Genuine question: were the Bible’s books and texts selected or manufactured to benefit the ruling class?
I’ve always wondered ever since falling out of faith if there’s any proof on whether or not the books included in the Bible and the texts in those books were carefully hand picked or even manufactured by those in charge of the first “large” communities.
The overall message of a God that provides for the poor and those marginalized and that they shouldn’t strive for riches or power on this Earth but rather live a humble life and prepare for the greatness of the Kingdom of Heaven seems all too convenient for the ruling elite who, despite the fact that they are looked down upon in the texts at certain points, got to keep their power and wealth.
Key sentences that are regularly quoted such as “turning the other cheek” or when Jesus says it is only through him that you could get to heaven and no rich man could make it on his own gives an overall “keep your head down, be humble and don’t fight against the ruling (oppressive) class” vibe that suited politicians and religious leaders alike.
Also, the adoption of Christianity by the Roman Empire on its latter stages and the latter foundation of the Roman Catholic Church seems also very convenient as it gave a lot of power, influence and wealth to this religious institution, which would be inclined to favor those in power that helped them rise to their position.
So, if anyone is more knowledgeable on this subject than I am, which is not that hard to be honest, I would like to know what sort of historical and theological information there is on this stuff.
Thanks in advance!