In this age of fake news, conspiracy theories and AI, which can make almost anything seem “real”, it is hardly surprising that so many people are skeptical when it comes to Christianity. For some, Jesus is viewed as a mythical figure who never existed, in the same category as the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus (although the latter, Saint Nicholas, is based upon the real Bishop of Myra, 270-343 AD). This skepticism often causes us to be hesitant to share our faith, for fear of being ridiculed by unbelievers.
Some see becoming a Christian as a blind leap of faith – the type of faith that would be needed in expecting to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Certainly, there is a step of faith required, but it is not a blind leap. We know that faith is a gift from God, but belief in Jesus is also based on firm historical evidence. There is a great deal of evidence for Jesus’ existence. This is not only found in the Gospels and other Christian writings, but also from non-Christian sources.
The Jewish priest and historian Flavius Josephus, born in Jerusalem in 37 AD, wrote in his “Testimonium Flavianum” about Jesus’ crucifixion, his resurrection and the presence of disciples in the years following.: “And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.” In 116 AD, the Roman historian Tacitus commented, “Christus, from whom the name (Christians) had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate.” These are but two examples of historical evidence.
In addition to the writings of other historians of the time, virtually all scholars of antiquity accept that Jesus was a historical figure. Of course, the four Gospels present the strongest evidence of all.
More than 20,000 copies of New Testament manuscripts from 130 AD to 350 AD are still in existence. By comparison, other writings from the first millennium number 20 or less. The very fact that Jesus is worshipped more than two thousand years after he left the earth, by an estimated 2.365 billion Christians worldwide, is a miracle in itself. (This compared with 1.907 billion followers of Islam and 1.152 of Hinduism, for example).
Of course, belief in Jesus cannot be reduced to mere historical fact and figures. The mystery of faith is part of its wonder. Non-believers may accept that Jesus was a wonderful man and a great moral teacher, but we know he is so much more. As humans we are wired to seek beyond the physical world, and we yearn for things spiritual. Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote in his Confessions, “You have made us for yourself O Lord and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” All too often in the secular world there is an attempt to satisfy this itch (unsuccessfully) with wealth and power. However, nurturing a relationship with the divine is what sustains us as Christians and gives us hope. This is not simply First Aid for our souls, but a manifestation of God’s Holy Spirit at work in us, which takes us beyond life’s daily round. Through personal prayer, studying the Bible, and corporate worship we are God’s beloved children, drawn into the Christian family. Like all families, we may sometimes disagree, but ultimately, we are bonded in love. As we grieve over the agonizing brokenness of our world, we are truly blessed to be able to trust in the very real person of Jesus, knowing that not only did he exist as a man on earth, but he is still very much alive for Christians everywhere.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know you, and desire nothing, save only you. Let me hate myself and love you. Let me do everything for the sake of you.
Saint Augustine (354-430)
