I dislike Paul?

Question

Does it matter if I'm a Christian, and not a Paulist?
I think the Apostle Paul got it wrong about a lot of things Jesus wanted for us, and I think the words in red are more important than the words in the epistles.

Do you think this makes me a bad person?

What if I call Paul the world's first sleazbag Christian?
Doe Jesus still love me?

Answer 1

You dislike Paul only because you do not understand Paul. The New Testament letters were originally distributed only among people who were already members of the Way and kept secret from outsiders; hence the language in them was veiled as a precaution, but not as much as in the Gospels. This is the reason Paul felt obliged to write to these members, "and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." [Ephesians 6:19,20]

Only in very recent years has Paul's petition begun to be granted, and only in limited areas of the world since many countries still do not enjoy freedom of speech, especially where religion is concerned. Even so, at the present time, in countries such as the United States where freedom of speech and religion is "guaranteed," those who deviate from the established opinion of the majority still experience persecution, although, except in isolated incidents, it's not as severe as it has generally been throughout the entire world in the past.

We, in Western society, are more familiar with this type of persecution in the history of Christianity, but other religions have also resorted to persecution of those who disagreed with the established religion or religions, some to a lesser degree than others. Socrates, a Greek philosopher who lived about 470 to 399 B.C., was forced to execute his own demise by drinking hemlock because he was convicted of "impiety, corruption of the young, and neglect of the gods whom the city worships and the practice of religious novelties."

Now that the world's societies in general are more tolerant than in the past, some of the hidden things that were once spoken only in secret can be brought into the light. But there are still many things that cannot be elucidated in black and white for all eyes to see. This is why many cannot understand Paul. It is because he was forced to speak of spiritual truths in a veiled manner using objects and incidents commonly familiar to all. He is in complete agreement with the Word of God.

And to answer another of your questions: No, your dislike of Paul does not make you a bad person, but merely one who is ignorant of the Truth in Paul's words.

Answer 2

I personally hate Paul of Tarsus, and think he's done more harm for humanity in general than many, many people.

I personally find your standard Christians quite annoying. Christ is presumably the center of their faith (that's why they're called CHRISTians, of course), but they spend far more time quoting people other than Christ.

If you want to be a Biblican (a word I invented—basically, someone who believes in the Bible), then no, you can't very well not be a Paulist. If you want to be a true Christian, though, I don't think you can possibly -not- ignore Paul. Some things Paul teaches go directly contrary to the things Jesus taught.

By all means, pay attention to Jesus only. Love your neighbor. The world needs more CHRISTians.

I think Jesus will love you even if you think Paul's a sleazebag—he can't very well not love you for being slightly intelligent.


I -personally- don't particularly care for Jesus either, just a disclaimer. I just think he's a hell of a lot better than Paul.

Answer 3

I'll deliver you the quick, sincere reply: I should not have an hindrance with Ron Paul. I disagree with a few of his social perspectives, however agree in most cases together with his monetary coverage. Naturally, the lame-circulate media punditeers are going to deliver all of the repbulicans an anal examination. But, the drawback is not such a lot with Ron Paul. It's his fans who're worrying and disruptive. In 2008, they have been chucking snowballs at Sean Hannity external of a Manhattan Resturant seeing that Paul wasn't making it enormous sufficient to make the controversy. Also, plenty of libertarians comply with Ron Paul. What's a libertarian at the present time? More most likely than naught, any person who most effective cares approximately politics sufficient to make smoking joints authorized. Who cares? They're all gonna do it if it is or no longer anyhow. Libertarianism has additionally end up infested with monetary hawks who wish to seem well in entrance of gays and ladies so they're liberal as heck on social disorders. Overall, I consider you. Ron Paul is a first-rate man or woman and I'd vote for him immediately over any person the DNC could throw up. I love his concept of having again at the gold common. But as a former UK country wide, I have an additional viewpoint, and fairly frankly, a society with out incentivized social values will likely be no civilization in any respect and monetary messes would possibly not also be primary after a time.

