JESUS COMPLEX-LORD, LIAR OR LUNATIC - Y-JESUS APOLOGETICS MAGAZINE-ARTICLE EXCERPT
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JESUS COMPLEX—LORD, LIAR OR LUNATIC
Y-JESUS APOLOGETICS MAGAZINE- ARTICLE EXCERPT
There are many great apologetic books that you could leave with
students if only they would read them. But they probably won’t. They
might, however, skim through a magazine. So we compiled the most
convincing apologetics for the existence of God and the best evidence
for Jesus into two highly graphic magazines and had the designers of
Relevant magazine make it look really cool.
Y-Origins deals with proofs for the existence of God ranging from
arguments from Intelligent Design to the nature of man (mind,
aesthetics, morality, etc.).
Y-Jesus presents the classic evidence for Christ including “Lord,
Liar, Lunatic,” Evidence for the Resurrection, Claims to Deity, New
Testament Reliability and Fulfillment of Prophecy.
Y-JESUS
ORDER ONLINE AT CRUPRESS.COM
© 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com
J Jesus
C Complex
WAS HE CRAZY, A
PATHOLOGICAL LIAR,
OR THE SON OF GOD?
18 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com JESUS COMPLEX • ARTICLE TWO • 19
“Then comes the real shock,” wrote Oxford
GREAT that is greatest among you, let him be your
professor C. S. Lewis. “Among these Jews MORAL servant’—this is the inversion of all political
there suddenly turns up a man who goes TEACHER? wisdom, of all sanity.”3
about talking as if He was God. He claims
to forgive sins. He says He always existed. Almost all scholars acknowledge that Some have tried to separate Jesus’ teach-
He says He is coming to judge the world at Jesus was a great moral teacher. In fact, ing on ethics from his claims about himself,
the end of time.”1 his brilliant insight into human morality believing that he was simply a great man
is an accomplishment recognized even by who taught lofty moral principles. This was
Theologian and author R. C. Sproul ran- those of other religions. In his book Jesus of the approach of one of America’s Founding
domly selected college students, asking Nazareth, Jewish scholar Joseph Klausner Fathers.
about their opinion of Jesus Christ. Many wrote, “It is universally admitted … that
considered Jesus’ profound influence on Christ taught the purest and sublimest eth- President Thomas Jefferson, ever
ethics, calling him a great moral teacher. ics … which throws the moral precepts and the enlightened rationalist, sat
Others, impressed by two billion people maxims of the wisest men of antiquity far down in the White House with two
who call themselves Christians, responded into the shade.”2 identical copies of the New Testa-
that he was a great religious leader. ment, a straight-edge razor, and
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount has been a sheaf of octavo-size paper. Over
Yet, from the eyewitness accounts of Jesus called the most superlative teaching of the course of a few nights, he made
to the present day, many of his two billion human ethics ever uttered by an individual. quick work of cutting and pasting
followers believe he is God, or the Son of In fact, much of what we know today as his own Bible, a slim volume he
God. So, who is right? Who really is Jesus “equal rights” actually is the result of Jesus’ called “The Philosophy of Jesus of
Christ? teaching. Historian Will Durant said of Nazareth.” After slicing away every
Jesus that “he lived and struggled unremit- passage that suggested Jesus’ di-
tingly for ‘equal rights’; in modern times vine nature, Jefferson had a Jesus
he would have been sent to Siberia. ‘He who was no more and no less than
a good, ethical guide.4
Brimming with confidence after authoring
the Declaration of Independence, appar-
ently Jefferson thought he’d have a go at
the Bible, cutting and pasting Jesus to
conform to his own views. In other words,
Jefferson liked Jesus’ teaching about ethics
and morals, but he discarded the miracles
and claims of divinity.
Ironically, Jefferson’s memorable words in
the Declaration of Independence were root-
ed in Jesus’ teaching that each person is
of immense and equal importance to God,
regardless of sex, race, or social status.
