Not Paul, but Jesus

by Jeremy Bentham

"Not Paul, but Jesus" by Jeremy Bentham is a philosophical critique written in the early 19th century. The work argues against the theological contributions of Saul of Tarsus, known as Paul, asserting that they diverge significantly from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Bentham positions Jesus as the true focal point of Christianity, advocating for the dismantling of Paul's influence in religious discourse. At the start of the text, Bentham lays out the foundation of his argument by examining the accounts of Paul’s conversion as depicted in the New Testament. He highlights the discrepancies between these narratives and suggests that the supernatural elements surrounding Paul's experiences were constructed for legitimacy rather than truth. The opening chapters establish Bentham’s intent to explore and dissect the impact of Paul's writings on the principles of Christianity, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into the dichotomy between the teachings of Jesus and those attributed to Paul.