Can someone PLEASE show me all this "overwhelming" evidence that Jesus rose from the dead-or even that he existed outside of the Bible?

Question

I've never seen a single thing outside of the Bible (which like any book cannot prove itself by itself) that supports either claim.

I am an Atheist-therefore I accept that is backed by facts and am skeptical of what is not. I am fully willing to have my mind changed-but despite my whole life seeking the truth, I've yet to find it in the Bible or any other Holy Book.

So where can I find this evidence?

Answer 1

When we are told a tale for it's merits - It is the lesson that is taught and learned in that special way -



Whether Jesus did or didn't rise from the dead - Isn't what it is all about - These stories and many others are a method of trying to teach each of us about the wonders of this place where we now reside.



The tale contains the emotional impact that it has upon every one, and not all feel the same impact -



Those who have never read or heard the story is similar to those of us who have missed an Indian tale or newspaper article.



The bible has it's good points and if it is misunderstood by some - It wasn't the tale that really caused the problem.



The bible is considered a lesson for the reader of it and not for any one else.



Seeming seem real for a purpose - If he didn't rise up from the dead - There are still lessons that can be shared.

Answer 2

There is a lot of evidence outside the bible that Jesus existed. If you look at each one individually, they can be criticized as possibly in error. However, to conclude they don't count as evidence, by that standard, is throwing out almost all historical data we have. So if we conclude there is no good evidence Jesus existed, then we should not believe that Homer, or Julius Caesar, or Socrates, or many, many other accepted historical figures existed. Skepticism is revealed as a terrible belief system because you walk around not believing in anything, if you are consistent. Scientific studies can be falsified, certainly they can be biased, so do we throw out all scientific studies as invalid? Certainly not! But where is the proof that each study was actually done the way it was described? There usually is none. So we accept the probability that it is accurate, with the understanding that one study does not establish a theory as fact.



Here is an atheist arguing for the historicity of Jesus: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2014/09/04/an-atheists-defense-of-the-historicity-of-jesus/



Here is a detailed description of the whole issue: http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Evidence_for_the_historical_existence_of_Jesus_Christ



Here is all the evidence laid out: http://thedevineevidence.com/jesus_history.html



Here is a summary of that evidence plus some extra bits of evidence not covered in the first site: https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/26-historicity-of-jesus-christ-the

Answer 3

I don't think there is anything 'solid'...besides, there is some measure of trust involved in it unless you're an Anthropologist.

IE-I've read both that Josephus wrote this and that about Jesus but then I read that those entries can't be trusted (for various reasons).

I'm inclined to believe the latte b/c he died a Jew-he never considered himself a Christian despite supposedly believing the miraculous death/resurrection, and the entries don't 'fit' in with what's being discussed.,But since I wasn't actually there, I do have to put some trust that the author who pointed that out is reliable (and yes, I do)

Answer 4

If you are looking for someone to show you "overwhelming"

evidence that Jesus rose from the dead or that he existed,

you should go to him and ask him for yourself. He is ready,

willing and able, if you can follow the example of the billions

of Christians that had to; and that is by faith. No one gets to know Jesus until their faith kicks in. No preaching, no books,

no artifacts or no bible can convince you in this day and age.

If the bible could do it, all of these atheists that brag about how many times they have read it would not still be atheists. So don't look for others to do for you what you can do for yourself. Seek

and ye shall find.

Answer 5

Here's a good overview what little evidence exists:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historicity_of_Jesus



The first paragraph lays out the whole question, and the difference between the two approaches, quite well, in my opinion:



"The historicity of Jesus concerns whether Jesus of Nazareth existed as a historical figure, whether the episodes portrayed in the gospels can be confirmed as historical events ... The historicity of Jesus is distinct from the related study of the historical Jesus, which refers to scholarly reconstructions of the life of Jesus based primarily on critical analysis of the gospel texts."



Basically, "historicity" tries to validate the Biblical account using external sources and historical information., while "historical" starts from an assumption that the Biblical accounts are accurate.



Hope this helps.

Answer 6

< of the Bible?>>



Well, as far as eye-witnesses go, they're all dead. As far as writings go, would you even recognize them if I referenced any? Would you even have the slightest clue as to what they are, hence their collective outer-biblical authority? Probably not, which is why no one has bothered wasting their time with you on this matter.



I mean, for one thing, much to your surprise, I'm sure, there's a mountain of such writings and it's going to take some time to read them, depending on exactly what it is you're looking for. . . . Do you even have the intellectual capacity to "stay awake" and maintain focus long enough to learn anything if you do try?



If you think you do, then have at it. Here's a website that provides Biblical and extra-biblical EVIDENCE for Dogma, broken up into various categories, depending on what it is specifically you're looking for.



http://www.johnsalza.com/p/scripturefathers.html































I've never seen a single thing outside of the Bible (which like any book cannot prove itself by itself) that supports either claim.



I am an Atheist-therefore I accept that is backed by facts and am skeptical of what is not. I am fully willing to have my mind changed-but despite my whole life seeking the truth, I've yet to find it in the Bible or any other Holy Book.



So where can I find this evidence?

Answer 7

How can anyone show you overwhelming evidence since none of us was alive when Jesus rose from the dead. You are going to have to take the word of someone why not the Bible? The Bible foretold long in advance Jesus was coming to earth and he did. So the Bible have shown it is the word of God and it can be trusted. Only God can foretell an event in advance over and over again and it comes true.

Answer 8

The problem is with what you will accept that God is real, if you can't accept the Father than how can we show you the Son? God gave everyone a gift when we lost Eden, that gift is the Gift of Freewill. Without faith in God there will be no faith in Jesus Christ. "The Word was with God and God is the Word, the Word came into the world to save sinners and Jesus is the Word."

No evidence a Believer will give that a nonbeliever will accept because we take the Word of God as proof. Now it is up to you to use the Gift of Freewill, accept or deny!

Answer 9

A human cannot rise from the dead in the way Jesus did. There are accounts of people being clinically dead and coming back to life but their brains didn't lose functionality.

Jesus was probably a real person, but there are no surviving records to prove it.

The Bible was not meant to be taken literally. It is a set of parables meant to offer guidance toward morality and spirituality.

I am an atheist that was raised a Christian.

Answer 10

There are a number of first-century Roman writers who made mention of Jesus.

The historian Tacitus, the administrator Pliny the Younger, the biographer Suetonius, the poet Juvenal, and Lucius Seneca, who was a contemporary of Jesus.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica states: “These independent accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus.”—1980 edition, vol. 10, p. 145.

Answer 11

Here is a start for you to do research to answer the question is there evidence Jesus existed anywhere other than in the Bible. This a logical place to begin before answering the deeper question of the resurrection.



1. (James 1:1) . . .James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes that are scattered about: Greetings!



This is the first verse from the book of the Bible which carries the name of James. So the question becomes "Who is James?"





2. To answer that question from a non-theological resource, the historical writings, The Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus is useful. It is useful because of the time period in which it was written around 93 or 94 AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Flavius Domitian. It is also useful in that it is a history of the Jewish people, not of the first century Christians who were both Josephfus and Domitian's contemporaries. If you wish to explore further into this twenty-volume historiographical work you will find many other references to Jesus Christ. The following excerpt is an example. Use the historical Roman names as sources for your research. You will notice in the reading of the Bible, that many passages link secular rulers, times and events with Bible events.



CHAPTER 9. Concerning Albinus Under Whose Procuratorship James Was Slain; As Also What Edifices Were Built By Agrippa.