The famous document sets forth, “We hold
these truths to be self-evident, that all men
20 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com
are created equal, that they are endowed
“Then comes the real shock. Among these Jews and a few other religious groups outside the earth? A danger of interpretation is to read But this leads us to another point. Many
by their Creator with certain unalienable borders of traditional Christianity. into a historical document our definition— sayings of Jesus, if isolated and parsed,
Rights …”
there suddenly turns up a man who goes about talk- could be made to say something other than
in this case, what we mean by “complete
ing as if he was God. He claims to forgive sins. He Christians insist that Jesus did claim de- authority.” But to locate meaning, context what Jesus meant by them. Besides noting
There is in all of this a drastic logical says He always existed. He says He is coming to ity. As a Deist, Thomas Jefferson had no is everything. historical context (that is, the meaning of
contradiction. Jefferson was by all counts judge the world at the end of time.” problem accepting Jesus’ teachings on “authority” in first-century Palestine), we
a genius, but he wasn’t able to spot the morals and ethics while denying his deity.7 “Authority” was a well-understood term in ascertain meaning by referencing with
key truth (most of us average mortals have But as we’ve said, and will explore further, Roman-occupied Israel. At that time, Cae- other statements. In other words, is this an
C. S. Lewis, Oxford scholar
missed it as well): if Jesus taught that he if he was not who he claimed to be, then sar was the supreme authority in the entire isolated statement of Jesus, or is it aug-
was God, could forgive sins, and was the we must examine some other alternatives, Roman world. His edict could instantly mented by other such claims?
delivers you; it is his Noble Truths is he?’ They were Jesus and Buddha. The
co-creator of the universe, then he would none of which would make him a great launch legions for war, condemn or exoner-
that instruct you. It is not Moham- answers these two gave were exactly the
not be a great moral teacher. It is hard to moral teacher. ate criminals, and establish laws and rules Here is a partial list of similar statements
mad who transforms you; it is the opposite. Buddha said unequivocally that
say what label we would give him, but it of government. In fact, Caesar’s authority found in the Gospels.
beauty of the Koran that woos you. he was a mere man, not a god—almost as
would best be given by a psychiatrist. Familiarity can breed apathy. And familiar was such that he himself claimed divinity.
By contrast, Jesus did not only if he foresaw later attempts to worship him.
statements by and about Jesus within the So, at the very least Jesus was claiming au- • “I am the resurrection and the life.”
teach or expound His message. He Jesus, on the other hand, claimed … to be
Gospels, including descriptions of him as thority on a par with Caesar himself. But He (John 11:25)
was identical with His message.5 divine.”6
the Son of God, can wash over us with- didn’t just say he had more authority than • “I am the light of the world.” (John
GREAT
RELIGIOUS The truth of Zacharias’s point is under- DID out our realizing how bold, radical, and the Jewish leaders or Roman rulers; Jesus 8:12)
LEADER? scored by the number of times in the JESUS CLAIM controversial they were. Even a superficial was claiming to be the supreme author- • “I and my Father are one.” (John
Gospels that Jesus’ teaching message was TO BE GOD? reading of the Gospels reveals that Jesus ity in the universe. To those he spoke to, 10:30)
claimed to be someone more than a prophet it meant that he was God. Not a god—but • “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the
Did Jesus deserve the title of “great reli- simply “Come to me” or “Follow me” or
Clearly, from the earliest years of the like Moses or Daniel. But it is the nature of the God. First and the Last, the Beginning and
gious leader”? Surprisingly, Jesus never “Obey me.”
church, Jesus was called Lord and regarded those claims that concern us. Two ques- the End.” (Revelation 22:13).”
claimed to be a religious leader. He never
But does that mean Jesus was a self-cen- by most Christians as God. Yet his divinity tions are worthy of attention. DID • “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
got into religious politics or pushed an am-
was a doctrine that was subjected to great
JESUS CLAIM TO (John 14:6)
bitious agenda, and he ministered almost tered egoist? Certainly not. On the contrary,
debate (see “Mona Lisa’s Smirk,” page 30). • Did Jesus actually claim to be God? BE THE CREATOR? • “I am the only way to the Father
entirely outside the established religious his entire life and ministry were focused
So the question—and it is the question—is • When he said “God,” did Jesus [God].” (John 14:6)
framework. When one compares Jesus with on other people and their needs, especially
really mean he was the Creator of But is it possible that Jesus was just • “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the
those who were hurting and disenfran- this: Did Jesus really claim to be God (the
the other great religious leaders, a remark- reflecting God’s authority and was not
Creator), or was his divinity something in- the universe spoken of in the Father.” (John 14:9)
able distinction emerges. Ravi Zacharias, chised. The hallmarks of his ministry were
Hebrew Bible? stating that he was the actual Creator?
