Atheists and Their Fathers

www.probe.org ^ | 2002 | Kerby Anderson

[Modernman]

Jesus Christ existed because he was real. Vishu was not, or is your central crux of your argument that Christ was made up by everyone as well and just a work of fiction? Going to be a hard argument since the central theme of his life was his death.

I think the historical evidence probably supports the conclusion that a Jewish preacher name Jesus existed in the first century AD.

However, all of the supernatural events attributed to him in the Bible are a matter of faith that are not supported by independent historical evidence. Belief in the divinity of Jesus, like belief in the existence of Hindu gods, is a matter of faith.

[AppyPappy]

I meant most atheists who argue religion with theists are anti-Christians.

[AppyPappy]

Why do Christians find the need to meddle in atheist affairs, and to bash them like this article does?

Because the theists think the atheists are wrong. Atheists have no idea whether the theists are wrong or not.

[Protagoras]

I think the historical evidence probably supports the conclusion that a Jewish preacher name Jesus existed in the first century AD.

There is evidence for the things that happened, actually the same evidence of his existence. Including the resurrection.

Evidence however is not in and of itself proof. Some accept the evidence and as a matter of faith consider it proof. Others do not.

In the end, we will know,,,,,or not.

[AppyPappy]

In fact, there is more evidence for his existence than many other historical figures who's existence is never questioned.

Irrelevant. Satan can create a mountain of evidence proving Christ never existed. A Christian cannot hang his hat on anything but a personal relationship with a Living Christ. That's why Christ didn't stay on Earth.

[antiRepublicrat]

Because the theists think the atheists are wrong.

It must be nice to have all the answers. So easy, so convenient.

[AppyPappy]

It must be nice to have all the answers.

You can't even begin to know how much easier. A lot easier than being an atheist (been there, done that).

[Protagoras]

Irrelevant.

I responded to a comment, it was relevant to that comment. It is irrelevant to other comments and purposes.

Satan can create a mountain of evidence proving Christ never existed.

Not to me, and I guessing not to you. His evidence, (I have never seen any) doesn't make it proof in any case.

A Christian cannot hang his hat on anything but a personal relationship with a Living Christ.

I agree.

That's why Christ didn't stay on Earth.

I disagree, he is here IMO. In all places and at all times.

[BMCDA]

Or maybe those UFO believers aren't as pervasive as theists and they aren't that eager to convert all those anUFOlogists to their beliefs.

[antiRepublicrat]

You can't even begin to know how much easier.

I can. I was raised Christian, and remember the days when everything was so easy. Of course, the easy path isn't always the best path.

[Junior]

No the crux of the argument is that there is as much evidence for one as for the other. You accept on faith that Jesus Christ lived and Vishnu is mythological.

[Junior]

There are numerous "other sources" for the existence on Atlantis, but odds are it's a fabrication by Plato. Irrefutable evidence would be things like tax records, property transfer records (read: bills of sale), mention by third parties, etc. Later commentaries (such as Josephus') or non-contemporary mentions (such as by certain Roman historians decades later) are considered secondary or tertiary sources and have as much validity as Socrates commenting upon Plato's Atlantis.

[Protagoras]

Not that it matters, because it doesn't, but please show me the tax records etcetera that prove Plato or Socrates existed.

[Protagoras]

but odds are it's a fabrication by Plato.

How did you figure the odds and what were they?

[Junior]

The geology does not support Plato's account. Also, he was trying to convey a concept of government and the tale he wove reads more like a parable.

[Junior]

Can't. Of course, we do have their actual writings to go by (i.e., primary sources). We don't have that for Jesus.

[AppyPappy]

I can. I was raised Christian, and remember the days when everything was so easy. Of course, the easy path isn't always the best path.

Says the man who believes in the Giant Pink Unicorn

[Protagoras]

None of that answers the questions I asked.

[Protagoras]

Can't. Of course, we do have their actual writings to go by

The same evidence exists that his words were his as their words were theirs. No proof exists that they actually wrote what is attributed to them.

[cookcounty]

"THE ATHEIST AND THE MATERIALIST those who have no need for gods and some who have no need for the supernatural:

Gosh, you left off the most famous names of all: Beria, Bukharin, Castro, Ceausescu, Ho Chi Minh, Kim Il Sung, Lenin, Mao-TseTung, Pol Pot, and Stalin, just for starters.

Whenever I hear people talk about "all the suffering caused by religious people" I just have to shake my head at the lack of historical awareness.