Jesus Christ is the most influential figure on the planet, with more than 2 billion worshippers worldwide and many more who fondly study his teachings. But what if he never existed? Many skeptics have posed this very question, and while true believers scoff at such suggestions, the debate is far from resolved. Jesus may have changed the world, but did he really walk the Earth?
Author: "Why I Became an Atheist."
Presenting a theory for the origin of a cultic movement is an important part of what each side must do in this debate. Extremely important. So present a theory of how the Jesus cult originated if Jesus was not a historical person. Give details. Provide the evidence. My theory has more evidence for it and can explain the data better than the alternatives. That's my claim, even if someone can poke some occasional holes through my theory. The fact that there are unexplained holes in any theory does not make that theory wrong unless a competing theory has fewer holes in it with more evidence for it. My view of Jesus being an apocalyptic prophet is the one adopted by the overwhelming number of peer-reviewed scholars who write on the issue, and for good reason.
If Benny Hinn lived before the rise of TV and newspapers then someone could deny his existence too, just because people claimed he did miracles. That's throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There are important distinctions to be made which many skeptics do not make.
And if one wished to deny textual evidence unless independently confirmed then you might as well deny the existence of Paul too, and Peter, and John, and perhaps Papias, and... At some point you lose credibility in your attempt to discredit Christianity.
My friend Robert M. Price is coming out with a book denying that Paul wrote any of the letters attributed to him. What then becomes of the existence of Paul? And where does it stop?
This is being reckless with the standards of history.
Next Argument
5
4
6
1
7
4
1
6
6
4
4
4
4
3
3
Biweekly updates on new debates and experts
Please check your email to confirm your subscription.
© 2008 Opposing Views, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opposing Views, Inc. is not responsible for the content posted on this website. Please view full disclaimer under Terms
Expert Verified
