Is there proof other than the Bible, of Jesus life and ministry on earth?
Desi
by desib77 15 Replies latest jw friends
Is there proof other than the Bible, of Jesus life and ministry on earth?
Desi
No wish to be pedantic, but I wouldn't say the Bible proved anything, especially Jesus. :)
Okay, I guess I stated it incorrectly. I just mean is there any other reference to Jesus or archeological findings that indicate his existance on earth?
Desi
I'm sure someone will correct me, but...
It is my understanding that there have never been any archeological proof that "Jesus was here". I do believe though, ancient writers have referred to Jesus, concerning Rome.
Josephus refers to a man who preached and and worked miracles at this time.However there are those who dispute that that part of his work is original, wouldn't they just?
Desib, sorry, there's always one isn't there!
As far as I am aware Bryan is spot on. Nothing, zip!
There are a couple of references. One of them is from Josephus. However, there is substantial reason to believe that the short passage was a spurious addition. As I recall, there are a couple of other references to him from non-biblical sources, but they are inconclusive. Even if they are authentic, they really don't give much information to corroborate the Bible's story. The existance of a guy named Jesus does not prove that he did what the Bible claims.
Many of the Bible stories about Jesus contradict themselves - for example, his date of birth is given three different times - each one different from the other. As well, his line of descent, as given by Matthew, contradicts the one given by Luke.
Many of the Bible stories, such as Herod's massacre of male babies, have no secular record. The Bible also makes errors regarding culture and procedure, that seem to indicate a later authorship.
Add to this the supernatural tall tales of his miracles, and you have a recipe for regarding the story as merely legend. This is the standard to which we hold Greek mythology, why do we lower our standards for the Bible?
So, although it is possible that the Bible stories are loosely based on an actual individual, or composite of individuals, the overall Jesus myth is just legend.
Add to this the supernatural tall tales of his miracles, and you have a recipe for regarding the story as merely legend. This is the standard to which we hold Greek mythology, why do we lower our standards for the Bible?
Possibly because the historical figure of Christ represents a more clearly identifiable human character than the weirdos found within Greek mythology Although I always enjoyed the Jason stories ...
There are references amongst Roman writers of the spread and effects of Christianity. This suggests that there was a starting point and certainly a figure known as Jesus who developed such vigor amongst people at that time. To spawn an entire religious movement containing such rapid growth and strength of numbers is a monumental task within itself (give it a go if you like!).
So yes, I'd personally say that Jesus existed. Now whether you have faith in him being "the son of God" is up to you.
The last site I mentioned is controversial, this one seems to sum it up. I found a description from one of the people ?in yellow? at the following site about Jusus about four years ago, but I?ll be damned if I can find it again.
http://www.atheists.org/church/didjesusexist.htmlThe weeze