Atheist says Jesus is made up #atheist #agnostic #atheism #jesus #christ #apologetics #history

The question of whether Jesus of Nazareth existed as a historical figure has been the subject of considerable debate, but there is a strong consensus among historians and scholars that Jesus did indeed exist. This consensus is based on historical evidence, both from Christian and non-Christian sources, as well as the criteria used in historical analysis. Here’s an overview of the main points:

Scholarly Consensus on Jesus’ Existence

1. Historical Agreement: The majority of historians, both secular and religious, agree that Jesus was a real person who lived in first-century Palestine. This view is supported by various ancient sources, despite differing opinions on the theological interpretations of his life. Historians typically distinguish between the “historical Jesus” (the man who lived and was crucified) and the “Christ of faith” (the figure worshiped in Christianity).
2. Non-Christian Sources: Several non-Christian sources from the ancient world mention Jesus or his followers. Some of the most significant include:
• Tacitus: The Roman historian Tacitus, writing around 116 CE, refers to “Christus” who was executed by Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius.
• Josephus: The Jewish historian Josephus mentions Jesus in his Antiquities of the Jews (c. 93-94 CE). While one passage is disputed (the Testimonium Flavianum), a more minor reference to James, the brother of Jesus, is widely accepted as authentic.
• Pliny the Younger and Suetonius also mention early Christians, who followed a man called “Christ.”
3. Early Christian Sources: The New Testament, while theological in nature, is also considered a valuable historical source, particularly the Gospels and the letters of Paul. Most scholars agree that these texts contain a core of historical facts about Jesus, including his crucifixion, though the supernatural claims are not accepted as historical by non-religious historians.

[Jwet]

Perhaps a man named Jesus existed and died for his beliefs. I believe he tried to wake us up to our own divinity because he recognized his own. Telling us heaven is within and that we are not separate from the divine but are divine but we must first become aware of this fact to reap the benefits of it here on this earth.

[maxdoubt]

A Jesus guy probably did exist from whom the New Testament legends sprang. But there never was a "Jesus of Nazareth." The "city" of Nazareth didn't exist until well after Jesus' time. The Amazing Randi did a vid on it. check it out.