not appeal to all readers as worthy of criticism, but
there can be no doubt in the mind of any honest thinker that several at
least of Jesus' ideas were erroneous. His theology was filled with
superstitions, his cosmology was that of the pre-scientific era, he
expected the end of the world within a generation, his conception of sin
was theological rather than ethical, he failed to convince his hearers
by his oratory, he exaggerated the results from prayer and he related
parables that gave a false sense of values.

Now we shall turn to his personal character and teachings to see if he
was always the meek, gentle soul portrayed by the conventional Christ.

_Cursing Nature_

The act in Jesus' life that has been most difficult for theologians to
explain was the cursing of the fig tree. The tree was created to bear
fruit in the Summer, but when Jesus found it without fruit in the
Spring, he cursed it so that it withered away.

"Now in the morning, as he returned into the city, and when he saw a fig
tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves
only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth for ever.
And presently the fig tree withered away."[1] "For the time of figs was
not yet."[2]

This episode involves several mistakes--ignorance of the seasons;
destruction of a profitable food-producing tree; exhibition of temper
when thwarted, and giving false information regarding man's power to
effect physical changes by a curse.[3]

If Jesus acted unwisely in this one instance and was right in all
others, he is neither an infallible God nor a perfect pattern for
mankind.

_Forgiveness_

The conventional Jesus is emblematic of supreme kindness and
forgiveness, but in reality he was far from lenient in many instances,
nor did he advocate forgiveness for certain offenses.

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee ... tell it unto
the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee
as a heathen man and a publican."[4]

In the parable of Dives and Lazarus, Abraham was represented as
justified in not forgiving the rich man tortured in hell, or even in
saving the rich man's brothers as requested by the victim of Jesus'
policy of punishment.

Again Jesus said: "Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also
deny before my Father."[5] "Whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy
Ghost hath never forgiveness."[6]

All the wicked were condemned by Jesus