"I think Jesus was a clever politician." Unlike the founders of other religions, some of who were clever politicians, Jesus claimed (evidence) to be God who created the universe (see John 1 and Colossians 1). Consider the resulting Lord, Liar or Lunatic possibilities schematically:
Jesus' claim can only be true or false. If it's true, then Jesus is God - i.e., "Lord". If it's false but Jesus was sincere in his claim, then Jesus is a "Lunatic". If it is false and Jesus' claim was insincere - i.e., Jesus knew it to be false - then Jesus is a "Liar". Please look at the decision tree above again. There is no possibility other than Lord, Liar or Lunatic, is there? In particular, Jesus can’t be just someone clever because clever people don't walk around claiming to be the Creator of the universe. Given the unprecedented nature of Jesus' claim, Jesus can only be Lord, Liar or Lunatic. So please do your own research* and upon conclusion either condemn Jesus for having been a Liar, pity him for having been a Lunatic, or worship Jesus as Lord. The one thing you can't do is to dismiss Jesus as just a clever man. His claim about himself precludes that possibility. * Start here and here or read Case for Christ, written by a former journalist who discusses the Lord, Liar, Lunatic argument (The "Lord Liar Lunatic" argument was originally introduced by a British theologian named C.S. Lewis). More importantly, read the Bible for yourself. If the entire Bible seems daunting, read the Gospel of John (this guide picks it apart verse by verse). Resurrection Evidence More Answers |
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