Category: Blog – JBS

Are Faithists Advocates of UFO Science Fiction?

Inquiry: I’ve heard mention of space vessels in the Oahspe. Do Faithists hold beliefs in aliens and UFOs?

Reply: Faithism encapsulates a belief system centered on spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and a profound reverence for Jehovih, the Creator. While interpretations may differ among groups identifying as “Faithists,” Jehovih’s Faithists specifically do not engage with the notion of UFOs or extraterrestrial entities within our sacred texts or principles.

Certain factions self-identifying as Faithists and anti-Oahspeans have construed particular passages in the Oahspe Bible as alluding to UFOs. However, Jehovih’s Faithists and the Worldwide Faithist Association firmly dismiss contemporary science fiction concepts concerning alien life. This certainly does not rule out the fact that Faithists believe in life in various parts of the universe.
Continue reading “Are Faithists Advocates of UFO Science Fiction?”

Dealing With Disappointments

Throughout our lives, setbacks are inevitable; some of these setbacks or disappointments are going to test our spirit and faith more than others. The passing of loved ones, illnesses, financial problems and so on. These kind of obstacles and others are part of what we call life. Teachings from the Oahspe Bible can help guide us on how to deal with such adversity and make us stronger.

Setbacks are not always stumbling blocks, but in some cases they can be seen as stepping stones towards our spiritual growth. They are the challenges that sculpt our souls and refine our understanding of the Creator’s purposes for us. In moments of disappointment, it can be very easy to succumb to despair, to question the fairness of our fate. But we should remember that every setback is an opportunity for our growth, a chance to demonstrate our faith in the greater design of Jehovih. “Jehovih is as near this day as in time of the ancients…Great wisdom cannot be attained in a day; nor purity, and strength, to overcome temptation, till the growth be from the foundation.” (Discipline 5:10-11)
Continue reading “Dealing With Disappointments”

Notes on the Book of Discipline Chapter 1

The first chapter of the Book of Discipline begins by urging us to open our minds to discern the beauty and glory of heavenly places prepared by the various celestial beings.

In the second verse, we read about the concept of two resurrections. The first resurrection is described as chaotic, with individuals pursuing worldly desires, while the second resurrection aims for orderliness and growth.

The Oahspe Bible states that mortals and angels attract each other based on their desires and aspirations. Those who seek similar earthly pursuits attract angels who inspire and guide them accordingly. Thus, it could be said that if we are living a carnal life, we are likely to attract the lower angels into our lives. When we think of spiritual growth, attracting lower angels is not desirable. When mortals die and enter the first resurrection, they are accompanied by angels who influenced them on Earth. This cycle continues until spirits realise there are higher heavens available to them.
Continue reading “Notes on the Book of Discipline Chapter 1”

Comments on the Book of Discipline – Chapter 6

1. O man, apply yourself to understand the spirit of my discourse, for herein shall you find the key to the Father’s kingdom.

2. These are the rules of the second resurrection: To become an interpreter and worker without a written formula:

3. That whatever gives joy to your fellow man and renders peace and goodwill unto all–shall be called light:

4. That whatever gives sorrow to your fellow man, or discouragement to others–shall be called darkness:

5. As to find fault with another, or to aggravate unto displeasure–shall be called darkness:

6. But to make another’s burden light, to encourage him unto strength and happiness–shall be called light:

7. To be forever complaining about this or that–shall be called darkness:

8. To be forever imparting cheerfulness–shall be called light.

9. Now therefore whoever becomes a member of my kingdom shall practice light; but whoever practices darkness, will depart away from my kingdom of his own accord.

10. Neither shall you practice darkness upon your fellow man for any shortness he has done.

11. Nor shall you reprove him for error, nor blame him, nor make yourself an inquisitor over him, nor assume to be a judge over him.

12. Nor ask him to apologize, nor otherwise seek to make him humble himself before you.

13. Nor shall you boast over him because you are wiser or stronger or more expert.

14. For all such inquisition comes of darkness, and shall return upon him who utters it, in time to come.

15. Rather shall you discover the good that is in your neighbour, and laud him therefore, for this is the method of raising him higher.

Comments

The above reading emphasizes the importance of spiritual understanding and living a life of light rather than darkness. These divine teachings encourage us to focus on the positive and uplifting aspects of life and to avoid actions that cause harm or negativity towards our fellow man.

The first teaching states that in order to understand the path to the Creator’s kingdom, it is imperative that we apply ourselves to understanding the spiritual nature of the discourse.

The second teaching describes the rules of the second resurrection, which includes becoming an interpreter and worker without relying on written formulas. These “written formulas” would indicate printed literature that we use now in our lifetime to help guide us in various policies or procedures when dealing with various situations. In the second resurrection, such written formulas would not be necessary since individuals have risen to another state or level of existence.

