Serie A brev nr 13

Magazine Overview

This issue of BREVCIRKELN, titled "KRISTUS eller PAULUS?" (Christ or Paul?), is presented as Serie A - brev nr 13 (Series A - letter no. 13). The article, authored by Anna-Lisa Helle, delves into the theological and practical differences between the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul, questioning the foundation of Christian doctrine and practice.

The Core Dilemma: Christ vs. Paul

The central theme is the perceived split within the church, stemming from the question of whether one must follow Christ or Paul. Helle posits that it is impossible to serve two masters and explores the life and teachings of Paul to understand his role and influence. The author suggests that Paul's emphasis on justification by faith alone, while perhaps a personal coping mechanism for his past actions, has fundamentally shaped Christianity in a way that deviates from Christ's original message.

Paulus's Life and Background

The article traces Paul's origins as a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, and possessing Roman citizenship. He was educated in Jerusalem under the renowned Rabbi Gamaliel and learned the trade of tent-making. Paul became a member of the strict Pharisee party, striving for righteousness through adherence to the Law and the 'statutes of the elders.'

His zealousness led him to become a fanatical persecutor of Jesus' disciples, viewing their belief in Jesus as the Messiah-Christ as a grave accusation against his own religious organization. The text describes his relentless pursuit of Christians, motivated by a desire for honor and self-righteousness, and the psychological impact of witnessing their suffering.

A notable incident mentioned is the stoning of Stephen, described as a fine follower of Christ. Helle highlights Paul's role in this event and contrasts it with Stephen's dying words, where he prayed for his persecutors, akin to Christ's plea on the cross.

The Conversion Experience

Paulus's conversion to Christianity is described as a well-known event. While traveling to Damascus, he experienced a divine revelation, a "theophany," where a voice from heaven asked, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" This experience convinced him that God himself had intervened, leading him to believe that Christ now lived within him, as stated in Galatians 2:20.

Perceptions of Paulus

The article notes that some early Christians found Paul's presence disappointing compared to his writings, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:10. While acknowledging his organizational skills and prolific correspondence, his personal demeanor was perceived as lacking in impact. The text quotes Paul himself expressing his need to assert his apostleship, asking, "Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?" (1 Corinthians 9:1), indicating a struggle for recognition among the original apostles.

Psychological Interpretations of Paulus

Researchers like W. Kleen and W. Lange-Eichbaum have explored Paul's psyche, with various psychiatric diagnoses suggested, including epilepsy, paranoia, hysteria, and neuroses. The article suggests that Paul's intense zeal, particularly in persecuting Christians, might have been a form of compensation for feelings of sexual inadequacy or personal insecurity. His flight into a vision at Damascus is seen as a manifestation of his hysterical condition.

Paulus's Views on Women and Sexuality

Several researchers have pointed to Paul's "sexual distress" as a possible explanation for his negative views on women and his "hatred of love," which the article links to sexual imperfection. His acceptance of marriage primarily as a "sexual safety valve" is criticized for its negative and repressive influence on Christianity, hindering higher development by suppressing innate forces.

Paulus's Teachings vs. Christ's Teachings

The article contrasts Paul's teachings with those of Jesus. While Jesus is portrayed as tolerant, understanding, and broad-minded, Paul is described as intolerant and unforgiving, citing his anathema against anyone preaching a different gospel (Galatians 1:9).

Jesus preached the "kingdom of God within you," emphasizing spiritual development and inner union with the Highest. Paul, however, focused on the crucified and resurrected Christ, stating that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (Romans 10:4).

Jesus taught an ethics that would bring peace on earth, while Paul's teachings, particularly "justification by faith," disregard actions and rely solely on God's grace. The author questions why Paul's belief system, born from strong guilt complexes, should be the eternal norm for Christians.

Paulus's Impact and Legacy

Despite the criticisms, the article acknowledges Paul's significant contribution to the spread of Christianity. He actively evangelized in major commercial and industrial centers in Asia Minor and Greece, reaching a large number of converts among the working class. His efforts liberated new converts from the constraints of Jewish law, such as circumcision.

Paul's organizational skills in establishing Christian congregations and his role in making Christianity a distinct religious force are also recognized. The author suggests that without Paul, Christianity might have remained a small, insignificant Jewish sect.

However, the article concludes with a sense of regret, pondering what Christianity might have become if Christ's ideas and teachings had been embraced by a strong, harmonious personality with deep spiritual insight and warm understanding of Christ's message.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the tension between the teachings of Jesus and those of Paul, with a critical stance towards Paul's emphasis on faith over works and his perceived negative views on women and sexuality. The editorial stance appears to favor a more direct interpretation of Christ's teachings, emphasizing love, understanding, and the importance of actions in spiritual life. The article critiques the Pauline influence for potentially hindering personal development and creating a rigid, guilt-ridden form of Christianity.

FAQ

• What is the main question posed by the article 'Kristus eller Paulus?' The article questions whether one must follow either Christ or Paul, and explores the differences in their teachings and impact on Christianity.
• What was Paulus' background before his conversion? Paulus was born in Tarsus to Jewish parents of the Benjamin tribe, possessed Roman citizenship, and was educated in Jerusalem, becoming a member of the strict Pharisee party.
• How did Paulus view the importance of actions versus faith? The article suggests that Kristus (Jesus) emphasized the enormous significance of actions, as stated in Matthew 7:12, while Paulus's teachings, particularly 'justification by faith alone,' tended to overlook actions in favor of God's grace.
• What is the article's assessment of Paulus's contribution to Christianity? While acknowledging Paulus's significant role in spreading Christianity to non-Jewish communities and organizing early churches, the article laments that his teachings, stemming from strong guilt complexes, became the norm for Christian conduct, potentially overshadowing Christ's original message.