I Prologue
This work is a summation of my theological investigations carried out over a period of thirty years. I am now satisfied that my research is complete. Dealing with all these profound questions and ideas is not something one can take lightly. I am now very happy, and at peace with myself, and I believe I know God's plan for my eternal life.
It is my wish that this treatise may provide some answers for anyone else concerned with their eternal destiny. The last thing I desire to do is to preach. I simply present the evidence and pray it will assist others in their quest for salvation..
Let me begin with a disclaimer -- I am not a theologian or clergyman, I am a retired scientist who has read and thought a great deal about God over the past thirty years. I have never taken a prescribed course in theology, but I have made a serious study of the theological literature that far exceeds an accredited course in the field. I believe it has made it possible for me to approach the subject with an objective mind and accurately interpret only what the Bible actually teaches." My prime source is the Holy Bible(KJV) which I believe is the inspired Word of God.
A Little Background
I was born into a family of Lutheran Christians. As a child they taught me what they knew and believed about God. They did this through their Christian witness. They placed me in the Lutheran Sunday School where I learned the Lutheran concept of Christianity, and took me to church with them every Sunday where I listened to the Lutheran minister preach from the King James Bible. As a teenager I attended the Lutheran confirmation class where I was taught enough to be “confirmed.”
By the time I was discharged from the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII and entered college, my “faith” was quite firmly established(such as it was), but it was during this period I was exposed to the divergent views of many different people, who by providence were born and raised under widely different circumstances than my own.
As I considered new opinions on the meaning of life, death, and eternity, I tried to relate these new views to the ones I held. At the time I was not inclined to consider these profound questions and ideas with any degree of effort. To complicate matters, I fell in love with and married a Roman Catholic girl (Bette).
Upon my retirement from 3M Company, and a short time after we moved to Amery,WI. in 1986 I began my theological research in earnest, and I started attending Mass with Bette every Sunday. Then in 1992 while attending a private lay Catholic study group with Bette I became interested in one of the books they were reviewing. As it turned out, this was the catalyst I needed to get me off dead-center, and I began a serious study of theology. From that time on it has been a non-stop quest for knowledge concerning God. Every day I read and studied an average of at least four hours a day, sometimes longer. My objective was to learn who the major figures in these areas of study were, and what they had to say. I wanted to know what the world’s most learned and credible scholars knew about these subjects so that I could decide for myself (with the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit) what the truth was for me in the search for eternal salvation.
I needed help in a big way--AND I GOT IT!!. Somehow everything fell into place. It seemed that everything I did turned out right. Everyone I asked was able to help me. Every book I picked up had what I was looking for(no matter where I found them).
When I first started reading these books on theology and philosophy my task seemed impossible. These scholars were so far above me intellectually that I didn’t think I could figure out what they were saying. Not only did they say things in an almost cryptic manner, they all had a penchant for coining their own new words.
Obviously, these theologians were writing for other theologians. Well, I stuck at it until I learned the new vocabulary, and it wasn’t long until I found I could comprehend everything that was being said.
On reflection, it occurred to me that I didn’t do this on my own. My intellect proved up to the task, and I found organizational skills I didn’t know I had. Most certainly I had the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I have always believed that God’s revelation would not be couched in deep, mysterious riddles, or in language that was beyond man’s comprehension. Only believe what the Scripture says, “Seek and Ye shall find, ask and Ye shall receive, knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7).
I am grateful that I was able to live long enough, and with enough financial security, to at last put thoughts about God ahead of worldly problems. I am also grateful that I now recognize my prayers have been answered.
I knew through her Christian witness that Bette was sincere in her faith, and at the time it did not bother me that our children would be raised as Catholics. With no firm basis to make such a decision, I reasoned that if they turned out as good as their mother, they had nothing to worry about. Later on I discovered it does make a difference what we believe.
