It has been pointed out, in the past on this forum, how Christianity stole certain details from earlier religions and assigned them to their man-god (Virgin Birth, Slaughter of the Innocents, visits by Shepherds and Wise Men, Crucifixion, Resurrection among others). This isn’t all that the religion has taken from older religions, the first that I will address is the so-called Holy Ghost:
The Holy Ghost in the Christian Scripture is the agent of Christ's conception, because, as Matthew declares, he was conceived by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost was also the regenerating agent at his baptism, although Luke, who relates it, does not say why the Holy Spirit in the form of a bird, alighted and sat upon his head. The reason is nevertheless fully disclosed in the older mythical religions. Christians claim baptism imparts a new spiritual life—they are born again. This new spirit appeared as a dove or a pigeon.
In Luke 3:22, the Holy Ghost descended as a dove and lit on Jesus’ head at his baptism. The appearance of the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove is a very ancient pagan tradition, a dove being the uniform emblem of the Holy Spirit/Ghost in India. It stood as the third member of the Trinity and was the regeneratory power. Under the Brahminical belief system, a person being baptized was said to be reborn or born into the spirit.
In several Eastern religions, the Holy Ghost was the third member of the Trinity. The notion of a third deity in the godhead was diffused among the nations of the world. Father, Son and Holy Ghost or Father, Word, and Holy Ghost (as seen in 1 John 5:7) express the divine triad in a great many of the ancient religions.
The third member of these ancient triads (including the Christian one) the Holy Ghost member is not of equal rank with the other two. In the Theban Trinity, Khonso was inferior to Arion and Mant and in the Hindu triad; Siva was subordinate to Brahma and Vishnu. The Holy Ghost concept embraced by Christianity seems to correspondence exactly with these older ideas. Always third in rank after the Father and Son, it is basically the “worker bee” doing all the work and getting very little worship for it. Today, Christians seldom address it in devotion, perhaps because it isn’t too diligent in it’s work, look at the mess it made with Biblical infallibility.

In Hindu traditions, the Holy Ghost is the Holy Breath that moved on the face of the waters at creation and imparted vitality/life to everything created. Psalms 33:6, much later, expressed a similar concept. The Brahminical conception of creation by the Divine Breath, the Holy Ghost, which was breathed into Adam to make him a living soul. The Prana or principle of life of the Hindus is the breath of life by which the Brahma, the Creator, animates the clay to make man a living soul. Holy Ghost, Holy Breath and Holy Wind were equivalent terms for the sigh from the mouth of the Supreme God, as laid down in pagan traditions. The Holy Wind is suggested by the mighty rushing wind from heaven which filled the house on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:2). The Holy Wind is an accepted term for the Holy Ghost in ancient religions. The doxology, reported by a missionary, in the religious service of the Syrian church runs thus:
Praise to the Holy Spiritual Wind, which is the Holy Ghost;
Praise to the three persons which are one true God.

The Hebrew Ruh Elohim, translated Spirit of God (Gen. 1:2) in our version, is literally, Wind of the Gods. The word Pneuma, of the Greek New Testament, is sometimes translated Ghost and sometimes Wind, as suited the fancy of the translators. In John 3:5 the word is Spirit, in verse eight both Wind and Spirit, and in Luke 1:35 the term is Holy Ghost—all translated from the same word. In the Greek Testament the word Pneuma is used for Spirit, Holy Ghost, breathe and Wind so that in the Christian Scriptures they are synonymous. An unwarranted license has been assumed by translators in rendering the same word different ways – M. Maghee, “Christian Myths”
In Acts 2:3, the Holy Ghost appears as a tongue of fire, which sat upon each of the apostles, over 1000 years prior, Buddha was often seen with a glory or tongue of fire upon his head. This visible form of the Holy Ghost was readily accepted by Buddhists, Persians, Druids, Etrurians and Chaldeans, long before the inception of Christianity (and in at least two cases prior to the birth of Judaism). Since the Holy Ghost was (when visible) in the form of fire or a dove and always accompanied by wisdom and power; the Hindus, Persians and Chaldeans made offerings to fire, one of the emblems of the Holy Ghost.
Holy men of God, like some of the prophets, are considered inspired by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21; Acts 28:25). The ancient Celts were moved by the Holy Ghost and also claimed that their Salic laws (seventy-two in number) were inspired by the Salo Ghost or Holy Ghost, known also as the Wisdom of the Spirit, or the Voice of the Spirit.
The Holy Ghost imparted by the laying on of hands is also an ancient custom. By the putting hands on the head of the candidate, the Celts conveyed the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit

