Books: Jesus without theology (Introduction)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Wednesday, August 07, 2013, 14:11 (4127 days ago) @ David Turell

David: Their agenda was to try and see the human Jesus, angry with the corruption of the elders of Judaism. He had a perfect right to be angry and to preach the opposite way. Anyone can cherry pick the gospels. Who knows what is really history and what is embellishment. My wife is born again, believes in Jesus but not a church of Jesus. We both agree his teachings are wonderful. Who needs a religion about him?-I don't disagree with any of that. He was human while on earth (yes, I do believe he was the Messiah), and he had emotions, both before, during, and after his time on earth. I also agree that there is no church, as an institution needed, except in one very significant sense. 'Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together.' The real purpose of the early 'church' before it became a 'church' was to help upbuild and encourage each other through the association of like minded people, and to give those people a place and time that was insulated from all the madness going on in the world. In that sense, I think a congregation or gathering can be very, very beneficial and has a place. As an institution with rules and laws and all of that, no, I see no need for one either.

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What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.