But you come across as you don't like the idea of the existence of Jesus at all, positive or otherwise.
So maybe not the most objective approach to it.
What gives you that idea? Are you just assuming that because I've disputed some of your evidence? But yeah, given that I perceive of most christian theology as incorrect and that the primary source for this theology as fictitious, I found it really difficult to accept secondary information regarding characters in this as real. Perhaps I am being close-minded, but I follow my instincts here
FWIW, I believe that jesus existed, I just don't believe he was divine or the son of god because I don't believe in that sort of god.
Anyway, people have all sorts of crazy ideas about Jesus. It's a shame because I've seen what he can do. The sad thing is how many miss out on what he can do for them, if you can achieve some sort of connection.
But you first need to believe, accept, and welcome him into your home, of course. He won't come and save you like a Superman, you need to the most of the work yourself. That's what's challenging about it, but easy when you've establishd a connection.
See, that I don't understand.
But I do understand and appreciate the concept of a metaphorical, symbolic god as long as this doesn't disengage people from actively trying to be good and kind people and taking responsibility for thinking and deciding right and wrong for themselves.
Why does jesus require my belief before he can improve my life? Most things that are objectively real in our universe do not require belief as a prerequisite towards exerting influence.
It makes me think of the existential and solipsistic nightmare that god must be within given the preoccupation with faith and belief.
Ninae said:
The linguistic anomalies are easy to explain - very ancient texts, translated over again and again, of course so inconsistencies were like to show up.
That's a good point, and likely to be one reason for the implausibility of these descriptions of jesus. I still think that the more likely reason for these anomalies is because the texts containing them are retrospective and basically marketing on behalf of the church to increase their material resources.
Ninae said:
People who are so against Jesus generally don't get anything out of reading something like this, nor are they prepared to.
I think most people would love it if god/jesus was explicitly proven, because it would make our lives better; we would have some sort of recourse in times of trouble and help in situations that are unpleasant.
As it stands, to state my perspective- I am not against jesus anymore then I am against any historical figure. I just don't want to have the ensuing morality imposed on me by people who simply believe that
they are correct and, because of their wealth and power,
I have to go along with it. Anyone can believe what they want AFAIAC.