The Case for and Against the Divinity of Jesus: An Atheist’s Perspective
Recently, a statement was made in a social media post: Atheists when you read about Jesus and all the things he said and did how can you not come to the conclusion that he was a god. While this is a common sentiment, it is not without its complexities and nuances. Let's explore the arguments and counterarguments from an atheist's perspective.
Belief in Non-Christian Deities
The post started by implying that Jesus might be regarded as a god due to his actions and teachings. However, the same critique can be applied to other mythological figures like Odin, Thor, or other deities from various religious and mythological traditions. As one might suspect, I do not believe in these deities either, simply because there is no empirical evidence to support their existence.
Thomas Jefferson's Perspective
Thomas Jefferson, often considered one of the smartest U.S. presidents, had a notably different view. In a letter to his nephew Peter Carr in 1787, Jefferson wrote:
[Jesus was just] a man of illegitimate birth of a benevolent heart, enthusiastic mind, who set out without pretensions to divinity, ended in believing them, and was punished capitally for sedition, by being gibbeted according to the Roman law...
Jefferson's perspective highlights that Jesus, in his time and based on the information available, was a human with aspirations and beliefs, which were later exaggerated and interpreted as divine by his followers.
Harry Potter and Jesus
Comparing the character of Jesus to fictional characters like Harry Potter is a common argument made by skeptics. Just as Harry Potter serves as a symbol of goodness and human potential in a story, Jesus, in historical and imaginary contexts, is seen as a moral teacher. However, it is important to differentiate between characters in literature and those posited as real individuals.
The Argument of C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis, a prominent author and philosopher, faced similar questions about the identity and claims of Jesus. In his book Mere Christianity, Lewis wrote about his journey from agnosticism to Christianity. He reflected on the claims made by Jesus, considering three possibilities: insanity, deception, or divinity.
For someone to make those claims, he would either be insane, a deliberate deceiver, or the Truth. And there is no other alternative in my experience. And when I enquired I couldn’t find any evidence that he was the one dishonest or even feeble-minded.
While Lewis ultimately concluded that Jesus was the latter (divinity), the process of critical thinking and examining evidence is valuable in any discussion about religious beliefs.
The Argument Against God-beliefs
Some atheists argue that if there is no God, then the question of Jesus as a divine being is moot. Additionally, the lack of empirical evidence for Jesus' second coming prophecy, as he promised it in the lifetime of his disciples, further underscores the human nature of his claims. A deity would presumably know better than to make such promises.
From a skeptical perspective, Jesus seems more human, with limitations and flaws that align with historical figures rather than miraculous or divine roles.
Conclusion
The divinity of Jesus is a highly debated topic. While evidence and interpretation vary, it is essential to approach such discussions from a critical and rational standpoint, considering both historical and philosophical perspectives. Whether one believes in divine intervention or not, it is crucial to engage in thoughtful dialogue rather than dismissive exchanges.