1. And now Caesar, upon hearing the death of Festus, sent Albinus into Judea, as procurator. But the king deprived Joseph of the high priesthood, and bestowed the succession to that dignity on the son of Ananus, who was also himself called Ananus. Now the report goes that this eldest Ananus proved a most fortunate man; for he had five sons who had all performed the office of a high priest to God, and who had himself enjoyed that dignity a long time formerly, which had never happened to any other of our high priests. But this younger Ananus, who, as we have told you already, took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent; he was also of the sect of the Sadducees, 23 who are very rigid in judging offenders, above all the rest of the Jews, as we have already observed; when, therefore, Ananus was of this disposition, he thought he had now a proper opportunity [to exercise his authority]. Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the sanhedrim of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, [or, some of his companions]; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned: but as for those who seemed the most equitable of the citizens, and such as were the most uneasy at the breach of the laws, they disliked what was done; they also sent to the king [Agrippa], ... "



Now, with this information you may also begin to delve into the question of the resurrection. You have been given a broad clue: The mention of the Sanhedrin which was composed in part by the Sadducees of which sect Ananus was a member. Why were his actions considered a breach of the law among some Jews?



If you should find yourself stuck try using www.jw.org or www.wol.jw.org to grease the wheels of your research. Learn what the Bible teaches I think you may find it refreshing and encouraging.

Answer 12

No one can give you a legal document concerning or proving Jesus. Me and millions of born again Christians can tell you how to let Jesus prove himself if you are willing to let Him have His way with you. If you are serious about knowing Jesus a good place to start is by reading the Christian Bible. The book of John is a good place to start. When the Holy Spirit starts to convict you that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and that Jesus Christ is that Savior you will know without a doubt who is revealing himself to you and when this happens you will have a choice to turn from your sins (Repent) and by Faith commit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ or reject Him and reap the results of a sinful life. A good example of an atheist becoming a Christian is Lee Strobel. He and his wife were both atheist until someone witnessed to her and she became a Christian, and in an effort to disprove her conversion he became convicted and he became a Christian himself. This may not be proof but it is evidence. I pray you will find the truth you re looking for. God bless

Answer 13

He appeared to his close disciples several times after his ressurection. So these were his witnesses.. Yes, there is evidence that he existed outside of the bible, archeology has revealed many artifacts from the time when Jesus was on the earth, including proof that cesear and pontius pilot were real characters.....Jesus is also mentioned in the history of Josephius....do some online research to find things out for yourself, I am sure what you discover will convince you that he was as real as you and I are!

Answer 14

Jesus died on a torture stake at the age of 33 1/2.* But death was not the end of his life course. The third stage of his life began about three days later when God resurrected his Son as a spirit person. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to hundreds of people living in the first century C.E. Read 1 Cor 15: 3-8, in your own personal copy of the bible

Answer 15

All that i know is that there are other beings and it isn't beyond the realm of possibility that we were visited long ago.



If we were visited then there are records sitting around somewhere, maybe stored in the vatican or something, they probably have the original bible as well in there.



I know there are other beings, i've met them, i've seen them. Sure, they tortured me but there really are other beings. Bitter sweet that is. Proof of the others but in such a bad way.

Answer 16

After the death of master Jesus Christ then took His dead body and brought iot back to life which any master can do since he has the gift of divine knowledge and wisdom etc. This resulted in the process which was have on record as the Turin Shroud, a "radioactive " process that was involved. Jesi was not involved at this stage for he had left earth for seven years prori to His rebirth. he came back to carry forward the Sin-offering for all humanity and that process took some 1800 years or 3 days as listed in bibles. We call them Naronic cyclic days. each being 600 years per day. Om Shantih.

Answer 17

If the Bible is entirely accurate, it reports that Jesus "appeared to over 500 people". So, it's not WRONG for Him to appear.



Bible also reports that Jesus promised to be there WITH even a few, if they were gathered in His name.

Bible also reports that Jesus promised that whatever was asked of the father, in the Name of Jesus, would be given.



So, must be a few Christians willing to gather in his name, and ask of the Father, in His name, that Jesus ( who is already there) be allowed to manifest Himself visibly, physically.

That would provide video, fingerprints, DNA sample.



And they could use the R&S forum to co-ordinate appearances thousands of miles, but only seconds apart, which, because the Risen Jesus is not bound by the constraints of time and space, would prove that it was indeed a series of almost instantaneous miracles.



Unfortunately, no Christians actually believe that Jesus exists in a condition to KEEP the promises He is reported to have made.

Answer 18

Bart Ehrman has several concise books on the historical Jesus. ...and bottom line is , there are jesus traditions outside of the bible......and he is able to critically prove that Jesus did in fact exist using only biblical sources.



The 'rose from the dead thing" which Ehrman lumps into a Christology , does not stand up to the rigorous literary criticisms he applies to new testament traditions........meaning we can prove that he existed, but cannot prove that he rose from the dead.

Answer 19

Travis first of all you need to define what is called evidence . Us want lab repeatable evidence or will inference to the best explanation do ?



If you are Truely open as you say you are then allow me to introduce an object that gives dogmatic atheists fits , namely the most scientifically studied object on earth ,the shroud of turin.



I have debated 70 extreme dogmatic atheists from yahoo answers by email and by the end of the debates they eithere blocked me becuase the evidence made them extremely insecure or they just ignored the evidences for the shrouds authenticity and called it a dirty old rag ,as if ridiculing will make the strong evidences for its authenticity go away .



Here are some very educational videos to give you a rudimentary understanding of what science and history knows about the shroud .the image is so advanced that no 21st century scientist has been able to replicate it .



This doctor is in daily email,contact with the sturp science team . The only scientific team formed by physicist john Jackson that consisted of experts in many scientific fields

http://youtu.be/FcKTkjWkqEU







The 1988 c14 dating of the shroud proven invalid by the peer reviewed chemical analysis of agnostic thermal chemist ray Rogers , senior fellow at Los alamos labs published in the peer reviewed chemical specialist journal thermochimica acta .

http://www.shroud.it/ROGERS-3.PDF



These 2 links should help u get ur feet wet about the shroud of turin.

The shroud will also show how truly open you are about seeking truth



Hope inhale give. U enough for you want to look deeper into this .





As far as evidence outside the bible that Jesus existed there are over 17 secular accounts that mentioned Jesus , including the very early accounts of Josephus

Answer 20

Excuse me, but what kind of "proof" would you like. There is more evidence for Christ than for Alexander the Great who had nothing written about him for 400 years after his death. I assume you believe he lived? Jesus was written about by three of the major historians of his day: Pliny the Younger, Tacticus, and Josephus. It's not like there were a ton of ancient historians. Couple that with the Biblical eyewitness accounts which hold up in modern courts of law, the evidence is there. His legacy is in and of itself proof. The problem isn't "evidence" it's the chip on your shoulder about it.

Answer 21

Now let’s see what Jesus says about faith. First, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can literally cause a mountain to jump into the sea by telling it to do so (Matthew 17:20 and 21:21). Christians living today have endless faith that Jesus spoke only the truth, but no one has ever been able to move a mountain even one inch by using this incredible method. It’s absurd to think that anyone could accomplish such a remarkable feat, and it’s absurd that the son of God would assert such a false and preposterous claim.

Answer 22

For us Christians faith is most important, and don't require overwhelming evidence, this is were we differ. From what i have read, Christianity may be difficult for you, but that's ok, not everyone is destined to Christianity.



