Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Jayhawker Soule · 09-07-2003, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by premjan
many many of the mythological stories of Jesus actually originate from the prechristian religion called Mithraism.

Unless, of course, they didn't. See, for example Misconceptions about Mithraism.

Doctor X · 09-07-2003, 01:55 PM

Bill:

Damn! I always do this when I am away from my sources!

Quote:

. . . including St. Patrick

I finished a book on early Irish history--scholarly . . . not "The Irish Saved the Klingons" crap! It was a bit painful--Sewtus Ma'Gwanthra was born by. . . . However, it did discuss the "mess" that is St. Patrick and I think it is an interesting paradigm.

According to the source--which I will come back and reference properly--there was a "Patrick" who left a diary with very little details. HOWEVER most of the "Saintly" things attributed to him were either done by other individuals--such as bringing Christianity to Ireland--or are well-known myths. Indeed, the historical Patrick serves as a great example of a "founding figure" in that people could subsequently attach whatever they want to him. It is the lack of verifiable historical data that allows this mythmaking.

--J.D.

Tellurian · 09-08-2003, 01:43 PM

From my studies I suspect that the Jesus character was developed from a compilation of stories about several different different guys.

The legend of Robin Hood was developed by combining the stories of several different outlaws and anti-establishment persons with some fictional characters such as Frier Tuck and Maid Marion added later.

I suspect that the story of Jesus was developed the same way.

However, that choice was not available for the poll.

View Poll Results: Was there a "historical Jesus," as you define that phrase?
Yes, and I am a Christian.	15	8.33%
Yes, and I am not a Christian.	38	21.11%
No.	40	22.22%
I think the question is probably undecidable.	52	28.89%
I am looking for more information and argumentation.	35	19.44%
Voters: 180. You may not vote on this poll

09-08-2003, 01:43 PM	#83
Tellurian Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: California Posts: 93	Historical Yeshu From my studies I suspect that the Jesus character was developed from a compilation of stories about several different different guys. The legend of Robin Hood was developed by combining the stories of several different outlaws and anti-establishment persons with some fictional characters such as Frier Tuck and Maid Marion added later. I suspect that the story of Jesus was developed the same way. However, that choice was not available for the poll.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.