cracking the da vinci code

He may very well have. As you say, it makes sense, but it's not like the apostles recorded every word He said. On the other hand, perhaps He thought His actions spoke louder and had more impact than anything He could've said.

Your assertions make sense but I think in the case of women, He relied upon His actions and His teaching about how to treat each other to speak to the issue. I do think His example and teaching was expanded upon by Paul in his letters, though. One thing to keep in mind, Jesus' time was very limited. He only had 3 years, and He knew some of the apostles would have decades.

 

Thanks for the recommendation, Meat. I'm always interested in conclusions other people draw about religious doctrine. I'll add it to my reading list.

 

so then he really should have been a lot more clear about things, right? if you've got limited time to teach something, wouldn't you be as explicit as you could? rather than hoping they pick up on his actions, telling them would be quicker and more efficient.

 

True, but sometimes the action says more, and paints a more accurate picture of the message one is trying to convey. Maybe it was enough that the apostles relayed what they saw, so the rest of us might get it, even if they didn't.

 

could be. but then you'd think he wouldn't have said anything and just gone about his business, right?

i'm just wondering how he chose what to speak about and what not to speak about. of course, that's assuming perfect accuracy in what was written about what he said and did.... which i don't really believe to be the case.

 

In studying what He taught, and especially His teaching methods, He tended to root profoundly deep lessons in everyday examples and illustrations people could relate to -- farming, shepherding, parenthood, etc. But some things He tried to communicate are just too complicated to simplify. I suppose a parallel would be trying to teach calculus to a third grader.

Of course. I'd hesitate to describe every letter of the Gospels as 100% authentic. There are subtle differences between translations and between the Gospels themselves. It's the consistencies I trust, and it's those consistencies that comprise the heart of Christian doctrine. The interpretations of the differences are mostly what keep the Christian church from being whole as it was intended.