Do you think that there are undisputed extrabiblical records that show that Jesus existed?

Question

This primarily aimed at christians but anyone can answer.

A) Yes, and I've read them
B) Yes, but I haven't read them
C) No
and what belief you have (ie christian, atheist, jewish etc)

This is a little unscientific survey I'm doing so if you could not give more information than is requested I'd be grateful.

Answer 1

I'm not sure whether he existed or not is the issue for most. It's whether or not he was the son of God.

Answer 2

One can argue till they are blue in the face whether there are undisputed records of his existance. If I accept that there are--that there are records of this rebels existance--then clearly for something as mundane as a first century rebel (there were many rebels of that era that did not escape the note nor pen of Rome) then why are there no extrabiblical accounts that confirm the very extrodianry. For example--no records of people rising from the dead at the crucifixtion--no accounts of the Temple curtian being rent in half--no accounts of the sun being blotted out-no accounts of earthquakes enough to make the stones move--no accounts of damage to Jerusalem--yet there are myrid accounts in both Jewish and Roman history before and after that first century which chrnonicled earthquakes--eclispes etc. Just wondering why there is no confirmation on these extraordinary events.

Answer 3

D) I've read many of the proposed records, undisputed or not. Most of the common ones mention early Christians, and very few actually mention Jesus.

I'll also go with that Jesus may have existed, but until we have evidence that the Bible is a trustworthy source for information about God, it's a mute point.

Edit: Atheist.

Answer 4

I have read several sources that people claim to the be proof of Jesus' existence; however I do not find them compelling, there were a lot of mystic / zealots around at the time, Jesus was not an uncommon name, and there is no undisputed connection with the character in the gospels.

Also, many of the stories and motifs in the gospels are clearly identifiable as being plagiarised from other, earlier hero myths, so it seems plain to me that Jesus is a composite figure, like King Arthur or Robin Hood. (although not nearly so likable!)

Answer 5

The Roman historians Josephus and Suetonius mentioned him. Interestingly the former reviled His teachings and the latter wrote about ' the Crucifixion of the man Christus, if man he was'. There were many other references, but presumably those made by people sympathetic to Him will cut litte ice with some here. There is no evidence like that of an enemy!

Answer 6

I have got to disagree discombobulated. That the references to Jesus in Josephus's Antiquities have been dismissed by scholars is what atheists would have you believe, but I'm afraid that it just ain't true. The reference to "James, the brother of Jesus, the so called Christ" is almost universally accepted as genuine. What is more, the majority opinion heavily faours the partial authenticity of the so called Testimonium Flavianum. To support that statement I could give you a list of scholars as long as your arm, but I will give you just one: A N Wilson (an atheist).

Answer 7

Is there not records of King Herods deeds.....i.e. when he killed all the first born Sons...The reason he did this was because he was told by the wise men about Jesus.

You can also check the star charts and that will prove the story about the Bethlehem star.

Find the writings of Thomas they tell you more about Jesus.

I call myself Christian because I believe in Jesus, but I dont attend Church anymore because of the damage that it has done to me...............I consider myself very fortunate that my faith in God is stronger now than ever.

Look at the Dead Sea scrolls that exist they announce His coming.

I have seen and witnessed Healings in the name of Jesus.

Answer 8

Of course there were non biblical records about Jesus. Did you ever see a government official work without orders and paperwork?
They transported Jesus illegally back and forth through the night.
There were also records ordered by the Kings to gather information about Jesus to prosecute him .
The soldiers couldn't find anything detrimental to back up the accusations, so the accusers hired liars to make up stories they told in court. (Which also held records)
Now, go there, and learn the languages, and ask your questions........Yes, it has been done before.............

Answer 9

There are none. The closest thing to any account of Jesus of Nazareth even existing outside of the NT and gnostic gospels is a forged passage in the Histories of Flavius Josephus.

Answer 10

You don't need extrabiblical record to believe in the King of Kings. Just look at all the miracles that happens in a true christian church, and also you can experience yourself by talking to him with all your heart (key word" all your heart). I feel sorry for all of ya'll (yep I'm texan) who makes fun of his word!

Answer 11

A - I am a Catholic

For further reading, the following mention the existance of Jesus of Nazareth:
CORNELIUS TACITUS (born A.D. 52-54)
LUCIAN OF SAMOSATA
FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS (born A.D. 37)
SUETONIUS (A.D.120)
PLINIUS SECUNDUS, PLINY THE YOUNGER
TERTULLIAN (Regarding Pilate and Tiberius)
THALLUS, the Samaritan-born historian
PHLEGON, a first-century historian

Hope this helps