{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fc28487ac-996a-44ed-90f3-eb7351e7d00d","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Episode 236 \u2013 Bible Study for Atheists\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/c28487ac-996a-44ed-90f3-eb7351e7d00d\"></iframe>","title":"Episode 236 \u2013 Bible Study for Atheists","description":"<br />\nIn this episode, we discuss the Bible as a historical document.<br />\nThroughout the episode, Trevor refers to a book called Nailed by David Fitzgerald.<br />\nCompare Jesus Vs Julius Caesar<br />\nThe first century is considered one of the best documented periods in ancient history. This raises 2 issues. Ancient records categorically conflict with many events in the Bible (which is internally contradictory) and the lack of independent records about Jesus is telling in itself. Herod\u2019s slaughter of infant boys is mentioned nowhere outside of the Bible. The so called tax census requiring the journey to Bethlehem did not happen. Mathew tells us that Jesus\u2019s fame \u201cwent throughout all Syria\u201d but no historians mention him. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem is not mentioned. His miracles, his trial and his crucifixion are not mentioned. Contemporary historians who wrote about all sorts of things failed to mention these events.<br />\nWhen did Jesus live?<br />\nBorn around 8 BCE to 4BCE and died around 30 to 33 CE<br />\nContemporaries who should have noticed Jesus but didn\u2019t<br />\nSeneca the Younger<br />\nGallio<br />\nJustus of Tiberias<br />\nNicolaus of Damascus<br />\nPhilo of Alexandria<br />\nIn summary, there are no contemporary accounts of Jesus from any source, in or outside the Bible.<br />\nNon-contemporary Accounts of Jesus<br />\nFlavius Josephus<br />\nIn the year 93 or 94 he wrote \u201cAntiquities of the Jews\u201d.<br />\nThe \u201cTestimonium Flavianum\u201d is fake.<br />\nThe \u201cJames Reference\u201d. Richard Carrier gives a good argument as to why it is a mistake and is actually a reference to Jesus, son of Damneus.<br />\nThe Gospels<br />\nWritten after Paul\u2019s letters so post 58CE<br />\nMark \u2013 no earlier than mid 70\u2019s (because he alludes to the destruction of the temple)<br />\nMatthew \u2013 was post Mark because it plagiarizes Mark<br />\nLuke\u00a0 &#8211; was post Mathew because it plagiarizes 50% of Mark and 90% of Matthew. And he even plagiarized Josephus so post Josephus.<br />\nJohn \u2013 early to mid 2nd century<br />\nAll 4 gospels were originally anonymous. Lots of historical inaccuracies and internal conflicts.<br />\nIn Mark, Jesus is a fallible suffering human. In Matthew Jesus is more Jewish and more perfect. In Luke, Jesus is serene, beatific and unflappable. In John, Jesus is superman without Clark Kent. He knows he is God. He is a republican Jesus who hates Jews and is the boss.<br />\nSt Paul the Apostle<br />\n4 BCE to 62-64 BCE<br />\nHe only wrote 7 of the 13 letters attributed to him. He wasn\u2019t interested in biographical details. He speaks of a mythological figure rather than flesh and blood human being. The simple fact that Jesus was ever on earth at all never gets stated. All his appearances seem to be coming directly from heaven.<br />\nHe vehemently denies that he has received his knowledge from any man. He has learned of the Son through revelation and scripture.<br />\nHis big message is that Jesus died for our sins and all who believed in him would be saved.<br />\nHis stuff was written well before the 4 gospels.<br />","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/085762e2-797c-4ef4-9b10-434ecde61c07/logo2018v2.jpg"}