Paul's False Dichotomy: Challenges and Contradictions

Paul's False Dichotomy: Challenges and Contradictions

Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, is widely regarded for his letters and missionary work. However, a closer examination of his teachings and actions reveals several challenges and contradictions that are worth considering.

1. **Inconsistencies in Authority and Flexibility**

Paul is known for his authoritative statements, often speaking with a strong sense of conviction and divine backing. For example, in Galatians 1:8-9, he writes:

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!"

This statement is unequivocal and leaves no room for doubt. However, Paul's actions later in his life show a more flexible and changeable stance. In 2 Timothy 4:11, he writes:

"Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry."

This change of heart regarding John Mark, whom he initially refused to take on a missionary journey due to Mark's earlier departure, raises questions about the consistency of his judgments and the absolute nature of his earlier claims. If Paul can change his mind about a personal matter, it calls into question the infallibility of his authoritative statements.

2. **Conflicting Views on Law and Grace**

Paul's teachings on the law and grace are often cited as foundational to Christian theology, but they can also be seen as contradictory. In Romans, Paul emphasizes the importance of grace and the futility of the law:

"For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14).

However, in other passages, he seems to advocate for the observance of certain laws and traditions. For example, in 1 Corinthians 9:20-21, he writes:

 "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law."

This flexibility in his approach to the law can be seen as inconsistent, as it suggests that the law has some relevance in certain contexts, despite his broader teachings on the sufficiency of grace.

3. **Gender Roles and Social Hierarchies**

Paul's teachings on gender roles and social hierarchies have been a source of ongoing debate. In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, he writes:

 "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church."

This passage is often cited to support the exclusion of women from certain roles in the church. However, in other parts of his letters, Paul acknowledges and commends women for their contributions. For example, in Romans 16:1-2, he writes:

"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me."

These conflicting messages about the role of women in the church highlight the complexity and potential contradictions in Paul's teachings.

4. **Cultural Adaptation and Universalism**

Paul's approach to cultural adaptation is another area of tension. On one hand, he emphasizes the universality of the gospel and the breaking down of barriers between different groups. In Galatians 3:28, he writes:

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

However, in other passages, he seems to accommodate cultural practices and social norms. For example, in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, he writes:

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself was not)

Epistle of Barnabas

In the *Epistle of Barnabas*, there is a passage that uses the metaphor of the crow to describe certain behaviors. It is an early Christian text that provides insight into the thinking of early Christian communities.

Passage from the *Epistle of Barnabas* (Chapter 18:1-2)

"Let us take heed, therefore, and not be like certain persons, who, as it were, are crows, always ready to croak and to give offence, but who do not bring forth any good fruit. For the crow is a bird that is always croaking, but it does not bring forth any good fruit."

Why Paul Might Be Described as a Crow

Paul, with his strong and sometimes harsh demeanor, could be metaphorically described as a crow according to the *Epistle of Barnabas*. His authoritative and critical statements, such as those in Galatians, where he strongly condemns those who preach a different gospel, might be seen as "croaking" or giving offense. 

My Thoughts 

He says even if Michael The Archangel shall tell you differently let him be under God's curse! And you listen to this foolishness? This is a manipulation and false dichotomy. 

By understanding manipulation we can recoil here. Knowing Paul spoke without (true) authority. Using a false dichotomy to attack anyone that questioned his authority. Yet, he quickly proceeds to contradict himself and Christ, putting himself under his own curse. 

This is why our church is divided into 1000 pieces. The author of confusion Paul. Who dominated the narrative of the new testament, and presented himself as having knowledge/wisdom which he ultimately changed his mind about frequently.

"For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray" (Matthew 24)

YOU HAVE ONE MASTER!

"Those who are worthy of life will receive life, and those who are worthy of death will die. Those who are worthy of defilement will be defiled, and those who are worthy of purity will be purified. Each person will receive according to his works."