Trafford Publishing: Immaculate Deception Volumes 1 & 2: How & Why Jesus Performed Miracles

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Immaculate Deception Volumes 1 & 2: How & Why Jesus Performed Miracles

by Harry Edward Decker

720 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #02-1302; ISBN 1-55395-586-2; US$64.50, C$74.00, EUR53.00, £37.00

Jesus may have performed miracles by using magic, secret helpers, and limited medical knowledge. Based on twelve years of research.

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about the book & reviews about the author table of contents & excerpts catalogue info

About the Book & Reviews

The author proposes that Jesus used deception and preplanning to perform miracles - as opposed to having divine help. His disciples were seemingly unaware of the ruse, mainly because Jesus wanted them to have faith in him.
...A natural explanation is given for every miracle that Jesus performed.
...All of the messianic prophecies are analyzed and questioned..
...Hundreds of contradictions in the Bible are brought to light.
...History of Judaism & Christianity is critically examined.
...Latest archaeological discoveries are revealed.
...Book is 726 pages long and is published in two volumes of equal size.
...40 Chapters, Prologue, Epilogue, Six Appendices.
...Nearly 40 Charts and Graphs.
...Extensive Bibliography and Index.
...Hidden meanings of many Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic words given.
REVIEWS
"A well written, comprehensive, controversial treatment of Jesus as magician."
Dr. Charles Emerson: Professor of New Testament Studies,Arizona State University
ìFilled with insightful ideas meticulously referenced to support rather unconventional, yet compelling theories about the life of Christ and his divinity.
ìOf interest to all people in pursuit of intelligent analysis of scripture...those interested in closely examining Christ's life, his miracles, and death...those wanting to further their understanding of the origins and development of Christianity as a faith.
ìCan be used as a reference tool to look up specific events in Jesus' life, particularly the miracles, and how they may have happened, or as a comparative study of the major gospels.î
M. Shell, Editor: Just ëWriteí Editing Service

About the Author

Has studied the Bible for 40 years.
Spent twelve years and over five thousands hours researching and writing his book.
Was raised as but no longer is a Christian Fundamentalist.
Does not believe that Jesus was either the Son of God or the Messiah.
Believes in God or a Supreme Intelligence.
Believes in ìnatural religion.î
Computer Operations & Programmer Analyst for 30 years.
Intelligence Data Analyst while in the United States Air Force.
Loves to play chess and Scrabble®.
Loves being a grandfather.

Table of Contents & Excerpts

TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME I (pages 1-362)
Prologue
Chapter 1- Beliefs, Fact and Fiction
Chapter 2- The Impact of Jesus of Nazareth
Chapter 3- Jesus: Divine or Deluded?
Chapter 4- A Brief History of Israel
Chapter 5- Important Towns and Cities in the Time of Jesus
Chapter 6- Vital Facts About Jesus
Chapter 7- Mary and Joseph
Chapter 8- Jesus' Familial and Social Ties
Chapter 9- Jesus versus the ìBad Guysî
Chapter 10- Analyzing the Words of Jesus
Chapter 11- The Kingdom of God/The Kingdom of Heaven
Chapter 12- The Chronology of Jesusí Movements in the Gospels
Chapter 13- Theatres, Actors, and Magicians
Chapter 14- Secrets, Money, and Messianic Fever
Chapter 15- Analyzing the Miracles of Jesus
Chapter 16- The Early Miracles
Chapter 17- Ruling Over Evil Spirits
Chapter 18- Supernatural Miracles
Chapter 19- Healing Miracles
Chapter 20- Deliberate Healings
Chapter 21- Extrasensory and Escape Miracles

