My goal for this website is to demonstrate that the story of Jesus as described in the Gospels is history and not a reworking of pre-existing pagan myths. But does that mean that there was no borrowing?
Some apologists will fight against any hint of borrowing from mythology. I don’t think that is necessary.
For example, there is good evidence that some of the earliest Christian art of Mary and baby Jesus was borrowed from art depicting Isis and Horus. I think there is also reason to believe that some of the later development of Mary was inspired by ideas about Isis. I also think that Christians eventually used ideas about Sol Invictus is describing Jesus.
Does that mean that the Jesus Myth Theory is correct?
Not at all. In order for the Jesus Myth Theory to be true, there would need to be evidence that the Gospel writers borrowed from pagan mythology. That evidence is lacking. The traces of borrowing that we do see are from later centuries.
There should be no surprise that later Christians tried to make the story of Jesus relevant to the wider culture by adopting some elements. Modern preachers do this all the time. What really matters is the origin of the story and that origin is found in history.
