In the case of a Jewish Messiah, we have an individual (Simon bar Kokhba) that not only pre-dates JC but fits far more of the ancient Hebrew Prophecies when it comes to the description of the future Messiah than Jesus does/did. Yet both seem to be missing one well over-looked factor, his name is supposed to be Emmanuel according to scripture and not one of the entities that stand in the running for this position, have that name and likewise meet more than half of the requisites outlined in the older Apocryphal texts of the Jews. Even in the instance of Jesus, the name was deliberately altered by Roman authorities (most likely Constantine) so as to fit with certain Numerological indicators; in fact several of the "miracles" attributed to Jesus stem from older Pythagorean lore, such as the famed Fish & Loaves tale & feeding the Multitudes which have a powerful Pythagorean (mathematic/numerological) meaning hidden behind the exoteric description.
We do know, based on the historic observations of trusted historians of the day, that a person fitting the general idea of Jesus MAY have been genuine. . . I leave the door open here in that many scholars believe that the passage in Josephus' records, was added to at a later time and not part of his original records (sadly, such additions and acts of 'editing' were quite common in those early centuries of the church's invention).
I personally believe that someone that meets the now exaggerated idea of Jesus existed. I do not believe he was "divine" in the same sense as his worshipers see him but rather, a man who sought to unit others in the essence of things spiritual and wise vs. our carnal longings, lusts and inclination towards greed/ possession. It is a common theme but especially when it comes to the Buddhist and seemingly Druidic accents found within the lessons/parables shared by said individual and later, his key followers, family members, etc. This is a very Gnostic point of view which robs the "orthodox" believer of those key fantasies that define them as being "Christian", starting with the idea that Jesus was just a man and nothing more; a simple craftsman that found a sense of purpose and spiritual discipline that allowed him to "touch" and affect the lives of others in the same charismatic way many do in our present world/time. He was the Gandhi of his day, you might say; his desire was to reinvigorate the Jewish people when it came to the auspices of their faith rather than living as tamed cattle that simply existed for the benefit of the priests who weren't just manipulating & stealing from them, but who had strayed far from the original essence of the Abrahamic and Mosianic traditions.
As mentioned, I believe that those that latter sought to exploit and organize the traditions of the original followers of this man deliberately molded things to their liking, which included the addition of traits (miracles, indicators, etc.) that were common to all Gods, Demi-Gods, Heroes and "Holy men" of the day. One side of this action allowed the priests to slowly "borrow' and adapt older "Pagan" ideas, symbols, rituals, etc. sewing them into the Jesus myth that is now viewed with so much reverence from one side of the coin, and significant distrust and venom from the other side. Both sides missing the proverbial point (as man loves to do), which is to focus on the core -- the foundation set within this tradition that is universal to all modes of faith and spiritual philosophy; to find "God" within the self - to learn and know the self and from that, obtain peace and the ability to claim one's own power. . . one's own sense of Divinity.Statistics: Posted by Craig Browning — 09 Jul 2011, 22:59
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