Perhaps you have read "The Grand Inquisitor" myth, chapter 5 of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov?
https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/pol116/grand.htm
It makes an excellent sequel to your suggestion :-)
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I'm sure that I have, but probably about a million years ago in some high school or college class... In other words, I'm sure it will be worth reading and thinking about again from my present perspective.
Thank you for the recommendation! :)
Having now re-read that chapter, I have no argument with Dostoevsky's characterization of the organized church or its minions. Obviously, the Jesus pictured therein was not the motivator behind the oppressive and murderous activities of "the church." Nor is the Jesus in Whom I believe the author of present day evils.
Sadly, we see similar pogroms being enacted today, similarly supported by governments and organized religions side by side, using whatever convenient propaganda and rationale may lie at hand.
Likewise it was in Jesus' day. The world has not changed; in the Gospel of John, we see clearly displayed the perfidy of the "leaders" of the "church" of the day, plotting (and ultimately succeeding) to have Jesus subjected to "capital punishment" - i.e., murdered by the state. Along the way, also plotting to have the man who Jesus brought back to life, Lazarus, also murdered.
I'll once more summarize my thoughts and intent; I believe that Jesus was an historical person, literally the Creator/God of the universe, become a man. I find the Gospel of John to be a credible account of the most significant elements of Jesus' life and teaching. I recommend it to my readers for either their initial or re-consideration, because I think that it is compelling and potentially enlightening.
Thanks again, @onceuponatime, for interacting with me on this topic! ;)