Toto

Are you saying that Paul is incapable of using metaphor?

EarlDoherty

Toto is absolutely right. I will not be participating in this thread.

Actually, I really don’t need to. Fathom is enough to convince anyone that I’ve got a very strong case.

Earl Doherty

FathomFFI

Not at all.

Are you saying that all Paul's writings were using metaphor?

:wave:

FathomFFI

That's interesting, since no one yet as been able to defend your position here from our observations of your work.

And we're still on Page 1.

:wave:

Toto

Paul uses many metaphors, as do most preachers and orators. You seem to be closing off any possibility that Paul might be using a metaphor.

Toto

except for Richard Carrier, you mean?

FathomFFI

That's been explained. There is no precedent for Paul, nor anyone else, in which a metaphor is implied for statements such as "seed of Abraham," or "seed of David," etc.

ALL NT examples directly refer to physical ancestry. The Paul statement is no different.

FathomFFI

No one.

mens_sana

By replying, then retreating, you've raised Fathom's credibility.

FathomFFI

It's a legitimate critique which he will need to address at some point. Whether or not it is here, or elsewhere, it is now known and he needs to adjust for it. Attempting to demean the knowledge of others is quite inappropriate, since he has no idea who we actually are, or what qualifications some of us may have.

It is best he approach this discussion with reason and "mutual" respect. These types of critiques challenge him to make a stronger case.