Did Jesus Exist?

Large numbers of atheists, humanists, and conspiracy theorists are raising one of the most pressing questions in the history of religion: “Did Jesus exist?”

[godfreydaniel]

Who else realizes that the "age of miracles" hastily ended when photography was invented?

[dzhabrailchopanov]

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful. Seneca Younger.

[triplejudy]

As an Atheist all my life .. I was brought up that Jesus was like Santa, Robin Hood, and Bigfoot. A myth with no evidence. As an adult ... I was right. :)

[jamesrosano]

Dan and Annie Laurie both deserve to live forever they are truly open to many things and that’s a plus

[fluxpistol]

You’d think the “son of god” would know to leave some more credible evidence other than a self referencing book.

[craigory]

I really needed to hear this! The religious upbringing I had gave me a great deal of depression and anxiety and Dan has been a blessing.

[vtvita]

Hearing Dan Barker give his insights, and knowledge, and answers, about the existence of Jesus was WONDERFUL. But then, hearing Dan Barker read the phone book would ALSO be wonderful. But seriously, I appreciate Barker's speech qualities and characteristics. And this was the final straw; I will now, finally, get Barker's books.

[SummersTimeEntertainment]

Did a superhuman from another dimension come to earth on a suicide mission in order to replace a piece of stolen fruit? Hmm...

[lauriemayne]

This question has been settled beyond a shadow of a doubt by an ex-Anglican priest, Tom Harpur. His book "The Pagan Christ" is the most convincing argument I've ever come across.

[DrJeeps]

The logic of religion: God exists because the Bible says so and the Bible is true because it's the word of God. to refute that brilliant statement of logical reasoning.

[steveweiss]

Was Jesus illiterate since he never took the time to write one word in his own behalf?

[alquemist]

Wow, Annie Laurie Gaylor is so amazing. I saw her when she was guest of Oprah Winfrey and she almost look the same after all these years. I so admire her very much for her character, beauty, poise, and values.

[leoaguinaldo]

Even if Jesus existed, he truly is useless.

[DickiesBeerReviews]

why did they STOP writing the bible? Did existence stop? Did god disappear? If the bible were true, it wouldn't have an ending...

[johnnydark]

for a god inspired book it sure has a lot of inaccuracies.

[hybridamerica]

I went to college for almost ten years to become a Christian Apologist. No... the Jesus of the Gospels did not exist.

This is an irrefutable fact - and will become more and more recognized over the coming years.

[vinskeeter]

Why was the whole Jesus thing created? Was there a need for another religion beyond Judaism or Hebrew....uhh....ism, at that time? Did they include the "credibility" of an already successful religion, for some built in credibility for this new Christianity thing? Reminds me of how Joseph Smith used Christianitys well established religion, to stack on the Mormon nonsense. If you want to invent a religion (or a sect) it's best to use something that's already there.

[gargoyle]

So let me get this straight: God -- the Big ''G''-- comes to earth masquerading as his child in order to correct a flaw in creation utilizing the assistance of a companion metaphysical force, the ''Holy Spirit, " and further grants everyone a sort of eternal pass to exist in favorable terms if they buy the story? Uh, doesn't that seem a bit of a stretch?

[rana-]

Thank you for this excellent discussion!  The interaction between Annie Laurie - who has never believed, and Dan - who used to believe - was really quite fascinating.

[geezzerboy]

Is there any extra-biblical evidence for the existence of Paul, aka Saul of Tarsus?