FRDB Archives

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.


Go Back   FRDB Archives > Philosophy & Religious Studies > History of Abrahamic Religions & Related Texts
Welcome, Peter Kirby.
You last visited: Today at 01:23 AM

 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 06-12-2013, 10:48 AM   #1
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA, Missouri
Posts: 3,070
Default What started Christianity?

This is open to all views with regard to history and the Bible and Jesus, with the one assumption that it Jews were among the early believers:

I'm curious what the main 1 or 2 reasons is that Christianity took hold among early JEWS.

What did the Jews respond to, and why?
TedM is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 11:13 AM   #2
Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: the fringe of the caribbean
Posts: 18,988
Default

Aristides in his "Apology" has fundamentally answered your question over 1800 years ago.

Aristides' Apology"
Quote:
The Christians, then, trace the beginning of their religion from Jesus the Messiah; and he is named the Son of God Most High.

And it is said that God came down from heaven, and from a Hebrew virgin assumed and clothed himself with flesh; and the Son of God lived in a daughter of man.

This is taught in the gospel, as it is called, which a short time ago was preached among them; and you also if you will read therein, may perceive the power which belongs to it.

This Jesus, then, was born of the race of the Hebrews; and he had twelve disciples in order that the purpose of his incarnation might in time be accomplished.

But he himself was pierced by the Jews, and he died and was buried; and they say that after three days he rose and ascended to heaven. Thereupon these twelve disciples went forth throughout the known parts of the world, and kept showing his greatness with all modesty and uprightness.

And hence also those of the present day who believe that preaching are called Christians, and they have become famous.
Based on Aristides writing in the 2nd century there was a story that God came down from heaven and was Killed by the Jews.

Those who believe the story are called Christians.

It is an extremely simple matter before us.

Aristides have explained how the Jesus cult started, and what they believed in the 2nd century.

It is also in the 2nd century where non-Apologetics first wrote about the Jesus story and cult.
aa5874 is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 11:38 AM   #3
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA, Missouri
Posts: 3,070
Default

Thanks aa. You didn't really address what I'm looking for. You address the 2nd century perception of OTHERS. I'm asking for personal opinions as to what it was that was being preached/taught that the early Jewish people responded to, and why they responded to it.

It sounds like your personal opinion is that Aristides account was accurate: there were 12 people who knew Jesus, and thought he had risen from the dead after the Jews killed him. Their preaching and example was so powerful that other Jews believed what they said.

Is that IYO, what started the spread of Christianity among the Jews?
TedM is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 12:44 PM   #4
Contributor
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: the fringe of the caribbean
Posts: 18,988
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TedM View Post
Thanks aa. You didn't really address what I'm looking for. You address the 2nd century perception of OTHERS. I'm asking for personal opinions as to what it was that was being preached/taught that the early Jewish people responded to, and why they responded to it.

It sounds like your personal opinion is that Aristides account was accurate: there were 12 people who knew Jesus, and thought he had risen from the dead after the Jews killed him. Their preaching and example was so powerful that other Jews believed what they said.

Is that IYO, what started the spread of Christianity among the Jews?
Of course I addressed your questions. Speculation and imagination resolves nothing. It is the witnesses of antiquity who will answer you. Aristides is one of them .
aa5874 is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 12:50 PM   #5
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Auburn ca
Posts: 4,269
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TedM View Post
This is open to all views with regard to history and the Bible and Jesus, with the one assumption that it Jews were among the early believers:

I'm curious what the main 1 or 2 reasons is that Christianity took hold among early JEWS.

What did the Jews respond to, and why?

Christianity didn't take hold in Judaism. It failed there.


It took hold, for Hellenistic Proselytes and Gentiles.






There was a division within Judaism and those that wanted to join, but didn't want to fully join, getting their winky's nipped. Baptism please.
outhouse is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 12:58 PM   #6
Contributor
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 16,024
Default

Quote:
the Orphics say that black winged Night, a goddess of whom even Zeus stands in awe was courted by the wind and laid a silver egg in the womb of Darkness; and that Eros, whom some called Phanes, was hatched from this egg and set the Universe in motion
Graves the Greek Myths 2011 p 30

Quote:
The Christians, then, trace the beginning of their religion from Jesus the Messiah; and he is named the Son of God Most High.

And it is said that God came down from heaven, and from a Hebrew virgin assumed and clothed himself with flesh; and the Son of God lived in a daughter of man.
It does read like a riff on Greek myths doesn't it!
Clivedurdle is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 01:01 PM   #7
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA, Missouri
Posts: 3,070
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by aa5874 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TedM View Post
Thanks aa. You didn't really address what I'm looking for. You address the 2nd century perception of OTHERS. I'm asking for personal opinions as to what it was that was being preached/taught that the early Jewish people responded to, and why they responded to it.

It sounds like your personal opinion is that Aristides account was accurate: there were 12 people who knew Jesus, and thought he had risen from the dead after the Jews killed him. Their preaching and example was so powerful that other Jews believed what they said.

Is that IYO, what started the spread of Christianity among the Jews?
Of course I addressed your questions. Speculation and imagination resolves nothing. It is the witnesses of antiquity who will answer you. Aristides is one of them .
So in other words, you decline to share a personal opinion. ok. This thread is for those that are willing to share an opinion of their own, instead of someone else.
TedM is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 01:03 PM   #8
Veteran Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: USA, Missouri
Posts: 3,070
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by outhouse View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TedM View Post
This is open to all views with regard to history and the Bible and Jesus, with the one assumption that it Jews were among the early believers:

I'm curious what the main 1 or 2 reasons is that Christianity took hold among early JEWS.

What did the Jews respond to, and why?

Christianity didn't take hold in Judaism. It failed there.
According to Paul's writings, and Acts, many Jews converted. I'm wondering what it is they were responding to. Paul acknowledged that the hub of Christianity was in Jerusalem. What was being preached and why would a Jew believe it?
TedM is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 01:42 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: South Pacific
Posts: 559
Default

Christianity took hold in a milieu of overlapping and changing/fluid cultures & beliefs.

Roman & Greek influences were over-riding and dispersing the Jewish population. Communities were shifting. Many Jews were forced into slavery.
MrMacSon is offline  
Old 06-12-2013, 01:44 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: South Pacific
Posts: 559
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TedM View Post
According to Paul's writings, and Acts, many Jews converted. I'm wondering what it is they were responding to. Paul acknowledged that the hub of Christianity was in Jerusalem. What was being preached and why would a Jew believe it?
The writings attributed to Paul may be more propaganda & embellishment than reality.
MrMacSon is offline  
 

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:41 AM.

Top

This custom BB emulates vBulletin® Version 3.8.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2015, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.