[Why did modern historians believe the rhetoric of the Pagan Romans?
Traditional pagan Romans blamed Christianity for their decline.
Naive and self-absorbed modern intellectuals took their words at face value.]
Maybe, the enhanced economic performance of (what later was negatively labeled) “the Christians” permitted the Roman Empire to survive as long as it did.
This conclusion flies in the face of massive tomes, carrying titles like The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.]
Summary of text [comment] page 83
[Here is a strange claim:
In the late Roman Empire, the converted Jew and the Jesus-worshipping slave may have been marginally more economically productive than the Second Temple Jew and the pagan slave.
Why?
The former were not of this world3a. They were in the world3a but not of it. Therefore, they did not bother with unproductive fantasies2a.]
[The New Testament co-opposition of responsibilities3(2()) and freedom2(1) captures a moment of redefinition.
The bondage to the words of the Judaic law ended.
By choosing3b the way of Jesus2b, a converted Jew was more free1a to pursue “his” preferences in selecting responsibilities3a.
Ironically, the less political people of Christ’s way produced more wealth than the very political and wealth-devouring Jewish or Roman elites of the time.]
Summary of text [comment] page 83
[The average first century Jew could not live up to the multitudinous and litigious obligations of ritual purity.
Religious, tribal and family obligations depleted individuals of resources and inspiration.
Something2a would eventually give.]
Summary of text [comment] page 83
[Paul served his own delusion in words and bondage.
In the mirror of his world3a, Paul desired1a to be recognized as morally superior to his inadequate peers2a.
When Paul spoke to himself, he addressed his mirror of the world3a.]
[Before his conversion, Paul was not so different from other members of the Jewish elite. He yearned for recognition, not for material goods.
What type of recognition?
Paul wanted to be recognized as more righteous than his peers.
He was not covetous, like those other grasping elites.
Oh yes, he was better.
He enforced the Law.]
[Plus, there are three types of desire: the desire to approach, the desire to avoid, and the desire to not be bothered.
I cannot approach my inadequacy in fulfilling the laws as interpreted by the Saducees and Pharisees2a.
I cannot avoid my inadequacy in fulfilling the laws as interpreted by the Saducees and Pharisees2a.
But, I can desire not to be bothered by it.
Weirdly, this supports the modern notion of “freedoms” as negative rights. The original American constitution establishes the freedom not to be constrained by the state (religion).]
[What does this mean?
‘Something2a’ was my inadequacy in fulfilling the laws as interpreted by the Saducees and Pharisees2a.
What does that have to do with desire1a?
Desire1a is a possibility inherent in me1a, but it is not the only possibility.]
