Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill8
in this case, "evidence" is, as you say, relative, in the sense that what evidence exists is largely circumstantial and textual.
I happen to be discussing this with a history buff who is arguing that the jesus stories were an invention of the roman secret police to weaken the political imapact of the jeweish rebels after the diaspora. thats a fun conversation. saul/paul as an agent of rome, delivering sacks of gold to the new churches as part of a disinformation campaign. lol.
convieniently explains how they got the money to build the early church.
however it may be an unneccessary flourish. occams razor doesn't require it, people under the stresses of such a time are perfectly capable of starting messianic movements without the help of secret police.
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saul/paul could be one of my most favorite historical characters. it's interesting to me that you suggest he was an agent for rome, esp. in light of the fact he was such a religious person. it's amazing to think that he converted from judaism to christianity but it's MINDBLOWING to hear some think he was an agent of rome. he never even visited rome until much much later in his life, and combined with all of the persecutions he recieved- i would be blown away if it were shown he turned his back on religion and actually sabotaged the jewish on behalf of the roman state.