Paul, You Poor bastard
He had that pesky “thorn in the flesh”, given to him by Satan. (2 Corinthians 12:7)
Here’s a quick inventory of possibilities I’ve found both on the internet (christian and non sites) in books, and from clergy I happen to know and even a doctor:
Arthritis, Renal colic, tendonitis (makes sense, since he wrote 50% of the NT) gout, angina, boils, eczima, leprosy, intestinal cramps, ring worm, chronic hiccups, epilepsy, and gastritis.
I asked if anyone thought that impotency might be the “thorn”.
Based on the way Paul describes an obvious disdain for anything sexual in nature, and the submissiveness of women, I pose the probability that his PeePee just didn’t work. Paul’s hatred for all things kinky might be explained by his inability to obtain “morning wood”.
He loathed sexuality. He praised chastity and had a passion for celibacy. He even asked those who listened to him to “do as he did”(Corinthians 7:8)
His impotency controlled his thoughts, and not wanting to be alone in his misery (and being jealous of Bob from the Enzite commercials) he sought to control the masses. How? Create a character you’ve never met. Neither did he. And make the story as vague as possible so that if ever asked, you never have to give up any details. (Paul never mentions ANY specifics about the life and ministry of Jesus.
Skin disorders are obvious. So are chronic hiccups and bad gas, but who would want to admit not being able to get a stiffy? Especially in a time when Men ruled the world exclusively.
In response to: (from a textbook I have)Life inflicts sexual impotence or a problematic libido on Paul of Tarsus. His response? He gave himself the illusion of freedom, of autonomy and independence, by believing that he had freed himself from what defined him. Celibacy was nt imposed on him; it was a choice, a decision he had made. Unable to lead a sex life worthy of the name, Paul declares null and void all forms of sexuality for himself (of course) but also for the rest of the world. A desire to be like everyone else by demanding that everyone else emulate him, whence his determination to make all humankind bow to the rule of his own limiting circumstances,
From: An Examination of Christanity, Judaism, and Islam Without the Supernatural