Answer 4

Then why did Jesus choose him to spread The Word to the gentiles? Why did the other Apostles confirm that his ministry was True and from Jesus. Why would God alow so great a number of Paul's teachings of Christ to be of The Word preserved? I can find nothing in the teaching of Paul that contradicts Jesus. Paul in fact teaches reverance for the Words of Jesus... I can however find much in today's churches that do teach against Jesus and Salvation's assurance, And the atoning Blood of Christ, and take from the power of The Holy Spirit, and on and on..... But Paul was Right On!!!

Answer 5

Well... I dont think you're alone on questioning Paul, I know I have some issues with him as well but.... I dont think it's a good idea to just write him off as wrong because we think he may have gotten it wrong. We wont know till this is all over. It's ok to question though. Also, remember he didnt have some glorious life as "First Pope" or anything like that, most of his life after becoming a Christian, he was in prison and never telling people to free him or attack others or anything so for SOME reason he was truely convinced in what he was saying. Also, the other Apostles didn't oppose him. I think especially since he and Peter kept close tabs on eachother, if Paul was out in left field Peter would have said something.

So in my opinion, its ok to question but might be dangerous to just throw out his words.

Answer 6

Consider why you have trouble with what Paul is saying... and more importantly, why you don't believe all of scripture is the holy inspired word of God. If we can pick and choose at will and only take the stuff we LIKE, then why not call the 10 commandments wrong and what if, on occassion, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John or even Moses got it wrong? What promises do we believe and which are misunderstandings? It matters very much if you're a Christian and not believing the Word of God - which includes what Paul was inspired to write; whether we like it or not. Remember, God tells us that our thoughts are not God's thoughts and our ways are not His ways - His ways are much higher than our ways. Keep questioning, researching and thinking it through. God bless you. ~Nisa

Answer 7

You can disagree with Paul. I don't think he was a sleazbag however. I think more Christians need to look at scripture with a more critical view. To take scripture seriously is to put scripture to higher criticism, to recognize the context in which things are written. It's time modern day Christians start learning to discern what in scripture is "Gospel" and what is merely cultural norms that were accepted standards of the time. Paul is a good example of that, his views of women, his ideas of being a good citizen meant being an obedient slave. We have come to see that these things aren't part of the essence of the Christian message.

Answer 8

Yes Jesus loves you. You are not a bad person. You just have an opinion. The thing is...Paul did not mince words...remember Paul persecuted Christians before He became born again...God must have seen something in Paul, otherwise He would never have called him. God had to literally blind Paul before he could see. Most people don't like James...he is harder to understand than Paul.

Answer 9

Paul can be tough to stomac huntil you aproac hhis writings in the manner that they were written.

Paul knew that he fell far short of perfection and that it was a life long journey. His writtings were attempts at being encouraging and correcting to specific churches facing specific issues. MAny of these issues exist in the church today so the teachings have value but are not the carved in stone musts many people make them out to be.

I garuntee that if Paul knew that his personal letters were going to be (Law) and so widely distributed he would have written them verry differently.

As you read his letters you will find that he share many very personal thoughts about his own journey toward wholenss and often identifies is failings. He really isn't a bad guy just made that way by people who worship him and not the one he is trying to point to.

BTW. Paul regularly warns people against deifying him.

Answer 10

What I think does not matter.I personally do not have a problem with Paul. I know you cannot see Paul literally, but you know he is your brother in Christ, and you may find this scripture helpful;

1John 4:20 If anyone makes the statement; "I love God," and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother , whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.

Food for thought.....also...did not Jesus say we should also love our enemies?

Maybe you should read Matthew 12:36, and if your problem with Paul is that serious, pray for forgiveness and help to understand why Paul's council is God's will.

Jesus loves you, but you are not loving yourself, or Paul, very well at this point.