humility, compassion, and forgiveness. vented or assumed by the New Testament
who grew up in a Hindu culture, has stud- At first glance that seems plausible. Yet
Nevertheless, Jesus made it clear that he authors?
ied world religions and observed a funda- Jesus’ claim to have all authority seems to
Strangely, the problem with answering
mental distinction between other religious was sent from God and that he had the
these questions is not having too little data make sense only if he is the Creator of the
power to forgive sins—a claim that infuri- Some scholars believe Jesus was such a
founders and Jesus Christ. universe.
powerful teacher and compelling personal- but having too much. But to see the answer
ated the religious leaders.
ity that his disciples just assumed he was more clearly, looking at a deluge of instanc-
Whatever we may make of their
God. Or maybe they just wanted to think es may be less helpful than exploring a few
claims, one reality is inescap- No other major religious leader ever
he was God. John Dominic Crossan and in more detail—and better understanding
able. They are teachers who point claimed the power to forgive sins. But that
the Jesus Seminar (a fringe group skeptical their contexts. Let’s consider Jesus’ words
to their teaching or show some is not the only claim Jesus made that sepa-
of scholars with presuppositions against in Matthew 28:18: “I have been given com-
particular way. In all of these, there rated him from the others. In The World’s
miracles) are among those who believe plete authority in heaven and on earth.”
emerges an instruction, a way of Great Religions, Huston Smith observed,
“Only two people ever astounded their Jesus was deified in error. Others who say
living. It is not Zoroaster to whom
he didn’t claim to be God include Mormons, What did Jesus mean when he claimed to
you turn; it is Zoroaster to whom contemporaries so much that the question
Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, have complete authority in heaven and on
you listen. It is not Buddha who they evoked was not ‘Who is he?’ but ‘What
22 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com JESUS COMPLEX • ARTICLE TWO • 23
are created equal, that they are endowed
“Then comes the real shock. Among these Jews and a few other religious groups outside the earth? A danger of interpretation is to read But this leads us to another point. Many
by their Creator with certain unalienable borders of traditional Christianity. into a historical document our definition— sayings of Jesus, if isolated and parsed,
Rights …”
there suddenly turns up a man who goes about talk- could be made to say something other than
in this case, what we mean by “complete
ing as if he was God. He claims to forgive sins. He Christians insist that Jesus did claim de- authority.” But to locate meaning, context what Jesus meant by them. Besides noting
There is in all of this a drastic logical says He always existed. He says He is coming to ity. As a Deist, Thomas Jefferson had no is everything. historical context (that is, the meaning of
contradiction. Jefferson was by all counts judge the world at the end of time.” problem accepting Jesus’ teachings on “authority” in first-century Palestine), we
a genius, but he wasn’t able to spot the morals and ethics while denying his deity.7 “Authority” was a well-understood term in ascertain meaning by referencing with
key truth (most of us average mortals have But as we’ve said, and will explore further, Roman-occupied Israel. At that time, Cae- other statements. In other words, is this an
C. S. Lewis, Oxford scholar
missed it as well): if Jesus taught that he if he was not who he claimed to be, then sar was the supreme authority in the entire isolated statement of Jesus, or is it aug-
was God, could forgive sins, and was the we must examine some other alternatives, Roman world. His edict could instantly mented by other such claims?
delivers you; it is his Noble Truths is he?’ They were Jesus and Buddha. The
co-creator of the universe, then he would none of which would make him a great launch legions for war, condemn or exoner-
that instruct you. It is not Moham- answers these two gave were exactly the
not be a great moral teacher. It is hard to moral teacher. ate criminals, and establish laws and rules Here is a partial list of similar statements
mad who transforms you; it is the opposite. Buddha said unequivocally that
say what label we would give him, but it of government. In fact, Caesar’s authority found in the Gospels.
beauty of the Koran that woos you. he was a mere man, not a god—almost as
would best be given by a psychiatrist. Familiarity can breed apathy. And familiar was such that he himself claimed divinity.
