I know that Jesus came to "save the world."  I know that Jesus came to save me.  I also know that Jesus spoke in parables and I don't know what is metaphorical, what is parable and what is literal. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God and that his statements about the Father and I are one spoke to affinity and allegiance and not to physical description.  I believe that Jesus was without sin.  When Jesus went into the wilderness and fasted I don't think what the Devil that tepted Him came to him in any physical forn. Rather this is one of the metaphorical messages or illustrations.  I remember that this book was written for a population that was mostly illeterate and very unsophisticated. For them to understand it was necessary to make these allegories.

I am also just starting here and am open-minded and willing to have my beliefs changed as I go forth and learn more.  For now though, I know that I have a friend, savior, example and Lord that will never leave me.  That's enough for me today.