In spite of the good Christian “witness” that Bette provided, I could not bring myself to embrace the Catholic faith. This was because of the “package theory” of the Catholic Church where if you do not subscribe to all they teach you cannot be accepted. My hang-ups were too deeply entrenched to accept “the entire package.” While writing my autobiography in 1988, I stated “I have no intentions of ever becoming a Roman Catholic.” Bette and the children went to Mass every Sunday, but I did not go with them at the time. As a result, I did not embrace any church at that time but I still clung to my Christian faith. Over the course of our married life I always deferred to Bette and our children as practicing Catholics. Our differing views on religion was a never a cause of marital problems; nevertheless, I was always searching for some way that we might reconcile any differences so that our love for each other would be free of any cause for estrangement. For the next span of time I prayed daily for guidance and help, sincerely believing that someday my prayers would be answered, and I would be led to the truth I was seeking. I was not completely bereft of spiritual endeavor, and always cognizant of my spiritual limitations, I decided to act.
At that time I began an exhaustive study of theology and philosophy carried out over a period of four years. My objective was to determine exactly what it was I really did believe. Through my years of study of theology, and observing recent changes taking place in the Catholic Church, I felt I had I had cleared the roadblocks that kept me from joining Bette in the Catholic Church, and I had learned enough to consider joining the Roman Church without compromising my strongest beliefs. In the fall of 1994 I decided to participate in the “Rite of Christian Instruction for Adults” sponsored by St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery,WI. I was confirmed into the local church on Easter Vigil, 1995.
Why did I join the Catholic Church? My answer will not give comfort to most “cradle Catholics. Let me say up front, I did not “convert” or “turn Catholic” in the normal sense. I knew I would never qualify as a bona fide “Catholic.” In fact, much of what I believe remains anathema to Roman Catholic teaching. I simply joined the church mainly to demonstrate “action” and “decision” to become a member of and witness to “A believing church of Christ.” Finally, but importantly, I joined in deference to Bette. She waited patiently all those years praying I would do this.
For a complete essay explaining my relationship to and an assessment of the Roman Catholic Church, I refer you to Appendix II of this Treatise.
Earlier attempts to write this Treatise were discarded because they were too wordy and complex. Everything in my bibliography was included. I think I have now finally arrived at a format and content that contains only the “essence” of what it is I have been trying to say.
Christian theology is filled with ineffable beliefs and concepts. This treatise is a systematic, extensive discourse on the subject of God; an attempt to answer the deepest questions about the origin, destiny and purpose of God, humanity, and the Universe. Everything we know about God and His Creation is derived from Holy Scripture--this is our only written Divine source. Thousands upon thousands of books have been written about God and His Creation. The world’s philosophers and theologians continue to expound, but after all is said and done, it all comes back to a single source-- Holy Scripture with God as its author. The Bible claims to be the Word of God and by staking this claim the Bible simply but plainly declares its Divine authority, complete infallibility and absolute sufficiency.
On starting this work I was a strong advocate of historical criticism and a non-literal translation of Scripture, but as I studied I found if we hold that all of Scripture is “The Word of God,” then we must also hold to a more literal interpretation. The two cannot be separated. When this is done, everything becomes clear, and the will of God and His plan for salvation is completely intelligible.
Learning to understand the place of Israel(God’s Chosen People) in God’s plan was also a big factor in my comprehending the nuances of Scripture. I had always wondered about this from the days I attended Lutheran confirmation. It just didn’t make sense to me. Why were the Jews so important to God? God promised the people of Israel a Land, a King, and a Kingdom. This nation was to eventually become a nation of priests to bring salvation to all of mankind. Actually, it was Les Feldick who led me to a full understanding of the role of Israel in the plan of God. He called his teaching on this as “rightly dividing the Word.” I now know it is the failure of our churches ignoring that concept that has caused so much confusion and misunderstanding throughout much of Christendom.
When I started this work I had no idea what the plan of God was, or what the will of God was. I am now satisfied on both counts.
When I started this work I wasn’t sure of my personal salvation. I still held to the tenets of both Lutheranism and Catholicism that one cannot be certain of his or her salvation because we can never be perfect in the eyes of God. I now believe with certitude that I am saved because I know what the Gospel is, believe it, and accept the Grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He now sees me as perfect. See appendix I for my essay on the certitude of salvation.
When I started this work I didn’t know if I would find satisfactory answers to all of my questions. I now know that it isn’t necessary to know the answers to ALL the questions I can pose. I believe I have discovered(or it has been revealed to me) the answers to those basic questions that I need to know for my eternal salvation -- and I guess that is what I wanted all along.
