Very interesting post, robomatic.

So much of it I like -- your New/Old contrast and analysis is interesting. And even as a Christian I find this statement, "Most of what Jesus has to say is perceptive but not brilliant, and he doesn't say all that needs to be said." , to be curiously accurate. Though I might give Jesus more credit than you do for his insight and wisdom, my take on Jesus' "ministry" would very much coincide with your perception...

....because, to the Christian (as I understand it), Jesus mission was to sacrifice himself. He was a propitiation. He was the providence of grace.

But that contrast parallels nicely with modern day characterization of those who would call themselves "Christian".

For some, "Christian" is a noun. For others, "Christian" is an adjective. If one refers to themselves as "Christian", meaning the former, it is likely that they, like me, are somewhat uncomfortable with the appellation because, though they are grateful as can be for the grace that "nouns" them a Christian, they are painfully aware that their behavior so rarely "adjectives" them as "Christian" -- and they (I) know that there is no excuse for the gap -- other than still being human.

Others who call themselves "Christian" reject the noun aspect altogether -- there is no grace because none is necessary -- there is nothing from which to be "graced". But they like what they believe are the teachings of Jesus -- and in that vaguely intellectualized way, choose to follow that concept philosophically -- like following the golden rule as best they can.