In Reply to: Re: I don't see the problem with Paul posted by Alan on May 07, 2005 at 05:51:14:
If paul were around today I think he would be horrified to have his epistles given total equality with what Jesus said. He considered himself to be the least of all apostles and a murderer. I see his writings as those of a gifted teacher/preacher. When I hear anyone speaking truth from their heart regarding the kingdom of heaven I learn and appreciate. I believe that what others teach or instruct regarding Christ has to correspond to what Jesus said and did or it is not representative of Christ's teachings and therefore not christian.
Francis Shaeffer wrote a neat essay on that issue where he said that the Christian banner carried and lived under must match the example of Christ or it becomes a false banner. Paul said alot of great things that ring true to the gospels. Some of his statements, however, are abstract,controversial and stir up alot of strife.
For me I try to keep to the simple side of Christ where it is safe for me. Like many of us I have been burned by the family, churches, the world and individuals. I just cannot take being sucked into another false religion without morphing into a complete Chimera. I don't even like wading into this area because discussions always end up to be like fighting in a crowded sandbox full of catshit.
I like the bible including the cursed, bloody man King David, the overly tough James, lawyer boy Paul and his gritty gang but I especially love the bits with Jesus because they give me hope and comfort from all the years of my life that the locusts ate or I threw away in my anger and rage over life in the crapper.
Most days I live somewhere between heaven and hell so I am committed to little but grabbing the mercy seat quickly when it is my time to fall up into the big now.
Sincerely
Rocky Top