VOLUME II (pages 363-726)
Chapter 22- Raising the Dead
Chapter 23- Miracles and Events Near the End
Chapter 24- The Crucifixion
Chapter 25- The Burial (entombment)
Chapter 26- The Resurrection
Chapter 27- The Appearances and the Ascension
Chapter 28- Identity of Actors, Helpers, and Secret Disciples
Chapter 29- Defining Prophecy
Chapter 30- Prognosticative Miracles
Chapter 31- Analyzing The Messianic Prophecies
Chapter 32- Analysis of the Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies Made and Fulfilled by Jesus
Chapter 33- Analysis of the Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies per the Gospel Writers
Chapter 34- Analysis of the Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies per the Book of Acts
Chapter 35- Analysis of the Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies per the Epistles
Chapter 36- Did Jesus Attempt A Second Coming?
Chapter 37- Where Did All The Disciples Go?
Chapter 38- The Formation of the Early Christian Church
Chapter 39- Why the Christian Church Succeeded
Chapter 40- My Religious Experiences
Epilogue
Appendix A- Charts and Graphs
Appendix B- Apocryphal Writings
Appendix C- Other Books about the Miracles of Jesus
Appendix D- Documented Failed Predictions in Christianity
Appendix E- Ten Explanations for the Miracles found in the Gospels
Appendix F- List of Charts, Tables, and Graphs
Appendix G- Bulleted and Numbered Lists
Bibliography
Index

