Evidence f or an Historical Jesus

1. Evidence for an Historical Jesus The Burden of Proof

2. Skeptical Scholars • Start with the assumption that the gospel accounts are unreliable and therefore should not be accepted unless and until proven reliable on any given account • Build from that assumption an argument for disregarding the scriptures

3. Five Reasons For Accepting the Scriptural Accounts

4. The Argument of Time Intervals • Regardless of the time we accept for the scriptural writings, there is insufficient time between when the events occurred and when they were recorded for the memory to be erased.

5. These Are Not Typical of Folk Tales or Urban Legends. • The presence of known, identifiable and verifiable historical characters who could argue the veracity of events is not typical of folk tale writing.

6. The Argument from Jewish Oral Traditions • The Jewish culture centered on oral transmission of sacred stories that required memorization of extensive and detailed oral accounts.

7. Restraints on Embellishments • Eye witnesses were still around and could argue the facts. • The apostles, who had walked with Jesus and witnessed His life, were present. • This history would be scrutinized in detail.

8. The Stories Stand. • Attempts to disprove or test the scriptures throughout history have consistently failed.