Did Jesus Christ exist?

There is big debate around this. Much bigger than I thought. I thought that most people, even atheists, had accepted that Jesus Christ was a real person. I'm an atheist, but I don't think Jesus is a myth. Yet it seems there are many that do.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcno.htm

I've been reading a bit about the debate, but there is just so much information, so I wanted to know what you guys thought.

I'm sure he existed, but if he was the messiah and performed miracles in the ways that we interpert them, I dunno about that.

It seems likely, but quite frankly I also think in the end his actual existence doesn't change that much in terms of this life. If the existence or non-existence of Jesus as the Son of God would cause someone to alter the way in which they live life, then quite frankly I would assert that they're not living life in the best way possible. ;)

I see no reason to think that he did not exist. However, there are many reasons to think he is not necessarily divine (although that doesn't reduce the importance of his life and deeds in my mind).

It seems likely, but quite frankly I also think in the end his actual existence doesn't change that much. If the existence or non-existence of Jesus as the Son of God would cause someone to alter the way in which they live life, then quite frankly I would assert that they're not living life in the best way possible. ;)

GabuEx

I just totally voted no by accident... :oops:

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

It seems likely, but quite frankly I also think in the end his actual existence doesn't change that much. If the existence or non-existence of Jesus as the Son of God would cause someone to alter the way in which they live life, then quite frankly I would assert that they're not living life in the best way possible. ;)

MyNameisaMeme

I was unaware of this debate. I'm not too surprised though, really. After all, some people still don't believe in the Holocaust.

Yes. Historians note the phrase "Jesus Saves" is traced back to his time as goalkeeper for Galilee Killer Bees football club.D3nnyCrane

It seems likely, but quite frankly I also think in the end his actual existence doesn't change that much in terms of this life. If the existence or non-existence of Jesus as the Son of God would cause someone to alter the way in which they live life, then quite frankly I would assert that they're not living life in the best way possible. ;)

GabuEx

And, you assume that if people learn that Jesus was God, that they didn't live life the best way? I'd say they found what they wanted, and personally, that it was good.

Yes. Historians note the phrase "Jesus Saves" is traced back to his time as runningback for Galilee Killer Bees football club.D3nnyCrane

Touchdown Jesus!

he could have and he couldn't have it's just a person who cares...i sure don't waste time thinking about something a long a$$ time ago live for the future or be buried in the past that's how i think

[QUOTE="D3nnyCrane"]Yes. Historians note the phrase "Jesus Saves" is traced back to his time as runningback for Galilee Killer Bees football club.RedDraco66

Touchdown Jesus!

I believe he did but I can understand why people think he didn't. Oh and sausage.

[QUOTE="Serial-No_3404"]yes he existed no he was not gods son religion is for the weakhydralisk86

True, but so is atheism. Atheists are also willing to admit that there is a lot they don't understand about the universe, which is why they don't make unconfirmed existential claims.

They've proven his existence, but not that he's even done any magical events.ConformestClone

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"][QUOTE="Serial-No_3404"]yes he existed no he was not gods son religion is for the weakBlueBirdTS

True, but so is atheism. Atheists are also willing to admit that there is a lot they don't understand about the universe, which is why they don't make unconfirmed existential claims.

[QUOTE="RedDraco66"]

[QUOTE="D3nnyCrane"]Yes. Historians note the phrase "Jesus Saves" is traced back to his time as runningback for Galilee Killer Bees football club.D3nnyCrane

Touchdown Jesus!

I love the way his shirt is neatly bunched up into his sweatpants.

[QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"] Religion is for the humble, the ones who understand that life isn't everything that you can see with your eyes. Religion is for those who are willing to admit that there could be more out there. hydralisk86

True, but so is atheism. Atheists are also willing to admit that there is a lot they don't understand about the universe, which is why they don't make unconfirmed existential claims.

[QUOTE="D3nnyCrane"][QUOTE="RedDraco66"]

Touchdown Jesus!

I love the way his shirt is neatly bunched up into his sweatpants.

[QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"] Religion is for the humble, the ones who understand that life isn't everything that you can see with your eyes. Religion is for those who are willing to admit that there could be more out there. hydralisk86

True, but so is atheism. Atheists are also willing to admit that there is a lot they don't understand about the universe, which is why they don't make unconfirmed existential claims.

[QUOTE="Serial-No_3404"][QUOTE="hydralisk86"] Religion is for the humble, the ones who understand that life isn't everything that you can see with your eyes. Religion is for those who are willing to admit that there could be more out there. hydralisk86

There is gnostic-atheism (what you're referring to) and agnostic-atheism. I fall into the latter category because, as you rightly state, I have no way of really knowing.

Of course He did!

