Great video on the origins of christianity

[_keene]

And, yes, evidence has shown that the events surrounding the birth of Jesus (as reported in the Bible) occurred in the Spring, maybe Fall, but not Winter.

What evidence for which events?

Soon will the xtian apologists argue that the when, how, where, etc of Jesus' birth does not matter?

I'm just curious as to what events they're talking about -- and from which gospels they've gotten them from. Since the gospels themselves don't agree on the events that led to the birth of Christ, the events they're talking about must be something that happened in all four gospels -- the only thing I can think of is simply that he was born of a virgin. But then, I don't have my Bible with me -- I left it in Utah. :(

But if the events of Christ's birth did happen in the spring, then at that point it seems important to go through the Bible and cut out all the parts that do match the old myths, to find out what parts are uniquely christian. I suspect that the unique aspects of christianity point to something a lot less divine than what is currently believed.

Since all of the gospels were written some 60 years after Jesus' death, were the authors the ones who borrowed from these myths? Or was it the editors after the time of the Nicene creed, who added these in to appeal to the pagan masses? Or perhaps the authors simply created their own story, based on the myths of old, in order to follow in the traditions of the old myths, and a new leader for each new age? In the year 130 AD, some christian scholors were quoted as saying things like "Jesus was born of a virgin, as was your <insert god here>." So, how far back does the appeasement of pagans go? What is REALLY christian?

Either way, I feel the myth needs to be carefully separated from the process, so that we can discover which parts of the christian mythos are directly meant to attain happiness, and which parts are mere story-telling. If we can define down the exact process necessary to attain happiness, across all belief systems, then I would definitely feel that we were growing in the right direction.

[_mormonmistress]

I was brought up Catholic and have also spent a lot of time reading about paganism and have even participated in several pagan rituals/groups. There are many similarities with respect to catholic and pagan rituals, as well as many other aspects of the church. When the Christian missionaries went to Ireland it was easier for them to remould peoples current pagan beliefs/gods/goddesses/festivals etc into Christian ones as it meant that there was more uptake of Christianity e.g Ostara and Easter, May Day and Beltane, St Bridget and Brighid/Brig/Bride the Celtic Goddess. The Catholic church vehemently denies that they did this nor that they had any pagan influences. In the absence of concrete proof they dismiss the similarities as coincidence.

[_Some Schmo]

Because of this mistake (among a few others), I cannot take this video seriously, although after studying Religious Studies in college, I do think that religious traditions are very inter-related. But people should do their own research instead on relying on the credibility of videos on the internet.

LOL... so the entire video's credibility is shot because you don't agree on Jesus' birthday? I could understand throwing its credibility out the window if these guys were known con men or treasure seekers, but because they say one thing you don't agree with, it's all bunk? That's pretty funny.

If you go to their website, they even tell people that they should do their own research. They don't expect everyone to take their word for it.

[_karl61]

Which is why I started The Church Of The Giant F*****g Invisible Intangible Spider In My Backyard.

Is this another deity fueled by alcohol consumption, similar to the Great Schmo?

Actually, I started this religion a few years before my first alcohol/drug use. This was born merely with a frustration of current religious trends.

it's kind of funny that mike Mormon, rm, BYU grad, bishopric, leaves the church and is kind of curious and smokes pot. He starts at thirty when others that started and twelve have let it go. That line in the little miss sunshine movie where the grandfather is saying if you are not snorting heroin by age sixty then there is something wrong with you. Mormons do everyting opposite of society whether exmo or currentmo. interesting if you get some real rebellious grandparents - grandpa walking into church with a small paperbag and taking a drink.

[_Some Schmo]

Which is why I started The Church Of The Giant F*****g Invisible Intangible Spider In My Backyard.

Oh yeah, I meant to comment on this.

It sounds great. It looks like you've got most of the needed elements, but the one thing I didn't see is the appeal for cash. Without that, you've got nothing.

I've been telling people for years that I belong to my own religion called the New Found Light (or NFL for short). I've written scripture for it which often makes football analogies. The only problem with using that as my own religion is that it hangs off of something that is already someone else's commercial success.

So I'm still pursuing the idea of a Breastbyterian Church for the purpose of breast worship. It fits nicely with an appreciation for god's creation, already has a huge market, has a built-in support mechanism, and I have no doubt the pamphlets would be extremely popular. I mean, if I can convince people that looking at breasts is a religious experience, I'll be a billionaire in no time.

And of course, masturbation will be one of the commandments.

[_The Nehor]

HOLY S***.

WOW.

How many xtians believe the Jesus story as unique? Most, I'd argue.

Oh and it has been fun watching the defenders hear reveal their own fear through their responses on this thread.

Of the educated, not many.

Tolkien described Christianity as being similar to other atonement myths except that it actually happened.

[_The Nehor]

Well, it calls into question his existence, let alone his divinity. I have no idea how anyone could watch that and not realize that the Christ story is a hoax.

I have no idea how anyone could watch a short clip of questionable accuracy on many points and use to that to judge a 2000 year old phenomenon and suddenly assume they know something about it.

[_Some Schmo]

Well, it calls into question his existence, let alone his divinity. I have no idea how anyone could watch that and not realize that the Christ story is a hoax.

I have no idea how anyone could watch a short clip of questionable accuracy on many points and use to that to judge a 2000 year old phenomenon and suddenly assume they know something about it.

Hmmm... well, what seems more likely? That there was a dude who was born of a virgin mother, performed miracles, died and self rezzed, etc etc or that it was all a myth based on multiple other myths when we know that cultures have been worshipping the sun forever?

Give me a break. It's not like that one clip is the only reference for this information, Nehor.

[_The Nehor]

Hmmm... well, what seems more likely? That there was a dude who was born of a virgin mother, performed miracles, died and self rezzed, etc etc or that it was all a myth based on multiple other myths when we know that cultures have been worshipping the sun forever?

Give me a break. It's not like that one clip is the only reference for this information, Nehor.

To you, I have no idea what would seem more likely....I'm afraid to know.

I talked it over with God and we came to the conclusion that while the latter conclusion would be more likely he explained that he was there and the former actually happened. Sorry, when choosing between a theorist and an honest eyewitness I'll take the latter.

[_Some Schmo]

Hmmm... well, what seems more likely? That there was a dude who was born of a virgin mother, performed miracles, died and self rezzed, etc etc or that it was all a myth based on multiple other myths when we know that cultures have been worshipping the sun forever?

Give me a break. It's not like that one clip is the only reference for this information, Nehor.

To you, I have no idea what would seem more likely....I'm afraid to know.

I talked it over with God and we came to the conclusion that while the latter conclusion would be more likely he explained that he was there and the former actually happened. Sorry, when choosing between a theorist and an honest eyewitness I'll take the latter.

Does god approve of your lying about talking to him?