tovarij

If there was a historical Jesus who did not rise from the dead, why did people make up stories that he did? If there was no historical Jesus in the first place, why would people make them up?

I am not suggesting that Jesus actually existed and rose from the dead, but it is puzzling to me why anyone would invent the story.

Any ideas?



Also, are there modern inventors of religions like that? Any idea why they do it?

Naruto

Power. Control.

David B

If there was a historical Ganesh who wasn't human with an elephant's head, why did people make up stories that he had an elephant's head? If there was no historical Ganesh in the first place, why would people make them up?

Repeat for Ra, Osiris, Neptune, Zeus, Thor, ......

David B

Harry Bosch

The greatest modern day example is L. Ron Hubbard who invested Scientology "in order to get rich". Religion is used to gain power and money. I have a question: is there a single major religion in the world today that dosn't make the claim that all money and possessions belong to god and that proper believers should donate at least 10% to God? And where does this 10% come from?

RUmike

Another somewhat (but less) recent example is Mormonism. I'm not sure of what the motive behind it was, but today the religion has millions of followers, and it all started from a simple hoax.

I think belief in god and religion is the mistaken explanation of our surroundings. The dumb stories about miracles, resurrections, etc. just get added along the way.

Dean Anderson

And money...

And chicks...

Chunk

No Church I have ever been to has done that.

Harry Bosch

Well, please correct me, what Church dosn't require 10%? I'm sure that all Christian and Mormon churches require it. I think but am not sure that Islam and Hindu require 10%.

Peter Kirby

Catholic and Protestant churches are generally lucky to skim 1% off the income of their congregations. Mormon churches are considerably more successful than both in their collection efforts.

regards,
Peter Kirby

Chunk

No Christian church I have ever been to has asked for money in that way. There is usually a collection, but its up to you if you give money or not, no body is going to think anything of it if you dont.

I think this goes to show that some people come on this forum without knowing much of anything about Christianity from the Christian side, and maybe have a pre-concieved idea of what they think before theyve even looked at it.

Note, I said some, not all.