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Ganid's Research of the World’s Religions 

During their Mediterranean tour, Ganid, with Jesus’s guidance, compiled teachings on God from various world religions, creating a manuscript that revealed many commonalities. It was preserved in India for centuries.

Ganid's Research of the World’s Religions
  • Summary

    Jesus spent considerable time in Alexandria while on his tour of the Mediterranean world in 22 and 23 CE with Gonod and his son Ganid. In this great center of knowledge, housing nearly a million manuscripts from all parts of the civilized world – Greece, Rome, Palestine, Parthia, India, China, and Japan – Ganid embarked on an extraordinary project: to compile the spiritual insights of the world’s religions at that time.

    Ganid worked daily, aided by skilled translators and guided by Jesus, to collect teachings about God and explore humanity’s relationship with divinity across diverse faiths. The knowledge Ganid compiled spanned the philosophies of Cynicism, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and other traditions, centering on the recognition of a divine presence and monotheistic principles. This project, culminating in Rome, resulted in Ganid’s formulation of "Our Religion," a personal synthesis of God’s nature shaped by Jesus’s teachings.

    The following is an overview of Ganid’s manuscript, which he prepared in Alexandria and Rome and was preserved in India for hundreds of years after his death.

  • Cynicism: A God of Unity and Compassion

    The teachings of Cynicism, which align closely with the remnants of the teachings of Machiventa Melchizedek, resonate with a profound monotheism. Cynics viewed God as a supreme, compassionate, omnipotent being who reigns over the universe. God’s qualities, such as justice, mercy, and omnipresence, are constants in Cynic philosophy. Their reverence for the "Most High" emphasizes worship centered on love and justice, creating a vision of God as a universal caretaker and sustainer.

    The Cynics believed in living a life aligned with the divine by loving one’s neighbors, eschewing selfishness, and seeking truth. Through devotion to God, Cynics found a path to peace and joy. Their teachings reflect a heartfelt connection to God’s omnipresence, conveying that sincere individuals find God within themselves. Cynicism’s values offer insights into the nature of worship and the unity of all human beings under one God.

  • Judaism: A Covenant with God

    In Judaism, Ganid encountered a comprehensive understanding of the covenant between God and humanity. God’s covenantal relationship with His people defines much of Jewish belief, where He is depicted as Creator, Sustainer, and Judge. The Jewish God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, a divine being who transcends humanity yet remains close to his people. Through historical narratives, poetry, and laws, Jewish scripture illustrates God’s mercy, love, and justice.

    Jewish teachings emphasize God’s desire for moral integrity, compassion, and humility. From the call to love God with all one’s heart to the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself, Judaism places love and justice at the core of human-divine relations. Ganid found in Judaism an intricate system of ethical and moral principles, stressing the importance of a righteous life, gratitude, and devotion to God. By living a life dedicated to truth and compassion, adherents uphold their part of the covenant, securing God’s guidance and protection.

  • Buddhism: A Path of Enlightenment

    Buddhism, as Ganid discovered, offers a unique approach to spirituality, emphasizing enlightenment as an internal journey toward liberation from suffering. Though Buddhism traditionally lacks a personalized deity, it encompasses respect for an ultimate reality beyond human comprehension. Buddhist teachings outline virtues like humility, self-restraint, and wisdom as paths to peace and joy.

    Central to Buddhist practice is the pursuit of inner calm, gained through meditation, moral discipline, and compassion. By purging negative thoughts, adhering to virtuous actions, and cultivating empathy, individuals may achieve enlightenment, entering a state of inner tranquility and liberation from the cycles of suffering. While Buddhism does not directly refer to a personal god, Ganid identified that its foundational values encourage humility, kindness, and the pursuit of truth, aligning with a broader spiritual mission.

  • Hinduism: Worship of the Supreme Soul

    In Hinduism, Ganid found an intricate, ancient belief system enriched by a monotheistic strain introduced through Melchizedek missionaries. Hinduism presents God as an omnipresent, supreme deity embodying wisdom, compassion, and creativity. This Supreme Soul is the creator and sustainer of all things, a divine light illuminating every soul and every corner of the universe.

    Hindu teachings speak of God as the eternal refuge, healer, and guide who exists within every individual. This intimacy of God’s presence, portrayed as a lamp of wisdom within the soul, emphasizes God’s closeness to his creations. Hinduism encourages a life of devotion and unity with God through meditation, worship, and moral living. Such practices allow individuals to experience divine love, which leads to liberation from material existence and eventual union with God. Ganid noted Hinduism’s reverence for the divine as a personal relationship that encourages self-reflection, virtue, and compassion toward others.

  • Zoroastrianism: Light and Truth of the Universe

    Zoroastrianism, founded by the prophet Zoroaster, emphasizes a God of righteousness, truth, and light. This Persian religion depicts God as the ultimate force for good, the protector of justice, and the source of wisdom. The Zoroastrian faith encourages followers to live in harmony with divine principles by adhering to truth, righteousness, and service to others.