MIRACLE EXAMPLE:
HOW JESUS HELPED THE DISCIPLES CATCH A HAUL OF FISH
In Luke and John only, Jesus helped the disciples, those who were fishermen, to catch large hauls of fish. The accounts bear similarities, and they could be different versions of the same story. However, Lukeís account takes place near the beginning of Jesusí ministry, and Johnís account takes place after Jesusí resurrection.
In both accounts, Jesus directed the disciples where to let down their nets. When they did, they caught a large haul of fish. Also, we are told in both accounts that the disciples had been fishing all night without success.
We are led to believe that Jesus telepathically commanded a large school of fish to swim into the nets. If that was the case, why didnít Jesus command the fish to jump into the boats? In fact, why use a boat at all. Jesus could have commanded the fish to swim right up on shore. If the paranormal explanation isnít acceptable, we have to assume that either Jesus was a better fisherman than the disciples, or the writers of Luke and John told us a fish story.
Though these accounts seemed miraculous, they were not miracles. And they were not fish stories either. In order to properly understand what happened, one must understand the nature of fishing in Jesusí day as well as the nature of the fish in the Sea of Galilee.
Mendel Nun, who has lived for many years in a kibbutz near the Sea of Galilee, wrote a book, The Sea of Galilee and its Fishermen in the New Testament, which was published in 1989. Nun explains in detail how, for thousands of years, fishermen on the Sea of Galilee used the same fishing techniques up until 1955, when commercial fishing techniques were employed. A common ancient technique involved the use of a large net called a seine or sagene. It took a boat and up to sixteen men working in concert to properly lay the net and tow it to shore. After the boat sailed away from shore, the crew, some of them wading, lowered the net into the water. Most of the others in the boat jumped into the water and wrapped the towlines around their hips or shoulders. As the crew performed a ìdragnetî operation to capture fish, the boat would sail back to shore. The skipper of the boat had to watch that the net didnít snag on obstacles such as stones or logs protruding from the bottom, and at times had to dive into the water to lift the net or ropes over obstacles. This appears to be the type of operation the disciples used in Johnís account, when Jesus directed them to fish in the morning. Jesus referred to another dragnet fishing operation in Matthew.
Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fisherman pulled it up on shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away (Mt 13:47-48).
Though there seemed to have been four types of nets utilized for specific types of fishing, the most common Greek word to describe them was diktyo, a generic term that could mean any type of net. Trammel nets and cast-nets are soon discussed in this chapter.
In his book, Nun tells us there is an indigenous population of eighteen species of fish in the Sea of Galilee. However, according to tradition, only three main groups of fish were edible for the Jews: musht, barbels, and sardines. The musht ñ also known as St. Peterís fish ñ is the only large fish that moves in shoals, and was therefore a common catch for the disciples. The barbels are a carp-like and salmon-like fish, some of which are well fleshed and popular eating on the Sabbath and feasts. Sardines, though the smallest commercial fish, constitute more than half of the yearly catch. At the height of the fishing season, tons of sardines are caught every night. The largest fish that inhabits the lake are catfish. When Jesus said that the bad fish were thrown away, he was referring to catfish. The Jews are not permitted to eat fish without fins or scales.
But all the creatures in the seas or streams that do not have fins and scales you are to detest. And since you are to detest them, you must not eat their meat and you must detest their carcasses (Lev 11:10-11).
Both accounts tell us that the disciples toiled all night and didnít catch anything. How and why did the disciples fish at night? How could they jump into the water unless they had the light of a full moon? Most likely they didnít jump into the water at night because they probably employed a different type of net and fishing technique.
The trammel net was used to ensnare fish as opposed to scooping them. It was used at night when the fish could not see the threads, which they swam into and became entangled. The net was lowered and lifted, usually ten to fifteen times during the night. The net had lead weights on one end and corks or gourds on the other to make it float. After the net was lowered, it stood like a wall on the lake floor. At times the fishermen would splash their oars and stamp on the bottom of the boat to alarm the fish, expectantly causing them to rush into the net. Even so, any group of fishermen would not catch a haul of fish each and every time they lowered their net in the water. The fish were either elsewhere or swam away from the net. There was probably competition as well over favorite fishing spots.
At times the trammel net was used during the day; it was spread out horizontally instead of vertically. This technique was specifically used to catch musht, because they are a leaping fish that move in schools.
Lukeís account involved a two-boat operation whereas Johnís account a one-boat operation. In a two-boat operation, men most likely remained in the boats, which seemed to be the case in Lukeís account. Jesus also told them to let down their nets in deep water, so most likely they couldnít jump in the water. Thus they probably employed a trammel net. In Johnís account, we are told that Peter jumped into the water, and we are told that the boat was not far from shore. Here they probably employed a seine net in a one-boat operation.
Regardless if the boat or boats were close to shore or in deep water, how did Jesus determine where the fish were, and why couldnít Peter, Andrew, James, and John ñ who were fishing partners ñ make the same determination? In both Luke and John, it was morning when Jesus instructed the disciples to cast their net one more time. First of all, if the disciples had toiled all night, they would have been tired come morning. Their judgment and motivation would have been dim. Second, Jesus had an elevation advantage. He simply stood higher on land, especially if he had climbed a hill where he could see more of the lake than the disciples. Nun says in his book that a school of musht was usually detected with the help of an observer (spotter) on shore, who would call out and direct the fisherman where to let down their nets.