Dear reader, I assembled this treatise primarily as a summation of my theological research, but now that it is completed, it is my contention that for anyone who would like a roadmap to Holy Scripture, one designed for the everyday Christian seeking eternal salvation, you may find your answers here,
___________________
On Extra-Biblical Sources
The wise of this world claim for themselves the concept of original thought. In modern times their written works are legally protected by a device called “copyright.” Because they have an exceptional command of the language, many agree no one else has ever said or thought about anything the way they did. Maybe so, as far as the written text goes. but what is the origin of those thoughts expressed so expertly?
Is there really anything new under the sun? Does anyone really have an original thought?
“There Is Nothing New Under The Sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:4-11
Here Solomon is dramatically describing life here on earth, and the folly of that existence when God is left out. My aim in this Treatise is to focus only on God.
No matter how exciting life may seem to be “under the sun,” ultimately, it has no value without God. This is Solomon’s poetic expression saying for all of man’s efforts against the reality of God, he gains nothing; earthly activities are repetitive and unfulfilling.
Far from being depressed to think that there is nothing new under the sun, I find it comforting to know that these questions and concepts have been around for as long as human kind has been aware of Self. Have you ever had a thought and believed it to be an 'original'? This is not necessarily true. While it may be a light bulb moment for you it is nothing new. It is merely your understanding of the concept that is new to you. The words may change but the basic idea is the original theme. Do not confuse methods with essence. The essence of our existence here on earth doesn’t really change. It is what it is. Whatever seems to be new has been already in the ages before us.
For the average man, everything is pretty much the same generation after generation. But, there is a God in heaven who rules over the sun. When you understand and believe who God is, what Christ did, and you connect yourself to the genuineness of being a child of God, your salvation is assured.
My objective in this Treatise was an effort to clarify my own thinking as it relates to our salvation, and if I can accomplish that maybe it will strengthen the faith of anyone who reads this. It does not matter to me if what is written here is not original. This Treatise expresses my personal thoughts surrounded with a firm faith in God and my own signature.
I’ve thought a great deal about my usurpation of the writing of others as I composed my Treatise. Can I do this without being judged guilty? Like hundreds of other authors, many of the thoughts and phrases used in this Treatise were taken directly from other sources without any attempt to cite credit. Most of the sources used here can be found in my bibliography. If, within the text, you can discern the identity of the sources used so be it. This might be construed as plagiarism; not so, because I never set out to deceive or receive credit. Just the opposite! Because of my own shortcomings as a writer, I admit that I have specifically and directly drawn on the thoughts and expertise of other writers to better convey my own thoughts and beliefs. Some might call this a form of redactive methodology, not plagiarism. As may be seen from the preface or introduction to almost any standard or reputable work, honorable authors take pleasure in acknowledging the assistance they have received from the productions or labors of others. The first thing people wish to know about a work like this is who wrote it. Is it original? It does little good to tell them I would like this work to be judged by its content, not by claims of authorship. I am not trying to “toot” my own horn. I present this information freely, and lay no claim to its "originality." Some may say "Hey, we've seen this written by someone else!
"Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first quoter of it. It betrays the consciousness that truth is the property of no individual, but is the treasure of all men”. –Emerson
Ecclesiastes said thousands of years ago: "There is nothing new under the sun..." The point is....content and ideas are all that really make a difference. The message is more important than the messenger. Authorship is not what is at stake--it’s all about knowing the will of God. One might then conclude , overall, this Treatise is indeed the work of George Foss. As the Bible says, "Test the spirits, to see if they are true." (1 John 4:1-6).
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Public Domain Dedication
For a written work such as this—the copyright is automatic. As of January 1, 1978, under U.S. copyright law, a work is automatically protected by copyright when it is created. Specifically, This work titled “A Treatise on God” was “fixed” as a copy on 26 June, 2016 . However, I do not wish to exercise my exclusive copyright rights. I would like to dedicate my Treatise to the public domain because I want people to use it with no strings attached. Since copyright is automatic, if I want the work to be in the public domain I must do something to put it there. I have to make a clear intention to do so.. Putting this work into the public domain means giving up all control over how the work is used. It's a giving up of all rights to the work, forever. For obvious reasons a written statement is needed. Nothing in the US copyright statute specifies how to abandon one's copyright. The legal effect of recording a statement of abandonment is not clear. The following public domain dedication from Creative Commons is probably the best method available to accomplish my wishes. It should be noted that the document is not a license—it's a "copyright-only dedication." The Creative Commons public domain dedication has not yet been tested in court.
