http://www.uncommondescent.com/atheism/jeff-shallit-surely-the-right-analogy-is-santa-claus-to-jesus-christ-both-are-mythical-figures-spectacular-fail-at-history-101/#comment-516158 and reply here http://theskepticalzone.com/wp/?p=5058
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Mohandas Gandhi stated that he loved Christ but did not like Christians. Napoleon Bonaparte and Malcolm Muggeridge also spoke of Christ. If he never existed, then who are they talking about? Why would they allude to a mythical figure to make their points?
The reference work The Historians’ History of the World observed: “The historical result of [Jesus’] activities was more momentous, even from a strictly secular standpoint, than the deeds of any other character of history. A new era, recognised by the chief civilisations of the world, dates from his birth.”
Please, Mr. Shallit, explain why our current calendar is based on the supposed birth date of a mythical figure.
An editorial in the Wall Street Journal dated December 2002 stated: “Science Can’t Ignore Jesus.” Its writer concluded: “Most scholars, barring the stray atheist, have already accepted Jesus of Nazareth as a historical person.” Are you that stray atheist, Mr. Shallit?
Note what others have stated about Jesus Christ:
“It would require much exotic calculation, however, to deny that the single most powerful figure—not merely in these two millenniums but in all human history—has been Jesus of Nazareth.”—Reynolds Price, American writer and Bible scholar.
“A man who was completely innocent offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.”—Mohandas K. Gandhi, political and spiritual leader of India.
“As a child, I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene.”—Albert Einstein, German-born scientist.
“Jesus Christ, to me, is the outstanding personality of all time, all history, both as Son of God and as Son of Man. Everything He ever said or did has value for us today, and that is something you can say of no other man, alive or dead.”—Sholem Asch, Polish-born essayist as quoted in Christian Herald; italics theirs.
“For thirty five years of my life I was, in the proper acceptation of the word, nihilist, a man who believed in nothing. Five years ago my faith came to me. I believed in the doctrine of Jesus Christ and my whole life underwent a sudden transformation.”—Count Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist and philosopher.
“[Jesus’] life is the most influential ever lived on this planet and its effect continues to mount.”—Kenneth Scott Latourette, American historian and author.
“Shall we suppose the evangelic history a mere fiction? Indeed, my friend, it bears not the marks of fiction. On the contrary, the history of Socrates, which nobody presumes to doubt, is not so well attested as that of Jesus Christ.”—Jean-Jacques Rousseau, French philosopher.
Please explain, Mr. Shallit, why all these people–from scientists to philosophers–spoke so eloquently about a mythical figure. Or admit that you were completely, utterly, stupidly wrong in comparing a historical personage (Jesus) with a fictitious character (Santa).