Paul's Writings Underpin Western Thought

[Jehanne]

I think that's where you go wrong; there is absolutely nothing wrong with embracing the well-established positions of a community of scholars who, unlike you or me, are experts in their field of study.  After all, what is the alternative?  Someone like William Lane Craig, who may just be an covert fraud?

As I said, I'm happy to look at what they have to say.   I'm not interested in playing dueling scholars however.   From what I have seen, there is not  any new evidence or reasoning which explain the shift in scholarly opinion.  It is more about a priori assumptions, or an attitude change within the academic field. 

For me, I look at history, what Paul said, what others said, how the early Church responded, and I don't see this disparity, concerning Paul and the others.  Now there where some outside groups that did differ (gnostics and such).  This also explains the early church preference for Apostolic succession.   

You haven't provided even a list of scholars and what they say.   I'm skeptical and ask why?

Just take any New Testament class at the 3,000+ 4-year colleges in the United States; here's one great resource (among many):

Religious Studies Courses (RELS)