Poll: Who was the most important figure in Christianity (besides Jesus, of course)?
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Anonymous
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I'll start: Paul. He was critical in converting a still-Jewish movement into a Romanized fundamentally new religion.
Runner-up: St. Augustine. (Signed, a former Catholic agnostic still fascinated by the history of Christianity) |
Anonymous
| Of course it was Paul-- I've heard scholars joke it should called Paulism. Too bad because I think that's where a lot of the misogyny comes from, or maybe that's too optimistic a view of human nature. |
Anonymous
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I'd say Judas. I'm not being snarky.
Think about it: this is the one to whom most of us would truly relate, if we are honest with our flawed selves. Jesus' treatment and reaction of him, even though Judas was a part of Jesus' closest inner circle, might not have gotten a lot of coverage, but the implications are huge. I think the Judas situation gets a lot less attention because the fact that he IS so similar and relevant to us makes most people too uncomfortable to even begin to contemplate the implications. |
Anonymous
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Which branch of Christianity?
I'm Catholic and would vote for one of the early Christian leaders, but I have friends who are Orthodox and Protestant. I know their answers would be different. BTW, I think Monica of Hippo is more important than Augustine since she prayed for his reform and he never would have been such a great theologian if he hadn't put aside his party-boy ways. Behind every great man is his mom. |
Anonymous
| Mary! No Mary, no Jesus! |
Anonymous
| Among non-Christians, a runner-up would be Plotinus and Neoplatonism. When Nietzsche said "Christianity is Platonism for the masses," he kind of has a point (no offense meant!!). |
Anonymous
Holy Mary, Mother of God... |
Anonymous
That is an interesting observation. I always identify more with Peter, and also 'the mob' who choose Barabbas. But as to who is the most important figure in Christianity besides Jesus, I'd go with Paul. |
Anonymous
| The Holy Spirit, who guides all faithful/leaders of the faith. That's the "job" of the Holy Spirit. |
Anonymous
Another vote for Mary who has aided in the conversion of countless people. Co-Redemptrix to many Catholics (although a concept not officially a part of Catholic theology). Mediatrix. Advocate. Consoler. |
Anonymous
| It depends upon the denomination. |
Anonymous
Think about it: Jesus was a perfect man, according to Christianity. Only someone extraordinary could RAISE a perfect man. What was that upbringing like? |
Anonymous
No, only to Catholics. Catholics are the only religion which reveres her. |
Anonymous
Orthodox also revere Mary. |
Anonymous
You know, I am inspired by Paul but I reach out to Mary and depend on the inspiration of her enduring love and mercy. Means a great deal to me. |