An Atheistic Bible Study Hebrews Chapter 2

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We are implored to heed and listen to angels closely for their words are bound to be portentous and significant. Not following their instructions could have dire consequences. The problem here is that the vast majority of us are not approached by angels at all. I would expect an angelic vision to be important. They are not likely to just want a chat about the latest boy-bands on the music scene. Having been absolved of any sins committed prior to conversion to Christianity, the Gentiles must be wary of committing any new transgressions as forgiveness will be much harder to attain in future. Forgiveness is not a get out of jail free card but a powerful introductory offer to draw in new converts to the growing movement of early Christianity. God is seen as setting humanity just below the angels in importance and reverence. Jesus was sent to us as a higher order of being than angels but pressed down into human form to experience suffering and death just as we do. Jesus is therefore not just another prophet like Abraham or Moses, but a God incarnate. Jesus behaves like the rich girl in Nell Dunn’s Up The Junction, slumming it among the working classes and even getting pregnant instead of going back to her comfortable privileged background. Jesus is seen as willing to be one of us rather than a separate entity talking to us from on high. God would hardly need to base himself in such a fashion, trapping himself in a human body for what leads to his murder and suicidal self-sacrifice. He just needed to create a World free of such suffering in the first place. Arthur Chappell