This statement is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)
“No Copyright : I, George Foss, the author of this work, with this deed has dedicated this work titled “A Treatise on God” to the public domain by waiving all of my rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law. You can copy, modify, and distribute the work, all without asking my permission. ”However, I admit that within the text there are portions of copyrighted material that have not been cleared with their respective authors. You must deal with that on a personal basis if you wish to make use of those citations for your own use.”
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It is admitted there is some copyrighted material in this Treatise, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I make use of such material for educational purposes only, and an effort to advance an understanding of Christian issues. There is no profit motive here whatsoever. The original copyright owners have already been paid in full. Everything in this Treatise is offered freely as public domain—with no strings attached. I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any further use of copyrighted material found in this Treatise must be negotiated directly with the rightful copyright owner.
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Acknowledgement
Anyone who owns a television must be aware of the numerous religious programs that are available. If, like me, having viewed most of those programs, you probably came away disappointed. I have concluded that very few of these programs are worth watching. However, sometime around 1990, I happened onto a daily program titled “Through The Bible With Les Feldick.” And after watching his program for several weeks I soon realized this man was for real, and that he was worth my time.
His mission seems to be to impart the Word of God in its completeness. He does not attempt to proselytize, to make you a church member, though he has no problem with the church. Like so many programs on TV who plead for money, Les does not hound you for money, but clearly makes casual reference that his program is supported by those who watch and believe in his teaching. All of his programs are available in printed booklets that are sold at cost. He doesn’t even ask you to send money first. He will gladly bill you for your order. The man and his methods are unique to TV.
He feels that he has it pretty much right and so he teaches as he understands the King James Bible and lets the chips fall where they will. He holds up his Bible and his understanding of what it says, and boldly proclaims that to his classes. He simply believes that God is the ultimate author of the Scriptures and if you have a problem with what he says you should take it up with God. He backs up everything he teaches with Scripture. In fact, many times he deliberately slows down as he encourages you to find the very verses in your Bible so you can see it for yourself.
Never be surprised if when you call to have either his wife Iris or Les answer the phone. When you write to him with a question, or whatever, he will personally reply to your query in his own handwriting. I have written him twice with questions. He talks often about people showing up at his doorstep at the farm, then leading them to the Lord while seated at his kitchen table. It is obvious this man loves God and believes the Bible and enjoys teaching. He is not a preacher, nor has any formal training as a teacher. His wife Iris is often seen in his Bible classes holding a Bible as the camera zooms in to show the verse under discussion. She is a wonderful Christian helpmeet for Les, and a lovely lady.
To make a long story short, both Bette and I became permanent viewers of his TV program, and more than once Bette has reminded me “Don’t forget, Les will be on in a few minutes.” We have often remarked how impressed we are with his grasp of the entire Bible, and both agree that he is one of the best teachers either of us has ever encountered.
In 1999 Bette and I met Les and Iris at a little country church located between Osceola and Amery Wisconsin. Les was a featured speaker. Then in 2011 I had the honor of sharing breakfast with Les prior to one of his seminars at the Lutheran Retreat Center located near a little hamlet called East Farmington, Wisconsin. I heard Les a second time at that same place the following year.
Les has been invited to present Bible seminars all over the country, and has traveled to the Holy land several times acting as a travel host. Over the years I have purchased his complete set of 82 books which are word-for-word transcriptions of his TV programs. An 82-book set represents a complete “Through The Bible” series covering Genesis to Revelation. Each 200-page book sells for $6, shipping included. He has a website lesfeldick.org. where all of his books and programs can be viewed.
As you read through my Treatise you will find I have drawn heavily from those books to help make my case on a given topic.If anyone wishes to comment or correspond, my email address: georgedfoss@gmail.com
End of Prologue
This work is a summation of my theological investigations carried out over a period of thirty years. I am now satisfied that my research is complete. Dealing with all these profound questions and ideas is not something one can take lightly. I am now very happy, and at peace with myself, and I believe I know God's plan for my eternal life.
