Who Follows the TEACHINGS of Jesus?

Robot iMonkey · #1 25th August 2009, 01:04 PM

If the goal of Christianity is 'following the teachings of Jesus' (and not all will agree with that) what makes Paul such a great leader in doing so? In all those copious writings, how often does he refer to what Jesus said or did? Short answer -seldom.

And if you look at what Paul DID say about Jesus, the important thing to Paul is not the TEACHINGS of Jesus. It is the SACRIFICE of Jesus.

So, to Paul, the Christian community he was building was a new Jewish-type teaching, but replacing the animal sacrifices with the sacrifice of Jesus. Because of his writings, this teaching is still a major doctrinal point of many (maybe most) denominations.

So what denominations or groups focus most heavily upon the TEACHINGS of Jesus?

DerSchweik · #2 28th August 2009, 03:18 PM

Not sure I'd phrase the "goal of Christianity" as following the teachings of Jesus. The "goal" is probably more aptly stated as "seeking and saving the lost" - but then even that is but one of our many "goals" too, isn't it? Ultimately, the "goal" is securing a place in heaven and an eternal relationship with Him - not only for ourselves, but for as many as He may put in our path.

This seems a very loaded and charged question, with some very strong preconceptions about what we "should" be doing/teaching and contrasted with some very strong misgivings about what Paul [did or did not] teach in that regard. There seems to be a disdain for the "sacrifice of Jesus" as contrasted to the "teachings of Jesus," that one is somehow more important than the other?

I wouldn't for an instant agree that Paul wasn't a proponent of, or didn't stress/emphasize Jesus' teachings. One look at his life and his example are proof enough that Paul wasn't only a proponent, but one of the greatest proponents of Jesus' teachings in the last two millenia. I would challenge anyone to look at Paul's life after becoming a Christian and point out ANY areas where his life didn't in fact mesh with Jesus' teachings.

I don't accept your premise - or the conclusions you draw from your premise.

That there is disdain here for the sacrifice of Jesus as contrasted to the teachings of Jesus is unfortunate. Jesus' teachings - AND His life - all POINT TO HIS SACRIFICE and to the ramifications of His sacrifice on our behalf - which is what Paul's life demonstrated like none other. If anyone knew, taught, and followed Jesus' teachings, it was Paul. So your premise is incorrect imo and utterly without warrant.

What groups or denominations focus most heavily on the teachings of Jesus? - those whose lives most strongly demonstrate His sacrifice (and the ramifications thereof) on their (and our) behalf.