The question of Paul’s veracity is interesting. As of late, I’ve started to wonder if Paul had some physiological problem that was at the root of his Damascus Road experience; he saw a light and heard a voice. Could he have had a brain tumor, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? I think it is entirely possible that he believed his own story. Yet, there are other parts of his writings that make me wonder if he was making it up as he went along.
I am curious as to what scholarly people think.
More likely a miracle than a medical cause. Whatever the case, his letters have survived 2000 years and are included in the most important book in human history. What are the chances of that? That would count as a miracle too I guess.
People with schizophrenic disorders can be hyper-religious, but it is borne of fear and disorientation. They pray to God for deliverance from their suffering or an end to their perceived persecution. They can’t switch off or ignore the hallucinations, and they don’t have one-time hallucinations.
Matt2239 said
“Whatever the case, his letters have survived 2000 years and are included in the most important book in human history. What are the chances of that? That would count as a miracle too I guess.”
The Quran is about 1,400 years old. Homer’s Odyssey was written around the end of the 8th Century. I am reluctant to use age as a sign of divine inspiration.
“They can’t switch off or ignore the hallucinations, and they don’t have one-time hallucinations”
Paul appears to have had more visions than just the one. In 2 Corinthians 12:7 he states he had so many revelations that Satan was sent to keep him humble.
What could be a better indication of divine inspiration than durability?
As for Paul’s visions, maybe he ate some peyote or rye ergot. Or maybe he had religious visions. If you’re looking for schizophrenics in the bible, try looking at the people upon whom miracles were performed. Schizophrenia is very debilitating.
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