[catherine]

There's proof of Jesus existing in plenty of historical documents from that time. The Roman Empire keeps a lot of administrative records in each region, and a huge amount of that record still exists, Jesus features pretty heavily in the paelestinian records. I don't really know what you are talking about when you say "the" Jesus but I am pretty sure he existed.

[MK Chris]

Most atheists that I know believe Jesus existed, the bit that they dispute was that he was the son of a god or deity.

[catherine]

.

[DevilsDuck]

Its a story for people to follow and believe in, doesnt mean it happened.

I don't believe that he turned water into wine or got resurrected. Maybe there was a Jesus, maybe a few hundred around that time, maybe even with parents called Mary and Joseph, maybe he got hung on a cross, maybe he was crazy and believed himself to be the son of god, maybe he sold the big issue.

It's all maybes with nothing that actually backs it all up and makes non-believers or historians conclude that is actually happened. Its called a faith not a fact for a reason

[MK Chris]

This discussion is had far too often and I agree with whoever said you can't persuade people one way or another... therefore, arguing about it is futile. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and shouldn't be pilloried for that opinion unless it harms others or they try to force it on others.

[Console]

Well there is far more evidence of Jesus existing then of God existing. More evidence than Alexander the Great.

This is one of those quality/quantity things. You don't needs lots of evidence to prove something, just good evidence - second-hand accounts (if that) written decades or centuries after the supposed death of Jesus isn't credible evidence. Alexander the Great, as well as not being a supernatural character, has plenty of first-hand accounts of his existence documented during his life-time.

[AndyJ]

I am getting married in a church as thats what the in-laws wanted. I would have got married anywhere and been happy as I love my girlfriend. Its no skin off my nose getting married in church. The church is beautful. And like I said i believe there is a higher being just not the god and bible combo.

What about what you two wanted? If you didn't want to get married in a church, and the in-laws wanted you too, would you still do it?

We are not getting married in a church, we thought it would be a bit hypocritical of us if we did, neither of us go to church, we would have to start going to church just so we can get married there then not go again after.

My brother got married in a church and it was so dull... dragged on for what felt like a week.. not our thing at all. Also Mrs J is a cathloc and I am C of E so not sure if that has any impact on a church wedding or not?

[DevilsDuck]

if either of us objected we wouldnt have got married in a church. but neither of us minded and our ceremony is going last 45mins.

[Yudster]

People's weddings are important. Everyone should have the wedding that THEY want with no reference to anyone or anything else.

[Nicola_Red]

Very much agreed. "I don't object" and 'I don't mind" are not the same thing at all as "I want".

[DevilsDuck]

I want to marry my girlfriend. How doesn't bother me. I'm not missing out on anything doing it this way

[kendra k]

DD, I like the cut of your jib. (But a 45 minute ceremony? Ouch!)

I'm an atheist I guess, but I am jealous of people who can and do believe in a higher anything. I sort of believe in ghosts, and I definitely believe in the power of humanity, but I can't make the next leap to god. It's a little annoying to me but I can't just let go and let god.

[DevilsDuck]

that 45mins includes a hymn and 2 readings. Thats just how long it take our vicar. Who himself things the bible is bull but its a set of rules to live by.

[Yudster]

I want to marry my girlfriend. How doesn't bother me. I'm not missing out on anything doing it this way

Sounds perfect to me. You'll have a great time.

[DevilsDuck]

Only 6 days to go....

[dimtimjim]

Wow, good subject Foots.

Me, I'm all down with beliefs. Whatever it is keeps you sane is ok with me. I personally don't really go with the whole bible thing, t'was certainly a wikkid book and the author missed a feck load of royalties by not adding their name to the cover, but to be taken literally; I don't agree with. I come from a religious family and was a church goer until the I reached the age whereby I could decide for myself, and Ma n Pa respected my decision to knock it on the head. Science contradicts way too much of what that paticular book teaches. Which I understand as it was written in a time when understanding of these matters didn't exist. For example, the world was flat, once.... We now know otherwise. Same as we have evolved over billions of years from the most basic single cell protozoa to the beings we are today. Adz and Eve? Personally, I don't think so....

And as Foots has already pointed out, religion has been the biggest killer of people this planet has ever seen, knocks cancer well into touch. Me, I believe in 'the force'. Cliched, maybe, but its my belief and it keeps me sane when all around me seems to be going pete tong.

And it bugs me when I get a visitor at the front door tying to sell me their beliefs. Each to their own, but.... I like Nike trainers, I wouldn't buy any other brand - ever. But, I would never think of going door to door to try and impress my belief onto others.....

These are my beliefs, and if yours differ to this, ruddy good for you. We each need to form our own 'life values' that keep us on the straight and narrow.

[newsbeat]

We've got RS thisafternoon, I'll let you know what we did. We're doing this topic on 'Jesus in Art'

[MK Chris]

We've got RS thisafternoon, I'll let you know what we did.

Don't feel you need to...

[Sidders]

This reminds me of that Jesus thread we had going a few years back.

I would personally describe myself as agnostic. I don't necessarily believe in god, but am open to the concept. I do attend an anglican church regularly though, guess that's hypocritical, but I enjoy a good sing-song.

[DevilsDuck]

so you are a member of the happy clappy brigade?

[Nicola_Red]

Jesus in art sounds interesting to me. I like religious iconography, especially Catholic-style stuff, and particularly of the Virgin Mary. I have a great bracelet of pictures of Jesus and various saints, little old ladies always comment on it when I wear it to work. I'd quite like a Virgin Mary tattoo as well.

[kendra k]

We took a tour of the California Missions last month, and the iconography was really spectacular. The Virgin Mary is a big symbol here because she and the virgin Our Lady of Guadalupe are very important figures in the Americas.

I would like to get a pendant of St. Augustine, as his writings convinced me to become vegan and sober up.

[Johnny 1989]

there is no evidence of "the" jesus of existing.

Yes there is, he had a hit with "International Bright Young Thing" in 1991 that's all the proof you need.

Don't worry I'll leave my forum membership at the door

[newsbeat]

Jesus in art sounds interesting to me. I like religious iconography, especially Catholic-style stuff, and particularly of the Virgin Mary. I have a great bracelet of pictures of Jesus and various saints, little old ladies always comment on it when I wear it to work. I'd quite like a Virgin Mary tattoo as well.

We've finished that tpoic now. We're studying 'the Last Supper' with one of the teachers and Religion in the Media with another teacher

[Sidders]

so you are a member of the happy clappy brigade?

Me? No not at all. I despise all that nonsense.