The case for the existence of Jesus
It wasn't until the so-called Age of Enlightenment (1650-1700) did the existence of Jesus ever come into question. For some 1,600 years prior it was never considered an issue. While there were many accusations against Jesus, none of them claimed he didn't exist. Yet in modern times this rumor continues to be perpetuated. So what evidence do we have? First we have extra biblical sources that mention or allude to Jesus which include: Josephus, Tacitus, Suetonius, Thallus, Phlegon, Pliny the Younger, and the Talmud. The Talmud is the central text of Judaism. The Jews deny that Jesus was the Christ but never that he didn't exist. In the Talmud it says: "On the eve of Passover they hanged Yeshu (of Nazareth) … he hath practiced sorcery and beguiled and led astray Israel. Let everyone knowing aught in his defense come and plead for him. But they found naught in his defense and hanged him on the eve of Passover" Yeshu being the...