Ratio

Roman history confirms that the Jews delivered a man to them to be crucified and that Pilate gave in to the mob in spite of his better judgment.

I wonder what you people think of those who assert that Jesus Christ never actually existed (as a historical person). Among those people even bible scholars such as Prof. Robert Price. (link deleted) How do you deal with the fact that there is no evidence of Jesus. What do you say about accusations, that the Jesus of the Gospels bears a striking resemblance to other ancient heroes and the figureheads of pagan savior cults? The early founders of Christianity seem wholly unaware of the idea of a human Jesus? . . .

You are making a couple of errors in reasoning. First you ask an illogical question,

Let me first say, sorry for double posting ... it's hard to keep up with all the answers Well, Jesus wasn't the only person/prophet with a seemingly deeper understanding. Muhammad and Buddha (Siddharta Gautama) and others appeared to have the same level of deep understanding. The Sun revolving around the earth is a good example I'd like to pick up on. This idea did not originate from scientific methods. People merely thought they were the pinnacle of the universe, thus it would be natural for the earth to be the center of the universe. This idea wasn't scientifically stupid, it was theologically stupid. A good example for the advantage of science over filling scientific gaps with theology.

I'm quite a happy chap, I'll let you know I don't quite know what you're getting at... are you implying that I believe in the self creation of the universe? Or are you asking why I believe in the universe, rather than God?

Your question is equating the temporal (non-eternal) concept of

Thank you for that answer. I see your point about faith. After all, all throughout history people have believed in God(s) and other supernatural things to explain that which they do not know. I could even go as far as to say, that faith is a part of humanity (or so it seems). However I have two problems with the concept of faith. 1) Why can't one be satisfied with not knowing the answer to a yet unanswered question. 2) There is little orientation for faith. By that I mean, that since there is no rational or evidential evidence for the answers offered (whatever they might be), how can you choose one faith over the other? The same question, asked differently: How do you know your faith is correct and all others wrong (or at least flawed), when others think the same of you?

Hello, Let me be straightfoward: I'm an atheist and despite years of christian schooling, I have always been rather skeptical about Christianity and other religions. I would consider myself a fair person and debater, so I think it would be great if we could discuss theological questions in a fair manner (none of the "You're going to hell!" or equal "You're a stupid Christian" stuff). I'm certain there have been plenty of predecessors that have tried this, but I would genuinly like to know what makes 'you people' tick. Let me get to my first question, one that has kept me from most religions all my life: "Where does God come from?" I know the ad hoc Christian counter-argument is: "God is eternal, therefore he has no beginning." To me, that doesn't answer the question. Although eternal things would indeed not have a beginning per se, this is really only a temporal argument. My question is really "Where does, what God consists of, come from?". I know there are many different Christian views on the nature of God. From the Mormon idea, that God is a being of 'flesh and blood' to the moderate idea, that God is energy, spirit, ... or something around those lines. But I think, even amongst different confessions, there can be little doubt that God consists of something (whatever that might be). So where does that come from. You might ask me "Where does the universe come from". My answer is I don't know. The Christian answer doesn't have much appeal, because, to me, it's a contradictory argument: 1) Where does everything come from? It can't come from nowhere. 2) God created everything, he came from nowhere. I ask that nobody be offended by my thoughts, I'm not trying to win one over for the 'other side'. I'm just interested how a Christian 'overrides' this paradox. If you have any questions concerning atheism, feel free to ask. I'll do my best to give a coherent answer.