St Paul (Jesus, homosexuals, doctrine, church, Jerusalem)

[w00t]

As far as we know Jesus didn't write anything down, so all we have are the reports of the words of Jesus written long after his death. St Paul on the other hand was a prolific very opinionated letter writer, whose writings make up most of the NT. A lot of Christian doctrine is based on Paul's very human opinions. We have no idea if Jesus would have got on with Paul, or agreed with him. It seems strange to me that Jesus is the figurehead for Christianity yet it is Paul's opinions that are often quoted and used as an excuse for intolerance towards homosexuals and for the inequality of women. I am sure the slave masters would have pointed to Paul's injuction for slaves to honour their masters as an endorcement for keeping slaves! Whether Paul intended it or not his words have been used as an excuse for some to treat others badly.

[Terrywoodenpic]

That is all true... However if it had not been for Paul Christianity would probably only have survived as a Jewish sect. James the head of the Church in Jerusalem and the person all the Apostles reported to. was nowhere near as effective as Paul. and most of his work was lost when Jerusalem was sacked by Rome.
Paul however brought a lot of baggage with him from his strict Jewish background, and unlike Jesus was unable to create new interpretations that could better match Jesus message of Love.

Paul nevertheless Gave us most of the form we have come to expect to see in the church. and the majority of his teachings in noway contradict those of Jesus.

He was hampered perhaps by never having the opportunity to learn at Jesus feet.

[w00t]

If Christianity only survived because Paul took it up as a personal crusade and put his spin on it maybe we should be Paulians not Christians?