I started this thread a year and a half ago. I've learned much about Jesus and other gods since then. The OP is woefully out of date. Interesting that it is still being discussed. I will have an updated thread shortly.
Produce some secular evidence or proof whatever nomenclature you prefer for the apostles. :) It's a simple request, badger. Until you can my thesis stands.There's not an iota of secular proof for the existence of the apostles.
If you don't have any proof just admit it, Jay. Don't hide behind smokescreens. Once more
Produce some secular proof for the apostles, if you're able. :) Until you can my thesis stands.
I offer you the challenge. Give me the name of a single secular historian who mentions even 1 of the apostles. Until you can my thesis statement stands.
I trust secular sources because there is is supposed to be a standard of unbiasness--something not found in religious sources. Christians love to throw out "Luke was an excellent historian" which he was anything but.
"Luke was incapable of being accurate and was untrustworthy as a historian"...
My bad. I should not have used the word, state. Here:
Some scholars allege that his main objective was to gain unanimous approval and submission to his authority from all classes, and therefore chose Christianity to conduct his political propaganda, believing that it was the most appropriate...
This is an important point. Modifications on the text were being done regularly as Christian dogma evolved. In some manuscripts changes to the text that were written in by the copiers can be seen in the margins.
This is why I believe in God, or some higher power. But for me based on the evil and suffering I see in the world and how God is totally indifferent to it, IMO he is a deist God.