The Myth Theory

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As the theory goes, The Resurrection was only an unfounded story that gives a “reason” for Christianity.

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Three thoughts concerning this line of reasoning..

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1.  There was not enough time for a myth to develop. Several generations usually have to pass before "added" mythological elements can be mistakenly believed to be facts. Eyewitnesses would be around before that to discredit the new, mythic versions.

 

2.  No one disputes that Paul's letters were written within the lifetime of eyewitnesses of Jesus, and there is not even one generation that past!   If these letters are not myth, then the Gospels are not either, for Paul affirms all the main claims of the Gospels.

 

3.  A little detail, seldom noticed, is significant in distinguishing the Gospels from myth:

 

The first witnesses of the Resurrection were women. In first-century Judaism, women had low social status and rarely served or may even had no legal right to serve as witnesses. If the empty tomb were an invented myth, its inventors surely would not have had it discovered by women, whose testimony was considered by some records as "worthless."

 

If; on the other hand, the writers were simply reporting what they saw, they would have to tell the truth, however socially and legally inconvenient.

 

Conclusion                                                                                                         

 The New Testament could not be myth misinterpreted and confused with fact because it specifically distinguishes the two and repudiates the mythic interpretation:

 

2 Peter 1:16 – “For we have not followed cunningly devised “myths”, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

 

Please, also see "Copy Cat Savior Theory" tab.