Why all the fuss over Jesus?

Question

Since there's no proof that Jesus ever even existed (all the stories written about him were written *decades* or more after his alleged death), then why do people argue as if it is known fact that he existed? Why can't people accept that he's a myth, like Zeus, or Santa Claus, and just deal with it? I would have so much more respect for someone who worshipped the character of Jesus (which is pretty cool) than someone who said that believed the Bible literally.

As for the responders who bring up the "historical" entries for Jesus, check the dates: like I mentioned in my question, these "documented references" don't occur until *decades* or more after Jesus' alleged death.

Answer 1

No proof? Lee Strobel is an investigative journalist & atheist who set out to PROVE that Jesus never existed. His wife was a Christian and he wanted to prove to her that everything was false.
You can read about it in :
The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel.
A lawyer also set out to prove Jesus false, he wrote a book called:
Evidence that Requires a Verdict.
I would be careful if I were you. Maybe YOU should try to prove that Jesus never existed....
Oh...did King David or King Solomon ever exist? Because the books about them are waaaaay older than the books about Jesus. Oh, and Cesaer...did HE exist? I think his books are pretty old, too.

Answer 2

Because there is not a dispute over whether or not Jesus existed, the only dispute is between believers and non-believers about whether or not He is God.

"The historian, Flavius Josephus (AD 37-101) a Jew and non-Christian, gives evidence of the life and death of Jesus. Most reputable historians recognize the legitimacy of the early Christian writings. It is hardly likely that eye witnesses would have gone to their deaths rather than retract their accounts if they had been bogus. The martyrdom of so many early Christians (including the apostles, themselves), is by far the strongest evidence we have of the truth of the Gospels. Next to such powerful statements, the arguments you make are weak indeed. The fact that St. Paul makes no mention of Christ’s infancy proves absolutely nothing. Paul indeed speaks of having met Jesus. This is how he was converted! Jesus could very likely have confided to those who were close to Him events that took place away from His disciples.

I suggest that you read: “The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ” by Gary R. Habermas, “The Historical Reliability of the Gospels” by Craig L. Blomberg and”New Testament Documents: Are they Reliable?” by F.F. Bruce."
-Catholic Answers
http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=75941&highlight=birth+Church

Answer 3

Erik,

That's a great question. For me personally, I started believing in Jesus because of a "process of elimination" thinking process. My process included weighing out the possibilities of "No God vs God". I chose to put my faith in God. That was not easy, it required submission and admittion that total control was not within me, some control, yes, but not total control. Afterall, if I had everything under control then God/Jesus is not needed. Jesus is the very essence of my faith in God. And to take it a step further, I believe Jesus is God. More importantly, the value that's added to my life from this belief is undescribable. I've lived both views. This is why so many people are so excited about this being, force, source, or person that can not been seen(faith). It's because of what happens to them on the inside. And since all of us live in our own perceived world and can not possibly be inside of another human then it really boils down to personal conviction. No other human being will ever convince you that there is a God or Jesus. Only you can come to that decision, and then it will only happen when/if you are convinced you're not in total control. (faith in self).

Amazingly if you took a poll, a very very high percentage of people who believe in God or Jesus are very glad they do. That in itself has value. For the sake of conversation, if I could believe in the existance of a rock and it gave me peace, joy, comfort, and happiness then that would certainly have value.

Thanks for the question Erik,

James

Answer 4

Jesus really existed, there is little doubt about that. But he was just a good man who founded a new religion, of far higher morality than any other. The West's superior civilization is based on Christianity, do not forget that, whether you believe in Jesus or not.

Answer 5

There's sufficient historical evidence to demonstrate that Jesus existed and the stories written about him in the Bible are legitimate. Also, Jesus was just one of many people who claimed to be the Messiah. Many movements arose and dissapated during that time. It's hard to believe that the cult of Jesus could survive and evolve into the religion that it is today, in light of the many cults that did not survive, if those who professed it in its early days knew it to be false.

Answer 6

10 yrs or so ago, a kid I'd met only a few days before was struck by a car & critically injured. He was taken to a hospital and placed in intensive care. We went to pray for him and were told we couldn't visit him in his room because he was in intensive care. We sat for awhile... Then, they told us we could see him after all because it seemed he wasn't going to live much longer. The boy's father, my wife, and I prayed... The father and me placed our hands on his legs and prayed more. A couple of days later, he was brought home! That's why all the fuss over Jesus... If nothing would've happened, I would still believe anyway. Every one of us will serve the purpose we were created for - whether good or evil. Let me ask you a question... If there was no Jesus, what year is it...?

Answer 7

I believe every word of the bible as truth and whether u want to accept it or not Jesus Christ is real He was alive He who sinned not became sin was beaten and crucified for all man kind. He also raised again on the third day. How do I know He's real cause He's changed my life. Whether peeps want to accept Him or not is their choice now but a days soon coming when every knee will bow every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. God loves all so much that He gave HIs son for us.

Answer 8

When you will die and your friends, children, and coming generation talk about you; tell stories about you or perhaps one of your daughters or sons is so impressed from you that he/she will write your biography, then do you exist?

People will probably ask, "who is this Erik guy you are writing about?" and perhaps one of your ex is still alive at that moment, she says all teh crap about you, but your daughter or son tries to argue and prove her wrong, then what?

Just like that there are people who believe in Jesus and think he was teh right one, and follow his teachings. then there are others who are either of another religion or they don't believe in him, that is why there are argues.

why don't you give me a proof that you exist? If you do give me a picture, I can say, "it could be anyone."
If you bring up some people who will talk about you, I can say, "perhaps he paid you to tell me about him."

Just so, it i sthe faith of people. So just leave it. Some people believe in him and some don't. and those who don't, when they question Jesus morals, they are welcoming an argument.

for a change, how about if you prove it that Jesus never existed?

Answer 9

I am deeply offended that you would put Jesus in the same group as Zeus and Santa Claus.

Answer 10

Jesus is a HISTORICAL person-- mentioned in the Official Chronicles of the City of Rome.

Jesus is a Historical person mentioned in the writings of the Jewish Historian --Josephus.

The fuss over HIM is because HE is and was THE GOD!

-- because you can not fathom the above does not make it untrue-- so DEAL WITH IT!