The third and fourth teachings define light as that which brings joy and peace to others, while darkness is that which causes sorrow and discouragement.

The fifth and sixth teachings speak of the importance of encouraging and supporting our fellow man, rather than finding fault or causing harm.

The seventh and eighth teachings contrast darkness, which involves complaining and negativity, with light, which involves imparting cheerfulness and positivity.

The ninth teaching states that those who practice light will become members of Jehovih’s kingdom, while those who practice darkness will depart from it. Notice that departing on according to the will of the individual. Verse 9 states: “Whoever practices darkness, will depart away from my kingdom of his own accord.” This is willful walking away from the Light of Jehovih — that is, a conscientious decision to walk toward the darkness.

The remaining verses provide guidance on how to interact with others in a positive and uplifting manner. These include avoiding blame and judgment, seeking to understand and uplift others, and focusing on the good in others rather than finding fault.

May Jehovih bless you!

(JBS)

The Importance of Reading the Oahspe

As Faithists we believe the Oahspe is a sacred text that contains teachings and guidance from the Creator. The Oahspe is a revelation that provides insight into the nature of the universe, the purpose of human life, and the spiritual path that leads to enlightenment. Regularly reading the Oahspe is important for Faithists because it helps us deepen our understanding of the faith and its teachings. The text contains wisdom and knowledge that can only be fully understood through careful study and reflection.

The Oahspe Bible provides us with a framework for understanding the spiritual dimensions of life and the nature of the universe. This understanding helps us live our lives in a way that is aligned with Jehovih’s purposes.
Continue reading “The Importance of Reading the Oahspe”

Comments on Book of Judgement Chapter 2

1. GOD, embassador of Jehovih, saith: Ye shall assemble for the communion of angels, regularly, and maintain intercourse with them. For in no other way can ye demonstrate the immortality of the soul.

Faithists are encouraged to gather regularly for Angel Communion so as to continue communication with them. When the Oahspe Bible says “in no other way can ye demonstrate the immortality of the soul”, it means that without the higher knowledge received from Jehovih’s angelic beings, we have no way of reaching higher grades. We are in need of spiritual food (higher knowledge) from our Grand Creator in order to receive life in the next world.
Continue reading “Comments on Book of Judgement Chapter 2”

Testing the Spirits

“Some will desire to consult the angels, as to which–in a given matter–is the highest light; but I say unto thee, thou shalt weigh the words of angels even as if they were mortals, exacting similar facts and substantiation.” (Disc. 8:9)

Simply because a spirit or angel says something does not mean it is truth, or that the spirit has full knowledge on any given subject. The above verse from the Oahspe Bible reminds me of John’s words at 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of [Jehovih]; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” We know that spirits can and do mislead people all the time. These spirits are often responsible for establishing entire religious sects or denominations which war against each other causing further division and destruction (see verse 10).
Continue reading “Testing the Spirits”

Demonstrating Loving-Kindness

In one of his latest messages titled “Demonstrating Loving-Kindness,” Mir Izgadda stated that “Jehovih’s people need to focus their attention on the heart by developing a better attitude concerning loving-kindness towards others.”

In his message, he speaks about the importance of helping others and as a result, raising our own grades. He said that we need to imitate Jehovih’s love for His creation.
Continue reading “Demonstrating Loving-Kindness”

Was John Newbrough Racist?

Faithists are sometimes accused of being racist or following a racist religion. Those who accuse us point to a comment that John Newbrough made concerning a “new race” being raised up. Let’s take a look at this in context.

John Newbrough is quoted as saying: “We lost one little babe, which we brought away from the almshouse—though it was nearly dead when we received it … To me, it is perfectly appalling how these little things are slaughtered in this city. We hope to save many, and to raise them up in the right way, so as to have a new race by and by.”1
Continue reading “Was John Newbrough Racist?”

Using a Bible Translation in Conjunction with the Oahspe

“And Jehovih called his angels, who were older than the earth, and he said unto them: Go ye, raise man upright, and teach him to understand.” (Oahspe vs. 2)

For Faithists, the Oahspe is their sacred text – their official Bible. Some Faithists from Jewish or Christian backgrounds, or those who do work among Christians, often use the Judaeo-Christian Scriptures to compare the Oahspe. It is not uncommon to find some similarities between the two. For Jehovih’s Faithists, the Oahspe and continuing revelation are the definitive words of Jehovih the Creator.

No translation of the Bible is perfect. The reason for this brief article is to help those who wish to use a good (or decent) translation of the Judaeo-Christian Scriptures (the “Old” and “New Testaments”) in their language alongside the Oahspe Bible. If you do not use the Old and New Testament in your research or your outreach work, then this article would likely be of no benefit to you.
Continue reading “Using a Bible Translation in Conjunction with the Oahspe”