(September 29, 2016 at 8:13 am)Firefighter01 Wrote: How can a divine spook be historical? I think that you misunderstand my take on Jesus. I've got no problem believing that a wandering kook named Jesus existed at that time, there were probably a few of them. I don't believe in the magical Jesus of the Bible. If you take away all the stories of the miracles, there's fuck all left. Why would anyone follow around a Neville Nobody that didn't do anything special, let alone record what happened to him that wasn't miraculous? If he didn't draw huge crowds and muttered to himself and a few followers, why would the Romans even bother stringing him up?
I have already specifically addressed this point. Most of the activities that Jesus engages in are in delivering teachings/sermons/parables, and giving faith-healings and exorcisms. He instigated the last supper as well - something Paul knows about and quotes in 1 Corinthians 11. He delivered the sermon on the mount, the parable of the good Samaritan, the parable of the prodigal son, he shows genuine compassion to those in need, he told people don't judge others lest you be judged and to love thy enemy as thyself. He argued with the Pharisees, the Scribes, other Temple Authorities, and even wealthy Jews as well. He preached a message of repentance, of obedience to the law, and of the coming kingdom of God. There's nothing miraculous or supernatural about that, I've already pointed that out to you - so your premise is completely wrong. There is plenty left without any miracles.
For Religion & Health see:[/b][/size] Williams & Sternthal. (2007). Spirituality, religion and health: Evidence and research directions. Med. J. Aust., 186(10), S47-S50. -LINK
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
