Quote Originally Posted by Gofer Blue View Post
Thank you African Bluebird, spot on, IMO the best, most balanced post in this thread. Ironically Jesus, (who the OP describes as a 2000 year old myth and dismissed by others as a pure fantasy figure) was anti-organised religion. I think if I was going to create a person (fantasy or otherwise) to initiate or promote a controlling religion, Jesus would not be my first choice! I think he would be embarrassed to see what passes for Christianity in some quarters if he came back today.
I agree with much of what you say. I don't think Jesus was anti-organised religion, he was a rabbi and celebrated in the traditional way. His disagreements with the Pharisees stemmed from the fact that they were more concerned about ceremony than content.....[I]They do all their deeds to be seen by others....they love the place of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogue...."
I feel he was a bit of a radical and history shows that he upset the establishment but for good reason..
In this section of the gospel he goes on to say..When you give to the needy sound no trumpet before you..reminded me of TBG comments his Christian friend.