A Christian Response by Stephen J. Bedard
The idea that Jesus of Nazareth never existed as a historical person is often associated with twentieth-century writers and modern internet debates. However, the roots of what is now called the Jesus Myth Theory or Christ Myth Theory reach back to the nineteenth century. One of the lesser-known but significant figures in this movement was the English writer and … Read More “Edwin Johnson: An Early Pioneer of the Jesus Myth Theory” »
The “Jesus Myth Theory” (also called the “Christ Myth Theory”) is the view that Jesus of Nazareth was not a historical person but a mythological or literary construct. While skepticism about aspects of the Gospel narratives dates back to the Enlightenment, the fully developed claim that Jesus never existed emerged most clearly in the 19th … Read More “The Development of the Jesus Myth Theory in the 19th Century” »
The French Revolution was as much a war against the Old Regime as it was against the Old Faith. While many factors led to the Revolution of 1789, one of its most distinctive features was the deep strain of anti-clericalism that ran through its politics and philosophy. For some intellectuals, the Church was not just … Read More “Anti-Clerical Attitudes Among French Philosophers During the French Revolution — And Their Role in the “Jesus Myth” Theory” »
One of the Jesus Mythicists that is not as well know is that of Edwin Johnson. Johnson lived 1842–1901 was known for his radical ideas about Christian historiography. Not surprisingly, Johnson rejected the historicity of Jesus. He used the same methods as other contemporary mythicists: supposed lack of evidence and similarity to pagan myths. But … Read More “Edwin Johnson: Radical or Consistent Mythicist?” »
One of the challenges that Jesus Mythicists have in claiming credibility for the idea that Jesus was never a historical figure is the lack of scholars who support their theory. Traditionally, the Jesus Myth was presented by self-taught scholars or scholars with PhDs in fields not directly relevant to the topic. In order for there … Read More “Scholars Who Support the Jesus Myth Theory” »
Peter Clarke, in his article Jesus Mythicism Is About to Go Mainstream, attempts to argue that the Jesus Myth Theory is soon to be widely held, or at least move from its current fringe position. Is he correct in this assessment? It is true that the Jesus Myth has gained some traction. This is for … Read More “Why the Jesus Myth Will Likely Never Go Mainstream” »
There are probably more Jesus Mythicists now than at any other time in history. But why? Why would someone want to be a Jesus Mythicist? I don’t want to speak for all Mythicists, nor do I want to suggest that all Mythicists have the same motivations. But I do think I can say something about … Read More “Why Would Someone Want to Be a Jesus Mythicist?” »
Thank you for your support of the Jesus Myth Theory website. I would like to share the five most read posts in 2023. These were not necessarily written in 2023 but were popular this year. If you would like to support my blogs and podcasts, please visit me at Patreon.
When I share my thoughts on the Jesus Myth Theory, there is a certain response I get from some Mythicists. It goes something like this: “That’s not really the Jesus Myth Theory. Mythicists don’t really believe this. You need to read [author X].” I appreciate those comments but I do need to clarify things. I … Read More ““But That’s Not the Jesus Myth Theory I Believe in…”” »
I have received some pushback on my policy of not debating with Jesus Mythicists. I was even accused of being “close-minded.” Is this true? I wouldn’t consider myself close-minded. It’s not as if I limit my reading to a conservative segment of evangelicalism. In fact, most of my reading would be outside of that. In … Read More “Clarifying My Position on Talking to Jesus Mythicists” »
