>>There is another option. Jesus didn’t write the gospels.
Jesus did not write the gospels. He never wrote anything, except for some symbols in the sand that no one ever saw.
But, I covered that in my third paradox. If the gospels are a hoax, then why follow the teachings of Jesus at all?
It’s called faith. You have to believe in something. I believe in Christ. If I’m wrong, it hasn’t really cost me anything because I enjoy my time in church and I like my church family. If I’m right, then I have everything to gain.
I believe I will have a beer this evening.
Actually you have everything to lose, as your lack of faith in the flying spagetti monster means you will spend eternity in torment.
By contrast, faith in the flying spagetti monster means you will spend eternity at the great bowl of pasta in the sky, with extra tasty meatballs provided to you magically.
After all you have to have faith in something, why not choose something that tastes good?