In 2 Peter 1:21 and Acts 28:25, holy men of God are considered inspired by the Holy g Ghost. The ancient Celts were moved by the Holy Ghost and claimed their Salic laws (72 in number) were inspired by the Salo Ghost or Holy Ghost a.k.a. the Wisdom of the Spirit or the Voice of the Spirit. The Celts imparted the Holy Ghost to another by the laying on of hands, in the same manner as the Christians at a later time.
Baptism by or into the Holy Ghost is also traceable to a very ancient period. The Etrurians, baptized by fire, wind and water. Baptism to the Father was with fire, to the Son was with water and to the Holy Ghost was with breath; the candidate was taken before the priest, who named him before the sacred fire, he was sprinkled with holy water for the Son and then the priest blew his breath upon the candidate to transfer the Holy Ghost, thus baptizing by air (spiritus sanctus), a very common custom among the ancient religions.
As in Matthew 1:18, the Holy Ghost is seen by many more ancient religions as the agent of divine conception or the procreation of other Gods. An example in Hindu mythos, Sakya was conceived by the Holy Ghost Nara-am.
Many of the ancient scholars mention the concept of both the Holy Ghost and the Trinity (which I will comment on in another posting after I finish my research); Manetho tells us that Sesostris of Egypt asked the oracle: “Tell me, O thou strong in fire! who before me could subjugate all things, and who shall after me ?” the oracle answered him, “First God, then the Word, and with them the Spirit.” This was over 300 years prior to the birth of Jesus. Plutarch, in “Life of Numa” confirms that the incarnation of the Holy Spirit was known both to the ancient Romans and Egyptians. This doctrine was nearly universal.
We can easily trace the tradition of the Holy Ghost to the Brahminical trifold conception of God; the first being the Godhead or God of power Brahma or Brahm, as the Father, the second is the god of creation, the Word (answering to John 1:3 but centuries prior to John’s writings), and third the Holy Spirit or Ghost, the living, vital, life-giving agent.
The Holy Ghost in the Christian Scripture is the agent of Christ's conception, because, as Matthew declares, he was conceived by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost was also the regenerating agent at his baptism, although Luke, who relates it, does not say why the Holy Spirit in the form of a bird, alighted and sat upon his head. The reason is nevertheless fully disclosed in the older mythical religions. Christians claim baptism imparts a new spiritual life—they are born again. This new spirit appeared as a dove or a pigeon.
As you can see, the concept of a Holy Ghost and a Trinity is not new to the ancients and the nascent Christianity in its scramble to achieve respectability “borrowed” this concept from much older and better established religions. - CD

The "Holy Spirit" is basically just the thoughts of God.

Its an unseen entity. It can enter people and make them feel a presence.

Yes, that was addressed in the posting, but what is your point? - CD

Holy ghost(spirit) part of trinity.

The holy ghost is the part of God that fills us so we can speak or interpret the tongues. The heavely language to God.

And to add the penecostal church focuses more on this then other churches. I don't think this concept was stolen from any other religion.

Are you talking about maybe the passover angel. Angel of death whatever. As a spirit?

Did you actually read the entire posting? The Holy Ghost has been a concept of the ancient religions long before Judaism or Christianity came along. As with the Virgin Birth, Slaughter of the Innocents, Adulation of the Shepherds, Visit of the Wisemen, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Descent into Hell, Ascent into Heaven which were stolen by early Christians from Mithra, Krishna, Osiris, Erakles, Appoll, etc, the concept of the Holy Ghost and the Trinity were stolen from older religions for inclusion in the Christian religion. - CD

Well Cd. Maybe they are right and we just perfected it. Sorry if I pissed you off. But I should have read it through. But I am saying why would we steal it from a religion of past. What if in fact they are all the same?

