rlogan

He didn't. That mythical Paul never existed.


This is the central phony confession of the historicists. In order to disarm the opposition, they give this up as if it deserved no more discussion, and then move on to buying all the biblical crap anyway.

If you admit that there is myth, then the first order of business, if you pretend to be digging "beneath" it is to specifically identify what you pretend to be admitting.

When you are forced to identify the mythical parts, then they are no longer there to reinforce what you are pretending to claim as history.

aa5874

And the historicists then proceed to sell all the biblical crap, re-packaged as historical facts.

Malachi151

It is ironic that in fact "secular historians" have done more to legitimize religions than the religions them self have....

seeker

LOL, I would argue that Paul made it all up and Jesus never existed. I doubt either position could be proven.




Nice

RAFH

Well, the question of if Paul would have given up his life for a myth, if you take the histories at face value, it seems to have provided a pretty good career, lots of travel, no worries about bills, providing for a household, obtaining food, lodging, etc. And, of course, after a couple of years of living of the fat of the lamb, so to speak, pretty hard to give it up and admit the scam. I imagine the victims might have gotten a tad sore. Plus everyone else he set up would have taken the fall with him. House of cards, once you get it going you have to maintain it. Too many people have too much riding on the myth. Eventually it becomes a self fulfilling and sustaining entity.

Malachi151

I'm sure that Paul believed what he was saying was true, he was just a gullible person, like many, especially back then.

GakuseiDon

Don't forget that people back then were also stupid, and ugly.

aa5874

I find it very difficult to be sure of anyone's thoughts or intentions in the Christian Bible. The fairy tale called Paul's conversion is a prime example of the lack of credibility of Paul's character.

WishboneDawn

Somewhat connected...What do you guys think is the best book on MJ? Personally, I think Jesus feels like a legendary character, the kernal of truth with myths built around him, but I haven't read much aside from the odd thread here. One of the other women in my christian bible/history/kitchen sink course lent me Harpur's 'Pagan Christ' (Jesus as myth doesn't seem to bother the christians I know:huh: ) but I haven't started it yet. I'm not sure how it ranks with other MJ books.

Toto

If you search for Harpur in this forum, you will find some rather unfavorable reviews.