Response to Susanna et al & Religious Tolerance
This started out as a short comment to a post of Susanna about religion and to some of the comments that followed. However, it grew large enough that I decided to also post it at Solport. I usually focus on current events, politics, economics, and science; but I also found this interesting.
I agree with Susanna's main point that the Jewish leaders of the time plotted to obtain the death of Jesus. I disagree on some minor points. For example, while the majority of Jewish leaders supported killing Jesus, I do not believe it was unanimous. Nicodemus was both a follower of Christ and an influential Pharisee (see John 7:50-52). I also strongly disagree with Susanna's statement that Christianity "directly contradicts Judaism." Rather, if you accept the New Testament, Jesus is the fulfillment of Judaism. Keep in mind that the first Christians were all Jews, including the original twelve disciples and Paul (Saul), a zealous Pharisee leader who even held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, later converted and wrote 25% of the New Testament. Jesus first approached the Jews, then the Gentiles. However, I believe Susanna meant that Christianity contradicts modern Judaism and I would agree with that.
Some comments in response to Susanna discussed the historical accuracy of Jesus and denied that Jewish leaders had anything to do with the death of Jesus. While the musings of modern day academics are interesting, most historians will be the first to tell you how much subjectivity goes into their analysis of ancient events. I'm working on my PhD myself, trust me I know of what I speak... Thus, I prefer to go to the original sources. Christians take comfort in that there is more written support for the books of the New Testament than any other body of ancient literature. Over eight thousand Latin, five thousand Greek, and many additional texts in varied languages support the books of the New Testament.
However, many non-Christians refuse to consider the New Testament because it was written by followers of Jesus. Consider the words of Josephus, a Jewish historian who was born in AD 37 (a few years after the crucifixion of Jesus). His comments are well regarded by most secular, Jewish, and Christian historians. I remembered he wrote a little bit about Jesus and I looked up Josephus' comments on Jesus (Book XVIII, part of the story of Herod the Great).
On the accusation of the leading men of our people, Pilate condemned Jesus to death upon the cross; nevertheless those who had previously loved Jesus still remained faithful to him.
So even if one ignores the evidence of the New Testament, the evidence of a Jewish historian clearly shows that Jewish leaders plotted the death of Jesus. This is so clear I find any debate about this fact surprising. I agree with Susanna's analogy - it is like people debating the historical accuracy of the Holocaust. Any reasonable person would agree it occurred.
Mike van Winkle wrote that "The beliefs of the founding fathers were far from monolithic. In fact many were deists who were christians by birth and culture." This is an exaggeration. It has been a while since I have reviewed my American History, but only two or three of those who signed the US Constitution were Deists. The rest were strong Christians - various Protestant denominations, true enough - but I'd hardly say many were Deists. Rather, the Christian majority practiced the religious tolerance of which they preached.
I don't expect my words will cause anyone to change their minds in their beliefs; although I remain optimistic that the intellectually honest ones will consider the words of Josephus regarding their discussion with Susanna. However, this exercise has made me thankful anew I live in a country that was founded on Christian ethics and practices religious tolerance. The alternatives are horrible to contemplate. Consider the historical impact of religious intolerance in Ireland between Protestants and Catholics or in India between Hindus and Muslims. Consider the historical value of life in officially atheistic nations such as the former U.S.S.R.. God bless the USA so long as it remains true to its core values.