Final Synthesis of "Paul": Unpacking The Contradictions

Final Synthesis of "Paul": Unpacking The Contradictions:

I have found many contradictions in Paul's letters which confuse the reader. I've come to the conclusion not all these letters were written by Paul, or he changed his message overtime, or as he stated; he changed his positions to make his doctrines more palatable, to conform to different audiences for validation, and approval. Mocking the other apostles as so called pillars of the faith, and using the law and circumcision as wedge issues to divide the Church to make himself its leader. Cursing anyone else who disagreed with his doctrines, and alienating women from the Church, like Mary Magdalene's gospel and discipleship. Teaching others to submit to government authority, and not to question its leadership.

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1. The Role and Necessity of the Law (Torah)
One of the most prominent areas of tension lies in Paul's discussion of the Jewish Law (Torah).

Jesus's Affirmation of the Law: Jesus explicitly stated, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). He emphasized the Law's enduring nature, adding, "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." (Matthew 5:18). He also warned against disregarding the law, saying, "Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:19).

Paul's Emphasis on Freedom from the Law: Paul frequently asserted that believers are no longer under the Law for salvation: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4) and "you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14).

Paul's Internal Tension on the Law: Despite arguing for freedom from the Law, Paul also wrote, "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified" (Romans 2:13). This statement, in particular, appears to re-emphasize the importance of observing the Law for justification, creating an internal tension within his own arguments. Furthermore, while stating, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Galatians 3:13), he also affirmed, "the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good" (Romans 7:12).

Torah Criticism: This shift away from the eternal observance of Torah is a primary Jewish critique, viewing it as a fundamental break from God's covenant.

Logical Criticism: From a logical standpoint, these varying statements on the Law's efficacy and nature present a logical inconsistency, challenging the idea of a singular, coherent divine message.

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2. The Relationship Between Faith and Works
Closely tied to the Law is the role of faith versus works in salvation and righteousness.

Jesus's Emphasis on Both Faith and Works: Jesus taught that righteous actions were integral. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:34-35) illustrates that entry into the Kingdom is tied to deeds of compassion ("For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat").

A Critique of Incomplete Works: In the Book of Revelation, Jesus gives a stern warning to the angel of the church in Sardis: "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God." (Revelation 3:2). This highlights that works, if not "complete" or motivated by a genuine heart, are not enough. Revelation 3:3 "Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you."

"Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Paul's Emphasis on Faith Alone: Paul famously declared, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). This strong emphasis on faith, to the exclusion of works for salvation, contrasts with Jesus's teaching.

Paul's Internal Tension on Works: Despite his strong "faith alone" arguments, Paul also stated, "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified" (Romans 2:13), implying a necessary role for action.

Torah Criticism: A core critique is the necessity of both faith and deeds (like prayer, fasting, and charity) for righteousness, seeing Paul's "faith alone" doctrine as an innovation that undermines divine law.

Logical Criticism: This emphasis on belief over ethical action can be seen as philosophically problematic, potentially devaluing moral behavior in favor of internal conviction.

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3. The Role and Conduct of Women in the Church
Paul's directives regarding women are perhaps the most frequently cited for internal inconsistencies.

Paul's Affirmation of Women's Public Ministry (Conditional): "But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled dishonors her head" (1 Corinthians 11:5). This verse indicates that women were praying and prophesying publicly, a form of active ministry, albeit with a specific cultural custom observed.

Paul's Prohibition of Women's Public Speaking and Authority: "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." (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). Furthermore, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet." (1 Timothy 2:11-12). These statements directly contradict the possibility of women praying or prophesying publicly, which inherently involves speaking.

Paul's Recognition of Women in Leadership: Paul commends Phoebe as a "deacon" and "benefactor" of the church (Romans 16:1-2), and he mentions Prisca as a "co-worker in Christ Jesus" (Romans 16:3), suggesting women held significant, active roles and influence in the early church.

Logical Criticism: These direct contradictions are seen as logical inconsistencies, suggesting human, context-dependent opinions rather than a unified divine revelation.

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4. Pragmatism in Ministry and Contradicting the Past
Paul's writings also reveal a pragmatic approach to evangelism that some critics find to be at odds with both his own teachings and the importance of traditional stories.

Adapting to Different Audiences: Paul stated his willingness to become "all things to all people" to win converts: "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law...to those not having the law I became like one not having the law... I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:20-22). Critics argue this approach appears to endorse adapting the message to conform to different belief systems, rather than presenting a single, unified truth.

Dismissing Old Myths and Stories: Paul instructed Timothy to "not waste time on godless myths and old wives' tales" (1 Timothy 4:7). This is seen as a criticism of the very nature of stories and allegories, which can contain profound spiritual truth. From a logical perspective, dismissing all "myths" is a broad and potentially contradictory stance, as much of Paul's own teaching is built on stories from the Old Testament.

A Final Logical Critique: The "Angel from Heaven" Dichotomy
A central critique of Paul's entire theological framework is found in his statement in Galatians, where he presents a false dichotomy. He writes, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!" (Galatians 1:8).

This statement is seen as a logical fallacy because it creates a black-and-white ultimatum that dismisses any message that does not align with his specific version of the gospel. By declaring his message to be the sole truth—so much so that a divine messenger from God would be cursed for bringing an alternative—Paul effectively positions himself as the final and only authority on truth, precluding any future revelation or differing perspective.

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Final thoughts:

Christ is the only Way and Truth that leads to Life. He is True Shepherd and Son of God. My honest opinion is someone else may have authored some of these works or Paul changed his mind. Ultimately the contradictions are confusing and have divided the Church. But if you process this then the truth comes to light. Both faith and works are necessary to enter Christs Kingdom. Also the commandments should be honored. Do not tell others not to honor them or you will be called least in the Kingdom, but whoever practices them, and encourages others to do so, shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen. Confusion resolved take up your cross and let's follow the Good Shepherd. Amen.

Glory to Christ! The Son of God and Prince of Peace!