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This would be in line with Philo of Alexandria who was in and out of Jerusalem in 27-30 CE when Jesus was working his miracles and causing earthquakes and causing zombie saints to rise out of their tombs and march on Jerusalem and Philo doesn't mention Jesus Christ once in his writings.
But I don't care what they think they saw. I only care what they actually saw.
You're missing my point which is that rather than intentionally 'creating' a mythical character based on earlier mythical characters, the apostles actually believed that Jesus was who he claimed to be. And that makes thrillobyte's argument invalid.
Christians, have you ever wondered why I am allowed to blaspheme God and Jesus over and over and over and over on this forum and still wake up every morning to come on and post some more blasphemous materials? Ask yourselves, "Why doesn't God stop him or take him out?"
No, I haven't wondered. It's because God keeps giving you more chances to confess your sins, take up your cross, and follow Him. It could be not for your own sake, but for the sake of those who love you that God preserves your life. One day you won't wake up though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by thrillobyte
Oh yes, I know--the inevitable threat, "You'll get yours on the day of judgement."
If you convince yourself hard enough that there is no judgment, maybe you can get out of it.
How do you explain the founding of all of the churches across the Mediterranean in the 1st century? Who was founding these churches, and what was their motivation for doing so?
No, I haven't wondered. It's because God keeps giving you more chances to confess your sins, take up your cross, and follow Him. It could be not for your own sake, but for the sake of those who love you that God preserves your life. One day you won't wake up though.
If you convince yourself hard enough that there is no judgment, maybe you can get out of it.
One day everyone won't wake up, Mike. I know, I know--"At least I am assured of going to heaven and being with Jesus". But have you ever seen Jesus, Mike? Have you ever seen heaven? How do you know they're real unless you accept they are on pure faith and nothing else?
Someone once tried to sell me a bridge in Brooklyn for $10,000. When I asked to see the deed they pulled out a typewritten piece of 8/.5 x 11 which said on top "Deed to Giant Bridge in Brooklyn" and told me that was proof they owned it. I didn't give him the 10 grand but I know a lot, I mean a LOT of people who did. Get it?
One day everyone won't wake up, Mike. I know, I know--"At least I am assured of going to heaven and being with Jesus".
I have been given no assurance of that!
Quote:
Originally Posted by thrillobyte
But have you ever seen Jesus, Mike? Have you ever seen heaven? How do you know they're real unless you accept they are on pure faith and nothing else?
I have seen Jesus with my own eyes, but not in a way that would be comprehensible by all. I have not seen heaven, but maybe caught a glimpse; a shadow or a preview.
When you say "pure faith", I think you mean "blind faith". I would respond that I don't believe my faith to be "blind", but rather to be based on reasonably good evidence.
You ridicule and dismiss "pure faith" as if it weren't a thing desirable in and of itself. A person who lacks faith is "less fully human" in a sense than a person who has faith. To lack faith is to be lacking in a critically important part of the human experience.
You're missing my point which is that rather than intentionally 'creating' a mythical character based on earlier mythical characters, the apostles actually believed that Jesus was who he claimed to be. And that makes thrillobyte's argument invalid.
Well, I guess I don't see your point...but that's okay.
Besides which, there are lots of things that make thrillobyte's arguments invalid.
How do you explain the founding of all of the churches across the Mediterranean in the 1st century? Who was founding these churches, and what was their motivation for doing so?
The same way I explain the temples built to Zeus. Lots of people believed Zeus was real and they built temples to worship him.
Last edited by thrillobyte; 10-19-2022 at 09:45 AM..
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