Sheshbazzar

I know that I don't 'hate' religion, I study the subject daily, and although I may not any longer believe every story, theological claim, or 'imaginatively' contrived apologetic that is bandied about, I most certainly find the subjects discussed most entertaining and intriguing, in fact I can say without any reservation that 'religion' is my chief source of entertainment and intellectual pursuit.
Certainly my life would be far less fulfilling sans 'religions' influence. My daily devotion to the study of 'religion' is its own standing testament to my love of the subject.

I arrived here as a staunch Fundamentalist believer, and for years argued extensively on behalf of the Bible's accuracy.
Only years of considering my opponents arguments came to make me realise all the errors and 'problems' with the Bible and the misconceptions inherent in the beliefs that I had formerly so held dear and had so long and so vigorously defended.

I now practice my own form of 'religion', (NON-Christian, and requiring no god(s), and no rituals to appease or 'get right' with such) and I now hold my own (present) beliefs with no need to force them on others, an easy and clear conscience, and with no ill will towards any man.
Life is good.

Ktotwf

Some do. Some don't.

Many who do have ideological reasons to be close-minded.

aa5874

It is the NT and the Church writers that presented a myth to the world.

This is not theory.

The myth can be found in the NT. It was the offspring of the Holy Ghost of God, who transfigured, resurrected and ascended to heaven.

Please show me where in the NT can the historical Jesus be found?

He is not in the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles or Revelation.

Please show me which Church writer wrote about the historical Jesus? There is none.

This is the preface of De Principiis by Origen See http://www.newadvent.org


The myth called Jesus is in the NT and the Church writings. This is not theory but facts.

TimBowe

I am not sure that I can persuade people that Jesus did exist as long as they are ready to explain the entire phenomenon of Jesus and earliest Christianity as an evil trick.

Ktotwf

Or, you know, it began exactly the same way most Christians believe every OTHER religion began.

aa5874

But, the historical Jesus must have been an evil trick if he was described as a God who created the world when he was not.

It is an evil trick to give false information or to fabricate information that is deceptive or false.

Now, what evidence or information from antiquity can you provide to show that you are not now trying to trick people in believing Jesus was only human when the NT and the Church clearly stated that he was the offspring of the Holy Ghost of God, who transfigured, resurrected and ascended through the clouds?

You must note that if Jesus was only human, then salvation by resurrection as described by Paul was an evil trick.

Sheshbazzar

Again Tim, because you have not read enough of the contents of this forum, you are painting the atheist's here with a broad brush loaded with the pigments of your own misconceptions.
Obviously you have not read through the thousands of posts made by 'spin' and many many others of like mind here- you are hurling the stones of your ignorance at what, and whom, you do not know.

TimBowe

My ignorance, you are in a minority

TimBowe

You stand opposed to all mainstream scholarly opinion.

Ktotwf

So many logical fallacies being thrown around in this thread.