Amaleq13

If it was obvious and certain that he believed in a historical Jesus, there would be no mythicists.

If, consistent with the OP, we assume the mythicist position is correct, Paul's theology doesn't really change at all. The only thing that is different is the location of the crucifixion and, given that Paul never mentions it, you can't really consider it relevant to his beliefs.

Peter Kirby

Is this invoking some kind of general principle? That nobody can deny that which is certain? In fact, a small minority goes against the "obvious and certain" on a number of issues.

best wishes,
Peter Kirby

sharon45

With the NT's jesus, a definite yes, but among certain 'pick and choose' claimed christians, then no.

First really though, is there would actually have to be a real and clear christian message which there is none.

Although people learn a lot from fiction, they don't by far have to either understand or accept a supposed presented central meaning.

Amaleq13

Nope, hence the smilie.

Dharma

would a mythical Abraham/Moses really, truly, honestly take away from the Jewish message?

andrewcriddle

This would seem to assume that not only were Hermes and Perseus not historical figures but that the pagans involved explicitly recognised this.

(See Paul Veyne 'Did the Greeks believe in their myths ?' )

Andrew Criddle

Amaleq13

I would like to see the actual references (do you know where these comments can be found?) but I would think that any such dismissal of Jesus would be based on an assumption that Hermes and Perseus could also be dismissed.

Does it make sense if H&P were considered historical figures?

Chris Weimer

Andrew Criddle - I think it depends on what time period. By Ovid's time, very few actually believed them, with a few oddballs like Tacitus or whatnot.

Huon

A source is St Justin martyr (c. 100 - 165). In his First Apology, he makes a comparison with pagan heroes Hermes Aesculapius (XXI- XXII). Source Catholic Encyclopedia, Justin.

Pagan heroes were never considered historical figures, AFAIK. Legend was never History.

Peter Kirby

What do you mean by the phrase, "considered historical figures"? I could then say whether figures such as Hercules sometimes, never, or always were such.

best,
Peter Kirby