Intersting. I get your point then, but I think there is still a deeper point you could explore, the same one I am, in fact, which is: DOES the Church really even follow the true HISTORICAL Jesus, or really just a Jesus of their own making.

You were pretty pointed in your article, Ben. Not that I don't write pointed pieces myself, but people need to be free to EXPLORE where GOD is leading them, even if we don't understand that from where we are as a Christian or just a Secularist.

Did you check out my article of Why JesusLeft the Church?

https://medium.com/backyard-theology/why-jesus-left-the-church-aab86cb3dd0e

I think you will find it interesting.

Dan and I don't agree on this issue of the Church lying. He's still firmly in the Jesus as a human sacrifice camp. But there is deeper argument I think he's afraid to explore. Most Christians are.

You write well, Ben. It was a major slam piece, but there are deeper issues to explore. Ones Christians of all stripes are search for now that they have left the organized churches to actually find GOID.

And you're still my brother, not because of your beliefs, but because that is what the REAL Jesus taught everyone to regard any human being.

Peace.