Why do so many otherwise intelligent Americans believe the Jesus myths to be historical truth?

Question

Actully, i have read ALL of Josephus's works. Have you?

To sum up, Josephus's mention of Jesus was unknown for two centuries, is admitted even by Christians to be tampered with and first appears in the work of somebody who produced forged letters of Jesus, doctored quotes of Josephus, and lied about one of the very phrases found in the Testimonium when saying that other ancient writers used it. Almost every phrase expresses Christian, not Jewish, beliefs about Jesus.

There is also a 10th century version of Josephus. This is by a Christian Bishop and is a paraphrase in Arabic, not a quote of Josephus. It also contains clear anti-Islam propaganda. Ten centuries is too long a gap for this to be historical.

Answer 1

you sir are a tool and you should die, for such a rediculous thread and question, you are not at all intelligent and a fawl pitiable lout who does not deserve to breed. Not believe in Jesus does not make you intelligent it just make you a brain washed baffoon who watches too much television.

Answer 2

I hope you're not disputing that Jesus EXISTED.

If the myths you're referring to are the miracles and power of God, then... it's hard to explain something like that, but I'll try.

Part of the reason is because Jesus' teachings ring true and have an impact on some people. Another reason could be that, believe it or not, hope in Christ is the only logical conclusion to which these "otherwise intelligent" people can arrive. Or maybe there really is such a thing as a Holy Spirit working in people's lives.

Or maybe they're all insane...?

Religion is really a tough thing to explain away, because most people's religious decisions are a result of years of learning and personal experience.

And T.A. Rossi -- A lot of people become Christians late in their adult lives, and these people are often the strongest Christians there are. Some of these people have lived a long time without Christ, and when they finally come to him later in life they don't want anything else for themselves.

But everyone is different. I wouldn't expect you to understand. :)

Answer 3

How do you know they believe it to be historical truth? Most people who believe in Jesus believe in the teachings and the meaning conveyed in the writing. Examples 80 percent of Spain is Catholic yet only 20 percent go to church. Does this mean 80 percent of Spain supports the Catholic church completely or only 20 percent or neither. Numbers lie. There is nothing wrong in believing in someone who supports Peace Love and a God and even supporting it as Historical truth. Most of History has been written by the strongest of the time the winners and is skewed.

Answer 4

Because the History of Jesus birth, life and death is well documented and proved. Because He is the only one to rise from the dead and never die! Because he has taken up residancy in my heart and life and he has changed my life and mind. He has saved my life and marriage. He walks and talks with me every day. He is more then a myth or a feeling. More then a good man. He is the only way to Heaven. He is our final sacrifice for our sins. You can call him a myth but one day Every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. Like it or not. You can call green purple if you want to but it will still be green. Jesus is the son of God, He is my saviour. His Spirit lives in me and his power is still doing miracles today through all that will alow him to use them. If you do not believe it will not make it any less true.

Kathy

Answer 5

to ask this question is to ask why don't you believe them there's is no denying bibles have tampered with to fit Christian views or catholic views but some people believe in Christ just for who he is not because of what a bible says or because of what a minister or priest says i believe you have to believe in something or have an idea that a higher power exists because we didn't create ourselves we have a universe right who's actually seen who's touched the stars the first moon trip was a hoax and the president could just as easily do it again for a distraction against the war that's been going on since hes been in office but to say Jesus is a myth because you don't believe you have to be one of the unintelligent people I'm not asking you to be live in god or the devil heaven or hell but there are forces of good and evil and they are more powerful then we all think what makes a person kill someone else what makes a person help someone they dont even know perhaps the tales of Jesus are there to make us better people to believe someone loved us so much he'd die for our sins for you to love another person so much you dont even know to donate blood or be a organ donor instead of saying whats myth or not or saying why should i believe try to find something to believe in try to find an idea of what higher and darker forces there are

Answer 6

The reason is that otherwise intelligent Americans can not prove He didn't exist. It is speculation on their parts that Jesus did not exist. It is also a hope that people have that there is no greater power. That way they can always feel they have complete control of whatever they do wrong or right and theirs is the only lives that really count. Makes for a selfish civilization don't you think?

Answer 7

It's not just intelligent Americans. It's a lot of very intelligent people around the world, including some of the biggest names in science.

I should say that I don't believe, but I don't think I'm better than anyone because of that. I wish I could, and I try to, but I've sort of given up on that idea.

Answer 8

for the same reason other cultures believed that their gods and prophets were historical accuracies. It's all the same story just a different tale. Kinda' like West Side Story is an adaptation of Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet....which is an adaptation of Greek plays of Helen, which of course, is an adaptation of something earlier.

They believe it because it speaks to them. It gives them something to cling onto in despiration...and heaven forbid the man who corners an animal in the wild....the animal will always fight back when provoked.

Answer 9

Why is it so hard to believe? Maybe his Mom wasn't technically virginal, but that doesn't mean he couldn't claim divine birth. Babies conceived during Beltane were considered children of the God, so why eliminate Jesus' claim? There are references to him in various writings and what he was reported to have done, though miraculous, has been done by others throughout history. I don't think you need to worship him, but I do think you should respect him and his words (HIS words, NOT NECESSARILY the words of his followers)! He was a great man, and, as HE said, shared the spark of divinity that is within us all. Why is it so hard to believe that a rebellious young carpenter got pissed off at the status quo and started a religious upheaval?
A person does not have to believe a mythology to respect historical figures who have done great things for what they believe in.

Answer 10

Possibly because some people just can't believe they can function without an emotional crutch?

:)

"I wouldn't expect you to understand" Is that not the most commonly used, arrogant expression by xtians who can't explain their irrational beliefs!!?? I've even heard it said by a kid to an ex-minister!!! LOL