It seems that the weird bias in today’s world is that it is more virtuous for things to be hard, arduous, difficult, pain inducing etc.
Why this weird bias?
I think it has to do with Christianity, this weird bastardization of suffering. For example, I thought I gleaned from Nietzsche when writing his book the antichrist; perhaps the best way we could think about modern-day Christianity is that it is essentially “Saint Paul-ism”.
Pain and suffering is bad
So I have some theories: first, Saint Paul seemed like a very tormented soul, and he sought salvation elsewhere. After the death of Jesus, I think St. Paul was deeply troubled… His world view in shambles. The ultimate cognitive dissonance.
Therefore, in order to rectify his existence, he made up all this weird Hocus Pocus about Jesus, his resurrection etc. As a form of dealing with his own inner torment .
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Saint Paul as promoting intolerance:
Critiques about the writings of St. Paul are diverse and come from various perspectives, including theological, historical, and sociocultural viewpoints. These critiques often reflect the broader complexities and challenges of interpreting ancient texts in contemporary contexts.
- Theological Disputes: Some theologians argue that Paul’s interpretation of Jesus’ message and his teachings about salvation, grace, and the law diverge significantly from what Jesus himself taught. This perspective suggests that Paul, rather than Jesus, was the primary developer of Christian theology, particularly the doctrine of justification by faith.
- Historical Context and Accuracy: Scholars question the historical accuracy of certain aspects of Paul’s writings. For instance, debates arise over Paul’s portrayal of early Christian communities and his interpretation of historical events. Some critics argue that Paul’s letters must be read in the context of the first-century Greco-Roman world, which may differ significantly from contemporary understandings.
- Views on Women and Gender Roles: Paul’s writings have been criticized for perpetuating patriarchal values, particularly in passages that instruct women to be submissive or silent in church settings (e.g., 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:11-12). However, interpretations vary, with some arguing that these passages reflect specific cultural contexts or are later additions.
- Stance on Slavery: Paul’s apparent acceptance of slavery (e.g., in Philemon and Ephesians 6:5) has been a point of contention. Critics argue that by not condemning slavery outright, Paul’s writings contributed to the historical justification of the practice. Others suggest that his approach was pragmatic, aimed at preserving social order in his time.
- Exclusivity and Dogmatism: Paul’s emphasis on the uniqueness of Christ for salvation has been seen as exclusivist or intolerant, especially in a pluralistic society. Critics argue that this perspective can lead to religious dogmatism and conflict.
- Inconsistencies and Contradictions: Some critics point out inconsistencies within Paul’s letters and between his writings and other parts of the New Testament. These discrepancies raise questions about the development of early Christian doctrine and the interpretation of key theological concepts.
- Cultural Relativism: Modern readers sometimes find Paul’s views challenging, as they reflect a cultural and historical context vastly different from the present. This leads to debates about how literally Paul’s teachings should be applied today, especially on issues like gender roles, sexual ethics, and societal structures.
In summary, critiques of Paul’s writings reflect the complex interplay of theology, historical context, and evolving ethical and cultural norms. Understanding these critiques requires careful consideration of both the historical context in which Paul wrote and the contemporary context in which his writings are interpreted.
How many years did St. Paul write after the death of Jesus?
St. Paul’s epistles, which form a significant part of the New Testament, were written approximately between 20 to 30 years after the death of Jesus. Jesus is believed to have died around 30-33 AD. Paul’s earliest letters, such as 1 Thessalonians, are typically dated to around 50-52 AD. His writing period extends to around 60-65 AD, around the time of his last epistles like Romans and possibly 2 Timothy.
This time frame is significant because it places Paul’s writings as some of the earliest Christian documents, preceding the writing of the Gospels. Paul’s letters provide a unique insight into the development of early Christian theology and the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire during the first century.