-Removed-What is written in the Bible is evidence. There is also biblical archeology. And the works of historians such as Josephus. The dead sea scrolls. Personal testimonies of believers. And also experiential relevance of promises in the Bible that become a reality in my own life. The list goes on.
Originally posted by FetchmyjunkWell surely, as a Christian, the divinity of Jesus is the absolute key to your religion. Josephus merely writes about the existence of early Christians which would suggest that there was most likely an historical figure called Jesus. I would have thought, as a Christian, you'd wanting to talk about evidence that did somewhat more than simply establish that there were these early Christians and that there was a person called Jesus who had lived decades previously. If Josephus provides evidence of something other than merely this, then what do you think that is?
When did I say he provides evidence for the divinity of Jesus?
Originally posted by FetchmyjunkIf she believes that her son is still alive, then that is what she believes. If you think that your death will not be the end but that you will go on to live forever in the afterlife, then that is what you believe. What kind of "explanation" are you looking for for beliefs like these?
For example lets say a mother has a son fighting somewhere in a war. She receives news that her son has died. She refuses to believe that her son is dead. She is in denial. She can choose to believe the news or she can reject it.
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Originally posted by FetchmyjunkWhat is written in the Bible is evidence.
What is written in the Bible is evidence. There is also biblical archeology. And the works of historians such as Josephus. The dead sea scrolls. Personal testimonies of believers. And also experiential relevance of promises in the Bible that become a reality in my own life. The list goes on.
There is also biblical archaeology.
The dead sea scrolls.
Personal testimonies of believers.
And also experiential relevance of promises in the Bible that become a reality in my own life.
How do any of these provide evidence pertaining to the divinity of Jesus?
Originally posted by FMFWhat Josephus writes about Jesus merely corroborates certain events that are described in the Bible.
Well surely, as a Christian, the divinity of Jesus is the absolute key to your religion. Josephus merely writes about the existence of early Christians which would suggest that there was most likely an historical figure called Jesus. I would have thought, as a Christian, you'd wanting to talk about evidence that did somewhat more than simply establish that there ...[text shortened]... Josephus provides evidence of something other than merely this, then what do you think that is?
Originally posted by FMFThey provide evidence towards the validity of the Bible. The Bible in turn provides evidence pertaining the divinity of Jesus.
[b]What is written in the Bible is evidence.
There is also biblical archaeology.
The dead sea scrolls.
Personal testimonies of believers.
And also experiential relevance of promises in the Bible that become a reality in my own life.
How do any of these provide evidence pertaining to the divinity of Jesus?[/b]
Originally posted by FMFIt is my choice to believe in the afterlife just like it is yours not to.
If she believes that her son is still alive, then that is what she believes. If you think that your death will not be the end but that you will go on to live forever in the afterlife, then that is what you believe. What kind of "explanation" are you looking for for beliefs like these?
Originally posted by FetchmyjunkNo it doesn't. His writing is not a primary source with regard to Jesus. His writing reports on what early Christians believed and claimed. It certainly does not corroborate any events that are described in the Bible. Have you actually read Josephus? Are you aware of when he lived and when he wrote what he wrote?
What Josephus writes about Jesus merely corroborates certain events that are described in the Bible.
Originally posted by FMFHis writings mention Jesus as an historical figure who was able to perform many surprising feats, was crucified, and that there were followers of Jesus who were still in existence at the time of its writing.
No it doesn't. His writing is not a primary source with regard to Jesus. His writing reports on what early Christians believed and claimed. It certainly does not corroborate any events that are described in the Bible. Have you actually read Josephus? Are you aware of when he lived and when he wrote what he wrote?
Originally posted by FetchmyjunkI am well aware that the Bible makes all manner of claims about the divinity of Jesus. But how do you think it provides actual "evidence" of it?
They provide evidence towards the validity of the Bible. The Bible in turn provides evidence pertaining the divinity of Jesus.