By contrast, Jesus did not only if he foresaw later attempts to worship him.
statements by and about Jesus within the So, at the very least Jesus was claiming au- • “I am the resurrection and the life.”
teach or expound His message. He Jesus, on the other hand, claimed … to be
Gospels, including descriptions of him as thority on a par with Caesar himself. But He (John 11:25)
was identical with His message.5 divine.”6
the Son of God, can wash over us with- didn’t just say he had more authority than • “I am the light of the world.” (John
GREAT
RELIGIOUS The truth of Zacharias’s point is under- DID out our realizing how bold, radical, and the Jewish leaders or Roman rulers; Jesus 8:12)
LEADER? scored by the number of times in the JESUS CLAIM controversial they were. Even a superficial was claiming to be the supreme author- • “I and my Father are one.” (John
Gospels that Jesus’ teaching message was TO BE GOD? reading of the Gospels reveals that Jesus ity in the universe. To those he spoke to, 10:30)
claimed to be someone more than a prophet it meant that he was God. Not a god—but • “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the
Did Jesus deserve the title of “great reli- simply “Come to me” or “Follow me” or
Clearly, from the earliest years of the like Moses or Daniel. But it is the nature of the God. First and the Last, the Beginning and
gious leader”? Surprisingly, Jesus never “Obey me.”
church, Jesus was called Lord and regarded those claims that concern us. Two ques- the End.” (Revelation 22:13).”
claimed to be a religious leader. He never
But does that mean Jesus was a self-cen- by most Christians as God. Yet his divinity tions are worthy of attention. DID • “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
got into religious politics or pushed an am-
was a doctrine that was subjected to great
JESUS CLAIM TO (John 14:6)
bitious agenda, and he ministered almost tered egoist? Certainly not. On the contrary,
debate (see “Mona Lisa’s Smirk,” page 30). • Did Jesus actually claim to be God? BE THE CREATOR? • “I am the only way to the Father
entirely outside the established religious his entire life and ministry were focused
So the question—and it is the question—is • When he said “God,” did Jesus [God].” (John 14:6)
framework. When one compares Jesus with on other people and their needs, especially
really mean he was the Creator of But is it possible that Jesus was just • “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the
those who were hurting and disenfran- this: Did Jesus really claim to be God (the
the other great religious leaders, a remark- reflecting God’s authority and was not
Creator), or was his divinity something in- the universe spoken of in the Father.” (John 14:9)
able distinction emerges. Ravi Zacharias, chised. The hallmarks of his ministry were
Hebrew Bible? stating that he was the actual Creator?
humility, compassion, and forgiveness. vented or assumed by the New Testament
who grew up in a Hindu culture, has stud- At first glance that seems plausible. Yet
Nevertheless, Jesus made it clear that he authors?
ied world religions and observed a funda- Jesus’ claim to have all authority seems to
Strangely, the problem with answering
mental distinction between other religious was sent from God and that he had the
these questions is not having too little data make sense only if he is the Creator of the
power to forgive sins—a claim that infuri- Some scholars believe Jesus was such a
founders and Jesus Christ. universe.
powerful teacher and compelling personal- but having too much. But to see the answer
ated the religious leaders.
ity that his disciples just assumed he was more clearly, looking at a deluge of instanc-
Whatever we may make of their
God. Or maybe they just wanted to think es may be less helpful than exploring a few
claims, one reality is inescap- No other major religious leader ever
he was God. John Dominic Crossan and in more detail—and better understanding
able. They are teachers who point claimed the power to forgive sins. But that
the Jesus Seminar (a fringe group skeptical their contexts. Let’s consider Jesus’ words
to their teaching or show some is not the only claim Jesus made that sepa-
of scholars with presuppositions against in Matthew 28:18: “I have been given com-
particular way. In all of these, there rated him from the others. In The World’s
miracles) are among those who believe plete authority in heaven and on earth.”
