Introduction

Ever wondered if Paul, not Jesus, is the true architect of Christianity? In episode 156 of Almost Heretical, titled “Paul vs. Jesus,” hosts Nate and Shelby Hanson dive into a shocking revelation: the Apostles’ Creed, a cornerstone of Christian faith, skips Jesus’ entire life, mirroring Paul’s letters that barely mention his teachings. This isn’t just history—it’s a debate that could reshape how you see faith, and this blog post explores why it matters.

The Missing Life: Apostles’ Creed and Paul’s Letters

The Apostles’ Creed, recited in churches worldwide, jumps from Jesus’ birth to his death, omitting his three-year ministry. Shelby notes, “Absolutely skips his entire life. Goes from born of the Virgin Mary to died under Pontius Pilate.” Paul’s letters, like Romans and Galatians, focus on theology—salvation by faith, not Jesus’ miracles or parables. This parallel suggests Paul’s vision, not Jesus’ life, shaped Christian doctrine, a key theme in “Christian origins.”

Paul’s Transformative Role

Paul, once Saul of Tarsus, converted on the road to Damascus and spread Christianity across the Roman Empire. His letters, a third of the New Testament, introduced ideas like justification by faith, diverging from Jesus’ emphasis on works. Historians argue Paul’s inclusion of Gentiles was pivotal, but critics say he altered Jesus’ message, sparking debates in “Paul’s influence on Christian theology.” This tension is central to the episode, questioning, “Did Paul invent Christianity?”

Personal Struggles and Modern Echoes

What makes this episode relatable is the hosts’ honesty. Shelby admits, “I just didn’t really like his personality,” citing Paul’s arrogance in wishing Jerusalem leaders would “castrate themselves.” Nate, a former pastor, sees Paul’s tone in today’s “theology bro” culture, linking it to church leadership issues, especially women’s roles. This personal angle, part of “Paul vs. Jesus,” invites readers to reflect on their own faith, keeping them engaged.

Why It Matters for Christian Origins

Episode 156 kicks off a series on early Christianity’s first 50-100 years, exploring how Paul’s Christ movement eclipsed the Jesus movement led by James and Peter. Understanding this history, as Shelby says, “might be the most significant series we’ve put out,” helps us grasp faith’s foundations. It’s not just academic—it’s a journey into “Christian origins,” challenging traditional views.

Conclusion

If you’re curious about faith’s roots and Paul’s role, this episode is a must-listen. It’s thought-provoking, personal, and packed with insights into “Paul vs. Jesus.” Ready to question everything?

Takeaways

• This series may be the most significant we’ve ever put out.
• Paul’s influence on Christianity is profound and complex.
• Many teachings attributed to Paul are not directly about Jesus.
• The Apostles Creed highlights the limited view of Jesus’ life.
• Paul’s letters form the foundation of much Christian theology.
• The historical context of Paul’s writings is crucial to understanding his impact.
• Women’s roles in the church are often shaped by Paul’s letters.
• Paul’s personality and arrogance can be off-putting to some.
• The series will explore the differences between the Jesus movement and the Christ movement.
• Understanding Paul is essential to understanding modern Christianity.