Faith: According to Wikipedia, “Faith is confidence or trust in a person, thing, deity, or in the doctrines or teachings of a religion. It is also belief that is not based on proof.



New Living Translation

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we live by believing and not by seeing.



American King James Version

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)



http://secretangelps911.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/walk-in-faith-2-corinthians-57/

Answer 23

Can't do it. All the evidence we would present to you would be rejected. Only God can save your heart and change your beliefs about God and Jesus. We present the evidence - you have the free will to accept or reject.



Only thing is, that you have ONE chance when you are living - once you die, you WILL (same as everyone) face the God you do not believe in for your eternal life.

Answer 24

Nobody who was alive at the time of Jesus, except Christian sources, has written anything about him. The Christus referred to by the Roman Historian Tacitus, ("Annals", Chapter 44 Book 15.), may or may not have been called Jesus, he does not say. Tacitus does tell us Pontius Pilatus passed the death sentence during the reign of Tiberius.



I cannot comment on the rising from the dead.

Answer 25

There are so many answers here that I don't have the time to see if anyone suggested what I am about to suggest. But maybe if several people suggest the same thing you will try that. My suggestion is to check out and read the Case For Christ by Lee Strobel. He was an investigative reporter at one time and an atheist when he began a search for evidence that was from non-Christian sources for just what you are asking. The answers HE found convinced HIM. So check out his book. It is VERY good, thorough and to ME seemed good investigative work, useful for consideration. Perhaps you will feel the same about it.

Answer 26

There are Hindu and Buddhist texts that describe the Jesus character studying in those areas during the missing 20 years. So Jesus probably existed. He was a master con artist, but he existed.

Answer 27

Call me an old cynic, but as far as I know and recognising the brutal efficiency with which Romans dispensed justice, there is no mention after the alleged crucifixion of a search party on the look out for an escaped convict.

Answer 28

Contrary to those who think Jesus never existed, I think that Jesus did exist, but he was not the mythologized individual who arose after his death that came to be believed in after he died. In that sense, the Jesus of Christianity was invented as a result of those myths.



Because he was a relatively minor religious agitator when he was alive, no historians at the time considered him important enough to write about, even if they knew about him.



It was only several years after his death that his followers eventually became numerous enough and influential enough that he became more well known. By then, the myths that had developed about him after his death magnified his persona and made him something he wasn't.



The fact is that Jesus was a Jew and died a Jew. He had no thought of bringing about a new religion, only in helping to fulfill his own religion. He certainly would have been horrified if he had learned that a new religion would be formed with him as its basis and that it made a deity of him.



Jesus was proclaiming that god would imminently overturn the existing order and establish a new kingdom--the kingdom of righteousness.



And the Romans executed him because they perceived him to be a rebel who was seeking to establish a new kingdom. That is why they placed the placard saying "The King of the Jews" on the cross. They wanted him to be an object lesson to those who would seek to overthrow them and establish a new kingdom.



By the time the gospels were written, there had been a schism between the original Jewish followers of Jesus and those who followed Paul, who was the actual originator of Christianity. Paul brought in many esoteric and pagan ideas and added them to the myths about Jesus that had developed in the years following his execution. Paul also expanded his church by preaching to and bringing in Gentiles, who did not hold any particular allegiance to the Jews.



In addition, the Christian church at the time was trying to make their way in the hostile Roman world, and they did not want to antagonize the Romans (see Romans 13:1-2), so they minimized the Roman involvement in the death of Jesus and laid the blame on the Jews, which furthered even more the separation of the new religion from its Jewish roots.



That resulted in the origin of Christianity.



Here is some relevant material relating to the above.



There is no contemporary account of Jesus at the time he was living. Even the New Testament accounts were written after his death. As far as non-biblical sources, all the Christians can do is to refer to documents that were written long after he died.



The trial of Jesus by Pontius Pilate was a later fabrication by the Christian leaders that they devised to prevent their followers from instigating actions against the Romans by blaming the death of Jesus on the Jews. Pilate was a Roman official and he was hardly the kind of person he was made out to be in the gospels. He would have had no compunction against condemning Jesus as a rebel. In fact, if he had let Jesus go free, he would have had to answer to his superiors for not condemning a rebel against their authority. As Josephus makes it clear, Pilate was arrogant and brutal as procurator. See also Luke 13:1.



The Jewish leaders could have had Jesus executed if they found cause to do so. They did not need to turn him over to the Romans to be executed. Read Acts 6:5-15, which clearly indicates that the Jewish leaders could execute those they condemned to death. The claim that they did not have the authority to execute those they condemned to death, and that was the reason they turned him over to the Romans, was a later fabrication to lay the blame for the death of Jesus on the Jews and to explain why the Romans, rather than the Jews, executed him.



The fact is that the Jewish authorities did not have cause to execute Jesus. Jesus did not actually claim to be god-- that claim was one of Paul's additions to the myths about Jesus, and the writers of the gospels wrote them accordingly by putting words into the mouth of Jesus.



So what it boils down to is that Jesus was executed solely for being a religious agitator who was proclaiming god's imminent overthrow of the existing order, and not because of the later fabrications that were added to his message.



Added



Here are some examples of the fabrications that the writers of the NT used to elevate the persona of Jesus.



See my answer here showing how the Bible grossly contradicts itself concerning the birth stories in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. There is no way in which the stories can be reconciled.



https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20140925144938AA2klcb





Added



Sonofagun! Miracles DO happen!



To whoever got my answer deleted, Yahoo restored it upon my appeal. Enjoy your deducted points.





Added



Now back to business.



@Tigger, your argument about the NT documents being historical and therefore the events described in them happened is nonsensical. By that argument any verified historical documents would prove the reality of all kinds of gods and supernatural events.



Furthermore, ALL the NT documents that are in existence are NOT the original ones written by their authors, but copies, and more likely copies of copies of copies, etc.



In addition, as I pointed out in my answer above it is clear that the writers of the NT documents resorted to fabrications in order to promote a religious view. Click on the links I provided to see why.

Answer 29

why do people believe things ? why does mankind do anything ? because there is a reward in it they get something in return , other wise why do anything ? so IF I tell you that if you worship X you will receive A but then I add a catch to it you can only collect when you are dead do i have to pay up No your dead who wins ? who benefits in reality Me i get you to do as I say i get power and control a higher status in life because I am the key to you getting the reward I promised , but in reality i never have to pay but got what i wanted to start with mean while you are jumping through hoops to attain that which you were never show to exist to start with . how clever so i tell you a lot of stories about a man who died and came back to life and then rose to a place I have never shown you and will never have to for you are dead Clever oh so clever and you can not prove it isn't real for you are dead so in reality are promises real or just words actions are real so if you promise me that you will milk the cow today and you do it your actions are real if you tell me you will and you do not is your promise real ?

Answer 30

The FACT is Credentialed Historians Recognize most of the New Testament Texts as historical documents. So basically you are asking prove to me a historical event - but exclude most of the historical documents. The word for that is irrational (Which is consistent coming from an atheist).

Answer 31

By seeking Him. He said if you seek Him, you will find Him.



My first suggestion in that process is to first seek out your own motives. Do you want to know out of curiosity? Are you willing to do what He says once you discover that He exists, and that the gospel message is true? In other words, will you, once you recognize that you are a sinner in rebellion against God, repent of your sin, become born again, and receive eternal life?

If you kinda sorta are not really thinking about it, but are attempting to reinforce your unbelief, you will not discover the truth.