emerges an instruction, a way of Great Religions, Huston Smith observed,
“Only two people ever astounded their Jesus was deified in error. Others who say
living. It is not Zoroaster to whom
he didn’t claim to be God include Mormons, What did Jesus mean when he claimed to
you turn; it is Zoroaster to whom contemporaries so much that the question
Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, have complete authority in heaven and on
you listen. It is not Buddha who they evoked was not ‘Who is he?’ but ‘What
22 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com JESUS COMPLEX • ARTICLE TWO • 23
Once again, we must go back to context. In by calling him a great moral teacher? C. S. The question we must deal with is, what Death, of course, brings all things into know his message would survive? Jesus’
the Hebrew Scriptures, when Moses asked Lewis argued, “I am trying here to prevent could possibly motivate Jesus to live his proper focus. And while many martyrs disciples had fled and Peter had denied
God his name at the burning bush, God anyone from saying the really foolish thing entire life as a lie? He taught that God have died for a cause they believed in, few him. Not exactly the formula for launching
answered, “I AM.” He was telling Moses that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready was opposed to lying and hypocrisy, so he have been willing to die for a known lie. a religious legacy.
that He is the only Creator, eternal and to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, wouldn’t have been doing it to please his Certainly all hopes for Jesus’ own personal
transcendent of time. but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ Father. He certainly didn’t lie for his follow- gain would have ended on the cross. Yet, to Do historians believe Jesus lied? Scholars
That is the one thing we must not say.”8 ers’ benefit. (All but one were martyred.) his last breath, he would not relinquish his have scrutinized Jesus’ words and life to
From that time on, no practicing Jew would And so we are left with only two other claim of being the unique Son of God. see if there is any evidence of a defect in
ever refer to himself or anyone else by “I AM.” In his quest for truth, Lewis knew that reasonable explanations, each of which is his moral character. In fact, even the most
As a result, Jesus’ “I AM” claims infuriated he could not have it both ways with the problematic. ardent skeptics are stunned by Jesus’ moral
the Jewish leaders. One time, for example, identity of Jesus. Either Jesus was who he A LEGACY and ethical purity. One of those was skeptic
some leaders explained to Jesus why they claimed to be—God in the flesh—or his and antagonist John Stuart Mill (1806–73),
were trying to kill him: “Because you, a mere claims were false. And if they were false, BENEFIT So if Jesus was above lying for personal the philosopher. Mill wrote of Jesus,
man, have made yourself God” (John 10:33). Jesus could not be a great moral teacher. benefit, perhaps his radical claims were
He would either be lying intentionally or he Many people have lied for personal gain. falsified in order to leave a legacy. But the About the life and sayings of Jesus
But the point here is not simply that such wonders why Christians and Muslims can’t would be a lunatic with a God complex. In fact, the motivation of most lies is some prospect of being beaten to a pulp and there is a stamp of personal origi-
a phrase fumed the religious leaders. The just all get along. (In the extended version, perceived benefit to oneself. What could nailed to a cross would quickly dampen the nality combined with profundity
point is that they knew exactly what he the final battle ends with a sing-along of Jesus have hoped to gain from lying about enthusiasm of most would-be superstars. of insight in the very first rank of
was saying—he was claiming to be God, “We Are the World.”) Characters like this his identity? Power would be the most obvi- men of sublime genius of whom
the Creator of the universe. It is only this are able to perceive events with the 20/20 ous answer. If people believed he was God, Here is another haunting fact. If Jesus our species can boast. When this
claim that would have brought the accusa- moral clarity that a century or a millennium WAS JESUS A he would have tremendous power. (That were to have simply dropped the claim of pre-eminent genius is combined
