This current discussion isn't about whether Jesus actually existed - it's about whether Tacitus's account is authentic or a forgery.
Question - are Ian Fleming's accounts of James Bond - real or not?
Did he save us from Dr. No?
Should I bow down an pray to Harry Potter because he saved us from Voldemort?
WE already know that Tacitus did not live during the supposed life of the mythical christ - so it really does not matter whether it is real or a forgery - it is not first hand knowledge - regardless. WE have NO knowledge who might have supplied the information and whether they could also have had first hand knowledge of the christ as well. So - we cannot even make a decision as to whether the source of the information is worthwhile. So - whether the passage was added in or was written by Tacitus makes NO difference
As has oft been noted - Tacitus also mentions Hercules in his writings - not as a first hand account. This is also not proof of the existence of THAT god as well.
For the record -
Question - are Ian Fleming's accounts of James Bond - real or not?
Did he save us from Dr. No?
Should I bow down an pray to Harry Potter because he saved us from Voldemort?
WE already know that Tacitus did not live during the supposed life of the mythical christ - so it really does not matter whether it is real or a forgery - it is not first hand knowledge - regardless. WE have NO knowledge who might have supplied the information and whether they could also have had first hand knowledge of the christ as well. So - we cannot even make a decision as to whether the source of the information is worthwhile. So - whether the passage was added in or was written by Tacitus makes NO difference
As has oft been noted - Tacitus also mentions Hercules in his writings - not as a first hand account. This is also not proof of the existence of THAT god as well.
For the record -