If you humble yourself and tell God that if the gospel is true, then you want to believe the truth, He will open your eyes to the overwhelming evidence. Scripture tells us that those in rebellion are blind to it.

Answer 32

If you truly want an answer to your question then read the Book of Mormon with a sincere attitude to learn more about what you ask. Within this book the main topic and testament is of Jesus Christ, His atonement and resurrection.

Answer 33

There is no evidence for almost all of the 240 million people alive in the year 33 CE but there is evidence of the historical person of Jesus Christ. http://www.scottmanning.com/archives/World%20Population%20Estimates%20Interpolated%20and%20Averaged.pdf



Call them short-sighted but historians write about history and not current events. Unless someone was royalty (and sometimes not even then) almost no one received "contemporary attestation." If this standard was used with Alexander the Great, Socrates, and Cleopatra then it would be determined that they did not exist.



Why is it that:

+ People accept what Greeks and pro-Greeks wrote about Greeks (Writers who feared death if they offended the Greeks in power by telling the truth), and

+ People accept what Romans and pro-Romans wrote about Romans (Writers who feared death if they offended the Romans in power by telling the truth), but

+ People refuse to accept what Christians wrote about Christians (Writers who only feared God if they bore false witness by lying)??



Luckily there is an abundance of anti-Christians who wrote about Christ. For example:



The (Pagan) Roman historian and senator Tacitus referred to Jesus Christ, His execution by Pontius Pilate and the persecution of early Christians in Rome in his 109 AD work, "The Annals,"



"Consequently, to get rid of the report (that Nero started the great fire of Rome), Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired."



Book 15, chapter 44 of "The Annals" by Tacitus, translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb http://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/annals.11.xv.html



A final few words: The noted historian Will Durant wrote: “That a few simple men should in one generation have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic and so inspiring a vision of human brotherhood, would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the Gospels.”



See also Magis Online Encyclopedia of Reason and Faith (Why Believe in Jesus?) http://magischristwiki.org/index.php?title=Why_Believe_in_Jesus%3F#Is_There_Historical_Evidence_for_Jesus.3F



With love in Christ

Answer 34

Seems to me the best evidence they have is "It's in the Bible and lots of people believe it." There is nothing else.

Answer 35

I think, in summing up of the comments is..... there have been some tenuous mentions of a person who could be jesus. My comment would be, if this guy was anything special there would be properly documented evidence. Having to explain and make excuses for the base of your religion, smacks of desperation!

Answer 36

'Jesus rising from the dead is 'fake', but Jesus, the prophet, the 'immaculate conception', his virgin birth, and his miracles of 'raising the dead and curing the lepers and the born blind' are all 'real' says the Quran, which supports itself of its 'truth', with information's of 'scientific' nature unknown to man of that era, but which were onlyrecently confirmed by scientists today:



http://www.islam-guide.com



Nevertheless, the Quran is the only 'Book' on the face of the earth, that tells anyone to verify whatever it says, and also challenges anyone to prove it wrong, a 'challenge' that is yet to be 'intellectually' met.

Answer 37

The first-century Roman Tacitus, who is considered one of the more accurate historians of the ancient world, mentioned superstitious “Christians” (from Christus, which is Latin for Christ), who suffered under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius. Suetonius, chief secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote that there was a man named Chrestus (or Christ) who lived during the first century (Annals 15.44).



Flavius Josephus is the most famous Jewish historian. In his Antiquities he refers to James, “the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ.” There is a controversial verse (18:3) that says, “Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man. For he was one who wrought surprising feats....He was [the] Christ...he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him.” One version reads, “At this time there was a wise man named Jesus. His conduct was good and [he] was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who became his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion, and that he was alive; accordingly he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders.”



Julius Africanus quotes the historian Thallus in a discussion of the darkness which followed the crucifixion of Christ (Extant Writings, 18).



Pliny the Younger, in Letters 10:96, recorded early Christian worship practices including the fact that Christians worshiped Jesus as God and were very ethical, and he includes a reference to the love feast and Lord’s Supper.



The Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) confirms Jesus' crucifixion on the eve of Passover and the accusations against Christ of practicing sorcery and encouraging Jewish apostasy.



Lucian of Samosata was a second-century Greek writer who admits that Jesus was worshiped by Christians, introduced new teachings, and was crucified for them. He said that Jesus' teachings included the brotherhood of believers, the importance of conversion, and the importance of denying other gods. Christians lived according to Jesus’ laws, believed themselves to be immortal, and were characterized by contempt for death, voluntary self-devotion, and renunciation of material goods.



Mara Bar-Serapion confirms that Jesus was thought to be a wise and virtuous man, was considered by many to be the king of Israel, was put to death by the Jews, and lived on in the teachings of His followers.



Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-exist.html#ixzz3IaExoPVZ

Answer 38

Seems to me the best evidence they have is "It's in the Bible and lots of people believe it." There is nothing else.

Answer 39

Try Biblical Archeology.

Answer 40

Try Biblical Archeology.

Answer 41

Try Biblical Archeology.

Answer 42

Try Biblical Archeology.

Answer 43

Well, there are early references from scholars but for me the overwhelming evidence is the behaviour of the apostles and the disciples. Would you willingly give your life at that time for somone who didnt exist? The apostles did.

Answer 44

There was an atheist journalist, who set out to make a documentary, proving Jesus was a fraud. His name is Lee Strobel, and he is well respected in his field. I think his documentary might hold the answers you seek. It is titled The Case for Christ.

Answer 45

If you didn't get it from God, then you won't get it in this lifetime.



See, it's a spiritual thing, i find most people don't even know what that is.

Answer 46

Anyone needing 'overwhelming' evidence of Christ isn't REALLY looking for evidence of Him at all in my opinion. I wasn't there when He was born, nor when He suffered and died for my sins - BUT I know He lived, I know He lives again as will I. That is sufficient for me.

Answer 47

Wikipedia...Virtually all modern scholars of antiquity agree that Jesus existed, and most biblical scholars and classical historians see the theories of his non-existence as effectively refuted...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historicity_of_Jesus



and unless you are willing TO TAKE THE TIME to really find this evidence for the truth you will never really know.. but I will just give you a few logical points to ponder on...

do you know of anyone including you who would be willing to die for a lie? If Jesus did not resurrect or even lived do you think the thousand of Christian believers including the apostles would have died for a lie?...yes..many have died for a lie that they "believed" to be true.. but Jesus disciples were FIRSTHAND EYE WITNESSES" and they KNEW the truth... so if the resurrection was a lie and they were lying about what they saw then ELEVEN people were all willing to die for a lie!.. do you find this logical? most of these original disciples of Jesus endured prison, flogging, were stoned to death, and were crucified or killed by sword or exiled from their home to die a lonely death...would you die a gruesome death for something that you absolutely knew to be a lie? It would be really hard to find 11 people in history who died for a lie, knowing that it was a lie...and yet they were firsthand witnesses of the events...

next... we can look at the transformed lives of the disciples.... before Jesus "resurrection" the disciples themselves were not completely convinced of Jesus really being THE Messiah, or even if He came from God, most fled and hid at Jesus trial, even denying any acquaintance..Peter not only denied knowing Jesus but deserted him in his death! but something happened to this coward, just a very short time after Jesus death, He became bold and courageous preaching the gospel risking death and persecution! why would he change his mind and be willing to face these trials for a lie?! what about Paul, who never knew Jesus in person but being raised a strict Jewish Pharisee and a vicious persecutor of Christians killing them and bringing them to "justice" under Jewish law, shortly after "supernatural event" change his mind and then was willing to deny his strict adhesion to Jewish law and become a devoted follower of Christ?, risking everything because in those times Christianity was a serious crime...Even without knowing Jesus in Person?

