James DeFrancisco | St. Anthonys (original) (raw)

Papers by James DeFrancisco

This provocative paper is the culmination the work of the author to this point in his research. T... more This provocative paper is the culmination the work of the author to this point in his research. The paper is divided into two main parts: Part I provided important background and Part II describes The Actual Way "Christ" Takes Away Our Sin.

This word list has been updated and will also be helpful for students taking the Syriac module at... more This word list has been updated and will also be helpful for students taking the Syriac module at St .Anthony's Cathedral House of Studies (see https://www.stanthonysliturgicalhouse.org/schedule for course schedule) or other Aramaic classes as taught by Dr. James DeFrancisco or anyone interested in studying through use of resources available from Dr. DeFrancisco.

The words contained within this dictionary are those that will be particularly needed for studying The Seven Keys as developed by Dr. Rocco Errico. The intent is to provide a listing of key words for reference that will be useful to the student in this particular study. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive dictionary, lexicon, or concordance. This guide will include individual words and in particular those that may have a different meaning from translations from Greek manuscripts. Some of the Aramaic words with many meanings are included. Phrases that can be clarified by Aramaic definitions, usages, and nuances are also provided.

For more comprehensive information, concordances, lexicons, and texts on line see:

http://dukhrana.com/ Dukhrana Biblical Research tools

https://cal.huc.edu/ Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon

The script used is Esrangela since this is used in original manuscripts of the Peshitta (pronounced Pesh – ee - ta) version texts as well as publications by Dr. Errico and Dr. Lamsa. Modern Western vowels are used because they are the vocalization symbols predominantly used among Syriac scholars. All words are transliterated using a simple phonetic approach. Some words are given without much explanation so that the student will have the Aramaic rendition of a word or name commonly used in the Peshitta.

2 which is covered in this present paper. The use of the statements of the Biblical prophets and ... more 2 which is covered in this present paper. The use of the statements of the Biblical prophets and sayings of Jesus compose the major part of this body of evidence. Other primary sources from Jewish sages and Christian theologians are also used to create a compelling argument that challenges both original sin and the sacrificial system. Historical sources are utilized to trace the development of the practice of sacrifice in various religions and cultures.

This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to tra... more This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo-Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an ab Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an ab Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an ab Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we breviated version of the full length book that we breviated version of the full length book that we breviated version of the full length book that we hope to publish on the original faith of Abraham and Jesus.

This paper presents an alternative to tra This paper presents an alternative to tra This paper pr... more This paper presents an alternative to tra This paper presents an alternative to tra This paper presents an alternative to tra This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo ditional Judeo ditional Judeo ditional Judeo-Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Christian viewpoints on both the binding of Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to tra... more This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo-Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrif Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrif Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrif Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrifice ice ice ice and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to

The author presents the premise that original sin necessitates a sacrificial system and that this... more The author presents the premise that original sin necessitates a sacrificial system and that this is expressed within the doctrines of both Judaism and Christianity. In Judaism the sacrificial system is explicitly expressed and defined in the Torah and is especially implemented in the tabernacle and temple cult. In Christianity the central core is the belief that Jesus died for the sins of the world and was presented as a sacrificial offering in atonement for those sins. This is implemented in the sacrifice of the Mass as well as the "gospel" emphasis that Christians are saved by the blood of Jesus.

Presentation format of various methodology used in Biblical studies: Jewish, Protestant, Orthodox... more Presentation format of various methodology used in Biblical studies: Jewish, Protestant, Orthodox Christian and Catholic approaches are reviewed.

A while back a group of Bible students asked me to teach the book of Revelation. I asked them if ... more A while back a group of Bible students asked me to teach the book of Revelation. I asked them if they really wanted to have me teach because I knew it would not be exactly what they expected. Views concerning the secret rapture and the battle of Armegeddon prevailed among the members
so this document overviews the 4 major viewpoints.

