Hello,
I have a question regarding this verse in the Bible:
I have read in a previous discussion on this website that Thomas is representative of the middle way of the Buddha, which is the suggested path according to Gnosticism as it relates with direct experience. Why then, does Jesus say, “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”? Is that not blind belief?
The Bible mentions belief many times. Is belief in the Bible referring to faith, meaning experience? Was Thomas instead an intellectual that wanted physical proof and was not walking the middle path? Does Jesus refer to those walking the path of the Buddha in the second sentence? Those that do not see with the Sensual mind but instead have true comprehension of His purpose?
If belief in the Bible does not refer to experience, is it then okay to have belief as long as we also have some faith (experience)? I understand belief can be dangerous. But then why are those with belief blessed over the one who experiences?
My understanding is you need both. In order to not become a skeptic (experience only) with no direction. But not just belief so as not to become stagnant. My confusion is mostly on why Jesus must say that to the one who is supposedly walking the correct path.
Thank you for your efforts as we strive to awaken.
I have a question regarding this verse in the Bible:
“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
(John 20:29 KJV)
I have read in a previous discussion on this website that Thomas is representative of the middle way of the Buddha, which is the suggested path according to Gnosticism as it relates with direct experience. Why then, does Jesus say, “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”? Is that not blind belief?
The Bible mentions belief many times. Is belief in the Bible referring to faith, meaning experience? Was Thomas instead an intellectual that wanted physical proof and was not walking the middle path? Does Jesus refer to those walking the path of the Buddha in the second sentence? Those that do not see with the Sensual mind but instead have true comprehension of His purpose?
If belief in the Bible does not refer to experience, is it then okay to have belief as long as we also have some faith (experience)? I understand belief can be dangerous. But then why are those with belief blessed over the one who experiences?
My understanding is you need both. In order to not become a skeptic (experience only) with no direction. But not just belief so as not to become stagnant. My confusion is mostly on why Jesus must say that to the one who is supposedly walking the correct path.
Thank you for your efforts as we strive to awaken.