Yahweh, the Elohim, and Buddha. Andrew Smith

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      Yahweh, the Elohim, and Buddha

      Andrew Smith

      Copyright © 2020 Andrew Smith

      All rights reserved

      First Edition

      Fulton Books, Inc.

      Meadville, PA

      Published by Fulton Books 2020

      ISBN 978-1-64654-891-0 (paperback)

      ISBN 978-1-64654-892-7 (digital)

      Printed in the United States of America

      Table of Contents

       Yahweh and the Elohim

       Critique of Christianity

       Buddha

      Preface

      What follows is based upon years of observation, reading, and the experience of many discussions with religious people and joining with many religions. I will go over some territory that falls within the lines of “ancient aliens,” the Old Testament, and Buddhist doctrine. These things may seem incongruous when considered together, but bear with me, please, and perhaps I will arrest your attention as my ideas unfold. I am largely an autodidact and like to think things out for myself.

      The chapters on “Yahweh and the Elohim” will be based upon the Old Testament (Heb. Tanakh). The chapters on Buddha will be both a critique of New Testament Christianity and a personal biography of my conversion to Buddhism. These two sections are combined in one book because they overlap in my thinking. The alternative “history” of Yahweh and the Elohim, and my rejection of the New Testament and acceptance of Buddha’s teachings come from the same source: an extensive study of both subjects in tandem.

      I neither think Yahweh nor the Elohim are “God” or “gods,” nor do I think “Jesus” (Heb. Yahshua) and Buddha are deities. Yahweh and the Elohim, as I shall try to prove, are alien advanced technicians; Christ (as the churches see him) is a myth; and Buddha is neither one but was simply an awakened and enlightened man of flesh and blood.

      I am an atheist like the Buddha. Superior beings do perhaps deserve our fear, or maybe our admiration, but not human worship. Humanity is not the epitome of beings in existence, and we should not bow down to those we fear or admire. Buddha deserves our admiration but not our worship, and certainly not our fear (as some primitive peoples do). In rejecting Christianity, I also reject every cult or sect based upon “Christ” (i.e., in Islam, in every form of Protestantism, and in every expression of Catholicism).

      We should not worship myths, although I find religious holidays to be enjoyable for the joy and camaraderie they bring each year. I even like church music, especially Gregorian chant, and many religious hymns and songs, although I do not view them as worship. The same applies to many prayers and religious poetry, although I, personally, do not and cannot pray. If anything, I meditate. I can sympathize with those who suffer, but I cannot pray with or for them. As to religions other than Judaism and Christianity, I can appreciate much, or perhaps fear much (e.g., Radical Islam) from them, but not take part in their doctrine or worship.

      I am a member of the Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, in New York and in Madras (now Chennai), India, by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, and adhere to their credo of “There is no religion higher than truth.” I take much from Madame Blavatsky’s teachings in her book, The Secret Doctrine, but it must be read with intuition, discernment, and criticism by the intelligent. I am a theosophist, but I refuse to dogmatize their teachings (of this, later). I invite you to read and hear what I am trying to convey with an open mind. I can ask no more than that. I thank all my mentors, and my children—Joanna, Annaliese, and Marc—and especially my loving companion for over fifty years, Joyce Anne.