Did Jesus Really Exist? The search for the historical Jesus continues to be headline news. Any speculative theory seems to get instant attention as the debate rages about His real identity and the claims made in His name. Did Jesus really exist? Is there real historical evidence that demonstrates that He lived and actually said and did the things the Gospels record? Is there any validity to the speculative claims that the Jesus story was a myth, borrowed from a variety of pagan cultures of the ancient world? In this follow-up to the book God’s Not Dead (that inspired the movie), Man, Myth, Messiah looks at the evidence for the historical Jesus and exposes the notions of skeptics that Jesus was a contrived figure of ancient mythology. It also looks at the reliability of the Gospel records as well as the evidence for the resurrection that validates His identity as the promised Messiah. Man, Myth, Messiah will be released concurrent to the God’s Not Dead movie sequel, which will cover the same theme.

Since the eighteenth century, scholars and historians studying the texts of the Bible have attempted to distill historical facts and biography from the mythology and miracles described there. That trend continues into the present day, as scholars such as those of the "Jesus Seminar" dissect the Gospels and other early Christian writings to separate the "Jesus of history" from the "Christ of faith." But with The Messiah Myth, noted Biblical scholar Thomas L. Thompson argues that the quest for the historical Jesus is beside the point, since the Jesus of the Gospels never existed.Like King David before him, says Thompson, the Jesus of the Bible is an amalgamation of themes from Near Eastern mythology and traditions of kingship and divinity. The theme of a messiah-a divinely appointed king who restores the world to perfection-is typical of Egyptian and Babylonian royal ideology dating back to the Bronze Age. In Thompson's view, the contemporary audience for whom the Old and New Testament were written would naturally have interpreted David and Jesus not as historical figures, but as metaphors embodying long-established messianic traditions. Challenging widely held assumptions about the sources of the Bible and the quest for the historical Jesus, The Messiah Myth is sure to spark interest and heated debate.

Did pagan mythologies represent Christs miracles in order to convince them to accept the Christian faith? Beyond these miracles is there enough evidence to prove there was a Jesus? Cutner says no. He also says that the Apostle Paul never portrayed Jesus as a man, but as a spiritual being. To Paul, Christ is found in a spiritual sense within oneself, as opposed to being an actual historical personage. When the Church accepted Paul, this inner reflection was outwardly projected by the Church into an actual mana saviour, according to Cutner. This might be why Paul was almost rejected by the Churchhis views posed a danger to those who might rely on their own spiritual knowledge, rather than the authority of the Church. Whether Jesus lived or not, we still have a lot to learn about ourselves and our true place in the universe. This book, although critical, may be useful in that respect.

Drawing on the cutting edge of modern scholarship, this astonishing book completely undermines the traditional history of Christianity that has been perpetuated for centuries by the Church and presents overwhelming evidence that the Jesus of the New Testament is a mythical figure. “Whether you conclude that this book is the most alarming heresy of the millennium or the mother of all revelations, The Jesus Mysteries deserves to be read.” —Fort Worth Star-Telegram Far from being eyewitness accounts, as is traditionally held, the Gospels are actually Jewish adaptations of ancient Pagan myths of the dying and resurrecting godman Osiris-Dionysus. The supernatural story of Jesus is not the history of a miraculous Messiah but a carefully crafted spiritual allegory designed to guide initiates on a journey of mystical discovery. A little more than a century ago, most people believed that the strange story of Adam and Eve was history; today it is understood to be a myth. Within a few decades, authors Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy argue, we will likewise be amazed that the fabulous story of God incarnate—who was born of a virgin, who turned water into wine, and who rose from the dead—could have been interpreted as anything but a profound parable.

A good book to introduce Jesus to 'educated and informed' people! "Jesus Christ: Messiah or Myth" is an exploratory analytical assessment that delves into the heart of one of the most enduring questions in religious and historical studies. This work does not shy away from hard questions or controversial topics. We delve into the origins of the Canonical and Gnostic Gospels, scrutinize their historical accuracy, and weigh the arguments of modern biblical criticism, including perspectives from the Jesus Seminar. We apply rigorous bibliographic testing to the New Testament and discuss the concept of High Christology in the early church. The book further challenges readers by comparing Jesus with various mythological figures such as Osiris, Adonis, Dionysus, Mithra, Bacchus, and Addis, assessing claims of derivative or parallel narratives. Whether you're a scholar, student, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of history and faith, "Jesus Christ: Messiah or Myth" provides a meticulously researched, thought-provoking examination of the figure of Jesus Christ. It equips readers with a deeper understanding of not only the person of Jesus but also the significant impact of his story on human history and culture. Journey with us into the heart of these mysteries, and prepare to see Jesus in a new light.

Jesus Christ: Messiah or Myth" is an exploratory analytical assessment that delves into the heart of one of the most enduring questions in religious and historical studies. This work does not shy away from hard questions or controversial topics. We delve into the origins of the Canonical and Gnostic Gospels, scrutinize their historical accuracy, and weigh the arguments of modern biblical criticism, including perspectives from the Jesus Seminar. We apply rigorous bibliographic testing to the New Testament and discuss the concept of High Christology in the early church. The book further challenges readers by comparing Jesus with various mythological figures such as Osiris, Adonis, Dionysus, Mithra, Bacchus, and Addis, assessing claims of derivative or parallel narratives. Whether you're a scholar, student, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of history and faith, "Jesus Christ: Messiah or Myth" provides a meticulously researched, thought-provoking examination of the figure of Jesus Christ. It equips readers with a deeper understanding of not only the person of Jesus but also the significant impact of his story on human history and culture. Journey with us into the heart of these mysteries, and prepare to see Jesus in a new light.

Jesus Christ is one of the most revered and, at the same time, maligned figures in human history. What is the truth about him? Can we reliably know anything at all? In this clear and authoritative book, a leading historian and theologian faces head-on the difficult questions about the historical Jesus. He invites readers to lay aside any preconceived ideas that may have and to examine the evidence. They may be surprised at the findings.

In this accessible introduction to Jesus Christ, Robert Stein draws together the results of a career of research and writing on Jesus and the Gospels. Now in paperback, this classic textbook is clearly written, ably argued, and geared to the needs of students, giving probing minds a sure grounding in the life and ministry of Jesus.

In Did Jesus Exist? historian and Bible expert Bart Ehrman confronts the question, "Did Jesus exist at all?" Ehrman vigorously defends the historical Jesus, identifies the most historically reliable sources for best understanding Jesus’ mission and message, and offers a compelling portrait of the person at the heart of the Christian tradition. Known as a master explainer with deep knowledge of the field, Bart Ehrman methodically demolishes both the scholarly and popular “mythicist” arguments against the existence of Jesus. Marshaling evidence from within the Bible and the wider historical record of the ancient world, Ehrman tackles the key issues that surround the mythologies associated with Jesus and the early Christian movement. In Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth, Ehrman establishes the criterion for any genuine historical investigation and provides a robust defense of the methods required to discover the Jesus of history.