The link between jesus of nazareth and jesus christ.

Essay by leap72University, Bachelor's August 2004

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The foundations of many of the world's religions have developed over periods of time spanning centuries. The scriptures relating to each religion emerge as an authorative source, which authenticate these foundations. The foundation of Christianity, the religion of Jesus Christ, is based upon historical events, the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth. This period is believed to have spanned thirty three years. This leaves one to question, "Did Jesus of Nazareth really exist?" and "Can the foundations of a religion be developed over such a short period of time?" There is historical evidence outside of the bible, which can prove the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. There is also biblical evidence from the Old Testament, which can prove the New Testament scriptures. The evidence, which will be provided, will show that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a historical figure. It will show that Christianity developed from the Jewish beliefs and the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth.

There are several non-biblical and non-Christian sources available which support the facts that Jesus actually did exist as a historical person. Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger and the 'Talmud', all spoke of Jesus of Nazareth in their records. It is important to note that the historicity of these sources met the criteria used by historians to determine if a person lived in history, if an event occurred in history and if a work of literature could be attributed to a supposed author. They are historical documents.

Flavius Josephus was born around 37 A.D. and died 100 A.D. He was a Jewish aristocrat who led rebel troops against the Romans in Galilee during the First Jewish Revolt (66-73 A.D.) He later betrayed the Jews, and served the Romans. He wrote two massive historical works, "The Jewish War" and "Jewish Antiquities". John...