Quote Originally Posted by Rjk View Post
Personally I think it is likely that there was a historical person that we now know as Jesus, do I believe any of the magic stuff - of course not. Most that was added at a later date by people who spotted the opportunity to grow a religion out of the death of a local figure.

Th early church was practically defined by martyrdom.

One theory I find interesting is whether Jesus Chris and Jesus Barrabas were actually the same person.

Barrabas was a leader of insurrection against the Roman occupation of the land - a charismatic leader who is striving to free his people but was betrayed and executed - thart seems far more lkely to be the kind of person that would generate a large number of supporters to forment a religion than a carpenter and lay preacher - but the resistance against the Romans was violent - and when they were undergoing the process to repaint the head of their cult as the messiah they couldn't have him murdering people so it was altered.
Just an interesting theory.
The 'magic stuff' - the Miracles.

1. At what point and why which means did Jesus try and free His People, the Jews?
2. It's interesting that people get deeply interested in many theories that have no historical support but ignore all the evidence as to who Jesus actually is!
3. Should Jesus be Almighy God in human form to fulfill His *Mission, then the Miracles are childsplay when you look at the scope and wonder of the entire Universe.
4. Given your above assessment of the Romans, the Jews and Jesus Himself, what do YOU think His key *Mission was, and what leads you to your conclusion?