I still don't understand why anyone would make up a person like the Biblical Christ..

[Joe Bloe]

With all due respect to everyone on this site, why would any of this be made up???

Cash, power and control:

Ask the leaders of the Mormons, the Scientologists and the John Frum cultists on Tanna Island.

Christian leaders - much the same.

Like there was a lot of money and power to be gained from the poor of those days. What kind of power over the poor would have been of use back then, surely you guys are smarter than that,well maybe not. Paul worked as a tent maker during his ministry, he gave up wealth to be a preacher and a tent maker, how does that fit with your theory. My pastor gave up a job as a nuclear engineer to become a pastor, this holds true for many men down through time. Your theory holds no water, check your bucket it has many holes.

Remember the story of the widow's mite, where the people to be most admired were those who donated ALL of their money to the church. Mark 12:41-44

Remember the story of Ananias and Saphira who sold their property and gave the proceeds to the church - but kept a little for themselves and they were struck dead for doing so. Acts 5:1-11

Remember when Paul was preparing for his trip to Spain - but first he was going to take all the cash collected in Macedonia and Achaia and give it to the church leaders in Jerusalem. Romans 15:24-26

Remember when Paul played the Corinthians against the people of Macedonia and Achaia, explaining that he had boasted of how much money the Corinthians would donate to the church and begging them not to let him down. Not only that, he told them they must collect the money immediately and have it ready and waiting when his agents arrived to pick it up. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Remember when Paul was preaching the prosperity gospel, telling his followers to give until it hurts. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

[Not many holes in my bucket]