I once saw a program on the O.T. and they asked an interesting question which I think applies here as well. Did the Hebrews rewrite their history to glorify their god and their nation? I think that the xtian church has done the same thing and is only continuing the tradition in the N.T.
There is nothing people will not maintain when they are slaves to superstition
http://chatpilot-godisamyth.blogspot.com/
http://chatpilot-godisamyth.blogspot.com/