The Cult of Paul

Contrast #11: Paul's callousness and Jesus' caring...

Possibly due to his obvious low sense of self-esteem and/or his aforementioned high degree of arrogance, Paul frequently treats others with a callousness that is anything but Divine: I declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you.,^{Acts 20:26} Therefore you have no excuse,^{Romans 2:1} do not associate with anyone... who is sexually immoral or greedy,^{1 Corinthians 5:11} and let that one be accursed.^{Galatians 1:9} Indeed, nowhere is Paul's cold demeanor more evident than in his belief in a wrathful God^{(For the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth, Romans 1:18. See also Romans 2:12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16.)} and his open support for God's actualization of that wrath.^{(See 1 Corinthians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15.)} Jesus Christ, on the other hand, repeatedly exuded an unconditional kindness and a humble sense of caring for all those he met - for sinners of lust and greed,^{(Luke 7:37, 15:1, 19:1-10, John 8:3-11.)} for cultural enemies,^{(Luke 17:11-19, John 4:7-40.)} and religious opponents,^{(Luke 7:36.)} for the "unclean",^{(Matthew 8:2-3, Mark 1:41, Luke 5:13, 8:43-48.)} and even for thronging crowds for whom he had great compassion.^{(Matthew 9:36-38, 14:14, 15:32, Mark 6:34.)} In great contrast to Paul, Jesus actually cared about those in need. He actually wanted above all to lessen others' suffering and to enhance their Joy,^{(John 15:11.)} and his actions throughout his ministry proved the same.

^{"The conversion of Paul was no conversion at all: instead it was Paul converting a lifestyle that raised one man above sin and death into a religion that has delivered millions of men so completely into their own dominion that their common nature has become a horror to them, and their religious life a denial of life itself." - George Bernard Shaw}