Historical Jesus

The Christ Myth Theory: Claim #1 Examined

June 2, 2014 by ddunn

Virtually every historian accepted Jesus’ existence as a reality until the 18th century when two French skeptics, Volney and Dupuis, argued that he was a compilation of ancient mythological deities.¹

Later in the 19th century, German theologian Bruno Bauer expanded the argument against Jesus’ existence based upon a three-fold argument which became known as the Christ-Myth theory.²

The first pillar of Bauer’s theory is that the New Testament was written in the 2nd century by unknown authors, not by eyewitnesses as it alleges.

Let’s see how this first claim of the Christ-myth theory holds up to the evidence. [Read more…]

Why Should I Believe Jesus Is the Only Answer to Life?

May 16, 2014 by ddunn

What gives Jesus the credibility and authority to speak to us about eternal things? What makes him the key to all of life’s questions?

There are five basic ways we know Jesus alone is the answer to our quest for truth and purpose in life. [Read more…]

How Can We Be Sure that Jesus Really Walked this Earth?

May 2, 2014 by ddunn

Despite overwhelming evidence, there are still those, such as some vocal atheist groups, who promote the idea that Jesus was no more than a myth. These groups typically target Christian holidays to compare Jesus to Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, ignoring the fact that Jesus has been acknowledged by virtually every leading historian.

Do these doubters have a basis for their claims? What evidence is available and to what conclusion does it lead? [Read more…]

Where Does Jesus Say “I Am God”?

March 7, 2014 by ddunn

Instead of coming to earth announcing his deity with trumpets blaring, Jesus was born in a lowly stable. Instead of parading around the hills of Galilee proclaiming his deity, Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry and taught us to love one another. Instead of destroying his enemies, Jesus willingly let them crucify him on a wooden cross in order that our sins could be forgiven. Jesus said his mission was to “seek and save the lost,” not boast of his own greatness. He set the example of humility for us.

Yet, Jesus did say “I am God” on several occasions. [Read more…]

Can the New Testament Be Used as Evidence for Jesus’ Existence?

November 18, 2013 by ddunn

Skeptics like Ellen Johnson, past president of American Atheists, dismiss the New Testament as evidence for Jesus, calling it “biased.” However, even most non-Christian historians consider ancient New Testament manuscripts as solid evidence for Jesus’ existence.

Cambridge historian Michael Grant, an atheist, argues that the New Testament should be considered as evidence in the same way as other ancient history. [Read more…]