Almost Heretical
#159 – Paul Made Christianity
Apr 9, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of early Christianity as the discussion unpacks Paul’s overwhelming influence on the New Testament. Discover how some epistles might not actually be by Paul and what it means for understanding church history. The complex relationship between Paul’s teachings and those from the Jerusalem movement is critically examined. There's also an exploration of the Gospels and how contextual factors shape interpretations. Finally, consider the implications of studying Jesus without the lens of Pauline theology.
01:04:27
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Quick takeaways
- Paul's epistles, emerging as foundational Christian texts, significantly influenced theological principles and established early Christian beliefs focused on faith and salvation.
- The authorship and canonization of the New Testament reveal biases that shaped Christianity, prioritizing Paul's narrative over other early Christian voices like James.
Deep dives
The Narrative Shift in the New Testament
The New Testament often positions Paul's narrative prominently, especially as Acts transitions from the early Jerusalem church to Paul’s missionary journeys. This shift highlights how Paul's influence began to overshadow the original apostles, such as Peter and James, who initially led the movement post-Jesus. The writing of Acts seems intentional in constructing a narrative that legitimizes Paul as the successor of the original disciples, effectively shaping the Christianity that developed. This framing serves to present Paul not merely as a follower but as a pivotal figure in the continuity of the Christian story.
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