tion of blasphemy. To read into the text that of reflection has provided. LIAR? is why many ancient leaders, such as the being God’s Son, he never would have been with the qualities of probably
Jesus claimed to be God is clearly war- Caesars, claimed divine origin.) condemned. It was his claim to be God and the greatest moral reformer and
ranted, not simply by his words, but also by The idea that we are all part of God, and One of the best-known and most influential his unwillingness to recant of it that got martyr to that mission who ever
their reaction to those words. that within us is the seed of divinity, is sim- political works of all time was written by The rub with this explanation is that Jesus him crucified. existed on earth, religion cannot
ply not a possible meaning for Jesus’ words Niccolò Machiavelli in 1532. In his classic, shunned all attempts to move him in the be said to have made a bad choice
and actions. Such thoughts are revisionist, The Prince, Machiavelli exalts power, direction of seated power, instead chastis- If enhancing his credibility and historical in pitching upon this man as the
foreign to his teaching, foreign to his stated success, image, and efficiency above ing those who abused such power and reputation was what motivated Jesus to lie, ideal representative and guide for
beliefs, and foreign to his disciples’ under- loyalty, faith, and honesty. According to lived their lives pursuing it. He also chose one must explain how a carpenter from a humanity.10
standing of his teaching. Machiavelli, lying is okay if it accomplishes to reach out to the outcasts (prostitutes poor Judean village could ever anticipate
WHAT a political end. and lepers), those without power, creating the events that would catapult his name According to historian Philip Schaff, there
KIND OF GOD? Jesus taught that he is God in the way the a network of people whose influence was to worldwide prominence. How would he is no evidence, either in church history or
Jews understood God and the way the He- Could Jesus Christ have been motivated less than zero. In a way that could only be
The theory that Jesus may have believed in described as bizarre, all that Jesus did and
brew Scriptures portrayed God, not in the by this Machiavellian principle? We have
the divinity of all persons rests on what is said moved diametrically in the other direc-
way the New Age movement understands it on record that Muhammad lied, justify-
most loathed in a movie like The Kingdom tion from power.
God. Neither Jesus nor his audience had ing his actions by the principle that the
of Heaven. In revisionist historical mov-
been weaned on Star Wars, and so when end justifies the means. Maybe Jesus also
9
ies, characters are plopped into the past, It would seem that if power was Jesus’ mo-
they spoke of God, they were not speaking lied. In fact, the Jewish opponents of Jesus
equipped with modern-day sensibilities tivation, he would have avoided the cross at
of cosmic forces. It’s simply bad history to were constantly trying to expose him as
and worldviews, immune to the prejudices, all costs. Yet, on several occasions, he told
redefine what Jesus meant by the concept a fraud and liar. They would barrage him
values, and beliefs of the world that the his disciples that the cross was his destiny
of God. with questions in attempts to trip him up
director has made them occupy. The result, and mission. How would dying on a Roman
and make him contradict himself. Yet Jesus
in The Kingdom of Heaven, is that the me- cross bring one power?
But if Jesus wasn’t God, are we still okay responded with remarkable consistency.
dieval pilgrim, played by Orlando Bloom,
24 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com JESUS COMPLEX • ARTICLE TWO • 25Once again, we must go back to context. In by calling him a great moral teacher? C. S. The question we must deal with is, what Death, of course, brings all things into know his message would survive? Jesus’
the Hebrew Scriptures, when Moses asked Lewis argued, “I am trying here to prevent could possibly motivate Jesus to live his proper focus. And while many martyrs disciples had fled and Peter had denied
God his name at the burning bush, God anyone from saying the really foolish thing entire life as a lie? He taught that God have died for a cause they believed in, few him. Not exactly the formula for launching
answered, “I AM.” He was telling Moses that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready was opposed to lying and hypocrisy, so he have been willing to die for a known lie. a religious legacy.
