Richard Aberdeen
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- Joined
- Jun 4, 2026
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- 83
The New Testament narrative of John is considered by many historians and literary experts to be one of the top 5 greatest works ever written, while the oft maligned and greatly misunderstood Paul of Tarsus is considered by historians to be, when weighed in the balances of his society and time in history, perhaps the most liberal author in the history of human civilization.
The liberalism of Paul is perhaps surpassed only by Jesus himself, who without question is the most liberal person to ever walk on earth. "Whoever desires, let them take the water of life freely" Revelation 22:17. For unlike modern conservatives and far too many modern liberals, God "shows no partiality" Acts 10:34. True liberalism extends to everyone, without exception, with emphasis on helping the sick, the poor, immigrants, prisoners and the otherwise marginalized and oppressed Matthew 25:31-46.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female..." Galatians 3:28, "To the pure all things are pure.." Titus 1:15, "...nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving" 1 Timothy 4:4 and, "...you are not under law but under grace" Romans 6:14. These remain among the most radically liberal and progressive writings known in the history of human civilization.
These and many other teachings of Paul break the religious orthodox mold so radically and completely, there is no semblance of any religion left standing, as the term is commonly understood today. Consider how radical and extremely dangerous it was for anyone to promote ideas such as in Jesus, we "are not under the law, but under grace", within a Jewish society which for 1400 years, was based on and rooted in the law given to Moses. And, while Rome was a nation of strictly enforced law and order among her subjects, if there ever was such a nation on earth.
Modern critics of Paul apparently don't have a clue regarding how brave and dedicated and radical (and poor) Paul was, dedicated to the goal of achieving individual and collective love, freedom, justice and peace on earth. The New Testament view and indeed, perhaps the greatest lesson of history, agreeing with many past and modern human rights activists, long remains, if my brother or sister is enslaved, hungry, naked, homeless, abused, marginalized or otherwise not free to pursue a life of freedom, security, peace, justice and equality, neither am I free and, neither is anyone else living on earth free, no matter how wealthy or famous or powerful they may be.
Where would the modern American Civil Rights movement be without the song "We Shall Overcome"? And, where would any of us living in the 21st Century be without the words, example and influence of Jesus? "He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the assemblies. To those "who overcome, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God" Revelation 2:7.
In Search of the Real Jesus
www.FreedomTracks.com/revolution.html
The liberalism of Paul is perhaps surpassed only by Jesus himself, who without question is the most liberal person to ever walk on earth. "Whoever desires, let them take the water of life freely" Revelation 22:17. For unlike modern conservatives and far too many modern liberals, God "shows no partiality" Acts 10:34. True liberalism extends to everyone, without exception, with emphasis on helping the sick, the poor, immigrants, prisoners and the otherwise marginalized and oppressed Matthew 25:31-46.
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female..." Galatians 3:28, "To the pure all things are pure.." Titus 1:15, "...nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving" 1 Timothy 4:4 and, "...you are not under law but under grace" Romans 6:14. These remain among the most radically liberal and progressive writings known in the history of human civilization.
These and many other teachings of Paul break the religious orthodox mold so radically and completely, there is no semblance of any religion left standing, as the term is commonly understood today. Consider how radical and extremely dangerous it was for anyone to promote ideas such as in Jesus, we "are not under the law, but under grace", within a Jewish society which for 1400 years, was based on and rooted in the law given to Moses. And, while Rome was a nation of strictly enforced law and order among her subjects, if there ever was such a nation on earth.
Modern critics of Paul apparently don't have a clue regarding how brave and dedicated and radical (and poor) Paul was, dedicated to the goal of achieving individual and collective love, freedom, justice and peace on earth. The New Testament view and indeed, perhaps the greatest lesson of history, agreeing with many past and modern human rights activists, long remains, if my brother or sister is enslaved, hungry, naked, homeless, abused, marginalized or otherwise not free to pursue a life of freedom, security, peace, justice and equality, neither am I free and, neither is anyone else living on earth free, no matter how wealthy or famous or powerful they may be.
Where would the modern American Civil Rights movement be without the song "We Shall Overcome"? And, where would any of us living in the 21st Century be without the words, example and influence of Jesus? "He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the assemblies. To those "who overcome, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God" Revelation 2:7.
In Search of the Real Jesus
www.FreedomTracks.com/revolution.html