It is my wish that this treatise may provide some answers for anyone else concerned with their eternal destiny. The last thing I desire to do is to preach. I simply present the evidence and pray it will assist others in their quest for salvation..
Let me begin with a disclaimer -- I am not a theologian or clergyman, I am a retired scientist who has read and thought a great deal about God over the past thirty years. I have never taken a prescribed course in theology, but I have made a serious study of the theological literature that far exceeds an accredited course in the field. I believe it has made it possible for me to approach the subject with an objective mind and accurately interpret only what the Bible actually teaches." My prime source is the Holy Bible(KJV) which I believe is the inspired Word of God.
A Little Background
I was born into a family of Lutheran Christians. As a child they taught me what they knew and believed about God. They did this through their Christian witness. They placed me in the Lutheran Sunday School where I learned the Lutheran concept of Christianity, and took me to church with them every Sunday where I listened to the Lutheran minister preach from the King James Bible. As a teenager I attended the Lutheran confirmation class where I was taught enough to be “confirmed.”
By the time I was discharged from the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII and entered college, my “faith” was quite firmly established(such as it was), but it was during this period I was exposed to the divergent views of many different people, who by providence were born and raised under widely different circumstances than my own.
As I considered new opinions on the meaning of life, death, and eternity, I tried to relate these new views to the ones I held. At the time I was not inclined to consider these profound questions and ideas with any degree of effort. To complicate matters, I fell in love with and married a Roman Catholic girl (Bette).
Upon my retirement from 3M Company, and a short time after we moved to Amery,WI. in 1986 I began my theological research in earnest, and I started attending Mass with Bette every Sunday. Then in 1992 while attending a private lay Catholic study group with Bette I became interested in one of the books they were reviewing. As it turned out, this was the catalyst I needed to get me off dead-center, and I began a serious study of theology. From that time on it has been a non-stop quest for knowledge concerning God. Every day I read and studied an average of at least four hours a day, sometimes longer. My objective was to learn who the major figures in these areas of study were, and what they had to say. I wanted to know what the world’s most learned and credible scholars knew about these subjects so that I could decide for myself (with the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit) what the truth was for me in the search for eternal salvation.
I needed help in a big way--AND I GOT IT!!. Somehow everything fell into place. It seemed that everything I did turned out right. Everyone I asked was able to help me. Every book I picked up had what I was looking for(no matter where I found them).
When I first started reading these books on theology and philosophy my task seemed impossible. These scholars were so far above me intellectually that I didn’t think I could figure out what they were saying. Not only did they say things in an almost cryptic manner, they all had a penchant for coining their own new words.
Obviously, these theologians were writing for other theologians. Well, I stuck at it until I learned the new vocabulary, and it wasn’t long until I found I could comprehend everything that was being said.
On reflection, it occurred to me that I didn’t do this on my own. My intellect proved up to the task, and I found organizational skills I didn’t know I had. Most certainly I had the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I have always believed that God’s revelation would not be couched in deep, mysterious riddles, or in language that was beyond man’s comprehension. Only believe what the Scripture says, “Seek and Ye shall find, ask and Ye shall receive, knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7).
I am grateful that I was able to live long enough, and with enough financial security, to at last put thoughts about God ahead of worldly problems. I am also grateful that I now recognize my prayers have been answered.
I knew through her Christian witness that Bette was sincere in her faith, and at the time it did not bother me that our children would be raised as Catholics. With no firm basis to make such a decision, I reasoned that if they turned out as good as their mother, they had nothing to worry about. Later on I discovered it does make a difference what we believe.
In spite of the good Christian “witness” that Bette provided, I could not bring myself to embrace the Catholic faith. This was because of the “package theory” of the Catholic Church where if you do not subscribe to all they teach you cannot be accepted. My hang-ups were too deeply entrenched to accept “the entire package.” While writing my autobiography in 1988, I stated “I have no intentions of ever becoming a Roman Catholic.” Bette and the children went to Mass every Sunday, but I did not go with them at the time. As a result, I did not embrace any church at that time but I still clung to my Christian faith. Over the course of our married life I always deferred to Bette and our children as practicing Catholics. Our differing views on religion was a never a cause of marital problems; nevertheless, I was always searching for some way that we might reconcile any differences so that our love for each other would be free of any cause for estrangement. For the next span of time I prayed daily for guidance and help, sincerely believing that someday my prayers would be answered, and I would be led to the truth I was seeking. I was not completely bereft of spiritual endeavor, and always cognizant of my spiritual limitations, I decided to act.
