NO - I am not advocating the devil - just playing the role temporarily.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

Brainstorming. Considering alternatives. Comparison and Contrast. Concepts. Ideas. Different focal points. Pondering. Wondering.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

© - Tom Hyland - 10-01-08

Now, before you go getting your bowels in an uproar, hold on!

I am not proposing that there is any validity in the following scenarios - just posing contradictory, or controversial thoughts, okay?

What If - Jesus Christ was NOT really the Son of God?

What If - He did NOT rise from the Dead?

What If - He did NOT perform all of those Miracles?

What If - He was - Just a Prophet?

What If - He was - Only a Great Rabbi?

What If - He was just an Ordinary, yet Extra-ordinary Man?

What If - All the What If’s above were True?

Would that make Any of His Teachings invalid?

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”

Does it not make total sense that if you want respect and fairness, and dignity to be extended to you - you should extend those things to other people?

“Turn the other cheek!”

The concept of restraining your anger and temper, rather than lashing out quickly, without any forethought - does this not separate you from lowering yourself to the level of someone attacking you? Does this not make you a stronger, better person?

“Ask - and ye shall receive! Seek - and ye shall find! Knock - and it shall be opened to you!”

What a Perfect early Mnemonic - ASK! Does it not make perfect sense? If you Want something, or are Looking for something, or wish to Enter somewhere - is this not direct, simple Common Sense?

“Love one another as I have Loved you!”

Is not Reciprocity the thing that each of us searches for in a Loved one?

“Whatsoever you do, to the least of my Brethren - that you do unto me!”

To treat each and every individual with kindness - is this not exactly what each of us desires?

There are many, many more examples that could be presented - suffice it to say that - He was a great Teacher.

Did He, in fact, EXIST? This is certain. Not only does both Roman and Jewish history acknowledge this, but even the Islamic Koran recognizes Him as a Prophet.

The Story of Christ’s life, from Conception to the Resurrection, is known as The Greatest Story Ever Told. No other human being in all of recorded history has had more impact on more millions of people, over a two thousand year period, than this one Solitary Life - NONE!

So, in summary, I again must ask - if all the What If’s above were true - if you wanted to choose a Role Model, or Mentor, or even a Friend, to imitate - can you name anyone greater than Jesus Christ Himself? Did He not call Himself - The Son of Man?

© - TKH