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You're (in part) agreeing with what I said. A wise man saying wise things about the human condition and love? Sounds great! The self-interested power structures of organized religion? Not great. Agreed, right? 

Where we might disagree: I'd say that the Jesus of the Bible falls short of that "wise man" ideal. "Believe in ME. Salvation is through ME. Worship MY father (who is me... in a way... it's complicated.) Do these things or go to Hell. Literally. Oh, and slaves: No, I'm not going to condemn slavery. Be good pieces of property and obey your masters."

(All according to Christians, anyway. Who knows what the real Jesus actually said. If he existed.)

Bleah. Sure, there's some good, human common sense and wisdom in the alleged words of Jesus. And if he truly avoided the trappings of organized religion and its pursuit of power, I commend him on that too. But there are some warts in his words too, and nothing in the whole that suggests superhuman wisdom, inspiration, or perfection.

Overall, I much prefer the Monty Python JC's image of religion to the Nazareth JC's! (I'll happily bet a thousand pounds that Mr Cleese would condemn slavery, and the idea of roasting people in Hell, without hesitation.)

Anyway, thanks for the input. Your reminder that organized religion can be separated from specific individual teaching(s) is both correct and welcome. 

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