MasaphotZ

MasaphotZ | Sword of Truth for Jesus • Building the Party of America • Faith, Unity, Justice for All & Reaching for the Stars 🌟

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@Guido07872092 @Rosella616982 @Sausageandeggx I don't understand. Can you explain your point?

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

Just spoke with Grok about it. Here are some key elements. I can understand not believing in the miracles or the resurrection but saying he never existed at all just seems extremely far fetched. I know I'm lazily throwing a lot at your but I'd love to hear your counter argument. I have no ill will against you despite us disagreeing. I love being challenged and drawing closer to truth:

Scholarly Consensus on a Historical Jesus. Virtually all scholars of antiquity accept that Jesus of Nazareth was a real 1st-century Jewish figure who was baptized by John the Baptist and crucified under Pontius Pilate (around 30–33 CE). This is not based on faith but on standard historical methods applied to ancient sources.

Bart Ehrman (agnostic/atheist NT scholar): "He certainly existed, as virtually every competent scholar of antiquity, Christian or non-Christian, agrees."

The debate is over details (e.g., what he taught, miracles), not existence. Mythicism is compared to denying well-attested figures or fringe theories like Holocaust denial in academic circles.

Counter to "No Eyewitness Evidence / Purely Literary"
No contemporary eyewitness accounts survive for most ancient figures (e.g., many Roman emperors, philosophers, or preachers). Jesus was a marginal Galilean peasant in a backwater province—low expectation of detailed Roman records.

Early sources: Paul's letters (50s CE, within 20–30 years) reference Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and family/brothers (e.g., James). The Gospels draw on earlier oral traditions and sources (Mark ~70 CE; Q material; John independent). Multiple attestation (independent sources agreeing) and the criterion of embarrassment support core

Criterion of embarrassment: Early Christians wouldn't invent embarrassing details like Jesus being baptized by John (implying superiority) or crucified (shameful Roman execution for criminals). These are widely seen as historical.

On the Non-Christian Sources (Not All "Forgeries")The post dismisses them as "later Christian interpolations." This is inaccurate for most:

Tacitus, Annals 15.44 (~116 CE): Refers to "Christus" executed under Pilate during Tiberius' reign. Scholars overwhelmingly accept this as authentic (not interpolated). Tacitus was hostile to Christians; it fits his style and provides independent Roman confirmation.

Josephus, Testimonium Flavianum (Antiquities ~93 CE): Partially authentic per majority view. Core reference to Jesus as a wise man, teacher, crucified under Pilate is likely original (with Christian glosses like "he was the Messiah" added later). Other Josephus passages (e.g., on James, "brother of Jesus called Christ") are https://t.co/hpHosyRIOx

Pliny the Younger (~112 CE): Letter to Trajan on handling Christians who worshiped "Christ as a god." Not about Jesus' life directly but confirms early spread and practices. Authentic and uncontroversial.

These are not "eyewitness" but independent corroboration from Roman/Jewish writers decades later—standard for ancient history. Why Mythicism Persists but Fails. Mythicists (e.g., Richard Carrier) argue parallels to pagan myths or lack of records mean invention. But:

Parallels are overstated; 1st-century Judaism provides better context (apocalyptic preacher).

Explaining rapid rise of Christianity around a executed Jewish teacher is simpler than a full myth evolving instantly with specific details (Pilate, John, crucifixion).
No positive evidence Jesus was invented; arguments often rely on dismissing all.
Good counterarguments (for replies):

"Virtually all experts (including non-Christians like Ehrman) affirm a historical Jesus based on multiple independent sources and embarrassment criteria. Mythicism is fringe."

"Tacitus and partial Josephus are not forgeries per consensus—hostile sources confirming basics."
"Absence of contemporary records isn't proof of myth; applies to most ancient people. Core facts (baptism, crucifixion) pass historical tests."

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@SavannahMaeUSA Opening the dorritos bag like that is criminal lol. Have good night

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@TheBabylonBee 🤣🤣

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@elonmusk This is so cool. Thank you for giving internet access to the world. Especially those who lack it most

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

Just as long as "men" aren't playing it 3-8 days every single day. You can have fun but adults must put childish things aside to be Adults.

1. Strong and disciplined
2. Reading, learning and growing
3. Putting children's needs first
4. (For my own faith) Putting God first.
5. Fasting for a few days from it to show self control

If you don't master self discipline and sacrificial love. Things like games, women, porn, drugs, status will then master you

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@Velcro_Tearss Good point

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

I've never occupied any country and exploited it. I was born in America and have yet to leave. But I have a passport so I can legally do so.

America on the other hand, has exploited and occupied others illegally and wrongfully. I'll admit that. Even Trump has admitted to the evilness that America has done. But it's Turkey's hands squeaky clean? Was the Ottoman empire without fault? All Sovereign nations are guilty. It doesn't make it right and it all needs to end. But it won't if we keep pointing fingers.

I believe in respecting the laws of other nations when I visit. I believe in respecting the spaces of others. Don't you too?

I have no ill will towards you or Muslims. I'd love to hear more about your side and share opinions. I'm very open walking away agreeing to disagree and I'll still have unconditional love for you and wish you well

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@larry0865 @RCJdpoctner Not with faith like that. It'll come out eventually. If history is anything to go by, it normally does. Ask Grok

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

Feminism led to equal right, women allowed to own property, vote, work where they wanted, and refuse arranged marriages. This feminism was not evil. What you're referring to is the Neo Radical Feminism that says women are better than men and that men are trash. This one IS evil. And Many women are being brainwashed (and many men like you) to confuse to two and instead push for patriarchal control.

Feminism fought against male Oppressors and men stood by them rightfully so. Radical Neo Feminism now tries to oppress men which is inherently evil as you said. Now men are becoming the oppressors... just as brainwashed as the women were.. just as angry and misled..

Let truth and truth alone reign Supreme. Ask questions until there's no more questions. Treat everything with a healthy amount of doubt

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@_josephine0_ A nice walk into nature. Time with Jesus

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@WisdomStoics 100%. Even if you're a kind and respectful person, it takes real focus not to treat someone like a doormat when they keep on inviting it.... Got to pull them to the side and talk to them about it

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@TheRabbitHole Fair enough. I'm fine with feminine men and masculine women. I'm open to the nuances and believe both should be treated with Love and Grace. However, lying about the CLEAR biological differences and letting men in vulnerable women's restrooms and in women's sports is crazy....

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@EmilySm43 Standard life living?

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@LumenX_ Even when you think He has.... Just give it a little more time. You'll be surprised

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@patrickbetdavid Fair. Many on the left are heavily indoctrinated by the "powers that be". Need to leave them be and treat them with love and grace while we focus on the power That LIE to Them.....

[MasaphotZ @Acinder_o7]

@JillMarinelli1 They did pretty good in egypt lol (Though the jews helped I've heard)