Influence of Greco-Roman culture on early church

"(fretting over abuse done to women by church over 2000 years)
I do find it calming to realize that a great deal of the problem was
inherited from the acceptance of the Greco-Roman culture that surrounded
the Church." --sojourner from another list.

Paschal:
We can hardly underestimate the harm, IMO, that began with the Constantine
revolution, Council and Creed in the early 4th century.
Creed became cult and was used to punish and abuse.
Bishops became paid over-seers.
Then began active persecution of the Jews and the burning of the first
synagogue and libraries of antiquity.

Ever notice the Nicene Creed (Apostle's Creed also)
actually skips the life and
teaching of Jesus?
"...became Incarnate of the Virgin Mary and was made man. .. for our sake he
was crucified, died and was buried. . . ".
The radical summons of Jesus the prophet
who calls us to welcome the stranger and to love unconditionally was
downplayed, and from now on. it was
WHAT WE BELIEVED that was the measure of our Christianity, not what we do
and practice.
Schillebeeckx on Ministry shows how it all changed from the first 2
centuries where women preached and were regarded as equals in ministry....

Jesus came and preached the gospel. The Church came and preached Jesus.

Which is always easier. Just believe in Jesus and be saved.

Church will always be co-opted by the PTB, by society, by nominal
Christians and by the dark side.
In most chruches today it is money and membership. Note: when I
was returning from two weeks in Israel in 1989 with a group of 40 Protestant
ministers, flying home on the plane, I noticed they all seemed sad looking.
When I talked with them and got them to open up, almost all were discouraged
to be going back to their congregations where conflict and pettiness
prevailed. Amazing change of attitude after they got on the plane.

Religion is full of stealth idolatry.
Hidden in many ways. Only love conquers.
Because then. . . .we don't have to "win."
"If love is lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?"
(hymn)

Next month I will be teaching a college course on the Philosophy of Religion
where I will be able to include the unconscious frames: e.g,
". . .As we pursue our philosophical investigation of those assumptions, we will acquaint ourselves with the major ancient and modern critiques of religion. Both Liberation theology frames (including Feminist theology) and Continental theology (as opposed to American and British), recognize that intellectual neutrality is not possible and all theology is biased. . ."

Namaste.