There is so much logical evidence but too short of a space to give you here.. so if you really want to find the answer to this question, you hav to willing to find the truth yourself...



here is a short book written by a man who was an atheist who set out to disprove Christianity ... "more than a carpenter" by Josh McDowell .. if you really want to research it , it might help.. good luck...

Answer 48

What evidence exists outside the Bible that Jesus was a real historical figure?



▪ A number of secular writers who lived close to the time of Jesus made specific mention of him. Among them was Cornelius Tacitus, who recorded the history of Rome under the emperors. Regarding a fire that devastated Rome in 64 C.E., Tacitus relates that it was rumored that Emperor Nero was responsible for the disaster. Nero, says Tacitus, tried to place the blame on a group whom the populace called Christians. Tacitus writes: “Christus, from whom their name is derived, was executed at the hands of the procurator Pontius Pilate in the reign of Tiberius.”—Annals, XV, 44.



The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus also mentions Jesus. In discussing events that took place between the death of Festus, the Roman governor of Judea about 62 C.E., and the arrival of his successor, Albinus, Josephus says that High Priest Ananus (Annas) “convened the judges of the Sanhedrin and brought before them a man named James, the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ, and certain others.”—Jewish Antiquities, XX, 200 (ix, 1).



Remember, Jesus discussed the sign of his presence. (Matthew 24:3) The sign of his presence is that of which he would take place AFTER his resurrection as he would begin ruling obedient mankind from the heavens. The following are the features.



Jesus’ presence would be marked by a time of profound troubles here on earth. Jesus said that his presence as King in heaven would be marked on earth by wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences, and lawlessness. (Matthew 24:7-12; Luke 21:10, 11) What would cause all this misery? The Bible explains that Satan, “the ruler of this world,” is full of rage because he knows that his time is very short now that Christ’s presence as King has begun. (John 12:31; Revelation 12:9, 12) Such visible evidence of Satan’s rage and of Christ’s presence has been abundant in our time. Especially since 1914, a year that historians acknowledge was a turning point, has this evidence appeared on an unprecedented and global scale.

All of that may sound like bad news, but it is not. It means that the Messianic Kingdom is ruling now in heaven. Very soon, that government will exercise its rule right here over all the earth. How, though, would people know about that Kingdom in order to accept its rule and become its subjects?



4. Jesus’ presence is marked by a global preaching work. Jesus said that his presence would be like “the days of Noah.” (Matthew 24:37-39) Noah was more than an ark builder; he was also “a preacher of righteousness.” (2 Peter 2:5) Noah warned people that a judgment from God was on its way. Jesus said that his followers on earth would be doing something similar during his presence. He prophesied: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matthew 24:14.



I hope this helps.

Answer 49

Try Biblical Archeology.

Answer 50

Try Biblical Archeology.

Answer 51

The "Bible" is not a "Book" it is a collection of "Books"



So use one book to prove the other book. Many people wrote under the influence and inspiration of God.

Answer 52

First how about you prove you exist, where is your evidence for that, if you cannot can we assume you don't exist either?

Answer 53

The shroud of Turin

Answer 54

The shroud of Turin

Answer 55

The shroud of Turin

Answer 56

The shroud of Turin

Answer 57

THE SHROUD OF TURIN , ITALY SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT . But maybe you even doubt that some super artist didn't know about negatives , and painted it ?

Answer 58

Jesus is also in the Koran, he does supernatural stuff too. My guess is he was an alien put her to save Earth from itself.

Answer 59

Check the date on your coins for external evidence.

Answer 60

The shroud of Turin

Answer 61

No offense meant, but an atheist is simply a Christian turned inside-out. Meaning that both Christians and atheists are believers in something, either this or that. The atheists have no evidence whatsoever that God does not exist, and the Christians cannot show that God DOES exist. So it's a stand-off. So i say to both groups: If you want evidence YOU YOURSELF have to go after it. Signing onto Y/A and saying, "show me" is pointless/useless. Carl Sagan, noted "scientist"/atheist said, "You can't convince a believer of anything because their belief is not based on evidence; it's based on a deep-seated need to believe." EXACTLY. And that applies to atheism as well: Atheists have a deep-seated need to believe that there is no God, so you can't convince them otherwise, and Christians have a deep-seated need to believe that they alone have all the real spiritual knowledge. You need to get away from thinking that Christianity is "religion." It used to be when Jesus was teaching, but it's been so twisted around by theologians (in the Vatican) and by various other theorists that it no longer has much value. I would strongly recommend that you seek out the experience which will give you real evidence. Anyone can play the cynic and claim that there's no real evidence for anything, but of course, these are the people who refuse to look deeply at the mysteries that surround us. I'm not here to push any particular spiritual path. I'm pointing out that many so-called "religious" people are not cognizant of the fact that "religion" is something in particular - it's not just anything one wants it to be, and atheists are usually those who refuse to investigate anything beyond their own belief-system. So i say to both groups: Go and investigate deeply. Because most do not want to - they're too attached to their beliefs, too comfortable with them - and that's fine, but unless one is willing to search, it cannot be said that they have anything real to argue with ...

Answer 62

If there was any "overwhelming" evidence for the claim that Big-J rose from the dead, walked on water, fed 100s of people with a couple of fish and a loaf of bread, or cured the lame and blind, then there wouldn't be athiests.

Answer 63

There's very very little. Josephus (who's mention of Jesus is often believed to be an added interpolation in later centuries by the experts) and maybe one other Roman historian/philosopher (Tacitus), but both citations occur many many decades after Jesus supposedly lived. The latter was probably just in response to the growing Christian cult in Rome, and represents no real extra-biblical accounts.



You're pretty much stuck with Paul's letters and the four gospels: all canonical parts of the NT.



Bart Ehrman and Zeba Crook both think it's probably Jesus existed and both are very open about the evidence (and lack thereof). Basically it just boils down to the NT. There really isn't any other evidence. Neither Ehrman or Crook are Christians, but they are both experts on the subject. Lots of videos on youtube Bart, and at least one with Crook (debating Richard Carrier, who's a mythacist).

Answer 64

Let us first use a recent stone found in Iraq that speaks of Noah's Ark. This important finding, because it one of the oldest recorded. However most people across the globe have a story of Noah's Ark. The question is this possible. Well some found an image back over 20 years of something that looked like ark in the side of Mountain Ararat. Proof of whether this was the ark was made. Journey and hiking in glacier cold temps to prove this theory. As climate warmed the ability to see this structure came to be. Turkey's ark became something archaelogist want to prove if it was of the time of Noah. carbon dating helps with this. It lines up measurement accounts with Biblical portions. So one story is provable, you can go to turkey and visit the park there. Make sure you wear a turban. Second to prove the existence of God is to prove if what He says is true. Ark is provable, but what about other things especially today. Take on verse and its correct meaning and see if it true. Test it in your own life. For example say Lord help my unbelief, what harm can it do and then say Lord increase my faith. I will believe if you will do these things for me. If nothing happens over time, then you have gained nothing but a few seconds of what you perceive as idle words. If God answers your prayer then you gain the ability to have a relationship with God, by belief.

