Saint Paul

Question:

My attitude toward Paul is that he was a bit big in the ego and he has caused a lot of complications in churches as a result. What is your feeling about this issue?

Comment:

My favorite comment about Paul came from theologian Matthew Fox: “[He] had his good days, and his bad days.” (Actually, you can listen to a very lively discussion about Paul between Andrew Harvey and me in the archived Bible Alive webcast for June 29 at www.unity.fm.) At times Paul’s understanding of the true nature of the Christ, and the true meaning and significance of the ministry of Jesus Christ, is absolutely right on—clear, passionate and very helpful. At other times he seems caught up in petty squabbles and a sort of whining self-pity that’s hard to take and hard to reconcile with spiritual truth. I think you’re right about his ego; he was certainly very protective of the churches he founded, and very testy if other teachers came along with different ideas. It’s also important to remember, I think, that Paul was not writing for posterity. He didn’t think there would be any posterity. He fully expected the return of Jesus and, therefore, the end of time to happen during his lifetime. In that, as in other things, he was mistaken. But in his ringing affirmation of the central spiritual truth of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” and in many other passages he was clear and correct.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed