Danes feel Obama is greater than Jesus

[--Pete]

Hi,

Technically, so did Jesus.

Not really, or at least no more than Heracles, Fionn mac Cumhaill, Gilgamesh, or any other legend which ultimately traces back to one person, but has been embellished by the deeds of others and by imaginary events. That there was a very charismatic rabbi who preached peace and love in the region of the Sea of Galilee sometime close to 30 CE is very likely, but historically unsupported. That there were political leaders who's mission was to restore the throne of David in the 100 BCE to 70 CE time frame is definite, we have some of their histories. That some political and religious leaders where crucified at one time or another in Roman Judea is definite. And that a person who only spent a few hours on a cross (one of the reasons for crucifixion was that it was a slow death, usually taking from a day to a week to claim its victim) might appear dead but still survive is very probable, indeed at least one such case is recorded. Stir these elements together, add a dash of the mystery religions (especially Mithraism) and you get "the anointed one". Pass the traditions orally among groups contending to be dominant for at least half a century, then clean up the whole mess for political reasons about three centuries later (Nicea, 325 CE) and you end up with a composite of a person who probably never existed and a religion he probably wouldn't have endorsed if he had existed.

The widespread objective study of religion would be the fastest and most honest way to destroy the nonsense and superstition that all religions are based on. Unfortunately, what we really get is Sunday school in its many manifestations. The truth *will* set you free, which is exactly why the world's religious leaders will never permit it to become part of the common education.

--Pete