If Jesus wasn’t a real historical figure, where did Christian theology come from?

[Anonymous]

Certainly Paul was be-bopping all over Ancient Rome writing letters and starting churches within 50 years of his death. And his writings and behavior are much too organized to believe he was schizophrenic. So, where did this theology come from? Was there some group of crazy people who made it all up, including a central figure who never existed?

[Anonymous]

I think most people/historians believe Jesus was a real historical figure, but not all believe he was the Son of God.

[Anonymous]

Nope, not rehashing all this again because OP is a bored and wants to stir the pot.

OP, read the “Why Believe” thread for evidence that Jesus existed.

[Anonymous]

Very, very people doubt Jesus as a historical figure (which is entirely separate from Christianity).

Virtually all non-Christians recognize that such a person existed, much in the way that Cleopatra, Napoleon, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Gandhi, or any number of other historical figures existed. And then died as the 100% mortals they were.

[Anonymous]

*very, very few people ^^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nope, not rehashing all this again because OP is a bored and wants to stir the pot.

OP, read the “Why Believe” thread for evidence that Jesus existed.

Evidence that he likely existed. Not actual evidence that he existed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very, very people doubt Jesus as a historical figure (which is entirely separate from Christianity).

Virtually all non-Christians recognize that such a person existed, much in the way that Cleopatra, Napoleon, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Gandhi, or any number of other historical figures existed. And then died as the 100% mortals they were.

LOL. You're comparing the "evidence" that Napolean or Gandhi existed with the evidence that Jesus existed?

As discussed on the other thread, Socrates is a closer comparison. But even he had contemporary evidence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Very, very people doubt Jesus as a historical figure (which is entirely separate from Christianity).

Virtually all non-Christians recognize that such a person existed, much in the way that Cleopatra, Napoleon, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Gandhi, or any number of other historical figures existed. And then died as the 100% mortals they were.

LOL. You're comparing the "evidence" that Napolean or Gandhi existed with the evidence that Jesus existed?

As discussed on the other thread, Socrates is a closer comparison. But even he had contemporary evidence.

Yes, please. Let’s rehash the same arguments we all made yesterday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Very, very people doubt Jesus as a historical figure (which is entirely separate from Christianity).

Virtually all non-Christians recognize that such a person existed, much in the way that Cleopatra, Napoleon, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Gandhi, or any number of other historical figures existed. And then died as the 100% mortals they were.

LOL. You're comparing the "evidence" that Napolean or Gandhi existed with the evidence that Jesus existed?

As discussed on the other thread, Socrates is a closer comparison. But even he had contemporary evidence.

Yes, please. Let’s rehash the same arguments we all made yesterday.

https://i.ibb.co/qsnYvxL/88859-C1330-C35-D-47-C7-BCCA-FF6-DF38815-A4-BC.jpg" ></a><br /><a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>post pics</a><br />" border="0" class="embeddedImage" />

So why are you here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Certainly Paul was be-bopping all over Ancient Rome writing letters and starting churches within 50 years of his death. And his writings and behavior are much too organized to believe he was schizophrenic. So, where did this theology come from? Was there some group of crazy people who made it all up, including a central figure who never existed?

Did someone say he was schizophrenic? I think some people liked the message, and wanted to belong to the various church communities (like today), but the Christians were a minor and inconsequential sect for 300 years until the emperor Constantine converted. Read A.N. Wilson's biography of Paul as to why he did it (he was convinced the Christian god could deliver military victories which, of course, included booty for him and his men).. That was Christianity's big break.

[Anonymous]

Easy book to read "Letters from a Skeptic". Read and decide for yourself.

[Anonymous]

I'm an atheist, but in my understanding, historians generally agree that Jesus was a real historical person.

But to answer your wider question - Christian theology didn't come from Jesus. Christian theology was first agreed upon at the Council of Nicaea:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Certainly Paul was be-bopping all over Ancient Rome writing letters and starting churches within 50 years of his death. And his writings and behavior are much too organized to believe he was schizophrenic. So, where did this theology come from? Was there some group of crazy people who made it all up, including a central figure who never existed?

Did someone say he was schizophrenic? I think some people liked the message, and wanted to belong to the various church communities (like today), but the Christians were a minor and inconsequential sect for 300 years until the emperor Constantine converted. Read A.N. Wilson's biography of Paul as to why he did it (he was convinced the Christian god could deliver military victories which, of course, included booty for him and his men).. That was Christianity's big break.

Sounds interesting. I will take a look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Certainly Paul was be-bopping all over Ancient Rome writing letters and starting churches within 50 years of his death. And his writings and behavior are much too organized to believe he was schizophrenic. So, where did this theology come from? Was there some group of crazy people who made it all up, including a central figure who never existed?

Did someone say he was schizophrenic? I think some people liked the message, and wanted to belong to the various church communities (like today), but the Christians were a minor and inconsequential sect for 300 years until the emperor Constantine converted. Read A.N. Wilson's biography of Paul as to why he did it (he was convinced the Christian god could deliver military victories which, of course, included booty for him and his men).. That was Christianity's big break.

Yeah -- the stuff you don't learn in sunday school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Very, very people doubt Jesus as a historical figure (which is entirely separate from Christianity).

Virtually all non-Christians recognize that such a person existed, much in the way that Cleopatra, Napoleon, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Gandhi, or any number of other historical figures existed. And then died as the 100% mortals they were.

LOL. You're comparing the "evidence" that Napolean or Gandhi existed with the evidence that Jesus existed?

As discussed on the other thread, Socrates is a closer comparison. But even he had contemporary evidence.

Yes, please. Let’s rehash the same arguments we all made yesterday.

It's funny because I know many people who are atheists for whom atheism is essentially a religion. They have very strong beliefs are seem to be a mission to disprove religion. This is very different than just being not religious.