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The Christ: A Critical Review and Analysis of the Evidences of His Existence cover

The Christ: A Critical Review and Analysis of the Evidences of His Existence

Chapter 214: 202
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About This Book

A skeptical, systematic critique argues that the Christ of the New Testament is a constructed myth rather than a reliably attested historical person. It assesses the silence of contemporary writers, the anonymous and late character of the gospels, and the contradictions within infancy narratives, ministry accounts, crucifixion, and resurrection reports. The author evaluates the moral portrait and teachings attributed to the figure and traces parallels with older pagan religions and divinities as possible sources of the myth. The conclusion asserts that supernatural claims lack sufficient historical support and that veneration rests on literary and theological fabrication rather than firm documentary evidence.

202

Compare the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus with the account of Moses at Mount Sinai.

Matthew. Exodus.

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart,

“And was transfigured before them, and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (xvii, 1, 2).

“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold a voice out of the cloud,” etc. (5).

“Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu” (xxiv, 9).

“And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.

“And the glory of the Lord abode upon Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days; and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

“And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire” (15–17).

We have in each account a prophet and three companions; in each the persons mentioned go up into a mountain; in each there is a supernatural brightness; in each an overshadowing cloud; in each a celestial voice speaking out of the cloud; in each Moses is a prominent figure; in each a period of six days is mentioned.