I would like for you all to list reasons why Jesus is and isnt historically correct. If he is then how do we know he is who he says he is. I am writing a paper on the matter.
Thank you!
Aiden236, I think one point of entry in considering the presence of Jesus in history can be seen in the ongoing act of Communion. I say this because it represents the historical significance of Jesus' death on the cross in body and blood; from just these two elements we can reflect upon the fact that Jesus was a 'real' person in time.
The line of Communion observance, despite whatever formulation of its nature we now practice, goes straight back to the earliest times of Christian faith. How do we know this? We can project this link in historical causation in that the practice of communion was taking place BEFORE the Gospels were written.
Moreover, we know that Paul wrote his letters before the Gospels came about, and Paul was a part of the Christian body of believers at the time in which the letters were written (~40s to ~60s A.D.) who were celebrating weekly the Lord's Supper.
Even with the above considerations taken alone we can strongly surmise the existence of an ongoing link of our diverse Communion act(s) today with the mid first century. But we can do better still. We can add in that we also know from indications within Paul's writings that Christians had ALREADY BEEN practicing communion for some time BEFORE Paul wrote his letters, and even before Paul himself became a Christian.
So, if the act of communal commemoration of Jesus' death on the cross (and by proxy His resurrection) came about BEFORE the Gospels were written, and BEFORE Paul, Peter, John, and James wrote their respective letters, then we have to strongly surmise that the mandate and commencement for this commemoration didn't just drop out of thin air.
It had to have been initiated by a "someone" or "someones" who lived at a time very close to the events with which our various celebrations of communion are now still associated.
And we could bring up the ritual of baptism in Christ as an additional case study, but I'll let you figure out the historical logistics for that one; they're similar to that of communion. Then there's the act of praying and/or testifying publicly in Jesus' name, among other things Christians may have been doing very early on, even IF writing numerous messages ABOUT Jesus wasn't quite one of them, etc. etc. etc.
I hope this little bit, added to what others might share here, will give you something for your paper.
Peace,
2PhiloVoid
