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Nator7821
Fri Jul 14, 2006 12:30 pm


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Perhaps a thought. While one could argue that this denied the validity of such claims of Christ followers...it could also be argued that these are, in fact, outside sources verifying such claims.

How so?  Many of the same miraculous events purported to have been done by Jesus are actually predated by similar miraculous events purported to others.  Healing the blind with mud and spit has been found in reference to one of the Roman emperors predating the time of Christ, for example.

But what about today...and not just "at the time"...but "in time" between then and now?

There are ample socio-cultural explanations for continued belief once a belief system has been established to explain that.  Continued and prolonged belief is insufficient to prove the validity of the claims in the Bible.

Perhaps...but how often do we tend to recall anything under religious topics in today's world?

I fail to see the connection between this question and the problem presented.

In other words...consider this: 

a.) I don't like Person A. 
b.) I am the only person educated enough to write history books. 
c.) I use my power to get Person A killed (I.e. crucified). 
d.) I decide Person A, now dead 

While this is possible, it is so extremely improbable as to not necessitate consideration.  There are several reasons for this.
1. While literacy rates were low and educational standards non-existant, this by no means eliminates the fact that more than a few people could still read and write.
2. Romans are noted for having kept meticulous records of what their government did.  If there was an execution, it appeared in documents, not all that different from today.

Factor in the fact that if read chronologically the gospel accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus become more and more fantastical and mythical, and you can see that elements from other mythological themes are being added as time passes, and what is you begin to see is very unrelated to history, but very related to the formation of an offshoot religion incorporating elements from other beliefs to bolster appeal.  I personally do not see this last bit as being done with conscious intent, but rather with the subconscious as the need to justify this set of beliefs in the face of alternative beliefs with greater appeal.