This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo-Christian viewpoints on the subject of sa... more This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo-Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrifice and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to publish through Miltha Ministries on the original faith of Abraham and Jesus.

The fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew's gospel are vitally important and necessary to... more The fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew's gospel are vitally important and necessary to understand the message of Jesus because these chapters contain the basic teachings that are foundational to the Master's message. We find the following key concepts in this section of Sacred Scripture: God, the Infinite Creator Sovereign God of Heaven, gives us the right to call Him, "ABBA-Father" The TANACH (Old Testament) is the foundation and preparation for the Christian Scriptures (New Testament); the New Testament fulfills the Old Testament just as Jesus (the greater) follows John (the lesser) Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the law (TORAH-God's law, mind, wisdom, life, and light-enlightenment) Jesus' message is the "gospel" (good new, SWARTA in Aramaic-a proclamation of announcement of the joyful hope of the Kingdom of Heaven Dr. Lamsa referred to this section of Scripture as, "the most precious and inspiring portion of the Scriptures" and, "the soul and the spirit of the sacred Word.

This paper is a research study on the occurences of the Tetragrammaton ( והָ֙יהְ YahVeh) in the A... more This paper is a research study on the occurences of the Tetragrammaton ( והָ֙יהְ YahVeh) in the Aramaic New Covenant text. This research study focused on the word
MARI YAH as the New Covenant equivalent of the Tetragrammaton YudHeyVavHey - or- YahVeh. LORD (all caps) or LORD is often used in English translations in place of the Sacred Name (the Tetragrammaton).

Both MARI YAH andYudHeyVavHey -or YahWeh- are the equivalent of the Tetragrammaton in Aramaic
(Syriac) or Hebrew editions of the Sacred Scriptures. I suggest this rendering (LORD) for those books that were not included in the original Peshitta canon.

Following is a research study on the occurences of the Tetragrammaton (‫ה‬ ֙ ‫הוָ‬ ‫יְ‬ YahVeh) i... more Following is a research study on the occurences of the Tetragrammaton (‫ה‬ ֙ ‫הוָ‬ ‫יְ‬ YahVeh) in the Aramaic New Covenant text. This research study focused on the word ܳ ܳ MARI YAH as the New Covenant equivalent of the Tetragrammaton YudHeyVavHey-or-YahVeh. LORD (all caps) or LORD is often used in English translations in place of the Sacred Name (the Tetragrammaton). Both MARI YAH andYudHeyVavHey-or YahWeh-are the equivalent of the Tetragrammaton in Aramaic (Syriac) or Hebrew editions of the Sacred Scriptures. I suggest this rendering (LORD or LORD) for those books that were not included in the original Peshitta canon. Background: Some English translation "Messianic" and "Sacred Names" Bibles take great liberty in inserting the Divine Name and that this is not substantiated in the manuscripts. Also, it is reasonable to translate New Covenant passages with the word, Yah Veh when it is in reference to a quote proofed by the Old Covenant text (Tanach). The tetragrammaton is an object of the highest reverence in Judaism and Christianity. Indeed, it is the most venerated name or word in the Hebrew language. It is therefore vitally important to take a very conservative attitude toward the use of the Divine Name out of respect for it and in an effort to avoid casual usage, misuse, or abuse.

The author has made the premise that original sin necessitates a sacrificial system and that this... more The author has made the premise that original sin necessitates a sacrificial system and that this is
expressed within both Judaism and Christianity. In Judaism the sacrificial system is explicitly
expressed and defined in the Torah and implemented especially in the tabernacle and temple cult.
In Christianity the central core is the belief that Jesus died for the sins of the world and was
presented as a sacrificial offering in atonement for those sins. This is implemented in the
sacrifice of the Mass and the Eucharistic service as well as emphasis that Christians are saved by
the blood of Jesus.

The author presents textual evidence to challenge these central doctrines of 1) original sin in
several previous papers, “Original Sin and Its Relationship to Sacrifice”, and 2) sacrificial
atonement which is covered further in subsequent papers.
This present paper continues with the
theme from the perspective of Roman Catholic theology – specifically in the liturgy of the Mass.

