Not Paul, but Jesus

Not Paul, but Jesus is a philosophical critique by Jeremy Bentham, first published in 1823. The work argues that the theological contributions of Paul the Apostle diverge significantly from the teachings of Jesus Christ, positioning Jesus as the true focal point of Christianity. Bentham examines the accounts of Paul's conversion in the New Testament, suggesting that the supernatural elements surrounding these narratives were constructed for legitimacy. He contends that Paul's writings contain contradictions and fallacies, undermining their claim to divine inspiration and asserting that they serve to elevate the church's authority over individual Christian practice.