Answer 65

the science and the médicine had proven that the dead could return to live after 1 month or plus, many people who were considering dead ,return to live in spite the doctors declared them totally dead. some unique cases as these had happened and still happen ... some people who were burrying in grave smash the box and call to open the box because they still breathe, in wars and in natural catastrophes the bodies of the deads thrown everywhere and in cold chambers become to be lively after moments... jésus christ was completely deformed ,the roman soldiers after making him walked through a mocking crowd ,jésus was carrying a big piece of woods and enormous chains which arrounded his body, in the way to the mountain where he had been crucified the soldiers gave him coup of lashes and scourges and boxing him...arriving to the place of his crucifiction ,the roman soldiers placed enormous nails into his hands and feet , and probably they planted a sword in his body to finish him....it doesn't care because jésus was declared dead after this event...his resurrection was 3 days after , by the way ,jésus christ had declared to his apstles that after 3 days of his crucifiction he will return amoung them! this is the version of the christianity,

Answer 66

They have the cloth he was wrapped in and apparently when He was resurrected there was a great light, almost like a copy machine uses light to make the copy. Well this light accurately 'copied' the face of Jesus Christ on the cloth. Scientists were able to take the cloth's data and use it to make a 3D image of the man inside the cloth and low and behold, it was identical to the picture of Jesus Christ we have today

Answer 67

Sorry. You're asking the wrong Personage, here. We are not God, and we know this. Unfortunately you are under the delusion that we somehow are. We dared to ask for our evidence, and so must you. It's the rule.



IF you dare to ask Him. Because deep, deep down inside where only you alone live, you know without a doubt that He WILL answer, but you have already determined you are not going to like the reply.



It happens.

Answer 68

Josephus and Tacitus, two respected historians who lived in the first century and WERE NOT Christians give us outside of the Bible evidence.

Around the first century was when Jesus came on the scene.

Josephus and Tacitus both mention Jesus Christ as a historical figure.

Describing how Roman Emperor Nero blamed the Christians for the fire in Rome in 64 C.E., Tacitus wrote: "Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus (Christ), from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus."

Regarding the references made by first- and second- century historians to Jesus and the early Christians, the Encyclopedia Briitannica, 2002 Edition, says: "These

independent accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponets of Christianity never doubted the Historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds at the end of the 18th, during the 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries."

In 2002, an editorial in the Wall Street Journal stated: "Most scholars, barring the stray atheist, have already accepted Jesus of Nazareth as a historical person."

Evidence from secular, non Bible, non- Christians Historians!

From what those Historians noted, the Bible accounts of Jesus life show he indeed existed.

Now, study the Bible to learn why he existed and was sent to the earth.

JW.ORG can help.

Answer 69

(Matthew 12:37-39) for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Then as an answer to him, some of the scribes and the Pharisees said: “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”  In reply he said to them: “A wicked and adulterous generation keeps on seeking a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jo′nah the prophet.



Since our words reflect the condition of our hearts, what we say provides a basis for judgment. “I tell you,” Jesus says, “that every unprofitable saying that men speak, they will render an account concerning it on Judgment Day; for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned.”



Despite all of Jesus’ powerful works, the scribes and Pharisees request: “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” Although these particular men from Jerusalem may not personally have seen his miracles, irrefutable eyewitness evidence regarding them exists. So Jesus tells the Jewish leaders: “A wicked and adulterous generation keeps on seeking for a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.”

Explaining what he means, Jesus continues: “Just as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.” After being swallowed by the fish, Jonah came out as if resurrected, so Jesus is foretelling that he will die and on the third day will be raised alive. Yet, the Jewish leaders, even when Jesus later is resurrected, reject “the sign of Jonah.”

Thus Jesus says that the men of Nineveh who repented at the preaching of Jonah will rise up in the judgment to condemn the Jews who reject Jesus. Similarly, he draws a parallel with the queen of Sheba, who came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon’s wisdom and marveled at what she saw and heard. “But, look!” Jesus notes, “something more than Solomon is here.”

Jesus then gives the illustration of a man from whom an unclean spirit comes out. The man, however, does not fill the void with good things, so he becomes possessed by seven more wicked spirits. “That is how it will be also with this wicked generation,” Jesus says. The Israelite nation had been cleansed and had experienced reformations—like the temporary departure of an unclean spirit. But the nation’s rejection of God’s prophets, culminating in its opposition to Christ himself, reveals its wicked condition to be much worse than at its beginning.



A Sign Demanded of Jesus. During Jesus’ ministry he performed numerous signs that helped many to believe in him. (Joh 2:23) But the signs did not produce faith in hardhearted ones. (Lu 2:34; Joh 11:47, 53; 12:37; compare Nu 14:11, 22.) When on two occasions religious leaders asked Jesus to display to them a sign from heaven, they likely were demanding that he perform, as proof that he was the Messiah, the sign foretold at Daniel 7:13, 14, namely, the “son of man” appearing with the clouds of the heavens to take his Kingdom power. But it was not God’s time for that prophecy to be fulfilled, and Christ would not perform a showy display merely to gratify their selfish demand. (Mt 12:38; 16:1) Rather, he told them that the only sign that would be given them was “the sign of Jonah the prophet.” (Mt 12:39-41; 16:4) After about three days in the belly of a huge fish, Jonah had gone and preached to Nineveh. Jonah thereby became a “sign” to the capital of Assyria. Jesus’ generation had “the sign of Jonah” when Christ spent parts of three days in the grave and was resurrected after which his disciples proclaimed the evidence of that event. In this, Christ was a sign to that generation, but even that did not convince most of the Jews.—Lu 11:30; 1Co 1:22.

So why would some people be any different today! Please remember we have free will, know one is force to believe what he do not want to except or believe. (Galatians 6:5) For each one will carry his own load.

Answer 70

Christ died for the ungodly.evidence enough.His Word is the worlds best seller.He lives in me and in millions throughout humanity.He rose from the dead to raise us from the dead.Period.

Answer 71

My evidence? The Dr's gave me a limited time to live. I got healed and am very much alive today. I turned to Christ and was healed. I made many attempts at other religions and beliefs, from Budhism to the Kabalah, not one of them did anything for me. I remained sick and dying until Christ stepped in. That is my first proof of overwhelming evidence, my own life.



That's not enough? For me it is.



I have a best friend who nearly died of a rare lymphomic cancer. She is very much alive loving life and Jesus and serving Him passionately. Another man I know was t-boned in a car wreck. Broken ribs, pelvis, crushed lung, etc. Was completely healed in approx. 6 weeks and is loving life and serving Christ.



See a trend? Jesus came so that we may have life. Why did He rise from the dead? It wasn't to provide proof to those who don't want to believe, but to give mankind hope and a new life and His resurrection took away the power of hell, death and the grave. His rising from the dead set the standard for all of mankind who through His power and grace can "rise from the dead. From the ashes. From the pit."



This is available to anybody who seeks Him. He does not discriminate or turn away anybody who comes to Him. But to understand Him, you must seek Him. There is SOME effort on our part too!

Answer 72

The Bible has recorded in it "eyewitness" accounts of these events. That being said, how far back in time do we accept "eyewitness accounts?" One day? One month? Five years? One hundred years?

One thousand years? Two thousand years?

How about archaelogical findings? The Bible includes archaelogical findings with scrolls, parchments and eyewitness accounts together. Do you believe John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas? Do you believe America was founded 238 years ago? Do you believe in Dinosaurs? If you believe in these other events, why is it that you turn a blind eye to your Creator? That is the question you need to ask yourself.