At that time I began an exhaustive study of theology and philosophy carried out over a period of four years. My objective was to determine exactly what it was I really did believe. Through my years of study of theology, and observing recent changes taking place in the Catholic Church, I felt I had I had cleared the roadblocks that kept me from joining Bette in the Catholic Church, and I had learned enough to consider joining the Roman Church without compromising my strongest beliefs. In the fall of 1994 I decided to participate in the “Rite of Christian Instruction for Adults” sponsored by St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery,WI. I was confirmed into the local church on Easter Vigil, 1995.
Why did I join the Catholic Church? My answer will not give comfort to most “cradle Catholics. Let me say up front, I did not “convert” or “turn Catholic” in the normal sense. I knew I would never qualify as a bona fide “Catholic.” In fact, much of what I believe remains anathema to Roman Catholic teaching. I simply joined the church mainly to demonstrate “action” and “decision” to become a member of and witness to “A believing church of Christ.” Finally, but importantly, I joined in deference to Bette. She waited patiently all those years praying I would do this.
For a complete essay explaining my relationship to and an assessment of the Roman Catholic Church, I refer you to Appendix II of this Treatise.
Earlier attempts to write this Treatise were discarded because they were too wordy and complex. Everything in my bibliography was included. I think I have now finally arrived at a format and content that contains only the “essence” of what it is I have been trying to say.
Christian theology is filled with ineffable beliefs and concepts. This treatise is a systematic, extensive discourse on the subject of God; an attempt to answer the deepest questions about the origin, destiny and purpose of God, humanity, and the Universe. Everything we know about God and His Creation is derived from Holy Scripture--this is our only written Divine source. Thousands upon thousands of books have been written about God and His Creation. The world’s philosophers and theologians continue to expound, but after all is said and done, it all comes back to a single source-- Holy Scripture with God as its author. The Bible claims to be the Word of God and by staking this claim the Bible simply but plainly declares its Divine authority, complete infallibility and absolute sufficiency.
On starting this work I was a strong advocate of historical criticism and a non-literal translation of Scripture, but as I studied I found if we hold that all of Scripture is “The Word of God,” then we must also hold to a more literal interpretation. The two cannot be separated. When this is done, everything becomes clear, and the will of God and His plan for salvation is completely intelligible.
Learning to understand the place of Israel(God’s Chosen People) in God’s plan was also a big factor in my comprehending the nuances of Scripture. I had always wondered about this from the days I attended Lutheran confirmation. It just didn’t make sense to me. Why were the Jews so important to God? God promised the people of Israel a Land, a King, and a Kingdom. This nation was to eventually become a nation of priests to bring salvation to all of mankind. Actually, it was Les Feldick who led me to a full understanding of the role of Israel in the plan of God. He called his teaching on this as “rightly dividing the Word.” I now know it is the failure of our churches ignoring that concept that has caused so much confusion and misunderstanding throughout much of Christendom.
When I started this work I had no idea what the plan of God was, or what the will of God was. I am now satisfied on both counts.
When I started this work I wasn’t sure of my personal salvation. I still held to the tenets of both Lutheranism and Catholicism that one cannot be certain of his or her salvation because we can never be perfect in the eyes of God. I now believe with certitude that I am saved because I know what the Gospel is, believe it, and accept the Grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He now sees me as perfect. See appendix I for my essay on the certitude of salvation.
When I started this work I didn’t know if I would find satisfactory answers to all of my questions. I now know that it isn’t necessary to know the answers to ALL the questions I can pose. I believe I have discovered(or it has been revealed to me) the answers to those basic questions that I need to know for my eternal salvation -- and I guess that is what I wanted all along.
Dear reader, I assembled this treatise primarily as a summation of my theological research, but now that it is completed, it is my contention that for anyone who would like a roadmap to Holy Scripture, one designed for the everyday Christian seeking eternal salvation, you may find your answers here,
___________________
On Extra-Biblical Sources
The wise of this world claim for themselves the concept of original thought. In modern times their written works are legally protected by a device called “copyright.” Because they have an exceptional command of the language, many agree no one else has ever said or thought about anything the way they did. Maybe so, as far as the written text goes. but what is the origin of those thoughts expressed so expertly?