[QUOTE="Serial-No_3404"][QUOTE="hydralisk86"] Religion is for the humble, the ones who understand that life isn't everything that you can see with your eyes. Religion is for those who are willing to admit that there could be more out there. hydralisk86

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"][QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

True, but so is atheism. Atheists are also willing to admit that there is a lot they don't understand about the universe, which is why they don't make unconfirmed existential claims.

Serial-No_3404

Conjectures? Are you sure about that? Have you done research and seen that EVERY claim was just a conjecture? Or are you just echoing what other people say, without really looking at the claims in religious scripture?

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"][QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

True, but so is atheism. Atheists are also willing to admit that there is a lot they don't understand about the universe, which is why they don't make unconfirmed existential claims.

XD4NTESINF3RNOX

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

It seems likely, but quite frankly I also think in the end his actual existence doesn't change that much in terms of this life. If the existence or non-existence of Jesus as the Son of God would cause someone to alter the way in which they live life, then quite frankly I would assert that they're not living life in the best way possible. ;)

hydralisk86

And, you assume that if people learn that Jesus was God, that they didn't live life the best way? I'd say they found what they wanted, and personally, that it was good.

What I'm saying is that the ultimate answer to the question of whether or not Jesus actually was the son of God as presented in the Bible should not cause anyone who is living their life right to change their actions in life, and as such, is really immaterial in any terms other than that of a simple question of curiosity. I have found that the instructions that Jesus gives us in the Bible, if followed properly and for the right reasons, bring the most amount of happiness in this life - regardless of whether or not Jesus truly was the son of God.

One ought to follow Jesus' instructions not out of a fear of hell, or because God said so, but rather because he or she recognizes and fully appreciates the immense value and benefit both to his or her own life and to the lives of others in doing so.

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"][QUOTE="BlueBirdTS"]

True, but so is atheism. Atheists are also willing to admit that there is a lot they don't understand about the universe, which is why they don't make unconfirmed existential claims.

XD4NTESINF3RNOX

Do you know what you're talking about? Have you heard of what religious people experience? If you went to some churches, you might find people going crazy with these fantastic acts, like being healed, casting out demons, etc. I think I remember other religions having their own stuff that goes on. Have you heard of how people "hear" God's voice?

[QUOTE="Serial-No_3404"][QUOTE="hydralisk86"] Yes, but some people outright say that there is no god. and they assume they have all the answers. isn't it true that science still has tons of questions?hydralisk86

Conjectures? Are you sure about that? Have you done research and seen that EVERY claim was just a conjecture? Or are you just echoing what other people say, without really looking at the claims in religious scripture?

[QUOTE="D3nnyCrane"]

[QUOTE="XD4NTESINF3RNOX"] why do so many people worship what they can't even see, hear, touch, smell etc isn't that kind of pointless? XD4NTESINF3RNOX

[QUOTE="XD4NTESINF3RNOX"][QUOTE="hydralisk86"] Yes, but some people outright say that there is no god. and they assume they have all the answers. isn't it true that science still has tons of questions?hydralisk86

Do you know what you're talking about? Have you heard of what religious people experience? If you went to some churches, you might find people going crazy with these fantastic acts, like being healed, casting out demons, etc. I think I remember other religions having their own stuff that goes on. Have you heard of how people "hear" God's voice?

why do so many people worship what they can't even see, hear, touch, smell etc isn't that kind of pointless? XD4NTESINF3RNOX

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"]

[QUOTE="Serial-No_3404"]yes science has tons of questions...but they remain as that...religion claims to have the answers when in fact they are nothing more than conjectures at bestSerial-No_3404

Conjectures? Are you sure about that? Have you done research and seen that EVERY claim was just a conjecture? Or are you just echoing what other people say, without really looking at the claims in religious scripture?

[QUOTE="XD4NTESINF3RNOX"][QUOTE="hydralisk86"] Yes, but some people outright say that there is no god. and they assume they have all the answers. isn't it true that science still has tons of questions?hydralisk86

Do you know what you're talking about? Have you heard of what religious people experience? If you went to some churches, you might find people going crazy with these fantastic acts, like being healed, casting out demons, etc. I think I remember other religions having their own stuff that goes on. Have you heard of how people "hear" God's voice?

I used to "hear" God for many years when I was younger. I prayed multiple times a day and had personal conversations with him. Then I realized I was just communicating with myself, which is still useful, but there's nothing particularly special about it.

[QUOTE="hydralisk86"]

[QUOTE="Serial-No_3404"]yes science has tons of questions...but they remain as that...religion claims to have the answers when in fact they are nothing more than conjectures at bestSerial-No_3404

Conjectures? Are you sure about that? Have you done research and seen that EVERY claim was just a conjecture? Or are you just echoing what other people say, without really looking at the claims in religious scripture?

That thought just creeps me out, man. Stalk much?