Answer 73

There was a man by the name of Simon Greenleaf, a professor at Harvard Law School. He authored a 3-volume work called Treatise on the Law of Evidence. It's still the definitive reference in the classroom and courtroom 160 years after its publication. Greenleaf used this to examine the testimonies of the four Gospel writers and judged them to be truthful and accurate beyond a reasonable doubt. By their own testimony Jesus of Nazareth is God in the flesh, He was crucified, died, was buried and rose again three days later. Greenleaf was an atheist turned evangelist. His findings are detailed in his work: Testimony of the Evangelists which is available online at http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/jesus/greenleaf.html



As to the broader evidences of the existence of God, a careful study of the Bible will reveal the truth you seek. It’s all in the prophecies. This is how God authenticates Himself. As an example there are over 100 historically verified, fulfilled prophecies in the first 35 verses of Daniel chapter 11 alone.



See for yourself: http://gracethrufaith.com/end-times-prophecy/the-end-times-according-to-daniel-part-three-chapters-10-12/



God called King Cyrus of Persia by name in Isaiah 44:24-45:6 as His agent for freeing the Israelites from Babylon 150 years before Cyrus was even born. Daniel 9:25 prophesied Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, on what would become the first Palm Sunday, to follow a decree to rebuild Jerusalem. The prophecy was given in 535BC. The decree was given 90 years later by King Artaxerxes Longimanus of Persia. The prophecy was fulfilled 483 years later, to the very day. You just can't make this stuff up.



Josephus recorded a supernaturally ordained meeting between Alexander the Great and Jeduah, the reigning High Priest of Israel at the time. Alexander was making his way south toward Egypt, conquering nation after nation as he did. When he came to Jerusalem, the High Priest and his retinue, in their finest robes, opened the gates and met him outside the city, as God had told them to do. Alexander had previously seen this exact event in a dream and took its fulfillment as a sign from God. He spared the city and offered sacrifices in the Temple. When Jeduah opened the scroll of Daniel and read to Alexander portions of what we know as Daniel 8, written 200 years earlier, Alexander correctly interpreted it as referring to him (Antiquities of the Jews, Book XI, chapter 8, paragraphs 4 and 5).



Or just take a handful of Old Testament prophecies concerning the first coming of Jesus. In Psalm 22 David described a crucifixion hundreds of years before it was used as a method of execution including what it feels like, the words Jesus spoke from the cross, and what the soldiers did with His clothing. In Isaiah 53 His life and death were described in detail right down to His burial place. In Micah 5:2 the place of His birth was revealed. In Daniel 9:24-26 the day of His execution was given. In Zechariah 9:9 His entry into Jerusalem was described, and Zechariah 11:12-13 tells us how much the priests paid for His betrayal and who the money ultimately went to. There are many more examples, and all of them were part of the public record hundreds of years before the fact.



Apply any legitimate standard you want: forensic logic, statistical analysis, rules of evidence, you name it. Even a person of modest intellect will quickly be persuaded. God exists, He is Who He says He is, and He has done all that He claims to have done. No blind faith is required, no rush of emotion, no hocus-pocus; just cold hard logic. In fact it takes a whole lot more blind faith and a stubborn willingness to believe in spite of the facts, that the Big Bang or evolution constitute the beginning of life.



Prophecy is the way God validates His word. No other so-called holy writings offer this proof. Only God has consistently told His people what He was going to do and then did it to prove Himself to them. The problem ages ago is the same today. The world doesn't believe in biblical prophecies, doesn’t know what they say, and won’t know what to look for.



But once you see that God's track record for fulfilling prophecy is without error or blemish, you’ll know beyond all shadow of doubt that you can trust Him. Trust Him to save you from the penalty due you for your sins; trust Him to return like He promised to take you to be with Him forever, and trust Him to guide you through the remainder of your uncertain and undefined life on earth in the meantime.

Answer 74

I don't think anybody can prove anything to you.

Answer 75

Watch Jesus related movies, they are overwhelming.

Answer 76

I don't think anybody can prove anything to you.

Answer 77

Yes. That someone daily comes to my house regularly just for gossiping with me. When that someone comes today, I will surely remember to request that someone to show you everything. I am sure that someone will do it for you.

Answer 78

Does not exist. you are supposed to go on faith rather than seeing actual proof to be a christian,at least thats what is church leaders teach.

Answer 79

You likely believe that the man named Albert Einstein existed. Most people do. But, why?

Although people never met --or, even saw-- him, reliable reports of his accomplishments prove that he did indeed exist. The influence of his existence is actually felt via scientific applications of his discoveries.



The same reasoning applies to Jesus Christ, admittedly the most influential man in history. What was written about him and the visible evidence of the influence he wielded prove beyond doubt that he did exist.



The fact that his opponents never questioned his existence is another strong indication of his existence.



As interesting as recent archaeological evidence may is (an inscription was found), there IS evidence of Jesus’ existence in what secular historians wrote about him and his followers.



Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian who was a Pharisee, referred to Jesus Christ in the book Jewish Antiquities. Professor Louis H. Feldman of Yeshiva University says that few have doubted the genuineness of Josephus' second reference to 'JC', where he says:



“[Ananus the high priest] convened the judges of the Sanhedrin and brought before them a man named James, the *brother of Jesus who was called the Christ*.” (Jewish Antiquities, XX, 200)



Yes, Josephus was a Pharisee, a member of the sect many of whose adherents were *avowed enemies* of Jesus, yet he acknowledged the existence of “James, the *brother of Jesus*.”





Tacitus (born about 55 C.E.), considered one of the world’s greatest historians, mentioned the Christians in his account about Nero’s blaming the great fire of Rome in 64 C.E. on them . . . he wrote:



“Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. *Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus*.”



The details of that account definitely match the information regarding the Jesus of the Bible.





Pliny the Younger, governor of Bithynia. wrote to Emperor Trajan, asking how to handle Christians, in about the year 111 C.E. . . .



He wrote that people who were falsely accused of being Christians would repeat an invocation to the gods and worship the statue of Trajan, just to prove that they were not Christians. But, he also wrote:



“There is no forcing, it is said, those who are really Christians, into any of these compliances.”



That testifies to the reality of the existence of the Christ, whose followers were prepared to give their lives for their belief in him.





After summarizing the references to Jesus Christ and his followers by the historians of the first two centuries, The Encyclopædia Britannica (2002 edition) concludes:



“These independent accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds at the end of the 18th, during the 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries.”





Now the question is . . . Why do so many insist that there is no historical evidence of Christ having existed, when there actually is . . . ?



IF he had been a myth all along, his opposors would have proved it right then. Instead, at least one of them admitted his existence in writing!



IF he had been a myth, his opposors would have made a huge deal about proving their claims that he had risen from the dead were false. Yet, they didn't even try. They instead tried to break their faith, and/or kill them outright.



The apostle Paul --having received instruction from the learned Pharisee Gamaliel-- spearheaded persecution of Christians before coming to realize that Christ was the representative of the One he he had thought he was worshiping all along. He had sought them out, taken them to court, & was behind at least one death . . . the stoning to death of the apostle Stephen!



Yet . . . when Christ opened his eyes, he accepted Christ & penned more Bible books than any of the other followers of Christ, traversing all over in preaching the Gospel of Christ.



Paul came to know & accept that Jesus had been raised from the dead, and he summarized the evidences for the Corinthians, namely: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, yes, that he has been raised up the third day according to the Scriptures; and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”



Then he adds: “After that he appeared to *upward of five hundred brothers at one time,* the most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep in death. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles; but last of all he appeared also to me.”—1 Corinthians 15:3-8.





