^^ pretty weak argument:

Quote:It is not possible to find in any legitimate religious or historical writings compiled between the beginning of the first century and well into the fourth century any reference to Jesus Christ and the spectacular events that the Church says accompanied his life.

Really? All 27 books of the New Testament were written between the beginning of the first century and the fourth century weren't they?

I am to understand that all peoples had a myth to explain the death of crops and rebirth of the solar year.

Well, if any of those myths actually explained anything they wouldn't be mythical. They're failed attempts to explain.

(November 11, 2012 at 6:43 am)Daniel Wrote: ^^ pretty weak argument:

Quote:It is not possible to find in any legitimate religious or historical writings compiled between the beginning of the first century and well into the fourth century any reference to Jesus Christ and the spectacular events that the Church says accompanied his life.

Really? All 27 books of the New Testament were written between the beginning of the first century and the fourth century weren't they?

The key word there is "legitimate"

Outside of the bible there is not one contemporary reference to JC, which is a bit odd considering the claim that he influenced hundreds if not thousands during his supposed ministry.

Antiquities Book 20. Gospel of Thomas. Infancy Gospel of James. Infancy Gospel of Thomas. Gospel of Peter. Gospel of the Hebrews. Apocalypse of Peter. Epistle of Barnabas. Shepherd of Hermas. 1st & 2nd Clement.
... there's plenty more, and there's examples from the 2nd and 3rd centuries too like Gospel of Apelles, Gospel of Bardesanes, Gospel of Basilides, Gospel of Mani, Gospel of Marcion.
All 27 NT books are still "legitimate" works BTW, anyway you look at it by any definition of the word.