Perhaps there is no way that I can truly examine things objectively. But you can't expect me to start from the standpoint of accepting the gospel accounts as inspired, infallible scripture. For me, the Christian scriptures are a source of information, but one that needs to be looked at just as I would any other source. I don't, for example, think it is a stretch to say that Paul's theology influenced the writers of the gospels. Likewise, while all the early Christians agreed on the reality of Jesus's resurrection, there were differing ideas about what this meant. Now, this is not to say that Paul was not ultimately right. I'm not drawing any firm conclusions at this time. Right now I'm just trying to gather data, analyze it, and piece it together.
Let me ask you this. We agree that Jesus's followers believed that he was the messiah, that he had been resurrected, and that he was returning soon to complete his messianic mission. Why hasn't he returned yet? And, under what circumstances (what things have to happen/ will be happening) do you believe he will return?