Is there really anything new under the sun? Does anyone really have an original thought?
“There Is Nothing New Under The Sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:4-11
Here Solomon is dramatically describing life here on earth, and the folly of that existence when God is left out. My aim in this Treatise is to focus only on God.
No matter how exciting life may seem to be “under the sun,” ultimately, it has no value without God. This is Solomon’s poetic expression saying for all of man’s efforts against the reality of God, he gains nothing; earthly activities are repetitive and unfulfilling.
Far from being depressed to think that there is nothing new under the sun, I find it comforting to know that these questions and concepts have been around for as long as human kind has been aware of Self. Have you ever had a thought and believed it to be an 'original'? This is not necessarily true. While it may be a light bulb moment for you it is nothing new. It is merely your understanding of the concept that is new to you. The words may change but the basic idea is the original theme. Do not confuse methods with essence. The essence of our existence here on earth doesn’t really change. It is what it is. Whatever seems to be new has been already in the ages before us.
For the average man, everything is pretty much the same generation after generation. But, there is a God in heaven who rules over the sun. When you understand and believe who God is, what Christ did, and you connect yourself to the genuineness of being a child of God, your salvation is assured.
My objective in this Treatise was an effort to clarify my own thinking as it relates to our salvation, and if I can accomplish that maybe it will strengthen the faith of anyone who reads this. It does not matter to me if what is written here is not original. This Treatise expresses my personal thoughts surrounded with a firm faith in God and my own signature.
I’ve thought a great deal about my usurpation of the writing of others as I composed my Treatise. Can I do this without being judged guilty? Like hundreds of other authors, many of the thoughts and phrases used in this Treatise were taken directly from other sources without any attempt to cite credit. Most of the sources used here can be found in my bibliography. If, within the text, you can discern the identity of the sources used so be it. This might be construed as plagiarism; not so, because I never set out to deceive or receive credit. Just the opposite! Because of my own shortcomings as a writer, I admit that I have specifically and directly drawn on the thoughts and expertise of other writers to better convey my own thoughts and beliefs. Some might call this a form of redactive methodology, not plagiarism. As may be seen from the preface or introduction to almost any standard or reputable work, honorable authors take pleasure in acknowledging the assistance they have received from the productions or labors of others. The first thing people wish to know about a work like this is who wrote it. Is it original? It does little good to tell them I would like this work to be judged by its content, not by claims of authorship. I am not trying to “toot” my own horn. I present this information freely, and lay no claim to its "originality." Some may say "Hey, we've seen this written by someone else!
"Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first quoter of it. It betrays the consciousness that truth is the property of no individual, but is the treasure of all men”. –Emerson
Ecclesiastes said thousands of years ago: "There is nothing new under the sun..." The point is....content and ideas are all that really make a difference. The message is more important than the messenger. Authorship is not what is at stake--it’s all about knowing the will of God. One might then conclude , overall, this Treatise is indeed the work of George Foss. As the Bible says, "Test the spirits, to see if they are true." (1 John 4:1-6).
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Public Domain Dedication
For a written work such as this—the copyright is automatic. As of January 1, 1978, under U.S. copyright law, a work is automatically protected by copyright when it is created. Specifically, This work titled “A Treatise on God” was “fixed” as a copy on 26 June, 2016 . However, I do not wish to exercise my exclusive copyright rights. I would like to dedicate my Treatise to the public domain because I want people to use it with no strings attached. Since copyright is automatic, if I want the work to be in the public domain I must do something to put it there. I have to make a clear intention to do so.. Putting this work into the public domain means giving up all control over how the work is used. It's a giving up of all rights to the work, forever. For obvious reasons a written statement is needed. Nothing in the US copyright statute specifies how to abandon one's copyright. The legal effect of recording a statement of abandonment is not clear. The following public domain dedication from Creative Commons is probably the best method available to accomplish my wishes. It should be noted that the document is not a license—it's a "copyright-only dedication." The Creative Commons public domain dedication has not yet been tested in court.
