Stoicism and natural law has never really gone away and rather than a rise of a new atheism it's more a case of people not falling for the religious dogma anymore, people still believe and are open to the idea of creator or God while living their life under natural law principles. Also Stoicism and natural law theory (on which the US constitution is based to prevent government trampling citizens rights) shows us that man made laws are more often than not dogmatic (government often now described as the new religion)and authority has in fact no legitimacy.
Jesus was wise! No written words directly from him, at all! Only natural law! The only word(s) that he wrote was just written on sands! Do people care what word(s) he wrote on sands? Why would he write that seriously on sands, rather than merely spoken words as usual? Did he ask his followers to record/write down what he said to them, knowing that he will go away forever very soon? Now he starts writing, probably his firs time that can be seen, this time hence must be very serious/ important, however with words only written on sands, should his followers (be reminded to) record down these words to pass it on? The words written on sands may be actually not too any words. Maybe just one simple word! Therefore, no need to record down. But, What is that? Truly spiritual indeed! Are we ready for the answers? After 2,000 years passing! LOL
Another relevant thread below. https://elitetrader.com/et/threads/...-civilized-country.303632/page-4#post-4434253