Split: Israel's judgement

[I Have Questions]

This was Paul processing his natural sexual attraction to Tertius. He was trying to make sense of his sexuality in a world that wasn’t enlightened. He hated himself for it and that comes out in his personal blog/opinion piece, now referred to as “Romans”.

As apposed to this piece of pure speculation one might think Paul was reflecting standard Jewish attitudes toward Greeks and Romans and other nonjews. Now I can see speculating about Paul having homosexual desires is a possible speculation. I rather doubt that Paul hated himself.

Well to be fair, it’s less speculative than claiming that what Paul and Tertius wrote is “God speaking”. I’d imagine that, given the culture of the time and place within which he lived, Paul might feel similar to a Mormon living in Utah who was attracted to another man. There’s certainly evidence that Mormons in that situation have experienced very strong feelings and suffered mentally as a result of the pressure to suppress how they really feel because of the cultural attitude towards people who feel that way. I’d say the stretch I’m making is nowhere near as baseless as claiming Romans is “God’s word”.

[huckelberry]

As apposed to this piece of pure speculation one might think Paul was reflecting standard Jewish attitudes toward Greeks and Romans and other nonjews. Now I can see speculating about Paul having homosexual desires is a possible speculation. I rather doubt that Paul hated himself.

Well to be fair, it’s less speculative than claiming that what Paul and Tertius wrote is “God speaking”. I’d imagine that, given the culture of the time and place within which he lived, Paul might feel similar to a Mormon living in Utah who was attracted to another man. There’s certainly evidence that Mormons in that situation have experienced very strong feelings and suffered mentally as a result of the pressure to suppress how they really feel because of the cultural attitude towards people who feel that way. I’d say the stretch I’m making is nowhere near as baseless as claiming Romans is “God’s word”.

Question, different people understand the phrase God speaking differently. To all who are at least aware it can be seen that all writing in the Bible was produced by human minds out of the humans attempt to understand experience using their inherited language culture and circumstance.

I can see it as possible Paul struggled with same sex desires. The fact he was unmarried would be the strongest indicator in my awareness. Working closely with a man on some project is so common that I can't imagine that indicating much.

[I Have Questions]

Well to be fair, it’s less speculative than claiming that what Paul and Tertius wrote is “God speaking”. I’d imagine that, given the culture of the time and place within which he lived, Paul might feel similar to a Mormon living in Utah who was attracted to another man. There’s certainly evidence that Mormons in that situation have experienced very strong feelings and suffered mentally as a result of the pressure to suppress how they really feel because of the cultural attitude towards people who feel that way. I’d say the stretch I’m making is nowhere near as baseless as claiming Romans is “God’s word”.

Question, different people understand the phrase God speaking differently. To all who are at least aware it can be seen that all writing in the Bible was produced by human minds out of the humans attempt to understand experience using their inherited language culture and circumstance.

I can see it as possible Paul struggled with same sex desires. The fact he was unmarried would be the strongest indicator in my awareness. Working closely with a man on some project is so common that I can't imagine that indicating much.

I’m not convinced Quantum1982 sees it that way. Nor perhaps, Jersey Girl.

[Molok]

By the way, Paul also said nobody should get married and everyone should be celibate, but I never hear a single christian quoting that. Weird, huh?

[Quantum1982]

Paul said you will have problems if you get married. He was saying it's easier to commit to Christ when you are single?

[Some Schmo]

Apparently, someone hasn't realized yet that the Bible is not the arbiter of morality.

He must think slavery is moral (as long as you treat slaves the way the Bible recommends, of course).

[Quantum1982]

Slavery was abolished in the new testament.

[Some Schmo]

Slavery was abolished in the new testament.

So your god changed his mind, did he?

Kind of takes the punch out of "omniscience" (not to mention "infallible"), huh?

[Quantum1982]

God can do anything He wishes.

[huckelberry]

By the way, Paul also said nobody should get married and everyone should be celibate, but I never hear a single christian quoting that. Weird, huh?

Paul advised folks with strong desires to marry.