Why do some Christians think everything is a trick (read on)?

Question

In response to my question about Paul, I got:

"One of the accusations that have come from the anti-Christian camp lately is that Paul "invented" his own version of Christianity.
There's no base to that, the accusation is groundless.
You see, if they can cause doubt among the Christians regarding the doctrine of inspiration of scripture, then they have a wedge in to make you falter."


I'm not trying to make anyone falter, I'm trying to help people think. To just think about it, with the brain God gave you.
For one, there is evidence against Paul's sincerity:

Hyam Maccoby, a Talmudic scholar believes there is little we can learn about Jesus from Paul's letters. He questions Paul's integrity as well:"Scholars", he says, "feel that, however objective their enquiry is supposed to be, .. never say anything to suggest that he may have bent the truth at times, though the evidence is strong enough in various parts of his life-story that he was not above deception when he felt it warrented.

Jed, where is your evidence that it is correct, other than what you feel?

Why do you assume I haven't read Pauls works? I was a Christian for 4 years and was very active in bible study, groups and private, youth group, church, the works.

Answer 1

Could it be... SATAN!?

Ok seriously... I haven't heard of Maccoby. Interesting. Many Christians believe that their faith will regularly be tested by the likes of Satan. Since Satan isn't to be seen or heard, they believe anyone who says something that isn't inline with their faith is an agent of Satan, and therefor trying to trick them.

Call it a Garden of Eden complex.

Answer 2

Hi Happy, I did not see your question on Paul. I am a Christian...a very strong Christian and through my own study of Biblical events and opinions I do question Paul on some things. Not on EVERYTHING, lol...but I am of the school that believes he was for the most part writing to individual churches which were set up similarly to the communes of the 60's and early 70's here.

During the time of the birth of these churches they were dealing with persecution..and worse..and with in-house problems between gentiles and converted Jews. So much of what Paul wrote was meant to directly address a current problem and does not make it necessarily applicable in-kind to today's society.

I question Paul most in regard to his attitude towards sex. If I had time I would look it up, but I hate to cut and paste scriptures...still...if you read Paul's works closely there is a place where he speaks of sex and marriage that he plainly points out that it is HIS opinion and not from God.

Many Biblical scholars believe that Paul had "infirmities" that played a role in his view of sexuality, though he did recognize that it was a human condition and recommended that those who could not control themselves should marry. Paul personally chose to remain celibate and felt those who served the Lord should also. Paul's "infirmities" were never explained so we can only guess as to their nature.

Still, his dedication to the fledgling church and to his beliefs is obvious.

Please know that this is a major debate between Christ centered denominations and by no means do I profess my beliefs to be truth.

Answer 3

The Bible is God's Word to us.
It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21. (New International Version)

Answer 4

If you don't believe Paul, why would you believe the rest of the Bible. Paul is the most convincing deciples to me. He was on his way to kill the Christians and Jesus appeared to him and he turned into an apostle. If God didn't think he was up to the task, he would have found someone else. Most of the analysis of individuals in the bible comes from a starting point of its a myth. When you start with a pesimistic point of view, that usually is shown in the rusults. Paul is good

Answer 5

Not everything is a trick.
And this "scholar" of yours, I would remember and take into consideration what his background is...
I strongly suggest that you read the Bible FOR YOURSELF.
Don't you see the atack here? The accusation is that the letters that came from Paul are CORRUPT...it is an attack on the inspiration of scripture. If Paul lied, then they are corrupt, but where is the EVIDENCE?
Has any been provided, besides what "scholars feel"?
FEEL? Come on, look at facts!

Answer 6

An intellectual analysis of the writings of Paul without comprehension of his teachings is like saying you hate Nietzsche without ever reading his writings.

Paul wrote in his own style but was the most prolific writer of the new testament. He gave the church much insight into the workings of the spiritual realm throughout Jewish history and the transition to the church age. [age of Grace].

Let's all critique the method of the Holy Spirit, shall we?

Answer 7

Dear old Hyam isn`t a Christian though is he? wonder why he would say this? err!

Answer 8

We know the truth so Mr. Maccoby can keep his false doctrine to himself.

Answer 9

They dont care

Answer 10

It's okay dear.