New religion

[Carnavon]

What "witnesses" to Jesus are we talking about, since we are working toward some sense of accuracy?

In the first place, Christianity would have died an early death if what was recorded in Scripture were falsehoods - which could easily have been proven by those living close to or during the time the reported events happened. Nowhere are the facts stated disputed in early writings.
Christianity was hardly “in vogue” at the time of Jesus, and could easily have been dismissed if the facts stated could have been proven wrong. Especially the resurrection.

Christ and Christians were ridiculed even then, but no claims are made by any historian that Jesus was either a liar or a madman. He was accused of certain powers which were attributed even to sorcery and described as a “sage” by some. In the article mentioned below, the works of CELSUS is mentioned, who was an "avid opponent" of Christianity does not claim Jesus either to be a liar or or madman. Neither does Tacitus, neither does Jewish sources (who were seriously opposed to Jesus and his teachings)
Reference to scholarly research indicating the opposite, would be welcomed.

You are also welcome to view this page as well as this for some more detailed information.
It is self-evident that historians of calibre or those wishing to debate on the issue will not record as fact that which will jeopardize their credibility and in the absence of such information, reliable witnesses are implied/claimed as hearsay would ruin his/her reputation.

Which brings us to the conclusion an honest observer will have to come to: Reliable evidence suggests that Jesus was if good mental health and performed miracles (ascribed to sorcery etc.), and claimed to be God himself.

Thus the question remains: If it is true what Jesus claimed (He is God), and rose from the dead, his comments should be taken seriously?

It would seem to me that honest study of facts will bring you closer to Christianity rather than further away from it. You are welcome to study some of the work of Lee Strobel, (see his testimony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AT_bMuFBfs) who was an atheist and a hard-nosed reporter. You may also study some of the work of CS Lewis (also an ex-atheist)

Just one further coment: One would have to accept that more than the natural world exists if prophecy can be shown to be accurate. There are a number of resources but in view of the fact that the end time seems to be approaching, you may also read[url= http://thedevineevidence.com/prophecy.html] the following[/url] on the same site.

May I ask on what grounds have you become an atheist? It would seem to me to be more case of a decision of principle in many cases than factual data. The reason for this conclusion is the fact that when historians or for instance archaeologists investigate to disprove the Bible, they come to conclusions that it is a reliable document. But I may be wrong in my conclusion.

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History will also prove you wrong on the issue of "people falling in line". Christianity has from the very beginning thrived under conditions of persecution. Even modern history will tell you that Christianity is most "healthy" and growing in countries where they are persecuted. Christianity is on decline where it is tolerated/accepted.
What is really sad, is that much of what is being claimed on atheist forums seems to be regurgitated stereotypes/texts taken out of context without any indepth knowledge.

Christianity did its fair share of persecuting.

Look at what it did to the cathars, catholics(by protestants), protestants(by catholics), jews, all the north and south american religions and of course they couldn't stand unbelievers.

The truth is that christianity only suffered persecuion for a short while, but rained down millenia of persecution since gaining power.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_...Christians

You are absolutely right. Christianity/Christians have in the past (and some still do) perpetrated acts of violence, disrespect in the name of Christianity. If you judged my life as well, I do not live up to the standard that Christ set in both his life and teachings. We are to love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us.
You claim as truth that Christianity suffered persecution for a short while. This is contrary to evidence as you may easily establish if you took the time to read some of the articles on http://incontext.webs.com/ for instance in which is was for instance stated "(WashingtonPost) 11 Oct 2011 - Breaking news reports out of Iran provide that the state court of Gilan, which recently demanded that Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani recant his faith or face execution, has delayed its written decision. Many similar stories are available.