Paul was a persecutor of Christians who found a more effective way to undermine the followers of Jesus. He infiltrated their ranks and taught a doctrine that opposed Jesus’ teachings*. Thomas Jefferson wrote that: "Paul was...the first corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus." (Works, 1829 edition, vol4, p327) Paul’s letters comprise the greatest single portion of the New Testament (Bible), about a third. Here are some ways that Paul’s teachings, which have been adopted by present-day Christians, oppose those of Jesus:
Manner of Worship. Jesus prayed privately, and taught his followers to do the same. He prohibited public prayer and public displays of worship (Matt. 6:1-18). He did not organize any great church. Paul, in contrast, organized a great system of churches.
Feeding the Poor. Jesus taught in Matt 25:31-46 that salvation would be based in large part on willingness to feed the poor. Paul contradicts this (2Thess 3:10): "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Does this mean that if poor people are unemployed, we should turn them away from charity?
Salvation. Paul says in Romans 3:28: a person is put right with God only through FAITH, and not by doing what the Law commands. James, a disciple of Jesus, said in James 2:24: it is by his actions that a person is put right with God, and not by his faith alone.
The Law. Jesus is described in the gospels as one who always upheld the Law of Moses (Matt. 5:18-19). Paul wants to throw out the Law of Moses! Romans 10:4: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for every one who believes."
*The original teachings of Jesus have been altered. What are meant here are the alleged teachings of Jesus in the Bible today.
Who was Paul?
