But now that the busy cloud of Christmas, exams, friends, essays, deadlines, applications and interviews is beginning to lift - I thought I'd post something i’ve actually been asked to blog about... Why I (a logical, moderately sane individual) trust The New Testament. Oh come now, you didn't really think it'd be about TNT, did you?
Ok, are you sitting comfortably?
Then I'll begin.
Well, we know that a Jewish guy called Jesus ( ישו ) was born 2011 (ish) years ago, and most historians agree that he was regarded as a teacher and healer, and that his teachings were believed by almost everyone that heard them. Word then spread about this preacher who could perform miracles, and who spoke of a different way of thinking about God, Sin, and the scriptures. This worried the religious leaders of the time, and due to his ever growing influence and denouncement of the pharisees, they demanded he be crucified. Jesus was then crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman Prefect of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, on the (unjust) charge of ‘sedition against the Roman Empire’.
That, peoples, is all fact. (go check if you wish)
Now, those are the basics, and thankfully most people don’t have a problem with them -- but people tend to be a bit dubious when it comes to the whole ‘Resurrection’ thing... :P
So, did you know that after his supposed resurrection, it is reported that he appeared to 500 people, who are all named and placed in the gospels? Now lets think a bit... The gospels were written while these 500 people were still alive, and most likely still living where they were at the time! Even back then the resurrection was hard to swallow - but this is an example of the disciples saying; if you don’t believe me... go ask these witnesses yourself!
That, peoples, is all fact. (go check if you wish)
Now, those are the basics, and thankfully most people don’t have a problem with them -- but people tend to be a bit dubious when it comes to the whole ‘Resurrection’ thing... :P
So, did you know that after his supposed resurrection, it is reported that he appeared to 500 people, who are all named and placed in the gospels? Now lets think a bit... The gospels were written while these 500 people were still alive, and most likely still living where they were at the time! Even back then the resurrection was hard to swallow - but this is an example of the disciples saying; if you don’t believe me... go ask these witnesses yourself!
Now think about the disciples. They were human, and after watching someone they had followed for 3 years be brutally murdered - after trusting him that he would lead 'Gods people' to glory - they, naturally, were very depressed and hid in fear for their lives!
If it was all made up, how did the word spread so quickly and confidently? Why were the religious leaders SO threatened by him? And what on earth motivated the disciples to make up a fake resurrection, write the gospels, and dedicate their lives to preaching about Jesus? (Peter, for instance, was crucified upside down because of his faith, James was beaten to death with a club after being crucified and stoned, and Bartholomew was skinned alive... then beheaded)
The only thing that could motivate a group of friends who had seen their messiah executed to preach their beliefs despite these horrendous dangers... would be a genuine resurrection (genuine to them, at least). I think there is very very little room to deny that the disciples believed everything they said (I hiiighly doubt any theory of conspiracy on their part).
Continuing this idea of actually considering the people in the events, consider Jesus himself. His teachings are incredibly challenging and radical (even today) and in my honest opinion, flawless. I'm not going to claim that they are beyond human powers of reasoning... but they are most certainly not the ravings of a crazy man! (this wisdom is the reason for the thousands of followers, the disciples loyalty, and the pharisees fear of him).
But at any rate, I do not believe in God because a book... I believe in God because of answer to prayer, perception of the holy spirit, Jesus’ teaching being incredibly relevant and instrumental in my life, and the fact that the universe just doesn't make sense any other way! (hmpf! I know there are loads more reasons, but its like trying to list your favourite films - when the moment comes you always forget about kill bill)...
Anyways, I hope I have helped dispel at least a few of the doubts on the bible, but I’m afraid my overall answer may be a little disappointing:
I trust the new testament because I trust God (yes, vise-versa does apply too, but the NT introduces you to the attitude you should have as a sinner, then gods attitude towards you... the miracles and crucifixion are not just a random collection of tricks to show off gods power (that’s creation job), they are meaningful acts which enhance, demonstrate and vindicate the things Jesus is talking about. Not proof at all, I understand, but taking everything into account I think their crucial relevance makes them far far farrr more believable.)
Zee End!
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