Ktotwf

As you've failed to provide a decent argument for the historicity of Jesus, and have simply relied on endless Arguments from Authority, I can only assume that the truth (as you bolded like some bad parody of Fox Mulder) isn't very high in your esteem.

Barefoot Bree

I "will never be a scholar"? I think I resent that. I could be, if I wanted to. But nevermind.

Keep in mind, this is my personal and yes, non-scholarly explanation only. Doesn't apply to anyone else.

I don't read any ancient languages, and I (obviously) haven't made a study of all those ancient documents that keep getting referenced 'round these parts.

But what I HAVE done, is read this and other forums and sites for the past several years. I'm fairly confident that I've seen just about all the evidence and arguments that could be presented on both sides, from all the hundreds of forum members who have passed through over time. Keep in mind that the vast majority of members do that - pass through and move on after some period of time. The ones you see active here now are only a tiny fraction of those who have been here since I joined in 2003. I don't know how many of them may be considered to be "prominent scholars", but I can attest that many of them were/are very knowledgeable on the subject.

And, having given all this evidence a fair hearing - I have no dog in the fight either way - the simple fact is that I have not found any of the evidence presented for a historical Jesus to be convincing.

However, I have found the - well, "evidence" isn't really the right word, it's more pointing out the lack of evidence - make it the reasoning presented by those in the MJ camp to be more persuasive.

That's my story.

TimBowe

Yes of course it's not silly, I mean really who cares about the truth anyway. Why truth, why not untruth, and self deception.

Ktotwf

Oh, so Tim Bowe is a troll. Ok, that makes this all make much more sense.

Barefoot Bree

I'm still confused.

Why are you, an atheist, so bent out of shape about us denying what you consider to be The Truth, in big bad bold type?

What is it about there having been a real, historical man named Jesus, that is sooooo important to you, that our denying it makes you seemingly so upset?

TimBowe

I dont know what that means?

Sheshbazzar

Let's see Tim, you joined us this month and your up to over 100 posts already.
That is more than I made in my first 3 years of reading these forums daily.
I suggested you do a search on William Lane Craig, but evidently you enjoy posting so much that you do not have the time to do any actual research on these subjects that have been extensively discussed within these forums for years prior to your arrival.
There was no subject or observation within that cut and paste that you provided that has not been addressed over and over and over here.

These icons that you are placing upon a pedestal and bowing before all have feet of clay.

TimBowe

Because, when you debate a theist you lose ground when you take a radical postion like the one all of you are taking.

TimBowe

I know who William Lane Craig is, I have seen him debate.

Barefoot Bree

Whoever said those of us who are MJers are interested in debating theists? Whoever said that if we did, we'd even introduce, let alone lead with, the MJ idea?

That's about one of the least impressive reasons for choosing a side on any given question I've ever seen: the possible effect it might have on some debate with an unknown opponent at some time in the future.

Is that really what has your boxers in a twist?