This statement is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)
“No Copyright : I, George Foss, the author of this work, with this deed has dedicated this work titled “A Treatise on God” to the public domain by waiving all of my rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law. You can copy, modify, and distribute the work, all without asking my permission. ”However, I admit that within the text there are portions of copyrighted material that have not been cleared with their respective authors. You must deal with that on a personal basis if you wish to make use of those citations for your own use.”
Disclaimer
This Commons Deed is not a legal instrument. It is simply a reference for understanding the CC0 Legal Code, a human-readable expression of some of its key terms. Think of it as the user-friendly interface to the CC0 Legal Code beneath. This Deed itself has no legal value, and its contents do not appear in CC0.
Creative Commons is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Distributing, displaying, or linking to this Commons Deed does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Creative Commons has not verified the copyright status of any work to which CC0 has been applied. CC makes no warranties about any work or its copyright status in any jurisdiction, and disclaims all liability for all uses of any work.
Fair Use Notice:
It is admitted there is some copyrighted material in this Treatise, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I make use of such material for educational purposes only, and an effort to advance an understanding of Christian issues. There is no profit motive here whatsoever. The original copyright owners have already been paid in full. Everything in this Treatise is offered freely as public domain—with no strings attached. I believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any further use of copyrighted material found in this Treatise must be negotiated directly with the rightful copyright owner.
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Acknowledgement
Anyone who owns a television must be aware of the numerous religious programs that are available. If, like me, having viewed most of those programs, you probably came away disappointed. I have concluded that very few of these programs are worth watching. However, sometime around 1990, I happened onto a daily program titled “Through The Bible With Les Feldick.” And after watching his program for several weeks I soon realized this man was for real, and that he was worth my time.
His mission seems to be to impart the Word of God in its completeness. He does not attempt to proselytize, to make you a church member, though he has no problem with the church. Like so many programs on TV who plead for money, Les does not hound you for money, but clearly makes casual reference that his program is supported by those who watch and believe in his teaching. All of his programs are available in printed booklets that are sold at cost. He doesn’t even ask you to send money first. He will gladly bill you for your order. The man and his methods are unique to TV.
He feels that he has it pretty much right and so he teaches as he understands the King James Bible and lets the chips fall where they will. He holds up his Bible and his understanding of what it says, and boldly proclaims that to his classes. He simply believes that God is the ultimate author of the Scriptures and if you have a problem with what he says you should take it up with God. He backs up everything he teaches with Scripture. In fact, many times he deliberately slows down as he encourages you to find the very verses in your Bible so you can see it for yourself.
Never be surprised if when you call to have either his wife Iris or Les answer the phone. When you write to him with a question, or whatever, he will personally reply to your query in his own handwriting. I have written him twice with questions. He talks often about people showing up at his doorstep at the farm, then leading them to the Lord while seated at his kitchen table. It is obvious this man loves God and believes the Bible and enjoys teaching. He is not a preacher, nor has any formal training as a teacher. His wife Iris is often seen in his Bible classes holding a Bible as the camera zooms in to show the verse under discussion. She is a wonderful Christian helpmeet for Les, and a lovely lady.
To make a long story short, both Bette and I became permanent viewers of his TV program, and more than once Bette has reminded me “Don’t forget, Les will be on in a few minutes.” We have often remarked how impressed we are with his grasp of the entire Bible, and both agree that he is one of the best teachers either of us has ever encountered.
In 1999 Bette and I met Les and Iris at a little country church located between Osceola and Amery Wisconsin. Les was a featured speaker. Then in 2011 I had the honor of sharing breakfast with Les prior to one of his seminars at the Lutheran Retreat Center located near a little hamlet called East Farmington, Wisconsin. I heard Les a second time at that same place the following year.
Les has been invited to present Bible seminars all over the country, and has traveled to the Holy land several times acting as a travel host. Over the years I have purchased his complete set of 82 books which are word-for-word transcriptions of his TV programs. An 82-book set represents a complete “Through The Bible” series covering Genesis to Revelation. Each 200-page book sells for $6, shipping included. He has a website lesfeldick.org. where all of his books and programs can be viewed.
As you read through my Treatise you will find I have drawn heavily from those books to help make my case on a given topic.If anyone wishes to comment or correspond, my email address: georgedfoss@gmail.com
End of Prologue