mentioned : Modern Jewish tradition for Yom Kippur includes walking to synagogue, no wearing leather, no perfume, no bath âŚ
You are right Hoss the body odour, and the smell of day old sex from the congregation would likely choke a mule! Good article!
One who keeps the Torah and traditions would know that after sex both parties must bathe and are unclean until evening. So, no sex on Atonement!