that He is the only Creator, eternal and to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, wouldn’t have been doing it to please his Certainly all hopes for Jesus’ own personal
transcendent of time. but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ Father. He certainly didn’t lie for his follow- gain would have ended on the cross. Yet, to Do historians believe Jesus lied? Scholars
That is the one thing we must not say.”8 ers’ benefit. (All but one were martyred.) his last breath, he would not relinquish his have scrutinized Jesus’ words and life to
From that time on, no practicing Jew would And so we are left with only two other claim of being the unique Son of God. see if there is any evidence of a defect in
ever refer to himself or anyone else by “I AM.” In his quest for truth, Lewis knew that reasonable explanations, each of which is his moral character. In fact, even the most
As a result, Jesus’ “I AM” claims infuriated he could not have it both ways with the problematic. ardent skeptics are stunned by Jesus’ moral
the Jewish leaders. One time, for example, identity of Jesus. Either Jesus was who he A LEGACY and ethical purity. One of those was skeptic
some leaders explained to Jesus why they claimed to be—God in the flesh—or his and antagonist John Stuart Mill (1806–73),
were trying to kill him: “Because you, a mere claims were false. And if they were false, BENEFIT So if Jesus was above lying for personal the philosopher. Mill wrote of Jesus,
man, have made yourself God” (John 10:33). Jesus could not be a great moral teacher. benefit, perhaps his radical claims were
He would either be lying intentionally or he Many people have lied for personal gain. falsified in order to leave a legacy. But the About the life and sayings of Jesus
But the point here is not simply that such wonders why Christians and Muslims can’t would be a lunatic with a God complex. In fact, the motivation of most lies is some prospect of being beaten to a pulp and there is a stamp of personal origi-
a phrase fumed the religious leaders. The just all get along. (In the extended version, perceived benefit to oneself. What could nailed to a cross would quickly dampen the nality combined with profundity
point is that they knew exactly what he the final battle ends with a sing-along of Jesus have hoped to gain from lying about enthusiasm of most would-be superstars. of insight in the very first rank of
was saying—he was claiming to be God, “We Are the World.”) Characters like this his identity? Power would be the most obvi- men of sublime genius of whom
the Creator of the universe. It is only this are able to perceive events with the 20/20 ous answer. If people believed he was God, Here is another haunting fact. If Jesus our species can boast. When this
claim that would have brought the accusa- moral clarity that a century or a millennium WAS JESUS A he would have tremendous power. (That were to have simply dropped the claim of pre-eminent genius is combined
tion of blasphemy. To read into the text that of reflection has provided. LIAR? is why many ancient leaders, such as the being God’s Son, he never would have been with the qualities of probably
Jesus claimed to be God is clearly war- Caesars, claimed divine origin.) condemned. It was his claim to be God and the greatest moral reformer and
ranted, not simply by his words, but also by The idea that we are all part of God, and One of the best-known and most influential his unwillingness to recant of it that got martyr to that mission who ever
their reaction to those words. that within us is the seed of divinity, is sim- political works of all time was written by The rub with this explanation is that Jesus him crucified. existed on earth, religion cannot
ply not a possible meaning for Jesus’ words Niccolò Machiavelli in 1532. In his classic, shunned all attempts to move him in the be said to have made a bad choice
and actions. Such thoughts are revisionist, The Prince, Machiavelli exalts power, direction of seated power, instead chastis- If enhancing his credibility and historical in pitching upon this man as the
foreign to his teaching, foreign to his stated success, image, and efficiency above ing those who abused such power and reputation was what motivated Jesus to lie, ideal representative and guide for
beliefs, and foreign to his disciples’ under- loyalty, faith, and honesty. According to lived their lives pursuing it. He also chose one must explain how a carpenter from a humanity.10
standing of his teaching. Machiavelli, lying is okay if it accomplishes to reach out to the outcasts (prostitutes poor Judean village could ever anticipate
WHAT a political end. and lepers), those without power, creating the events that would catapult his name According to historian Philip Schaff, there
KIND OF GOD? Jesus taught that he is God in the way the a network of people whose influence was to worldwide prominence. How would he is no evidence, either in church history or
Jews understood God and the way the He- Could Jesus Christ have been motivated less than zero. In a way that could only be
The theory that Jesus may have believed in described as bizarre, all that Jesus did and
brew Scriptures portrayed God, not in the by this Machiavellian principle? We have
the divinity of all persons rests on what is said moved diametrically in the other direc-
way the New Age movement understands it on record that Muhammad lied, justify-
most loathed in a movie like The Kingdom tion from power.
God. Neither Jesus nor his audience had ing his actions by the principle that the
of Heaven. In revisionist historical mov-
been weaned on Star Wars, and so when end justifies the means. Maybe Jesus also
9
ies, characters are plopped into the past, It would seem that if power was Jesus’ mo-
they spoke of God, they were not speaking lied. In fact, the Jewish opponents of Jesus
equipped with modern-day sensibilities tivation, he would have avoided the cross at
of cosmic forces. It’s simply bad history to were constantly trying to expose him as
and worldviews, immune to the prejudices, all costs. Yet, on several occasions, he told
redefine what Jesus meant by the concept a fraud and liar. They would barrage him
values, and beliefs of the world that the his disciples that the cross was his destiny
of God. with questions in attempts to trip him up
director has made them occupy. The result, and mission. How would dying on a Roman
and make him contradict himself. Yet Jesus
in The Kingdom of Heaven, is that the me- cross bring one power?
