Who is aware that Jesus was written about by non-christian historians of the time?

Question

Writings of non-christians about Jesus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_and_textual_evidence#Non-Christian_writings

Since this is wikipedia, the best thing to do is get the names there, and then research what each writer said.

As for freet and other hardcore atheists, it doesn't matter what textual, archeological, or other kinds of evidence is found; they will always find a way to dispute it. Their minds are totally closed, and anything found that might prove the existence of Jesus is automatically deemed a fraud by these rabid atheists. Jesus said that people don't come to the light (Him) because their evil deeds will be exposed. These atheist are afraid to take an honest inventory of themselves and the hurt they have caused others, and that is why they refuse to believe that the existence of Christ might, at the least, be possible. I, for one, believe He is the Savior. Too bad these atheists can't open their minds for one sliver of a second to that possibility.

I want to clarify something about my question. The second paragraph doesn't refer to all atheists; it only refers to those who are constantly attacking Christians and attempting to disprove the Bible. If you aren't one of these "militant" atheists, please don't take this to be directed at you.

Answer 1

Yes, I had heard that Josephus, the Jewish historian had confirmed his existence. The fact that so many people follow his teachings, or at least claim too, makes it more unbeleiveable that he didn't exist. Even Gandhi praised His teachings. No one claims that the history of the persecuted christians is made up. How could these people risk their lives for a fictional character?

Additional note; in response to Kissmyku' s view about all the different messiahs, perhaps the Bible makes the best point of all when it records the account of Gamiliel , a prominent Phaisee, and what he had to say about the early Christians at Acts 5

33But when they heard this, they were (AU)cut to the quick and intended to kill them.
34But a Pharisee named (AV)Gamaliel, a (AW)teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in (AX)the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.

35And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men.

36"For some time ago Theudas rose up, (AY)claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.

37"After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of (AZ)the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.

38"So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action (BA)is of men, it will be overthrown;

39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found (BB)fighting against God."

40They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they (BC)flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them

Answer 2

This is an assumption about atheist and is the reason most atheist have a distrust about this subject. Religion tends to promote the act of assuming things, it start very young with most, because the whole concept of religion is assumption, assumption that what you are being told is the truth. From my research most of the writings in the bible were done by Jews and Christians alike.

Answer 3

Flavius Josephus.. of course wrote of Jesus but there are more and probably dozens Some are given here http://www.rationalchristianity.net/jesus_extrabib.html

there are also indirect historical things... the Romans made it a capital crime to rob a grave a few years after Jesus death...seems they were annoyed about an empty tomb

AND there is a rather lame story about a gardener named Judas who amazingly 'got wind' before dawn that the disiples were going to steal the body and 'moved it' Sounds like damage control to me. Methinks they protest too much.

Answer 4

Not to burst your bubble or anything, but most atheists don't really care. Proving the existance of Jesus, archaeologically or otherwise, doesn't prove God. A man was alive and founded a religion. So what?

The verbal diarrhea about closed minds doesn't really affect atheists either, since they take it with as much a grain of salt as criticising for not opening their minds to the possibility of an invisible pink unicorn on their shoulder. It's just kind of childish and naive to us, it doesn't hurt our feelings, I promise.

Answer 5

I believe you. I've done research myself. Josephus, Thallus, Pliny the Younger, and others talk about Jesus and they were all non-Christians. Nothing has been found to contradict the New Testament, or any of the Bible for that matter.
Good for you.
Fight the secular worldview!

Answer 6

These athiests also know that Jesus was only one of the many "Messiah's" galivanting around at the time. While you are on Wiki why don't you try this link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_messiah_claimants
lots of people to believe there too... most of them with more historival evidence that they existed than Jesus.

Answer 7

We call is "dispensation", a term. The Gospels have been the dispensation of The Son. So, after he's long previous back to heaven, then sure, traditionally talking, touching on Jesus is going to be in previous stressful. yet once you examine Paul's and the different apostles writing now Jesus lives in our hearts throughout the time of the flexibility of the Holy Spirit. IN John Chap 15 Jesus says that when he's long previous, he will deliver yet another , The Holy Spirit which will remind his followers of each and every thing that He taught and mentioned. at present we are nonetheless residing in the "dispensation" of the Holy Spirit as we watch for Jesus to return. yet what i think of I hear on your words in real doubt as to regardless of if this entire "Jesus element" is real or no longer. I take human beings good to a million John (the 1st letter of the Apostle John back in the direction of Revelation in the hot testomony). John says it exceedingly ordinary and sparkling to those that doubted in basic terms some years after Jesus went back to heaven. there have been already human beings doubting purely like there are on the instant. a million That which became from the start, which we've heard, which we've considered with our eyes, which we've appeared at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim with reference to the know-how of existence. 2 The existence appeared; we've considered it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal existence, which became with the daddy and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we've considered and heard, so as which you besides mght could have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the daddy and along with his Son, Jesus Christ. John and the different followers have been there, good there. They observed it with their own eyes. They touch it with their own hands. They beheld the dignity of God. And the excellent element is...you could behold it too.... John 14.6 "i'm the way, the certainty and the existence. No guy consists of the daddy different than via me." Romans 10.9-11 "9 in case you utilize your mouth to assert, "Jesus is Lord," and in case you think on your heart that God raised Jesus from the lifeless, you would be saved. 10 We have self assurance with our hearts, and so we are made good with God. And we use our mouths to assert that we've self assurance, and so we are saved. 11 because of the fact the Scripture says, "anyone who trusts in him isn't upset." Jesus dies for our sins so we could be forgiven and rose from the lifeless so we could have new existence. each and every person who believes could have new existence too. wish that facilitates. Jesus Loves You

Answer 8

i'm a christian, but i dont take those writings at face value.
most of the mention of Jesus is intrapolations.

for e.g. Josephus says "he was the son of God"
i dont believe a non-christian would say that.

Answer 9

Well I am certain Jesus existed and that He was a prophet from the Divine. Now whether He was all that He is touted to be today by many Christians, that I doubt very much.

Answer 10

Willys cynical thought for the fugging day;

The Bible was written by the same freaking idiots who said the Earth was flat!

http://www.willyblues.com/