(June 17, 2012 at 3:06 am)FallentoReason Wrote: But the deeper issue I'm addressing here is how exactly did they come across these teachings? Did they have no choice because it was a series of historical events OR are there deeper teachings from these societies (i.e the first Christians) which they are trying to convey through story-telling?
These teachings were received from the Apostles. And I don't see how these things are mutually exclusive. I believe that for example, Jesus telling the parables is a historical event and it also conveys deeper teachings. The individual parables themselves are not historical events (probably), and other flourishes on Jesus life may also have been added to convey these teachings and underline certain theological points (the meaning of the three gifts of the magi or the conversations on the cross for example), or they might just be convenient history. Either way it doesn't matter, does it?
Mary Immaculate, star of the morning
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
Chosen before the creation began
Chosen to bring for your bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent and rescue to man.
Sinners, we honor your sinless perfection;
Fallen and weak, for your pity we plead;
Grand us the shield of your sovereign protection,
Measure your aid by the depth of our need.
Bend from your throne at the voice of our crying,
Bend to this earth which your footsteps have trod;
Stretch out your arms to us, living and dying,
Mary Immaculate, Mother of God.
