What's a 'smoking gun'? Well, that's sort of a strong clue concerning the cause of a problem. In a murder mystery, a 'smoking gun' would be a pretty good clue concerning the cause.
What's the connection to Christianity? I grew up in a pastor's family and then attended a seminary where my father was also on the faculty. Confident as a Christian, I almost as quickly became distrustful of Christianity, due to 'the Christians'. I knew all about 'Jesus' but the Christians seemed pretty careless about him. Even worse, the arguments for divine inspiration seemed insipid at best. As a young (egotistical) adult, I concluded quickly that 'religion' was a waste of my (valuable) time. I didn't return until 30 years later.
The San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona. A world away from Sedona, with alpine meadows, and wintry storms. Brrr! But the autumn colors of the aspens are just gorgeous. Oranges and reds.After retirement, still wondering about 'Jesus', I returned for in-depth study. My conclusion has been that 'Jesus' is on-the-level and the 'Christians' are not. No matter how I try to rationalize, what I see in 'Christians' today is not even remotely Jesus of the New Testament.
Why are Christians non-Jesus-ians? If you're a believer, you probably don't agree with me. Let's assume you believe Jesus is divine ... God. So, whatever Jesus said is 'as good as it gets', right? So, tell me how you apply these random quotes in your life:
* Anyone who does not take up a cross and tread in my footsteps does not deserve me. The man protective of his life will lose it, but the one casting life away on my account will preserve it. Mat 10:38-39
* Think not I come to impose peace on the earth, I come imposing not peace but a sword. Mat 26:52 (Hope Judas didn't tell the romans about 'that' quote ... they might have killed Jesus!)
* When you offer hospitality, call in the poor, the lacking, the lame, the blind, and you will be happy in the fact that they cannot repay you. Your repayment will come when the just shall rise. Luk 14:12-14
I could continue the quotes ... they're easy to read and feel good about. But I don't think most Christians think Jesus is actually serious. Invite a bunch of dirty, smelly people into your nice clean house?? Yeh, right. The next thing you know, there'll be even more. What about the neighbors? What if they're carrying 'drugs'? Jesus didn't think the whole issue through, right?
WHY do you think Jesus isn't really serious? Could it be 'the rest of the story?'. Someone let us 'off the hook'?
Yes, indeedy. 'Paul & Co.' let us 'off the hook', giving us 'faith and not works', cool sacrificial theories, and on and on. Jesus-who? Resurrected-Jesus, that's who. Jesus that demanded unbelievable humility. No, not that Jesus.
Is there a difference? Not for most Christians (I call them 'Paul-ians' since they like him so much). Paul & Co. transformed a religion even more difficult than 'the Law' into 'faith and a free go-to-heaven card'.
Now, actually, I'm don't really believe 'Paul' was the issue. But I do indeed believe there was a smoking gun. And that's the subject here. (next page please)