This thread is hanging by a thread.
If it's gone on too long, blame me.
Gene, real deep spiritual truth is hard to come by. Many would rather believe the lie. I understand where at least some of your 'concerns' come from as I've had some of them myself. They don't hold up under closer reading or other witnesses of Scripture which don't contradict. I couldn't be happier (in my own case) that they do not. Peter said that parts of Paul's writings were hard to understand, but Peter understood them. Maybe you and I and the rest of us should be striving and praying to understand them too.
It seems to me that a brief conversation/discussion with someone else has eroded your faith. If that's just my imagination and not the case, then I'm sorry...though although I spent three hours trying to allay just ONE of your issues, you didn't even take the few seconds necessary to answer my questions--so it's at least understandable if I misunderstood.
I suppose in my ignorance it might be possible that you came here already convinced of Paul's alleged heresy. I'd just have to refer you to the rules if that's the case.
It's discouraging to think of someone cutting out so much wisdom, information, practical real-life advice, psychological understanding, and help available in Paul's writings. But let me tell you something I believe to be truth. IF you decide to go the way you've indicated and 'believe and
obey' only the words Jesus spoke, in the course of doing so, you will come to understand Paul, though it will be the hard way. What a shame to let a religious hobbyist rob you of that treasure.
Dig deeper and try to 'get it' now before you toss it away. THAT'S why this thread is still running.