I want to agree that of course the world would be impacted in a positive way by Jesus. And I think a distinction should be drawn between true christianity and world historic christianity. World historic christianity is not true christianity although there may be an overlap here and there throughout the ages. World Historic Christianity is a creation of man and is liable to degradation, corruption, and evil. And it is likely to me that this is what Nietzsche longed to overturn. Kierkegaard who lived slightly before Nietzsche was very critical of this World Historic Christianity. Here is a quote by him: "The greatest danger to Christianity is, I contend, not heresies, not heterodoxies, not atheists, not profane secularism - no, but the kind of orthodoxy which is cordial drivel, mediocrity served up sweet. There is nothing that so insidiously displaces the majestic as cordiality." To the degree that Nietzsche wants to reject this false Christianity then I agree it should be transvalued. I do not reject humility I reject weakness that is peddled as humility. I imagine Paul would agree. And I am not sure how aware Tom Holland is of this important distinction. Does he mention this in his book?
It's just not binary at all, is it. And it mustn't be forgotten that Christendom has enjoyed its harsh moments too... But I suppose the point about Jesus and, in practice, self-sacrifice for the benefit of others is unassailable, and throws the gauntlet down in every human heart.
I want to agree that of course the world would be impacted in a positive way by Jesus. And I think a distinction should be drawn between true christianity and world historic christianity. World historic christianity is not true christianity although there may be an overlap here and there throughout the ages. World Historic Christianity is a creation of man and is liable to degradation, corruption, and evil. And it is likely to me that this is what Nietzsche longed to overturn. Kierkegaard who lived slightly before Nietzsche was very critical of this World Historic Christianity. Here is a quote by him: "The greatest danger to Christianity is, I contend, not heresies, not heterodoxies, not atheists, not profane secularism - no, but the kind of orthodoxy which is cordial drivel, mediocrity served up sweet. There is nothing that so insidiously displaces the majestic as cordiality." To the degree that Nietzsche wants to reject this false Christianity then I agree it should be transvalued. I do not reject humility I reject weakness that is peddled as humility. I imagine Paul would agree. And I am not sure how aware Tom Holland is of this important distinction. Does he mention this in his book?
It's just not binary at all, is it. And it mustn't be forgotten that Christendom has enjoyed its harsh moments too... But I suppose the point about Jesus and, in practice, self-sacrifice for the benefit of others is unassailable, and throws the gauntlet down in every human heart.
“And the meek SHALL inherit the earth,” said our unsettling crucified Savior Lord!