@eladar saidPeople living their lives according to the philosophy and commandments of Jesus, as recorded by those who created Christianity in the centuries after he lived, are most likely to be fundamentally good people whose lives might only be rendered "pitiful" by bad fortune or by bad events or contexts beyond their control.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
Looks like Paul is admitting that if Jesus is a fraud then the Christian life is the most pitiful life possible.
@fmf saidSo you think.Paul is wrong.
People living their lives according to the philosophy and commandments of Jesus, as recorded by those who created Christianity in the centuries after he lived, are most likely to be fundamentally good people whose lives might only be rendered "pitiful" by bad fortune or by bad events or contexts beyond their control.
@eladar saidNot at all. Paul was more likely referring to the persecution experienced by Christians and the woe they would feel if their high hopes invested in Christ were dashed.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
Looks like Paul is admitting that if Jesus is a fraud then the Christian life is the most pitiful life possible.
And then we have the next verses:
"For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 KJV
It is a matter of faith. IF he was not raised, IF he was just a man, then yes, we are to be pitied.
But Jesus lives and because of this, we all shall live.
@eladar saidIt's a mighty big if. Paul didn't think we are to be pitied, because of the resurrection.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
Looks like Paul is admitting that if Jesus is a fraud then the Christian life is the most pitiful life possible.
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@eladar saidHardly.
Mighty big if? Not in this forum and according to most people.
Just goes to show the Christian life, if lived out, really sucks from a worldly perspective.
John 10:10 KJV - "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly."
If you're not living the "more abundant" life as a Christian, then you're not doing it right. Paul knew this. This was his "proof of concept". I agree.
@eladar saidAre you saying that Jesus is a fraud?
Mighty big if? Not in this forum and according to most people.
Just goes to show the Christian life, if lived out, really sucks from a worldly perspective.
That is what you're saying. Why do you call yourself Christian? Why would you follow someone you think a fraud? That says something of your decision-making process, doesn't it?
@suzianne saidNo, a hypocrite is a hypocrite. If being a sinning Christian is not being a hypocrite then how could a Christian be a hypocrite at all?
You are confusing sin with hypocrisy.
Those who have hypocrisy know better than to claim they are 'without sin' and rarely do they cast the first stone.
Your logic is as flawed as ever. But that is ok, you got my attention so your efforts have been rewarded.
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@eladar saidBy claiming to follow Christ and then taking their own road, ignoring the teaching of Christ.
No, a hypocrite is a hypocrite. If being a sinning Christian is not being a hypocrite then how could a Christian be a hypocrite at all?
Your logic is as flawed as ever. But that is ok, you got my attention so your efforts have been rewarded.
After all, that is how you, as a "Christian", are a hypocrite, no?