My opinion........

My opinions change as I am exposed to new experiences and, new to me, ideas, concepts and facts.  In other words, an ongoing reassessment.   Currently in matters theological my ideas are a mix, mishmash, melange, of the ideas developed by a wide range of theologians and others. I cannot lay claim to any original thought (very few can).  The 'fun' is to discern from where elements of my current thinking come.

I gave up the quest for objective truth many years ago: recognising the difference between 'is' and 'ought', that facts and opinions are distinct and the latter cannot become the former despite the efforts of those who seek to convince us otherwise.  I have developed a sense of scepticism, particularly in regard to statements claiming to know the truth and seeking to inculcate it in others.

An opinion: we do not know if there is a god: if there is we have no knowledge as to its nature.   I do not have faith, belief or hold to the opinion that god is a metaphysical entity, nor that god is metamorphic and can be spoken to, listens to us, responds to us or directs us.

It follows from this that a religious text is neither the literal word of god, nor inspired by god nor infallible  Religious tracts are entirely human constructs conveying the thinking of the authors as interpreted by the reader. Ascribing a text to god does not make it a sacred document.  The fact that an idea is expressed in a religious  text does not make it an objective truth laid down by a metaphysical source. Simply claiming an idea is of divine origin does not make it divine.  Think of the ongoing damage suffered by women and  LGBTQIA+ individuals by claims of divine guidance or objective authority in the scriptures.

The idea that words have one fixed meaning is false.  We can only use our own interpretation as to the meaning of words.  Does the context of the time in which it is set render the words meaningless or inapplicable in today's context, or are the ideas the words convey relevant today?  

I do not know if Jesus was a real person or the creation of the authors of the synoptic gospels bringing together custom, myth, fable, metaphor, symbolism etc.  What its important are the ideas conveyed in the gospels and attributed to Jesus: concepts of kindness, love, service, justice, care for the marginalised and downtrodden.  One does not have to be a Christian to live in accord with these concepts: humanist, atheist, agnostic, follower of other faiths may all, and do, subscribe to these ideals.  But they are a matter of choice, not some objective truth from a metaphysical source.  Others choose to live in other ways.  Ethical choices are made: sometimes society in the form of legislation or peer pressure intervenes.  Choices are made: it is subjective, there are no objective standards or norms outside those either we as individuals or society decide to impose.

I seek to follow the teaching ascribed to Jesus because I find it compelling.  It is my choice arrived at in light of my experience, understanding and current lifestyle.  It is mental acceptance that I seek to turn into action.  

The story of Jesus is that of a radical rebel, a revolutionary, who challenged the religious, legal and political establishments.   His concern was for the have nots: women, children, the poor, the imprisoned, the marginalised, the disadvantaged.  Today there are many who seek to help those in need and to tackle the causes of individual and social injustice.  Some take their inspiration from the message attributed to Jesus, some motivated by other sources.