My response is that particular note should be taken of what Dan has stated
below. Researches that culminate in a dissertation are aimed towards
proving a hypothesis. Whether the hypothesis is germane or not depends on
the palate of the audience. Even surveys or statistical analyses are geared
towards the intended use of the researcher.
My advise to you is not to be quick in adopting the findings of a select
group(s) or person(s). We know, all too well, what some of these so-called
researches have done to stigmatize women and minorities and what sufferings
and untold hardship yielded thereof.
Most importantly, a belief system is just that...a belief system! A
religious belief does not require scientific proof neither does science
require a religious proof; they are separate entities and may co-exist.
Historical facts or no, your faith should lead you; the doctrines of
Christian faith are wonderful and so are Islam, Hinduism etc. if you follow
them truly!
Is Jesus Christ an impostor? It just doesn't matter! The belief in Him is
true!
The following response is from Dan Okpala but sent by Ray Kumapayi on his
behalf:
-----Original Message-----
From: Okpala, Daniel
Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 1998 8:20 AM
To: 'AAM (African Association of Madison)'
Subject: RE: Was Jesus Christ an Impostor?
My answer to your question is beware of so called "authoritative Ph.D.
historians". Ph.D is a function of what you have set out to achieve. If
you have set out to discredit facts that have lived the test of time, you
will come out with a Ph.D. The question becomes how believable are your
findings. You may wish to realize that a lot of Ph.D 's are garbage, and
this is not only in the area of history, I might add. By the way, the
writer is a Ph.D. holder, so the intention is not to bash Ph.D. There are
genuine fine scholars around and when you see them, you will know, but there
are many fake ones also.
What "authoritative Ph.D. historians" came out with does not change the
fundamentals of Christian faith, however it is not my responsibility to
defend the deity of Jesus Christ Our Savior. When the Savior knocks in your
heart's door, you will throw away the so called "authoritative Ph.D.
historians.
Have a nice day and a prosperous New Year.
Okpala.
-----Original Message-----
From: Mu Fedjo' [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, December 27, 1998 11:12 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Was Jesus Christ an Impostor?
I am very serious with the question in the subject of this mail.
An historical overview of the roman empire recently aired on the american TV
History Channel with seemingly authoritative Ph.D. historians from several
european and american universities strongly suggest that Jesus Christ was
basically an insignificant preacher who posed as the sun of God. In a
nutshell, an impostor who ultimately got the death penalty as is well known
by crucifiction, the death penalty tool of roman law. The historical review
further suggests that without roman imperial support and promotion for
political purposes, christianity might have been but a footnote in history.
What makes the argument very relevant in my view is that, contrary to the
appeal to faith found in the bible and most christian denominations
teaching, this is a cold, considered historical perspective backed with
known historical facts.
Was Jesus Christ an Impostor? And Christianity an unbelievable random chance
phenomenon of universal proportions? If that were the case, what would that
say about the strenght of human psyche and intellect?
Hope there are a few philosophers among us.
Bonne journee.
===========
KMF
PS. The historical review referenced above is available on video tapes from
the History Channel, and there is an 800 number to get the series for about
USD 60. (I don't remember the exact number).
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