Concerning the nature of musht, we must understand something about the geography of the area, about which the gospels fail to tell us. There was an area called Tabgha, which had warm springs that flowed into the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum. (It still exists today.) The Capernaum fisherman stayed in this area during winter and early spring because the warm waters drew schools of warmth-loving musht. According to Nun, Jesus saw a school of musht moving toward the shore, as often happens during the morning hours of the winter, and thus was able to direct Peter where to cast his net. If this was a common fishing practice that can still be accomplished today, we must ask why the gospel writers didnít state this simple fact. Understand that the gospel writers werenít fishermen. By the time the story of the large haul of fish reached their ears (or eyes if they used a written account), they passed on what seemed to them to be a miracle. But it really wasnít a miracle. And generations of Bible readers have been misinformed ever since.
In Luke, Peter was amazed that Jesus was able to direct them to catch a large haul of fish. If Peter lived in and had been fishing in this area, it seems strange that he was surprised that Jesus was able to direct them from shore. (Itís possible that a secret helper, who stood atop a nearby hill, signaled to Jesus.) After all, it was standard procedure. In John, however, Peter did not express the same amazement. When he jumped into the water, his motivation was due more to hauling the net full of fish to shore than his being unclothed.
Charlotte Allen talks about this haul of fish and about the fishing occupation on page 28 of The Human Christ.
ìFishing was also an occupation with somewhat disreputable connotations: off-again-on-again work schedules, especially for the pickup crews of day laborers who manned the boats, and leisure hours while away in dubious company at the dockside taverns that abounded in the ancient world as they do now. In any case, there was probably good money to be made in Jesusí time from fishing. The catch of 153 ëlargeí fish (most likely carp or tilapia) made in less than 10 minutes, which Johnís Gospel describes as Jesusí last miracle, would have retailed for at least $5,000 at todayís prices.î
Concerning the peculiar number, 153, it so happens that ancient Greek zoologists believed there were exactly 153 species of fish in existence at that time. (Jesus Christ: The Jesus of History, The Christ of Faith, p 43, J. R. Porter.) Does this seem like too much of a coincidence? Porter proposed that the author of John used the number as a metaphor to represent all humankind and the universality of the gospel. If so, the author of John failed to tell us this fact. Did he believe that his reading audience was so educated that they would understand the metaphor? Or, perhaps, did he believe that God originally created 153 species of fish and thereby caused that number to be caught? Fundamentalists (literalists) may have bought that argument then, but today we know that there are more than 153 species of fish.
TEN EXPLANATIONS FOR THE MIRACLES FOUND IN THE GOSPELS
Although there are several general theories that attempt to explain the miracles of Jesus, such as they all were fabricated or Jesus used mass hypnosis, there are many explanations as opposed to one. Itís easy to propose a blanket theory; itís more difficult to examine each miracle and attempt to properly identify how it was done. From most to least utilized, hereís a list of ten possible explanations, all of which are discussed throughout Immaculate Deception.
Collaborators. Jesus used secret helpers, secret disciples, and actors behind the scenes to prearrange an event that would seem miraculous to witnesses. (Actors were either common people used once to put on an act, or professional actors who were employed several times.) Some of Jesusí secret helpers and disciples also acted as informers.
Magic, Props, and Observation. Jesus used magic and props at times, as well as specialized knowledge of nature, the weather, and the theatre. (Helpers deployed the props.)
Biblical Knowledge. Jesus used specialized knowledge of the Old Testament to duplicate some of the miracles of Moses, Elijah, and Elisha. He also used his knowledge to counter his critics, and as a basis for and to reinforce his prophetic claims.
Psychosomatics. Jesus relied on crowd psychology and superstitious beliefs to achieve some of his healing miracles. (Though a term for psychosomatic may not have existed in those times, some faith healers and even doctors realized that there was a connection between the mind and the body.) Itís doubtful, however, if Jesus ever used hypnosis.
Medical Knowledge. Jesus actually healed a few people using limited medical knowledge. Jesus as well as others may have used plants, herbs, roots, and drugs- openly and surreptitiously. The OT contains many references to plants and plant byproducts that were used to heal various maladies: aloe, balsam, coriander, frankincense, galbanum, gall, mandrake, myrrh. Jesus once referred to rue, a woody plant, which was used for healing. An anointing oil and wine was also used to heal the sick at times.
Predetermination. Jesus predetermined (decided or arranged in advance) how people would talk and react and used that to his advantage, particularly concerning miracles that made it seem as if he could read minds and achieve events using mental telepathy.
Exaggeration. Some miracles were exaggerations of real events.
Alteration. Translators, copyists, and early church leaders altered the original stories written by the gospel writers to enhance the miracles and make it seem as if Jesusí prophetic predictions had indeed come true. They probably deleted and reordered certain passages. And they also made changes to suit their theological ideas. Honest mistakes were also made.
Fabrication. Some miracles were possibly fabricated by either the followers of Jesus and/or the gospel writers. Some of these fabrications may have been based on Greek, Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian, and Roman myths.
Serendipity. Some miracles were real events that happened accidentally, as opposed to being preplanned, and were deemed miraculous.

