Re: When to read Paul "within context" and when not ?

"David Ould" <davidould@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:2943a248aece28c77c78ab07f3f0@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

> I'm interested in this theory. What of Paul's writing taken on it's own
> could be seen to be a distorted view?

This topic was on my mind already because I was discussing this last week
with a friend who is a minister.
We both have a mutual friend, alsoa minister, who preaches almost
exclusively on Paul's letters.
Because Paul's letters are written to sort out problems in churches and
exhort peole to great work, this message on its own tends to be rather
depressing and difficult to live up to.
Certainly this is what we hear from people in his congregation.

Paul is the prime example of "must try harder" preaching.
You can also pick over Paul to justify all sorts of unchristian actions
which is not possible if you include the gospels.

There is little of the quietness or gentleness of the gospel stories,
parables and miracles.
You need to have the teachings of Jesus from the gospels to get a full
understanding of the Christian faith.

I hope that explains what I meant.
.

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