If you think the historical Jesus was a myth, then you do not agree with the vast majority of scholars. And, as I am constantly reminded in my evolution discussions, shouldn't we be trusting professional judgements in these matters?
It is very likely that most of the important events described in the gospels and Acts really happened. There was insufficient time for legendary influences to exaggerate the historical facts before they were written down. There were still people alive that would know that x, y, or z happened or did not happen. People and places were named. Their children would still be around. The fact that Christianity spread so quickly indicates that these early converts believed these events happened--many of these people that could actually talk to an eyewitness or someone close to an eyewitness.
The Jews had a highly developed tradition of written and oral transmission and were quite used to preserving content and meaning of teachings.
If they were all made up, they would have made up a better story. As it was mentioned earlier, crucifixion was a disgraceful way to go. The owner and location of the tomb was known so people could confirm that at least the burial took place. The first witnesses of the resurrected Jesus were women--who's testimony in court was useless. Jesus appeared to hundreds of people over the next 40 days--many who would have been around through the first rounds of written accounts. It is an undeniable fact that the original disciples believed, proclaimed, and most going to their deaths for the fact of Jesus' resurrection.
It is very likely that most of the important events described in the gospels and Acts really happened. There was insufficient time for legendary influences to exaggerate the historical facts before they were written down. There were still people alive that would know that x, y, or z happened or did not happen. People and places were named. Their children would still be around. The fact that Christianity spread so quickly indicates that these early converts believed these events happened--many of these people that could actually talk to an eyewitness or someone close to an eyewitness.
The Jews had a highly developed tradition of written and oral transmission and were quite used to preserving content and meaning of teachings.
If they were all made up, they would have made up a better story. As it was mentioned earlier, crucifixion was a disgraceful way to go. The owner and location of the tomb was known so people could confirm that at least the burial took place. The first witnesses of the resurrected Jesus were women--who's testimony in court was useless. Jesus appeared to hundreds of people over the next 40 days--many who would have been around through the first rounds of written accounts. It is an undeniable fact that the original disciples believed, proclaimed, and most going to their deaths for the fact of Jesus' resurrection.