If you would like to learn more about this, or have other questions,

the Christian Witnesses of Jehovah God would be more than happy to help.

Answer 80

Then Jesus said unto his brethren..."Low. The gullible will be always with you."

The Fake Shroud of Turin.

Answer 81

THE QURAN SPEAKS ABOUT HIM TOO SO THERES AT LEAST 2 PLACES THE BIBLE AND QURAN IDONT KNOW ABOUT JEWISH FAITH I HAVE NOT READ THIER BOOKS , PEACE

Answer 82

easy;read the writings of cesar agustus;

Answer 83

evidence for the existence of mythological characters does not exist.....

Answer 84

NO, nobody can show any evidence

Answer 85

Start here:

Answer 86

Start here:

Answer 87

This was a fun watch...

Answer 88

...how about some "eyewitness" testimony from someone who was actually there ?

Answer 89

As a Muslim, a follower of Islam, we believe Jesus never died, and thus never rose from the dead. He was saved from crucifixion by GOD.



Let's take a look at history.

Crucifixion was a means of cursing someone by torture and a slow, painful death used by the Jews of the time. When they could no longer stand Jesus' teachings, seeing as Jews have always proclaimed to be the sole inheritors of Paradise, Jesus preached that any human can inherit Paradise as long as he follows certain rules.



But as Jesus was loved by GOD (in Islam Jesus is a prophet, not son), GOD could not let the Jews kill him. So he prayed to GOD, and this prayer can be found in the Bible today. In fact, Jesus was born from amongst the Jews who tried to kill him. His mother, Mary a noble, chaste and extremely pious young woman, daughter of a prophet named Joachim, who passed away before Mary was born. We even know of the lineage of Mary until Aaron (brother of Moses). So there's definitely a lot we know about Jesus' existence. Details are usually mixed up, but the existence of someone cannot be faked to this extend, seeing as how much detail we have of Jesus.



A proof that he existed outside the Bible, is the Quran for me. They say the Quran is written by prophet Muhammed, but how could this be so when it not only criticizes him, but also talks about previous prophets. Not to mention that Muhammed was illiterate, unable to read and write. The Quran also entails soooo many scientific evidences, that MANY scientists have converted due to them. Like Dr Keith L. Moore, professor at University of Toronto in Canada, on embryology and Dr Maurice Bucaille a french doctor on Pharaoh's remains. He has written many books on Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Science.



In the torah, song of solomon 5, if you read it in hebrew or just listen to it, Solomon speaks of a man, he describes as;



10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven.

12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.

13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

16 His mouth is most sweet: yea,he is ALTOGETHER LOVELY. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.



In the end, in english translation it states;

"His mouth is most sweet, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend O daughters of Jerusalem"



but in Hebrew it says roughly

"hikum maktaktim, vikhirulom muhammedim, zedodi zerahib binoch Jerusalam."

Notice the Muhammedim.

Arabic names always have meaning, example;

Umsalamah: mother of peace

warda: rose

salahadin: righteous in religion

Abdelaziz: servant of the ALMIGHTY= GOD

Likewise, Muhammed means perfect, lovely in all parts, completely beautiful (inside and out).

So basically, Solomon is speaking of a just man with this description to come. And guess what, prophet Muhammed is the human being we know the most things about. We know his hair, eye and skin colour, his complete lineage to Abraham, how he talked, smiled, laughed, what he wore, we even still have his shoes at a museum, we know the location of his home, the name of his parents and daughters, his friends, his body shape, face shape, eyebrows, lips size and colour, his beard length and shape, where and how and when he slept, how he prayed, where he went, he is actually the most biographically detailed person till this date. We even have 100s of books with his conversations and quotes and advice. Like, "He who is victorious over his passion at the time of anger is the strongest among you. He who forgives having the power to release (his anger and take revenge) is the most patient among you."



Back to Song of Solomon 5

Also, notice it says, Muhammdim, notice the "IM", well in hebrew IM is added to names to show the high status of someone.



Example: GOD in hebrew is ELOH, but they always call GOD ELOHIM, adding the "IM" to the end in order to show high status.

Likewise, Muhammedim, suggests this person Muhammed must be a big deal.



Muhammed was born after the death of his father, then when he was 6 his mother also passed away. So he came under the care of a tribal leader and wealthy man, his paternal grandfather, who soon also passed away. Then his paternal uncle took care of him, who was a very poor tradesman. He would travel to neighbouring nations and buy products to sell back in Makkah and vice versa. One time he went to Syria and took young Muhammed with him, Syria was then under Byzantine rule, otherwise known as Roman empire in the east. There was a christian monk sitting nearby when he noticed a cloud following this group of men (young Muhammed, his uncle and other employees). When they stopped, a nearby tree bent over them to shied them from the sun. The monk, called out to them and offered them to eat with him, so the uncle told little Muhammed to watch their caravan (camels with trades on their back). The monk examined their faces and became sad, and asked "is this everyone?" The uncle replied, "yes, except my young nephew watching our camels. The monk asked them to call the little boy. When Muhammed was coming, the cloud followed him, shading him from the sun once more. When he saw this he asked the uncle about his parents, and when he heard he was an orphan he examined his face and asked about his lineage. Then revealed to them in secret that this young man will become a prophet, and asked them protect him from the Jews and the Byzantines "for they will surely try to kill him."



When Muhammed became 40, while sitting on a mountain, came to him a man and asked him to recite. He replied, "But i'm not a reciter." Then the man hugged him tightly and asked him to recite anew. Muhammed kept repeating I'm not a reciter. This happened several times, then the man said the 1st verses to be ever revealed of the Quran, "Recite in the name of your Lord who created…created man from a clinging substance," (This verse is also a scientific miracle.) Muhammed then recited the exact same words, without his will. He thought this was some sorcery done on him, so as he was climbing down the mountain, the man transformed into an angel and stood above him and said, "Peace be upon you, O Muhammed. You are a prophet of GOD and I am angel Gabriel."



Muhammed ran home in fear and confusion, and covered himself with a cover. Then told his wife what happened, whereby she said, I believe you are a prophet. For I've never in my life met someone who treats both the rich and the poor so gently, and who is so good to children and never passes a beggar on the street, etc. Muhammed's wife was 15 years older than him, was a widow and had her own trade business and was very wealthy. He was 1 of her employees so she was well acquainted with his character. She was so amazed of his moral sense, and strong sense of justice and kindness and warmth and loyalty, so she asked his hand for marriage.



Try reading the Quran or even the biography of Muhammed. Many non-Muslims even speak highly of him. Know the book called 100 most Influential people? By Michael H. Heart. He said the #1 most influential person was Muhammed because he was both a religious leader, and a political leader. He managed to make the most uncivilized people, the pagan arabs into more civilized than civilized Europe. And this was especially shocking because Arabs were extremely tribal and disliked one another.



I'm a Muslim, but prior i studied Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and a bit of Hinduism, and because I am a Muslim, I must and do respect other faiths.



Did you know, freedom of religion is 1 of the main rules of Islam?

Quran chapter 5 verse 8 GOD says: "O you who have believed be persistently standing firm for GOD, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness."



Chapter 2 verse 152: So remember Me; I will remember you.

(Meaning be grateful to GOD and GOD will answer your prayers, wishes.)



Cheers, my dear. And please, keep on searching for truth for as long as you live.