Setanta wrote: . . .My reading is that Saul of Tarsus and his succeeding adherents were responsible for adding the popular elements of "pagan" worship to christianity--i may be wrong about that, but unlikely to admit it. . .
The bible canon (currently accepted) does not support the many pagan beliefs and practices which have slithered their way into nominal christianity. That lets Paul of the hook. But, as for his succeeding adherents. . . well, maybe if you stand on your head and read the papyrus scrolls in a mirror. . .
AH!
Sorry, I'm just too darned old to try it.