What is unique about Christianity from an historical perspective?
Is it legend or history?
It's central claims can be checked out by history. It leaves itself open for scrutiny. We can find out...
What types of academic research into Christianity are usually reported by the media? Why do you think this is?
The scandalous side to it all. Things that will get someones attention. They might not have much evidence behind it.
When were the Gnostic Gospels written and what was there focus?
They are a collection of old texts written in the 2nd and 3rd century. It's about post- resurrection discussions.
Some people claim, on the basis of the Gospel of Phillip that Jesus married Mary Magdeline.
On what basis do they reach this conclusion and why do mainstream scholars challenge this thinking?
There is a word missing and it would have been a holy kiss. Mary Madgeline was the ideal disciple.
What did Celsus in the late second century claim and how do his claims aid the case for Christianity?
He claimed that Jesus was an illegitimate child to a roman soldier and his miracles were magic (Egyptian sorcery).
Who was Tacitus, when did he write and how is his writing helpful to the Christian cause?
Tacitus talked about when and where he lived and that he was known as Christ (it's meaning) and his execution.
Who was Pliny, when did he write and why is his writing helpful to the Christian cause?
By 110 Christians were worshiping Jesus/ God as divine.
What can be reliably claimed by historians on the basis of Greco-Roman writings?
We know he existed, he was a teacher from palestine, that he was viewed as a King, worshiped as divine and excited under Pilate.
Who was Josephus and when did he write his history of the Jewish people?
The reference about Jesus becoming to alive again. Resurrection.
What did Josephus have to say about Jesus?
He wrote that Jesus was a wise man and performer of extraordinary deeds.
Which part of Josephus’ writing are considered to have been tampered with?
The reference to the fact of his death. Appearing alive again after his death. They think it was Christians tampering at a later date.
How does the discovery of possible tampering increase your confidence in the findings of historians?
If they can find what was tampered with then it gives us confidence in the stuff they say is true.
What can be known about Jesus from Greco-Roman writing?
Know the name of his mother and one of his brother, ambitious birth, Palestine c.26- 36AD, teacher, miracle worker/ sorcerer, Roan/ Jewish trials, crucifixion, messiah and was worshiped as divine.
What was the point of the football match analogy?
The biased of witnesses doesn't disvalue the truth. You can still discover it. Both sides are considered.
How do scholars regard the Gospels and the New Testament and why does it not concern them that the authors were biased?
They are the best historical sources and even when they are biased we can still find historical information.
When were Paul’s letters written?
His letters were written in AD 48- 64. He reminds readers of some forgotten teachings.
Briefly explain the criterion of multiple attestation.
More than one person saying the same thing and this makes it more reliable.
Why is a 20 year gap between Jesus’ life and the first written accounts considered fairly good?
Back then people relied on memory rather than literary. Memories were really good back then.
Why didn’t people write about Jesus sooner?
Not many people wrote and read back then. No printing press.
Why was oral communication regarded as much more reliable in Jesus’ time?
They thought the memory was more reliable. Memories were well trained.
Why is the Old Testament important to historians in understanding Jesus and his activities?
Because they believed that it holds vital evidence to what Jesus had done and said in his life. It explains significant events in Jesus' life e.g The Last Supper. It Shows the relationship between Jesus and the prophecy (predictions).
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