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

Chapter 217: 205

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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.

205

When the authorities at Capernaum demanded tribute of Jesus what did he command Peter to do?

“Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money; that take, and give unto them for me and thee” (Matthew xvii, 27).

Matthew does not venture to say that Peter was successful, doubtless recognizing the fact that there ought to be limits even to a fish story.

Regarding this story Archbishop Trench says: “It is remarkable, and is a solitary instance of the kind, that the issue of this bidding is not told us.” Dr. Farrar says: “I agree with the learned and thoughtful Olshausen in regarding this as the most difficult to comprehend of all the gospel miracles” (Life of Christ, p. 288).