101

Edit:

Okay IMO I feel as if maybe the Holy Ghost which you state is stolen from other religions is in fact all the same. This is because God is trying to tell us "hey we need to really focus on something" Not saying that all religions are right or that all are wrong. I am just stating that maybe God wants us to think about salvation through Jesus Christ. so he has involved the holy ghost in various teachings other than christianity. Who knows?

This is just what I was thinking.

The egyptians had the ka bah and akh. Akh being the ghost of the dead person.
The ka or bah became one with Osiris, or was it the sun god? Can't remember what happend to the other one.
Israelites wanders out of egypt according to the bible, maybe the holy ghost is originally egyptian, then they did stay a while in babylon, little sumerian mixed in too. Add of little of the original faith there you have judaism. Add the son of god, the failed messiah and there you have christianity. Very few religions or idéas are original, they didn't steal anything. Borrowed perhaps.

Very interesting post, I've gained alot of different ways to look at the meaning of the holy spirit. The way that I undertand the Holy Spiri is that we are threefold beings with 7chakra centers and the idea is to expeience life with all parts working in unison, HOlY just means the three levels of being operating in unison (Thats the meaning of the Father,Son,Holy Spirit) If you aren't creating from all of those levels we are said to be UNHOLY.

These are just my thoughts on the matter. I guess you could say that is my point, no?

Jesus speaks of a counselor, whom he will send to us upon his death. This counselor is what we call today the "Holy Spirit". This spirit is identified with the God the Father and God the Son as one part of the god-head known as the trinity. The Holy Spirit, after Jesus' death now resides in the heart of believers.

On a personal note, I have experienced this spirit within me too often to simply discount it as fable or wishful thinking.

All the best,

btw, before anyone accuses me of posting without reading the OP, I did read it and chose to answer it thus. This is what the Bible (in part) has to say of the Holy Spirit. There is much more. I mentioned this specific part though because it is the quality of the Spirit most believers will be able to relate to, as opposed to the working of the Holy Spirit as an entity in the Old Testament and such....

The Holy Ghost/Spirit existed in Judaism as the 'Shekinah'. Jesus expressly pointed out that the one unforgiveable sin was to say something against the Shekinah.

The word 'Elohim' is plural male, and singulr female. The Shekinah, be gender in Hebrew, is female. Hence, Elohim stands for both God (Yahweh, the Father, Abba, etc)and Jesus (Yeshua), and the Holy Spirit (Shekinah).

It wasn't stolen from anything.

Actually early Christians do not recognised the trinity as they do now. The idea of a Trinity was conceptualised by Plotinus of the Neo-Platonism, it was recognised by Origen one of the early Christian church father and adopted as a foundation of Christian theology. This was about A.D 254, I think it is likely a convergence of good ideas than actual influences.

I love the way the Christians blow of the main point of the posting - that their religion "borrowed" the concept of the Holy Ghost from older religions (along with other concepts) and go on about how their religion and their bible talk about the Holy Ghost (as if it were going to admit that the idea was "borrowed"). Ah, the blinders of faith!

An excerpt fromOrigen Of Alexandria, it explains the concept of trinity and its derivatives, mainly from classical platonic ideas. Origen's On First Principle is also available on the web if you care to analyse its contents, let it not be said that all Christians are operating on faith.

The truth is always the same.

Many people interpret truth differently.

What if one group knew the truth for thousands of years but remained quiet? Does this mean what they have to say is wrong? Did you ever think that the concept was "borrowed" from Christianity/Judaism to begin with? If you think about it, the Jews think the same way. They believe in God, the Holy Spirit, and the Messiah (of course they think he hasn't came yet).

Your comments are easily disputed.

Mako, may I remind you I also practice JUDAISM (actually I found a title for my beliefs....almost, MESSIANIC JUDAISM, people following Judaism that believe Jesus IS the Messiah), and I know what the Shekinah is, and it IS the same as the Holy Spirit.

Ma I also remind you tht Christianity, no matter how much it has changdthrough Roman influence has it's roots in JUDAISM, and Jesus WAS Jewish, and FOLLOWED Judaism.

The Church View:
The Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is a supreme eternal being separate from either the Father or Jesus and is part of a equal trinity with those two beings.

The Bible View:
The Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, is the essence of God the Father, and is the source of all love, life, and faith. There is no scriptural evidence to support the concept that the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is an individual being. There is clear historical evidence that the belief in a "Trinity" is a traditionally accepted concept rather than a doctrine supported by scripture.

