Who is the historical Jesus?
155009
I am so glad you are still seeking the one true Son of God.\nThe historical Jesus was born in a carpenters home. He learned the tricks of the trade from his earthly father. He was a Jew so I am sure He was different than what you have seen in pictures and movies. He probably had short hair with the long hair hanging like sideburns as the Jewish custom. I believe he was strong since carpenter work was hard work. I believe he was short and dark complected as were most men of the time.\nTalk about a lovable character, He took a beating, and torture, and even death, because He loved us so much.
226984
We cannot really argue who Jesus was according to the Bible, because of the agreed lack of a process of authentic transmission. Can we really put our faith into an English translation of a Greek/Latin translation of another translation of another translation of Aramaic/Hebrew/Syriac writings of Hellenistic Jews who never met Jesus and, according to the Bible actually fought against the Original Disciples and their teachings? Even the sincere men who put together the most accurate translation to date (NIV) say that we still know very little about Jesus. \n\nHence as much as it is great to see passion in believing in Jesus, I hope that we can be sincere enough to review our beliefs for the sake of God. May God guide us all.
1173755
The view from history would be "yes."  Many of the historical Jesus' teachings were related to reforming the practice of Judaism to be more assimilationist with the predominent Roman/Hellenistic culture in the region during the period of his life.\n\nSince he was interesting in reforming practice to "fit in," he might also be interested in reforming his looks to "fit in," as well.
653362
The empty grave.  Jesus rose from the dead.  This is a historical fact, with thousands of witnesses.  This is more than enough evidence to accept the Bible.
217888
I think that many people will start to pray for you from making a statement like that...\n\nWell, I can't realy convince you one way or the other on this topic being that it's not a forum for discussion, just a single answer for your one question...\n\nI can tell you what i believe...  I believe in Jesus.\n\nI can also say, there have been many people in the past that sought to prove Jesus was either just a man, or that he's fiction, and many of them, after everything, became christians...\n\nOne other thing to note, outside of current events (and say for the past could hundred years), Jesus being real, dieing on the cross, then comming back is one of the most (if not the most) documented events in history...   The Romans, who at the time didn't care about Jews for the most part, even recorded it into their records of history...\n\nThat's all i can realy say for now with out discussion...\n\nThanks.
199939
Although Arabs, Jews and other Semitic people of the middle east are closely related, Jesus was not a Jew, either ethnically or linguistically. Jesus would have been much akin to a Sephardic Jew of today.\n\nAnd yes, I believe Jesus would find much to object in our governments and behaviours of today. One need only read the red letter sections of the Bible to see he really is at odds with the politicians we vote for, as well as the way we conduct ourselves.\n\nRepentence and humility should be our response. What else can we do?
936174
Jesus was more of a Socialist than anything else.\n\nHe taught sharing and caring.
787029
we know jesus existed because the romans wrote the history of that time. they were the dominant power and were not fans of jesus or the jews, or any other sub-group of that era. you'll recall that they were the ones who actually crucified him at the jews request. also they persecuted the jews and other religious minorities after the death of christ. rome would be a pagan government for quite some time after the death of christ. your concern is over whether or not jesus was a divine being. did he do the things that are written? was he who he claimed to be? not did he exist. the victors of that period wrote their historys and acknowledged jesus.
1038707
Jesus wasn't white, he was a Jew, and from what I've read, he was probably black or very dark-skinned.
1092172
as someone who believes in the historical jesus and not the religious jesus, i would have to say that i would be none of the above.  i would simply be glad that it is him on the cross and not me.
712574
Of course Jesus was Jewish.  The book of Matthew gives his lineage back to Abraham.\n\nHe couldn't be Christian since Christianity is based on Jesus' death and Resurrection.  Acts chapter 2 describes the beginning of Christianity.
1186318
Jesus is included in other historical documents than just the Bible.  I personally have read about Him in Josephus.  And yes, He is the Christ.  How many people do you know of that would die for a lie?  ALL of the disciples except one died for saying that Jesus is the Christ.
151411
There are few mentions of Jesus outside religious sources.\n\nThe Roman historian Tacitus mentioned the followers of Christ, in his Roman Annals(written around 115 AD)He states that Christ was executed by Pilate in the reign of Tiberius.\n\nChrist is also mentioned by Pliny the younger in his correspondence with Trajan, about 111 D.\n\nJosephus, a jewish historian also mentions Christ in his writtings on the Jewish War.\n\nA large library of Gnostic gospels and literature found in Egypt around 1950's also tells of Christ from a religious view point.
333941
Jesus certainly existed - no serious historian doubts this (the handful of pop religion books on the topic notwithstanding.) There is plenty of evidence, written and otherwise - from the still extant ruins of Peter's house in Capernaum (Jesus' home base), to his mention (the second mention is not interpolation) in Josephus' "Antiquities", and Tacitus' reference to him.\n\nAs to the second coming of Jesus, none knows the hour, or the way. None of us should be confident we'll see it whether  we live five years or five hundred. It happens when it happens, in the way that it happens. "Stay awake", we are told, live an exemplary life. Every day is to be lived as though it were the dawn of the day of the Lord.\n\nAs Mother Theresa said, "Yesterday is past, and tomorrow is not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."
408028
Jesus is a Roman name.  Jesus never had a known Hebrew name, which seems very strange for a person that was supposed to be Jewish and G-d!\n\nSome people try and take his name and create a Jewish name for him, like Yeshua, but this is innacurate and a fraud.  You can't work backwards!
356966
First, I don't think anybody can definitively "prove" Jesus' existence.  But, I do know that I admire the mythology of Jesus and his teachings.  I also admire other great humans from antiquity.  Whether you choose to believe in Jesus or not, don't disregard the wonderful parables and teachings of the man.  You can choose to learn from a variety of sources without having to be a Christian or Muslim or Atheist.  There is good knowledge out there.  Seek it.
652507
http://www.troid.org/articles/islaamicinfo/Islaamingeneral/Jesus/isjesusgod.htm