In future papers in this series, the use of the statements of the Biblical prophets and sayings of
Jesus will compose the major part of this body of evidence as this theme is developed in further.
Other primary sources from Jewish sages and Christian theologians are also used to create a
compelling argument that challenges both original sin and the sacrificial system. Historical
sources are utilized to trace the development of the practice of sacrifice in various religions and
cultures.

This Power Point presentation discusses principles of studying the Holy Scripture from a Semitic ... more This Power Point presentation discusses principles of studying the Holy Scripture from a Semitic perspective. Topics covered: 1. The Aramaic Language 2. Idioms and Figures of Speech 3. Revelation, Mysticism, and Supernatural Occurrences 4. Near Eastern Culture, Customs and Manners 5. The Near Eastern Psychology 6. Symbolism and Imagery in the Holy Scripture 7. Near Eastern Amplification in the Holy Scripture 8. The Manuscript Order of the Holy Scripture 9. A Semitic/Hebraic Perspective of the Holy Scripture 10. Personal Relationships in the Holy Scripture 11. Historical and Archaeological Backgrounds 12. Mythological Sections of Scripture

Western scholars often state that Peter was writing from Rome looking at "Babylon" as a code word... more Western scholars often state that Peter was writing from Rome looking at "Babylon" as a code word. Is this correct? Or, did Peter write from Babylon in modern day Iraq?

The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. Th... more The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands,* forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. And he said, "If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us, for it is a stiff-necked people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance." -Exodus 34:5-9 ESV When Dr. Tom Roberts asked me to write this paper I must admit that I had mixed feelings.

ABBSTRACT This paper culminates the work of the author to this point in his research. The paper i... more ABBSTRACT This paper culminates the work of the author to this point in his research. The paper is divided into two main parts: Part I provides the Background and Part II (forthcoming) describes The Actual Way " Christ " Takes Away Our Sin. Here in Part I the following areas are defined, discussed, and explained: sacrifice is defined, the historical background is reviewed (covering sacrifices in pagan cultures – the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Semites-; sacrifices of the Israelites/Jews; bloody sacrificial rituals and categories; sacrifice in the Bible (Mosaic sacrifices, the importance of blood, symbolic implications, and critical views); the attitude of the prophets; an interesting review of the work of the Jewish sage Maimonides regarding the Mosaic sacrifices; Talmudic references; how sacrifice was replaced by prayer and study; and Theological considerations.

Most students and teachers of the Bible that have been trained in looking at Holy Scripture from ... more Most students and teachers of the Bible that have been trained in looking at Holy Scripture from a Western perspective with a heavy emphasis of Koine Greek and some Hebrew. Occasionally, a user may delve into the Biblical Aramaic when studying Daniel and Ezra. However, there is a wealth of knowledge that can be gleaned in New Testament studies by also looking at the texts that were written in Aramaic (Syriac). When I lecture on the Principles of Holy Scripture Study our Bible Study class looks at various Principles of Interpretation and discuss some of the basic premises. We begin with the premise that the Holy Scriptures contain God's infallible and inerrantly inspired words. That the texts were given by the Holy Spirit but that they were selected, compiled, and translated by man. Most importantly, they were validated by the Lord Jesus Christ. Building on this we look at why knowledge of language, culture and customs are vital to understanding the texts. The historical background and archeological evidence are also important. It is essential to consider the actual historical situation and events (life setting)for each event recorded in the text. The genre, purpose, and plan of each book must be considered. Then, the context of each verse and section as well as parallel and related passages must also be taken into consideration. At this point we have covered the basics which are considered in every basic class on Hermeneutics or Biblical Interpretation. To move ahead we must ask if we are going to take the Bible literally as a whole or in part or, if not literally, at least seriously. This is important because the Bible is full of symbology, idiomatic expressions, and sayings that lose their meaning when translated from one language to another and are transmitted in time to another culture. To help us analyze the text there are many tools available for Bible Study. This paper discusses some of those tools from a Semitic perspective.

