Jeremy Bentham: «Not Paul, But Jesus» (1823)
« Not Paul , But Jesus » by Jeremy Bentham [video 5' ] Jeremy Bentham ' s « Not Paul , But Jesus » [published under the pseudonym Philip Beauchamp] is a thought-provoking essay that challenges conventional religious beliefs and advocates for a return to the authentic teachings of Jesus rather than the theological interpretations of Paul . Bentham presents a critique of the Apostle Paul ' s influence on Christianity , highlighting the divergence between the ethical principles of Jesus and the dogmas promulgated by Paul . Through his analysis, Bentham encourages readers to reexamine the foundations of their faith and to prioritize the moral teachings of Jesus over Pauline doctrines . Bentham commences his argument by asserting that the authoritative role of Paul in shaping Christian doctrine has obscured the original teachings of Jesus. He contends that Paul's epistles , being primarily theological in nature, have overshadowed the ethical teachings of Jesus present ...