The concept of the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost as an individual entity that is part of a Trinity, including the Father and Jesus, is a dogma not supported in biblical text. A "trinity" was never mentioned by the prophets, or the apostles, and was actually contradicted by the words of Jesus himself. The concept of the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost as a force projected by God, and as a form of spiritual contact, and power is well supported in Biblical text, and clearly described as a source of power, and guidance by prophets, and apostles alike. It is well documented in theological environs that this doctrine is shaky, at best, and only accepted as doctrine through a constant presence in doctrinal development, it is a tradition, not biblical doctrine. In simple terms, it is from man, not the Bible. Such a powerful entity with equal status to the Supreme Elohiym would certainly have at least a name or some description of its individual personality. It is almost always described as the device of the will of the Elohiym rather than a supreme partner in an exclusive triad of this supreme race. The names Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are from the same words.

Evidence of the dogmatic directives driving the King James translation
can be found in this glaring example:

· 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

In verse 7, the phrases “the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:” and “and these three are one” have both been added by the translators, as was the phrase “And there are three that bear witness.” in verse 8. This was a blatant attempt by the Bishop of London, the supervisor of the translation project under King James, to inject the human based tradition of the Trinity into biblical text. No words that can be translated into these added phrases could be found in the original text. It is a fraud. The words are not found in any of the oldest, and most reliable manuscripts, nor in any of the ancient translations.
The concept of a triad in the godhead was not known in the original church the Christ established, and only appeared in "church" doctrine when the Emperor Constantine began his wholesale overhaul of biblical doctrine. It was made official in 381 A.D by the Council of Constantinople, which defined the godhead as three gods in one. From the Council transcripts we find this statement: "You, we and all who are not bent on subverting the word of the true faith should give this creed our approval. It is the most ancient and is consistent with our baptism. It tells us how to believe in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit: believing also, of course, that the Father, the Son and the holy Spirit have a single Godhead and power and substance, a dignity deserving the same honour and a co-eternal sovereignty, in three most perfect hypostases, or three perfect persons." The Council of Nice refers to this “institution” of the trinity into church doctrine as backing concepts formed in 325 A.D. This Council, convened by the Emperor Constantine that formulated the Nicene Creed. In every form, and from every aspect, the concept of the Holy Spirit / Ghost as an independent entity, or personality, and part of a "trinity" is a human, not a biblical, doctrine.
In truth, the doctrine of the "Trinity" is one of the most blatant, and easily documented examples of the hypocrisy Jesus spoke of when he stated: " Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.", (Matthew 15:7-9).

The Holy Spirit

Presented here are the verses in the New Testament, which speak of the Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost. A review of these verses will show that it can clearly be determined the Holy Spirit is a spiritual force rather, than a being. However it also shows that if the goal is to claim the Holy Spirit is an individual being, somehow part of an unmentioned divine "Trinity", a few verses may provide circumstantial, but very vague, evidence of that concept.


Psalms
51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Isaiah
63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. 11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Luke
11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Ephesians
1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

1 Thessalonians
4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy
Spirit.


The Holy Ghost

Matthew
1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mark
1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Luke
1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

John
1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
15: 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Acts
1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.
Acts
19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliverhim into the hands of the Gentiles.
28:25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 "saying, `Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive;
Quoting Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?'' Then I said, "Here am I! Send me.'' 9 And He said, "Go, and tell this people: `Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.'

Romans
5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians
2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians
6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

1 Thessalonians
1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

2 Timothy
1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Titus
3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Hebrews
2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

1 Peter
1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

2 Peter
1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

1 John
5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
In verse 7, the phrases “the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:” and “and these three are one” have both been added by the translators, as was the phrase “And there are three that bear witness.” in verse 8. This was a blatant attempt by the Bishop of London, the supervisor of the project under King James, to inject the human based tradition of the Trinity into biblical text. No words which can be translated into these added phrases could be found in the original text. It is a fraud.

Jude
1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

It's interesting you bring up the 1 John 5:7 Bible verse. No one has quoted it. Indeed one of my previous posts mentions it and dismisses it as a fraud. No one disputes that.