For more comprehensive information, concordances, lexicons, and texts on line see:

http://dukhrana.com/ Dukhrana Biblical Research tools

https://cal.huc.edu/ Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon

This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to tra... more This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo This paper presents an alternative to traditional Judeo-Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrif Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrif Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrif Christian viewpoints on the subject of sacrifice ice ice ice and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to and how it relates to worship. It is an abbreviated version of the full length book that we hope to

This Google Slide presentation explains some critical misunderstandings in the Gospel of John and... more This Google Slide presentation explains some critical misunderstandings in the Gospel of John and would be of interest to any serious student of the Bible. Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic words are explained especially focusing on those emphasized in this gospel.

Outline:
Preliminary information
Aramaic background
Why this material is important
The Synoptics are different than John
What do we mean by “New Testament”?
Was Jesus "Christian?" - Jesus was a Galilean Jew
How does the word “Church” relate to this?
The Scribal additions
Putting words into the mouth of Jesus
The Greek changes the meaning of Jesus' Aramaic
The Divine "Logos" in Chapter 1
Born "Again" in Chapter 3
Spirit vs. flesh in John 6:63
Interesting misunderstandings in Chapter 8
Emphasis on "Life" in Chapter 10
The "Mansions" in Chapter 14
"No one comes to the Father except through me" in Chapter 14
Oneness and unity in Chapter 17
"Fear of the Jews"in Chapter 20 and throughout the book
Q&A and more

It has been said that approximately 40% of the Bible is based on mystical episodes. However, much... more It has been said that approximately 40% of the Bible is based on mystical episodes. However, much of this is not commonly known or easily identified. This seminar will cover the following areas going from Genesis all the way through the book of Revelation.
- Dreams
- Visions
- Revelations
- Supernatural Occurrences
- Union with the Divine
- An explanation of Jacob's dream of the "ladder" and "wrestling match"
You Tube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GddGaSqkfDw

This is an amplified rendition of Psalm 23 using Hebrew (Tanakh) and Aramaic (Syriac Peshitta) te... more This is an amplified rendition of Psalm 23 using Hebrew (Tanakh) and Aramaic (Syriac Peshitta) texts.

This Power Point presentation discusses principles of studying the Holy Scripture from a Semitic ... more This Power Point presentation discusses principles of studying the Holy Scripture from a Semitic perspective. There is an accompanying set of videos available at Bible Perspectives on You Tube. Begin at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aShncu55Yso&t=288s

A compilation of BIBLICAL CONCEPTS taken from notes of Eric Bondo in classes conducted by James D... more A compilation of BIBLICAL CONCEPTS taken from notes of Eric Bondo in classes conducted by James DeFrancisco, PhD on a variety of Biblical subjects over several years with editing assistance by Kevin Avery who also attended the classes for many years.

This paper discusses the differences between Jesus of the Gospels and what Christianity says abou... more This paper discusses the differences between Jesus of the Gospels and what Christianity says about him. It discusses the problems with labels such as "Old" and "New" Testaments. It discusses the value of Aramaic texts and some problems with Greek texts.

This is a general overview comparing Buddhism with Judaism and Christianity. The author/present... more This is a general overview comparing Buddhism with Judaism and Christianity. The author/presenter emphasizes:
• There are many forms of Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism so further study is required for a more complete understanding
• There are differences between the actual teachings of Jesus and much of what is believed and practiced within traditional forms of Christianity
• To understand in depth each form or system of a religion, one should spend time within that particular system, rather than examining it from the outside

QUOTE: The Buddha claimed neither to be a divine being like Jesus in Christianity, nor a prophet like Muhammad in Islam; the Buddha was instead someone who “got it,” who saw the world as it was and is. – Roots of Wisdom p. 447