Comment 11 by rrh1306

Hi T.stillson

Proof that Jesus was a deity or the son of a deity would be a good start.

OK, well I would probably start with the fact that we do live some 2000 years removed from the time that Jesus was on the earth. The reason I say that is because any part of history, that we haven't actually seen with our own 2 eyes, must be taken by faith in the writings of those who did witness the event(s). For example, I never saw Napolean or Alexander the Great, and what they did or didn't do, with my own eyes, and neither did anyone that's alive today. But I choose to believe, or reject, for myself what history tells us about them.

  I have actually spent quite a lot of time researching what secular writers, from the first century, had to say about Jesus. You'll find that Flavious Josephus (who was a Pharisee)mentions Jesus in the Anitquities of the jews, and that Jesus did wonderful works. I am aware of the people who say that those writings have been altered so I went elswhere too.  Tacitus referred to "Christus" (Christ) in Tacitus: Annals Book 15 [44]. http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/tac/a15040.htm....Also,Pliny the Younger comments on the "Christians" who's name came from Christ.

http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4223639/k.567/Ancient_Evidence_for_Jesus_from_NonChristian_Sources.htm#text5

 So, if we believe what even secular writers, people who, in their day were VERY much like the Richard Dawkins' of today, have to say regarding the existence of Jesus, then we can agree that He, at least, was a real person that lived. From there we can look at what is said about Jesus and the TRUE first century followers of Jesus. (notice the links above)....And what Jesus said about himself. I know, I know, you're saying, but what difference does it make if he says it about himself. The primary difference lies in what Jesus claimed about himself as compared to ANY other spiritual leader of all time. No one claimed to be the Son of God, no one healed people that were born blind, and no one ever healed anyone that had been crippled for 40 years. Jesus said.."John 14:11  Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen Me do."  And.."John 15:24  "If I hadn't done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate Me and My Father".  Either someone else could do what Jesus did , or they couldn't.  What other spiritual leader has done, or even claimed to do, what He did ? I personally know of none. 

  Jesus also rose from the dead after three days. I understand that that's a difficult thing for one to believe, but either He did or He didn't. We know where the bones of Muhammad are, where the ashes of Buddha are, where the bones of Confucious are and so, but the grave of Jesus is empty. Last but not least , is the question of who would willingly die for something they KNEW was a lie. I'm talking about the first century followers and the Apostles that knew Jesus personally and witnessed the miracles that God performed through Him and were killed by people who opposed them. It helps to understand the political atmosphere of the time. If Jesus isn't who He claimed to be, then we are still dead in our sins and have not been reconciled to God by his blood. Well, this is pretty long already and there's a lot more that could be said, so I'll leave it there for now. But feel free to ask anything you like. Thank you!!