Atheists being asked about the existence of Jesus

[Brian37]

A lot of atheists, myself included, believe that Jesus might've never existed, not even as a regular human. I'm pretty sure that it happens in most if not all cases of coming out to unsopportive friends and family, that the outedt person is asked whenever they believe that Jesus existed as a person and was a good man. What should they respond? Should they tell the truth or change the subject?

The honest answer?

The evidence I've seen, of which there isn't much, isn't very strong in favor of a Historical Jesus. I think the "consensus" that seems to exist which accepts that Jesus was real exists because our society tends to placate the religious among us, because realistically the type of evidence that exists for a Historical Jesus would not stand the test of scrutiny if said evidence was the best thing we had for any other historical figure. So basically, "Probably not, but maybe." would be the most honest answer you'd get from me.

The easy answer?

Just say I don't know. The people in favor of the historical existence of Jesus seem to be adamant that the evidence they have is sufficient, so arguing with them is usually futile.

I usually go with the honest answer, but I'm a little more willing to debate than most, as I don't see anything wrong with discussions where two individuals disagree with one another, it's no big deal. It's just a conversation between two humans who see things differently. Some people, however, hold their beliefs a little closer to their heart and will be offended if you disagree with them. I suppose it's a case of asking yourself, "Do I want to avoid conflict, or try to have an educated, intellectual discussion? How argumentative am I and am I willing to debate?" A combination of that and knowing your audience. If the person you're talking to is prone to getting aggravated and blowing up at you, you may just want to avoid the topic.

Good luck.

Um no, I disagree. There certainly is strong evidence of a history of making the claim that a man named Jesus existed yes. That cannot be disputed. Claims of Jesus started late in the first century after what the bible claims, but still way after the fact.

A man, but more likely a group of people, a splinter sect of Hebrews got tired of the old ways, and wanted a messiah to come during their time, so they manufactured stories of an underdog hero who stood up to the powers of the time. That did happen, but the actual magic baby with super powers who went on to survive rigor mortis, that did not happen.

There is no mention of the letters in sequence "J-e-s-u-s" or "Jesus" mentioned in the OT. The first mention outside the NT, outside the bible of a "Jesus" by an outside "historian" was Josephus, but again, that was also way after what the bible claims about the character's lifespan.

That says to me, the earliest writings that went on to become part of the final first complete version of the bible, were creating a hero after the fact. The only real argument to be made is that a person, or group of people wanted to start a new religion. But in no case, were the fantastic feats of the claimed character true.

Someone started Christianity, otherwise it would not exist. But the character "Jesus" is infinitely likely to be a product manufactured after the movement started.