I think I can restate and simplify my point in this discussion.
There are two general categories of ways to learn about Christianity. One is through reading and study, history and theology. The second is through practice.
I’m suggesting that any complete study would include both. Depending on the person, people tend to gravitate towards one or the other.
WIthin the second category is an incredible variety of spiritual practice and directors of same. Also a large number of books on same. While the basics are the same, again depending on the person, various approaches will appeal or repel. It may take some looking.
My point or suggestion was that this second area, however it is explored, could provide information for you about the validity of Jesus and Christianity that is unavailable using only the first method.
DF, I think we have exhausted the topic long ago. The way to learn about Christianity is to read Christian books, the NT and Christian literature.
You don't practice while you are learning. You can practice only after you have learned. You wouldn't want your doctor to be a first-year medical student, or even a first-year resident.
Practicing Christianity it is trying to live according to what you think Christianity is, what you created in your mind and call it Christianity. Just as no lawyer practices law the same way, nor comes to the same conclusions, nor divorces his personal habits, character, culture from his profession, etc. neither do Christians divorce their "filters" from their religion.
They all believe they found the right answer and think they practice the "right" kind of Christianity. But in effect they they created a Platonic idea of the Law, or of God and religion, in their own image and according to their own taste. Some are better at it than others, some have greater following, but that proves nothing. Only the results do. And what are the results of 2,000 years of Christianity to boast about?
My point or suggestion was that this second area, however it is explored, could provide information for you about the validity of Jesus and Christianity that is unavailable using only the first method.
The history simply proves your assumption wrong. Christianity is actually a dying religion. In Europe for sure. In Asia it never gained dominance. In Africa also. Where it did once exist, it is fractured and divided, with different religious parties bickering and arguing over the faith they supposedly share. Thanks but no thanks.