But there are plenty of times where the Bible refers to the Holy Spirit being part of God and being equal to God. The most obvious of these you used yourself.



I always like to note that it is singular "name", not plural. So we have one name, but Father, Son, Spirit/Ghost. three entities, one name. 3-in-1. Trinity. Unless you're going to start saying that this is a forgery too, which you cannot back up through history.

Until next time,

I see that none of the Christians care to address the real subject of the post, that the concept of the Holy Ghost was "borrowed" from much older religions. I could care less what the scriptures have to say about it, (as BFG points out it is addressed only in 1 John 5:7 and may be a later interpolation, but I give it the benefit of the doubt), nor do I care what the "Church View" is, that is neither of any consequence or relevant to the subject. The fact remains that much of what Christianity is based on comes from older (and oft times less violent) religions, so enough already with the scriptures and church views and really do some thinking on the matter. I know some of you like BFG are capable of it. - CD

The Trinity is a human conceptualization, not a biblically based reality. Rather than focusing on the real issue, God, we look at the Holy Spirit, which is the manifested force of God. The word God has become forgery over the centuries because in the original hebrew text, it is read as Gods, the Mighty Ones. It is plural, not singular as most people address. The Father -El, is not here because the universe cannot contain Him. Nobody can see the Father. However, Jesus Christ is a direct representative of the Father. That is why Jesus said that anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father. When reffering to the Holy Spirit, it is a spirit in the sense that it cannot be seen. It the manifested power of God in those that accept Jesus' sacrifice for us. It is incorrect to say "Holy Spirit, etc..."
Rather... "The Holy Spirit etc..." As funny as it may sound, its very much like The Force. The Holy Spirit is strong with this one. However, in a sense, you could reffer to it as Him, but if you know that the Jedi who die become the force... You could make the analogy that since We are Gods ourselves, and when it is our time to achieve immortality, we will add to the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit grows strong in us, and when we become one with God, we will be "one" with the Holy Spirit also. Sounds like rubbish? Well, believe it or not, truth may be stranger than the strangest of all sci-fi movies.

Okay CD I read the whole thing this time.

The thing I got from you saying as Christians we stole parts of other religions to suit our own.

Liek you say the dove on Jesus head was the Holy Spirit. Well you also say it is a pagan ideal. Well Ithe little I know about pagans is that they worship the goddess and all of mother earth so on. Well as Christians we also cherish what God has created the birds,flowers,the dirt,animals,and even guys like you. But the seriousness is that if it is Pagan what means it can't be Christian also. You know how does the Holy Spirit resembling a bird bad. It is not. So I don't understand how we could have stolen a idea from a religion that existed prior to Christianity when in fact we have nothing against that.

You understand? I mean who says we stole anything. Is there concrete proof other then heresay? I mean you have the facts that other religions are similiar with the trinity as Christian trinity. So what does this mean? Are you saying if I wrote a book about three little dogs instead of pigs I would be stealing?

It is an absurd, illogical conclusion to think that Christianity is a "stolen" religion. First of all, Christianity defines the faith of the followers and desciples of Jesus who inherit immortal life from Him. It is no stolen religion, because Jesus Christ was the first and the last one to give mankind the opportunity to become immortal.
Jesus Christ died for us that we could be with Him forever. We will be just like Him, and we will share in His work to keep order in the universe. As I said... Its a lot like being a Jedi.

Let the force be with you.

I don't know I just think that God had a plan and would not borrow anything of the sort. If he wanted the book written his way then that is how he did it.

I just think it is a matter of opinion and belief.

CD, again, it was not 'borrowed' from any other religion because Christianity...with Jesus as the Messiah, was JEWISH, and practiced Judaism, and the Shekinah, is JUDAIC, and the roots of Christianity is JUDAISM.

Judaism is a very very very old religion in both oral and written tradition. Since the beginning....you know...the Big Bang.

Give some non-mythological evidence that Judaism started with the Big Bang. And show some non-mythological evidence for the age of Judaism. I don't mean one little website run by fundies that claim the same as you do, I mean hard Historical or archaeological evidence. I have shown hard evidence that older religions had the concept of the Holy Ghost long before Judaism existed as a religion, show me with hard evidence that it didn't. Watch this forum for my upcoming posting on the Trinity and it's true history.