SEVENTEEN VITAL FACTS READERS WILL LEARN FROM THIS BOOK
The objective of Immaculate Deception is to present the historical Jesus, a human Jesus, and a flawed Jesus. Though Jesus is believed to have been a wise and compassionate teacher, he at times was also vindictive, paranoid, and elusive.
The author also points out that Jesus was an intelligent and compassionate man, and that many of his teachings have value and are relevant today.
A logical and natural explanation is provided for every miracle that Jesus performed. Even the more spectacular miracles could have been performed using knowledge and techniques available in Jesus' day. Some of this knowledge was secret.
To achieve some of his miracles, Jesus probably employed secret helpers behind the scenes. He also employed common people to put on an act, and he utilized a few professional actors. The function and identity of these people are revealed.
The fact that Jesus used magic, deception, and secret helpers will upset many believers. However, Jesus may have been justified in using deception, and many reasons are given.
Jesus most likely possessed a limited knowledge of medicine in his day, and he healed some people using natural means. Also, Jesus understood the value of psychosomatics, which is why he told several people, "Your faith has healed you."
There is historical evidence Jesus was sired by a Roman soldier named Joseph, not Joseph the carpenter. It is shown that Mary may have been seduced by this Roman solider.
Though Jesus isn't physically described in the gospels, there are some historical references outside of the New Testament regarding what he looked like.
Jesus was most likely rich and not poor, which enabled him, between the ages of thirteen and thirty, to travel and receive a specialized education. It also enabled him to conduct a unique ministry and pay for large amounts of fish, bread, and wine.
Though the gospels portray Galilee as basically a rural setting full of farmers and peasants, the Jews there, to include Jesus, were surrounded by and exposed to many cosmopolitan cultures, mostly Greek. The effect of "Hellenization" on Jesus and the Jews is shown.
The history of magic and the theatre centuries before Jesus was born and while Jesus was alive is discussed, as well as its influence on the Jews and Jesus. It is pointed out that Egyptian magic influenced both Moses and Jesus, and it is also shown that Jesus emulated the miracles of Moses, Elijah, and Elisha. Parallels to mythology are also presented.
Every prophecy that Jesus uttered and every prophecy that others claimed that Jesus fulfilled are examined in detail. The reader will see that many of these prophecies are weak and flawed. Jesus also self-fulfilled prophecies, meaning that he deliberately spoke a certain way and took certain actions to make it appear that he was the messiah.
Many prophecies given in the New Testament regarding the return of Christ and the end of time have not come true. Many specific examples of failed predictions over the past two thousand years are given.
The identity and the function of Judas Iscariot is discussed in detail, and it is shown that Judas may have acted as a "double agent" who carried messages between Jesus and the religious powers in Jerusalem. Judas probably became disillusioned with Jesus, and it's possible that Jesus may have actually betrayed Judas.
To understand how Christianity came to be a major religion, four thousand years of Judeo-Christian history is presented in a nutshell. The most important events that occurred before Jesus was born, while Jesus was alive, and after Jesus was gone are shown. It's important to know this so that one can understand the Jewish mindset in Jesus' day as well as the Christian (particularly fundamentalist) mindset today.
The reader will learn that soon after Jesus was crucified, the early Christians did not actually promote the "kingdom of God" and Jesus' parables. Christianity - originally a Jewish cult - was based more on the belief that Jesus supposedly rose from the dead and would return someday to fulfill Jewish eschatology. His humanitarian teachings were largely ignored. The so-called apostle Paul was most responsible for this development. The reader will also learn that Christianity was promulgated mostly by "strangers," i.e., converts to the religion who never saw or heard Jesus.
Immaculate Deception will answer many nagging doubts about the validity of the miracles in the Bible, and it will better establish why Jesus was totally human and not divine. Hundreds of flaws and contradictions in the gospels are presented, and the author logically demonstrates why God did not inspire the gospels.

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