I have heard reputable scholars argue both sides of the issue. It is my understanding, that it is somewhat more accepted (academically) to claim that Jesus of Nazereth was a real historical person. This claim, however, is absolutely not claimed to be absolute. There are many credible arguments by academics and theologians on both sides of the issue. To me, it is irrelevant whether this particular Jesus existed. There is a Jesus portrayed in the bible and we should be able to move on from there.
On the other hand, the mythology surrounding the narrative of the life of Jesus of Nazareth is UNDENIABLY a compilation of earlier mythological messianic figures. I think both sides claim their historical position is much more strongly supported than it actually is. The truth is that no one knows for sure if he was one real person.
For great info about the historicity of Jesus google "The Jesus Project" and "The Jesus Seminar"

Anyway, I still think this point is largely irrelevant to the conversation at hand.

by LadyFriend on 05/20/2009 01:00:42 PM EST

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