    Ganid appreciated Zoroastrianism’s affirmation of God’s dual role as both transcendent and immanent. Zoroastrians believe that God watches over humanity, rewarding goodness and punishing wrongdoing. This faith upholds the concept of a final judgment, whereby each individual’s actions are weighed, determining their fate in the afterlife. Zoroastrianism calls upon its followers to pursue a righteous life, aligning their thoughts and actions with divine will. By embodying virtues of honesty, humility, and charity, individuals can foster a closer relationship with the divine.

  • Jainism: Self-Conquest as Spiritual Triumph

    The Jain philosophy, or Suduanism as it was known, upholds a unique interpretation of God and spiritual practice, emphasizing the conquest of self. Jainism advocates for a disciplined life of non-violence, truth, and self-restraint. This belief system identifies human desires – anger, pride, deceit, and greed – as barriers to spiritual progress.

    Ganid found in Jainism a profound respect for self-discipline, humility, and compassion. Jains believe that by overcoming the self, individuals may attain liberation from the cycles of suffering and material attachment. This path encourages spiritual liberation through self-mastery and dedication to truth. Jain philosophy resonates with Ganid’s evolving understanding of God’s nature, inspiring him to view self-control as a means of spiritual growth and self-purification.

  • Shinto: Reverence for Nature’s Divinity

    In Shinto, the ancient religion of Japan, Ganid encountered a spirituality deeply rooted in nature. Shinto emphasizes harmony with the natural world, viewing mountains, rivers, and trees as sacred manifestations of the divine. God, the "Prince of Heaven," reveals himself through the beauty of creation and the virtues of humanity.

    Shinto teaches respect for purity, humility, and reverence for life, encouraging individuals to live in harmony with the natural world. By fostering a clean heart, free of falsehood and hypocrisy, adherents open themselves to divine influence. Shinto invites believers to experience God’s presence in nature’s beauty, prompting Ganid to appreciate the profound spiritual lessons in nature’s simplicity.

  • Taoism: Wisdom of the Eternal

    Taoism, rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom, presents the Supreme as a mysterious, all-encompassing force that permeates the universe. This philosophy emphasizes humility, self-restraint, and respect for the natural flow of life. Taoism celebrates the Supreme as the "mother of the world," emphasizing a nurturing, harmonious relationship with the divine.

    Ganid appreciated Taoism’s depiction of God as a powerful yet gentle presence guiding creation with patience and compassion. By embracing simplicity, humility, and selflessness, individuals align with divine wisdom, experiencing peace and joy. Taoism’s values encouraged Ganid to consider how living harmoniously with God’s laws can foster a deep sense of inner peace and spiritual growth.

  • Confucianism: Moral Integrity and Social Harmony

    Confucianism, while less focused on a personal God, upholds Heaven as a guiding moral force, bestowing nobility upon humanity. Confucian teachings emphasize moral integrity, respect, and social responsibility, presenting Heaven as the ultimate authority governing humanity’s actions. Ganid’s study of Confucianism revealed an emphasis on character and moral uprightness as a means to achieve harmony with heaven.

    Confucianism’s respect for hierarchy, duty, and the dignity of every person highlights a commitment to social harmony and personal virtue. By fulfilling one’s responsibilities and striving to be a person of good character, adherents align themselves with Heaven’s will, experiencing peace and fulfillment. Confucian ideals of respect, humility, and empathy enriched Ganid’s understanding of God’s desire for humanity to live in harmony and mutual respect.

  • "Our Religion" – Ganid’s Synthesis of Divine Truth

    After studying the religious traditions of the world, Ganid distilled his own understanding of God into a personal belief he called "Our Religion." Inspired by his studies and Jesus’s teachings, Ganid’s beliefs reflect a deeply personal, loving, and relational vision of God. He describes God as the Father of all, an ever-present, compassionate creator who sustains humanity and the universe.

    In "Our Religion," Ganid identifies God as a divine parent, embodying wisdom, justice, and mercy. He emphasizes that God’s character is beyond human comprehension yet intimately accessible to all. This understanding of God encourages a relationship built on love, trust, and gratitude. Ganid describes God as a provider of spiritual nourishment, comfort, and guidance, inspiring humanity to reflect divine qualities in their daily lives. Ganid’s commitment to living "Our Religion" is evident in his desire to love others, serve selflessly, and live according to divine principles.

    Ganid’s synthesis captures the essence of a universal God who is both majestic and deeply personal. He emphasizes God’s accessibility, stating that God lives within every sincere human soul and responds to those who seek him. Ganid’s reflections underscore God’s desire for all humans to experience the joy and peace of knowing their Creator, inspiring a vision of faith that transcends dogma, emphasizing love, compassion, and truth.

    Through his study of the world’s religions, Ganid’s faith matured into a vision of a God who is approachable, loving, and forgiving. This experience transformed him, instilling a profound sense of joy and purpose in his journey to know God. He resolved to live each day as a son of God, showing kindness to others and walking in humility.

    "Our Religion" reflects Ganid’s hope for humanity’s unity under one divine parent, calling each person to live in harmony with one another as true brothers and sisters.

Suggested Reading from this Essay

Related People

  • Ganid

    A young Indian boy and son of Gonod.

  • Jesus

    Son of God, Son of Man. Creator Son of the Universe.

  • Gonod

    A wealthy Indian man who traveled with Jesus.

Contributors

Mike Robinson, Gary Tonge

References and Sources

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