badger3k

I've heard a few possibilities, from the idea that he was drugged to appear dead, that the authorities were bribed to release him early, and even that the whole episode was staged with the help of the authorities (can't remember where I saw that one). Of course, that leaves out all the other evidence against it actually happening (and/or lack of evidence for it).

Diogenes the Cynic

If there was a crucified HJ then he died. Entertaining naturalistic explanations for how he might have survived amounts to an unwarranted concession that anyone claimed to have witnessed any sort of physical appearance in the first place. There is no real evidence that any direct followers of Jesus - or any other human being - ever made such a claim. Remember, you don't have to come up with explanations for made up stories. It's only mythology. Don't get bogged down in trying to explain the exact composition of Icarus' wings.

badger3k

True, but it is helpful to understand and know some of the arguments so they can be refuted on many levels. You can argue that the entire episode was made up while also arguing that the specifics they refer to never existed. I think some people's armor can be cracked at the surface (particular myths, such as Jesus' survival) rather than all at once by denying any historicity at all. Sometimes an icepick works better than a sledgehammer, know what I mean.

Besides, the arguments themselves can be interesting intellectual exercises, although I can't say that they are rational or plausible.

offa

Lowder! Damn, it has been damn near ten years since I've seen one of your posts! Wow, obviously I've missed a lot.

The Ressurection is a metaphor. Jesus was crucified and survived. In one of the gospels it says, "Let's say the body was stolen." or something similar. The point is that the body was not stolen and Pilate was paid a ransome. By implying that the body was stolen admits a lie and that it was not stolen.

So, by knowing that the body was not stolen because he walked from his tomb into a mortal place called heaven admitting a lie is the Truth.

Jesus as a spook is an invention of St. Paul's.

offa