waybread
Well-known member
Petosiris, re: your post 389.
By historical evidence, I mean evidence as a professional historian would use it, notably one trying to learn the facts more than trying to build a case for one side or another of a contentious issue. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_method Historical method actually works a lot like detective work or legal research.
Because in biblical studies were looking at languages no longer spoken, for the most part, we also rely on philologists. Experts in ancient languages learn about the different forms of a given language at different times and locations. Just for example, Josephus wrote in the common Greek of his day and place, yet if a portion of his text in a later edition was written in a form of Latin that only appeared later and in a different part of the Roman empire, we question its authenticity.
The parts of Josephus's super-brief mentions of Jesus that seem authentic say nothing about him as the Messiah. To be "called the Christ" doesn't mean Jesus is the Messiah. Monk on this forum sometimes calls me "Lady Waybread" but that doesn't mean I have an official aristocratic title.
Your logic escapes me about Jesus' brother dying during his ministry to the Ninevites. All kinds of preachers around the globe from many different faiths attest to religions that you would firmly reject.
Then, yet again, I don't take the Bible literally. I think you pick and choose what you take literally and what you don't. Do you believe in talking snakes or plagues of frogs and blood? Do you put a fence around your rooftop? What about those fringes on the corners of your garment? Why haven't we seen pigs infested by demons and jumping off cliffs? Do you own two or more coats? Jesus said to give all but one away to the poor.
If you find that Christianity gives you joy and meaning in your life, and makes you a more ethical loving person, I'm not here to say that Christianity is wrong and you shouldn't profess it. If this is your Christianity, I congratulate you. I am here to suggest that the soul of Christianity does not live in proof texts, but in faith and actions.
I think you'd see any source as biased that did not confirm your Christian beliefs.
Obviously, Jews have been martyred professing their faith-- with the Shema on their lips. There is a Jewish teaching that anything necessary to save a life is permitted. Sometimes one has no choice, however.
Re: your post #390: John 10:30. "I and the Father are one." You could also read the opening lines of John in this light.
I don't know what you make of the trinity.
By historical evidence, I mean evidence as a professional historian would use it, notably one trying to learn the facts more than trying to build a case for one side or another of a contentious issue. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_method Historical method actually works a lot like detective work or legal research.
Because in biblical studies were looking at languages no longer spoken, for the most part, we also rely on philologists. Experts in ancient languages learn about the different forms of a given language at different times and locations. Just for example, Josephus wrote in the common Greek of his day and place, yet if a portion of his text in a later edition was written in a form of Latin that only appeared later and in a different part of the Roman empire, we question its authenticity.
The parts of Josephus's super-brief mentions of Jesus that seem authentic say nothing about him as the Messiah. To be "called the Christ" doesn't mean Jesus is the Messiah. Monk on this forum sometimes calls me "Lady Waybread" but that doesn't mean I have an official aristocratic title.
Your logic escapes me about Jesus' brother dying during his ministry to the Ninevites. All kinds of preachers around the globe from many different faiths attest to religions that you would firmly reject.
Then, yet again, I don't take the Bible literally. I think you pick and choose what you take literally and what you don't. Do you believe in talking snakes or plagues of frogs and blood? Do you put a fence around your rooftop? What about those fringes on the corners of your garment? Why haven't we seen pigs infested by demons and jumping off cliffs? Do you own two or more coats? Jesus said to give all but one away to the poor.
If you find that Christianity gives you joy and meaning in your life, and makes you a more ethical loving person, I'm not here to say that Christianity is wrong and you shouldn't profess it. If this is your Christianity, I congratulate you. I am here to suggest that the soul of Christianity does not live in proof texts, but in faith and actions.
I think you'd see any source as biased that did not confirm your Christian beliefs.
Obviously, Jews have been martyred professing their faith-- with the Shema on their lips. There is a Jewish teaching that anything necessary to save a life is permitted. Sometimes one has no choice, however.
Re: your post #390: John 10:30. "I and the Father are one." You could also read the opening lines of John in this light.
I don't know what you make of the trinity.