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?
Founder, Apologetics Ministries
In his analysis of the Gospels, Zindler has hurled several “elephants” which I have already answered in larger spaces, but which space does not permit the reproduction of here. I will therefore respond with questions for Zindler that will indicate his arbitrary methodology, as well as indicate his ill-preparedness for a depth defense of his position.
1) What is Zindler’s epistemic test for the authorship of an ancient document? For example, why should we believe that Tacitus authored the Annals – assuming that Zindler agrees with all Tacitean and Greco-Roman historians that Tacitus did author that document?
2) Zindler claims that the titles "According to Matthew," etc., were not added until late in the second century. What evidence does he have that the title of Tacitus’ Annals was not added until, say, the eighth century?
3) What does Zindler take as negative evidence showing that Papias did not know of Luke or John?
4) What is the earliest external evidence we have that Tacitus wrote the Annals, and how does this compare to the evidence we have for the Gospels? Can we conclude from this evidence that the Annals “are of unknown origin and authorship, and there is no good reason to suppose they contain eye-witness accounts and historical reports of a man named Tacitus”?
5) Will Zindler please explain why we should accept that Luke and Matthew simply “plagiarized” Mark’s Gospel, as opposed to the thesis that Mark and Matthew were both independently making use of a common core of oral teachings used by the apostolic circle?
6) Can Zindler please provide a citation from Tacitus or some other ancient historian that begins an eyewitness account by saying, “Now, boys and girls, I'm gonna tell you the story of X the way it really happened..."?
Next Argument
6
6
4
4
4
4
3
3
5
4
6
1
7
4
1
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
