I read this book many, many years ago. I found the proposed theory interesting. I am not saying that I believe it.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    3 months ago

    The problem is that there is no evidence of anyone else being crucified by the Romans for violating Mosaic law despite Jesus not being the only claimant to be the messiah during the Roman occupation of Judea. In fact, Josephus mentions multiple other resistance leaders who he at least implies were claimants to be the Jewish messiah, but not Jesus. (The passage about Jesus in Josephus is almost certainly a later Christian forgery to correct this.)

    • j4k3@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      3 months ago

      Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. The evidence points at opportunism taking advantage of a traumatized group, which is a much more believable narrative than magic moon water walker

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        3 months ago

        I think the more believable narrative is that it didn’t happen and was just part of a hagiography of a messiah claimant.

        • j4k3@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          3 months ago

          Harsh word drop!

          • hagiography - a biography that idolizes or idealizes the person (especially a person called a “saint”)
          • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            3
            ·
            3 months ago

            Exactly. And it’s pretty difficult to argue that the New Testament gospels don’t fit that description.