jar writes:
Phat writes:
Jon writes:
When we interrogate the apostles, do we find them lying or telling the truth?
Im not much of a detective, but allow me to ask some questions as we discuss this matter.
1) Why were the Gospel Accounts written? Was it to simply provide a written record of events that were considered important? These events were chiefly that a man lived who inspired inner passion in a small yet growing group of followers and that they believed him to be the Messiah or the originator of a Messianic Era...a time where life would be better for everyone...not necessarily on earth, but for eternity. Were the Gospels written as a testimony of the changed inner passions of these men? Were they written only as propaganda to persuade others to support the movement? Could the movement have started out as pure and noble and then itself become used by others to gain power or influence?
Actually, the Jewish Messianic beliefs most definitely looked to changes here on earth and not in some future eternity.
Perhaps changing csociety was next to impossible. Perhaps these folks pinned their hopes on a man and/or the legend of such a man to bring about the change they wanted.
Its similar today. People seek a different candidate every four years to make changes for them or favorable to them. Personally, I believe that the Apostles were sincere. I believe they were honest. Keep in mind, however, that I want to believe these things.
When does a story become literally untruthful?
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