Are there any non-scriptural records of Jesus?

Question

I've never heard of any. How do we know he even existed? I mean, the Romans weren't Christian - didn't they write one single thing about this guy? He did, supposedly, cause quite a stir didn't he? I doubt that there was ever actually any such person. Maybe this question belongs in another category, as I am not looking for a faith-based answer. REPEAT, I am not looking for a faith-based answer. I know you Christians out there KNOW he existed, and I respect that, but that's not good enough for me, not being Christian myself. Thanks.

I've never heard of any. How do we know he even existed? I mean, the Romans weren't Christian - didn't they write one single thing about this guy? He did, supposedly, cause quite a stir didn't he? I doubt that there was ever actually any such person. Maybe this question belongs in another category, as I am not looking for a faith-based answer. REPEAT, I am not looking for a faith-based answer. I know you Christians out there KNOW he existed, and I respect that, but that's not good enough for me, not being Christian myself. Thanks.

Note: I already know that the Testimoniom Flavanium (attributed to Josephus) has been widely discredited as an authentic, unaltered source)
Also, the link that was posted in response to my query contained no real information whatsoever, just a bunch of circular double-talk with no evidence at all. Reading that was like talking to a Five Percenter.

Answer 1

The crucifixion of Jesus was unknown among the early church as late as the end of the second century. This was close to 176 years after the church would like us to believe the brutal end of its God occurred. It must be immediately pointed out that the modern church admitted the records of Bishop Irenaues (d.202) created a serious problem. They said of him: “Although of crucial importance in the development of the church’s theology. Irenaeus presents problems of considerable difficulty in regard to details about Jesus Christ”. Irenaeus is fondly described by the church hierarchy as the “depositary of primitive truth”, but he denied a virgin birth, and never mentioned a trial of Jesus Christ, said nothing of a crucifixion or resurrection and claimed Jesus declined towards old age

Answer 2

Don't know your level of reading but you might enjoy the following;

"The Bible as History" by Werner Keller, paper back. usually under $8.00. Ten million plus sales.

Can't say this isn't faith based, but the book covers in part of history of men, who being Christians, asked the same question you are asking. The title says it all and the author is awesome.

"The Quest of the Historical Jesus" by Dr. Albert Sweitzer. 6.89 used to 25.00 on Amazon.com. If you are not familiar with Sweitzer you can check out this site and also view other titles:

http://www.lucidcafe.com


'Historical Jesus' on a Yahoo search will give you enough to stay busy for months.

Answer 3

Josepheus as mentioned in one answer does refer to Jesus, but since he was born and lived after Jesus' time, anything he said should not be taken as fact----and all of the religous texts that mention Jesus were written AFTER he died, so there is no historical proof of his existence recorded during his life. Rather unusual, given his supposed notoriety and ability to do all of the miraculous things attributed to him. I could write stories about Charlemagne ( a famous french king for you who slept in history class) and anything I wrote would only be based on my opinion or what I have read. But I can read historical documents prepared while he was alive, that give strong evidence that he did in fact exist and did certain things. Can't say that about the christian Jesus.

Answer 4

Yes. One that i know of was written by a Jewish historian named Josephus. I think he was recording things for the Romans and that is how he got a Latinized name.

Answer 5

The writings of the great Jewish historian Josephus attest to Jesus as being a real person.

Answer 6

Click on Cherry's link and read. Also the New Testament is the most historically valid ancient document of all time. No other historical document comes remotely close. I could give you all the facts of the New Testament's validity, but look it up yourself, you will see. I first learned of the New Testament's validity through a DVD called "Jesus, Divine or DaVinci"

Answer 7

Yes there are records. Lets start with the trip Joseph and Mary made while Mary was carrying Jesus. Remember the "Christmass story" about them paying their taxes and the manger etc.
What about the King who wanted Jesus killed.
And how about the King who had people watching Jesus activities to condemn him.
Oh yes! There is a lot of documentation about him.
You just lack the education to be able to find and read public record.....................

Answer 8

Go read this: (it's not a faith-based answer!)
http://www.tektonics.org/jesusexist/jesusexisthub.html

There's even mentioning about the non-scriptural records of Jesus

Answer 9

Yes, there are some roman Court document that prove he existed, but I dont think there is much concerning his teachings or divintiy. I think his crucifixion was also documented there as well. But everything that has been found elsewhere is found in the Bible as well. That's why they are not mentioned much.

Answer 10

The Roman historian Josephus mentioned him.