I've finally got my wife out of the house for a while so I can get a chance to reply! She bought The Sims 2 and I've barely had a moment on the PC since!
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Originally posted by Technosoul,
(1) Could the historical account presented have been written by someone of the Jewish faith who wanted to counter-act the opinions of Paul and for the purpose of restoring faith in the concepts of an all-Jewish dotrine where outsiders could not by choice join? |
It's possible, but not so probable, because you have to consider the effectiveness of such a plan. Also, if the elements of the story were made up, then what would they have been fighting against?!
To me, that version would make me more likely to opt for the more accepting religion, not for the close-minded, closed-doored and racist Orthodox Judaism.
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| (2) Were the people on the steps of the temple selling stones or real animals to be sacrificed as burnt offerings in the temple? Was not the whip used only to drive off the livestock and not to attack people with? |
I don't think the whip was an important feature. They might just have said he usde a sword. Perhaps they chose 'whip' because it seemed out of character for Jesus to use a sword? Even though Jesus himself said he came to bring 'not peace but a sword'.