Freethought & Rationalism Archive

TedM · 06-12-2013, 10:48 AM

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?

aa5874 · 06-12-2013, 11:13 AM

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.

TedM · 06-12-2013, 11:38 AM

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?

aa5874 · 06-12-2013, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedM

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 .

outhouse · 06-12-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedM

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.

Clivedurdle · 06-12-2013, 12:58 PM

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!

TedM · 06-12-2013, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aa5874

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedM

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 · 06-12-2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outhouse

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedM

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?

MrMacSon · 06-12-2013, 01:42 PM

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 · 06-12-2013, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedM

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.

06-12-2013, 10:48 AM	#1
TedM Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 3,070	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?

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06-12-2013, 11:38 AM	#3
TedM Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 3,070	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?

06-12-2013, 01:42 PM	#9
MrMacSon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: South Pacific Posts: 559	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.

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