I see a theory that doesn't have any real evidence or support. His case is purely circumstantial and doesn't take into account all the other extra-biblical writers for the existence of Christ (Pliny, Tacitus, Suetonius, Rabbi Elieze). It looks like a conspiracy theory that doesn't have any actual evidence. It all looks circumstantial. In other words, this wouldn't hold up in court.
#1 The majority of Jews rejected Christianity and Christ. The siege of Jerusalem and Masada can attest to that. #2 The early Christians suffered persecution by Rome. If his argument is correct, they should have been welcomed by the Romans, not killed. #3 Despite persecution, Christianity took over the Roman empire by 300 AD, becoming the state religion and replacing the Roman gods they had been worshipping for hundreds of years. Must have been some story for them to believe in their own creation made to stop a tiny uprising in a captured region.
Also, the article says that Atwill has merely reinterpreted Josephus' text based on Titus Flavius's campaigns. There is no expressed confession of making Jesus up by any ancient text. The headline is misleading.
I am not going to argue using The Bible, or even if Christianity is real. Just that this guy's arguments are invalid and unsupported by history.
I agree with the comments below the argument made in this article is clearly made by someone who does not have a true understanding of the political and social struggles at the time of Christ.
Nothing more than another empty conspiracy theory.
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Rynomyte 11 years, 1 month ago
Interesting conspiracy theory. Probably make some money selling tickets and generate some publicity.
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squeej 11 years, 1 month ago
I see a theory that doesn't have any real evidence or support. His case is purely circumstantial and doesn't take into account all the other extra-biblical writers for the existence of Christ (Pliny, Tacitus, Suetonius, Rabbi Elieze). It looks like a conspiracy theory that doesn't have any actual evidence. It all looks circumstantial. In other words, this wouldn't hold up in court.
Reply
gmullican 11 years, 1 month ago
#1 The majority of Jews rejected Christianity and Christ. The siege of Jerusalem and Masada can attest to that.
#2 The early Christians suffered persecution by Rome. If his argument is correct, they should have been welcomed by the Romans, not killed.
#3 Despite persecution, Christianity took over the Roman empire by 300 AD, becoming the state religion and replacing the Roman gods they had been worshipping for hundreds of years. Must have been some story for them to believe in their own creation made to stop a tiny uprising in a captured region.
Also, the article says that Atwill has merely reinterpreted Josephus' text based on Titus Flavius's campaigns. There is no expressed confession of making Jesus up by any ancient text. The headline is misleading.
I am not going to argue using The Bible, or even if Christianity is real. Just that this guy's arguments are invalid and unsupported by history.
Reply
rahnsensei 11 years, 1 month ago
I agree with the comments below the argument made in this article is clearly made by someone who does not have a true understanding of the political and social struggles at the time of Christ.
Nothing more than another empty conspiracy theory.
Reply