Hehe I got 27 downvotes even though it was kinda tongue in cheek. The problem is not Jesus. The problem is Paul. Most Christians prioritize Paul’s letters over what Jesus says.
I was an atheist for 5+ years but then I read the Gospel of Mark (the first Gospel btw, so from a secular perspective it’s more reliable since it’s closer to the events described).
I’d recommend y’all read it with an open mind, worst case scenario you’re reading Jewish mythology. But it really could be more than that, you won’t know until you read it.
Paul says some silly things sometimes, he’s a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, female literacy rates were lower 2000 years ago but “I don’t allow women to teach” or “they should stay silent” really? Obviously Paul was a product of his time.
Meanwhile in John chapter 8, Jesus forgives an adulterous woman, He doesn’t condemn her!!! Very scandalous thing to do in the 1st century. “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”. You don’t even have to do interpret the text all that much too notice that Jesus was a feminist. But Christians would rather read what Paul wrote rather than… Christ. Hence they are Paulians. Unlike Paul, Jesus never condemns the LGBT, not once. If you’re an ex Christian you’ll also remember that Jesus didn’t actually like the rich all that much, or the religious authorities at the time, the Pharisees. So much hate in this world man, people don’t read 1 John 3. How could anyone read that and think “God hates the gays”? They read Paul who never saw Jesus in the flesh rather than John, the beloved disciple.
Jesus even talks about false Christians in Matthew 7:
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Read the Gospels with an open mind and if you’re convinced find an LGBT affirming church with female pastors. God loves women and he loves gays. He loves all of us, John 3:16-17. I’m telling you man (or woman) reading the Gospels is awesome. Unlike Paul, everything Jesus says is relevant today. In the unlikely event that you don’t find His words and teachings inspiring, at the very least you know what you’re rejecting. Fundamentalists Baptists are not Christians. Trumpist “Christians” also completely missed the point.
Give it some thought “seek and ye shall find…” Jesus never fails to fulfill his promises. The key is reading the Gospels and you’ll see the real Jesus. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. God bless you brother/sister. May he grant you happiness and peace of mind :)
Hehe I got 27 downvotes even though it was kinda tongue in cheek. The problem is not Jesus. The problem is Paul. Most Christians prioritize Paul’s letters over what Jesus says.
I was an atheist for 5+ years but then I read the Gospel of Mark (the first Gospel btw, so from a secular perspective it’s more reliable since it’s closer to the events described).
I’d recommend y’all read it with an open mind, worst case scenario you’re reading Jewish mythology. But it really could be more than that, you won’t know until you read it.
Paul says some silly things sometimes, he’s a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, female literacy rates were lower 2000 years ago but “I don’t allow women to teach” or “they should stay silent” really? Obviously Paul was a product of his time.
Meanwhile in John chapter 8, Jesus forgives an adulterous woman, He doesn’t condemn her!!! Very scandalous thing to do in the 1st century. “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”. You don’t even have to do interpret the text all that much too notice that Jesus was a feminist. But Christians would rather read what Paul wrote rather than… Christ. Hence they are Paulians. Unlike Paul, Jesus never condemns the LGBT, not once. If you’re an ex Christian you’ll also remember that Jesus didn’t actually like the rich all that much, or the religious authorities at the time, the Pharisees. So much hate in this world man, people don’t read 1 John 3. How could anyone read that and think “God hates the gays”? They read Paul who never saw Jesus in the flesh rather than John, the beloved disciple.
Jesus even talks about false Christians in Matthew 7:
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Read the Gospels with an open mind and if you’re convinced find an LGBT affirming church with female pastors. God loves women and he loves gays. He loves all of us, John 3:16-17. I’m telling you man (or woman) reading the Gospels is awesome. Unlike Paul, everything Jesus says is relevant today. In the unlikely event that you don’t find His words and teachings inspiring, at the very least you know what you’re rejecting. Fundamentalists Baptists are not Christians. Trumpist “Christians” also completely missed the point.
Give it some thought “seek and ye shall find…” Jesus never fails to fulfill his promises. The key is reading the Gospels and you’ll see the real Jesus. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. God bless you brother/sister. May he grant you happiness and peace of mind :)