The Narrow Path Ministries

A certain film by the name "Zeitgeist" has been released which attacks the validity of the historical Jesus and Christianity. The case presented in this film is one which I have not heard of before. The argument presented in the film is that the biblical claims about Christ are not new, but rather plagiarized from eariler ancient sources. The assertion is made that numerous ancient gods (i.e. of Egypt, India, Greece, Persia, etc,.) had the many of characteristics in common with the bibles claims about Christ:

- Born of a virgin
- Born on dec 25th (Of course this assertion about Christ has a 1/365 probability of being true!).
- Birth accompanied by a star in the east
- Three kings follow the star
- A prodigal child teacher at age 12
- Baptized at age 30
- Followed by 12 disciples
- Performed Miracles such as healing the sick, turning water to wine, and walking on water.
- Betrayed
- Crucified
- Buried for three days.
- Resurrected.
- Known by the names: The truth, The light, God's annointed Son, The Good Shepherd, The lamb of God, The alpha and the omega.

The producer believes the origin of these characteristics are based in ancient astrology. I am wondering to what extent these claims of similarity are true, and if so, what are the best arguments against plagiarism? Does anyone have any thoughts or knowledge about this?

The producers website includes a transcript of this part of the film which cites sources I don't have easy access to. The movie can be downloaded for free from their website, but I'd like to give the warning that the film includes a number of bloody war images and offensive language. The latter part of the film is not religious and asserts the conspiracy theories about 9/11, the federal reserve, a one world government, and a cashless economy (plagarizing dispensationalism!?).

Pete

This is intresting. Last week on Steve's show I thought I heard a caller mention the name of this film (Zeitgeist), but went on to say that it was about 9/11. I wonder if someone was just trying to plug an anti-chrstian movie on a Christian radio show. If so, that is sad.

Robin

Zeitgeist has 3 parts I think. The 1st part is about organized religion and whatnot. The rest of the movie is more political.

I see. Thank you for clearing that up Mattrose.
Robin

Here's another link that you may find helpful
http://www.gotquestions.org/zeitgeist-movie.html

thrombomodulin, pick up a copy of Lee Strobel's new book "The Case for the Real Jesus." He tackles the plagiarism theory and talks to a leading expert on the issue. It's one of those theories that sounds incredibly strong at first glance, then sort of dissolves as the details come forth. Some of the similarities are outright false, others only appear after the time of Christ, and others are exaggerated. Many non-Christian scholars even dismiss the plagiarism theory, which is probably our strongest argument.

JC, Mattrose

Thanks for the links and reference. I've read through a good part of the material already. I'll put the book on my Christmas list.

Pete

hi pete--

on another forum a person began posting (mostly cuts and pastes i believe) on this exact issue, trying to discredit christianity. it is a great tactic, because very few christians are aware that this "problem" is even out there. i found that i was woefully ill-equipped to respond intelligently, without doing hours and hours of reading and research. i knew it was a bunch of BS (for lack of a more appropriate term) but couldnt explain EXACTLY why. so i posted here looking for advice (see the above link) and found some good stuff.

it is amazing- non-christians will jump all over all these alternative theories about the bible but cant accept the simple truth.

TK

Ben Witherington discusses this movie/film in his blog here. Check it out.