Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ancient Text Casts Doubt on Resurrection

In tablet, scholar sees risen messiah as pre-Jesus theme

By Green Point,  Newser User

Posted Jul 10, 2008 2:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – A new interpretation of a tablet written in 1st century BC questions the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Times of London reports. One biblical scholar says the text conveys the story of an angel telling a dying Jew, killed by Romans 4 years before Christ's birth, that he will live in 3 days.

The text "could be the missing link between Judaism and Christianity," professor Israel Knohl said, "in so far as it roots the Christian belief in the resurrection of the Messiah in Jewish tradition." Scholars acknowledge that the idea that Christ's early followers adopted an existing myth—that Christ himself was not in the story's central role—could meet a chilly reception among Christians.

An 8-foot statue of Jesus Christ is shown at the alter of Church of the Messiah in Detroit, Thursday, June 5, 2008.
An 8-foot statue of Jesus Christ is shown at the alter of Church of the Messiah in Detroit, Thursday, June 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Israeli Arab Christians and foreigners gather at a Nativity scene during a re-enactment of the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus Christ as part of Christmas festivities in Nazareth.
Israeli Arab Christians and foreigners gather at a Nativity scene during a re-enactment of the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus Christ as part of Christmas festivities in Nazareth.   (AP Photo)
A lenticular image of Jesus is seen hanging in the National Art School Gallery  in Sydney Australia, Monday, Sept. 3, 2007.
A lenticular image of Jesus is seen hanging in the National Art School Gallery in Sydney Australia, Monday, Sept. 3, 2007.   (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne