New religion

[Carnavon]

You are quite correct, it was not really supporting my argument. The aspect that I considered was that Christianity was strongly opposed by the religious leaders at the time and they could easily have proven falsehoods if there were indeed any. Such as the claims that Jesus died, there was darkness at the time of his death, the tomb was empty despite being guarded, and he appeared to many (500+) after his resurrection.

Firstly, you may be surprised to know that the classical arguments against christian god boys are actually older than the jesus narrative to begin with. They didn't have anything to prove false. Why are you assuming that they would even give a shit. Early christians weren't exactly the upper crust and cream of the crop buddy. Those things happened in a book, just like the rest of the book.

I can think of at least a few reasons why Jesus and his followers were not accepted and persecuted. 1) The Jews were serious about their religion and Jesus claimed to be God - which to them was blasphemy. 2) Judaism was a faith based on works (consider the rich young ruler) whereas the Gospel of Jesus Christ is salvation through grace - not depending on what we do, but on God's grace extended to us. Lee Strobel's testimony speaks of that. We do not have to be "good enough" (for if that was the case, we are all doomed - even by our own standards of being "good"). This was contrary to their beliefs where they depended on obeying the law of Moses, lineage and being children of Israel and this was contrary to their whole belief system and what they built their lives upon3) Christians caused a division in the church and this at times led to upheaval which was unacceptable. 4) If we consider presently the case of Youcef nadarkhani, where all he has to do is renounce his Christian faith, and his life will be spared, as by Muslim faith apostasy is punishable by death. 4) As was the case with Jim Elliot and his mates http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opQ1m9kVy...F&index=19, they were killed because "of their fear that all foreigners were their enemies)
As far as disciples were not part of the "upper crust" of society is 100% true. This has no meaning whatsoever or do you suggest that those of lower intellectual ability or lower social standing than yourself is of less value? Jesus is not (and Christians should also not be) a respecter of persons - whether black or white, clever or not so clever, rich or poor, strong or weak, disabled or able-bodied). Do you disagree?

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Christians do not ignore the Old Testament. To the contrary, much of what is in the new testament refers to the Old Testament.

If I remember correctly, did not jesus say forget the old gods and forget the old ways?

No, not quite (Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.)
He did however indicate that there is more to being righteous than keeping the law outwardly: It is also what we have in our heart:
Mat 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
The purpose of the law is to reveal sin, making us aware that we all stand guilty. The Jews still considered that righteousness came by the law.