But if Jesus wasn’t God, are we still okay responded with remarkable consistency.
dieval pilgrim, played by Orlando Bloom,
24 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com JESUS COMPLEX • ARTICLE TWO • 25in secular history, that Jesus lied about this theory, Jesus was deluded into actually if the life and death of Socrates are those of But, if Lewis is right, then the claims of
ENDNOTES
anything. Schaff argued, “How, in the name believing he was the Messiah. a philosopher, the life and death of Jesus Jesus maintain their weight and press in
of logic, common sense, and experience, Christ are those of a God.”14 around us, soliciting a response. As Lewis 1
C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1972), 51.
could a deceitful, selfish, depraved man C. S. Lewis considered this option care- stated it: 2
Quoted in Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, vol. 1 (Nashville: Nelson,
have invented, and consistently maintained fully. Lewis deduced the insanity of Jesus’ Schaff posed the question we must ask 1979), 127.
from the beginning to end, the purest and claims—if they are not true. He said that ourselves: “Is such an intellect—thoroughly You must make your choice. Either 3
Will Durant, The Story of Philosophy (New York: Washington Square, 1961), 428.
noblest character known in history with the someone who claimed to be God would not healthy and vigorous, always ready and this man was, and is, the Son of 4
Linda Kulman and Jay Tolson, “The Jesus Code,” U. S. News & World Report, December
most perfect air of truth and reality?”11 be a great moral teacher. “He would either always self-possessed—liable to a radical God: or else a madman or some- 22, 2003, 1.
be a lunatic—on a level with the man who and most serious delusion concerning his thing worse. You can shut Him up 5
Ravi Zacharias, Jesus among Other Gods (Nashville: Word, 2000), 89.
To go with the option of liar seems to swim says he is a poached egg—or else he would own character and mission?”15 for a fool, you can spit at Him and 6
Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli, Handbook of Christian Apologetics (Downers Grove, IL:
upstream against everything Jesus taught, be the Devil of Hell.”12 kill him as a demon or you can fall InterVarsity, 1994), 150.
lived, and died for. To most scholars, it just So, was Jesus a liar or a lunatic, or was he at his feet and call Him Lord and 7
A Deist is someone who believes in a standoffish God—a deity who created the world and
doesn’t make sense. Yet, to deny Jesus’ Even those most skeptical of Christianity the Son of God? Could Jefferson have been God. But let us not come with any then lets it run according to pre-established laws. Deism was a fad among intellectuals
claims, one must come up with some rarely question Jesus’ sanity. Social reformer right by labeling Jesus “only a good moral patronizing nonsense about His around the time of America’s independence, and Jefferson bought into it.
explanation. And if Jesus’ claims are not William Channing (1780–1842), admittedly teacher” while denying him deity? Interest- being a great human teacher. He 8
Lewis, 52.
true, and he wasn’t lying, the only option not a Christian, made the following observa- ingly, the audience who heard Jesus—both has not left that open to us. He did 9
Norman L. Geisler and Abdul Saleeb, Answering Islam (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2003),
remaining is that he must have been self- tion about Jesus: “The charge of an extrava- believers and enemies—never regarded not intend to.16 178–80.
deceived. gant, self-deluding enthusiasm is the last him as a mere moral teacher. Jesus pro- 10
Quoted in Josh McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict (San Bernardino,
to be fastened on Jesus. Where can we find duced three primary effects in the people CA: Here’s Life, 1999), 159.
traces of it in history? Do we detect them in who met him: hatred, terror, or adoration. 11
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 160.
the calm authority of His precepts?”13 12
Lewis, 52.
There was no trace of apathy about Jesus 13
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 161, 162.
WAS JESUS Although his own life was filled with and his message. No evidence of people 14
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 122, 129.
A LUNATIC? immorality and personal skepticism, the re- expressing mild approval of him. Yet, two 15
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 162.
nowned French philosopher Jean-Jacques centuries after Jefferson, many still cut and 16
Lewis, 52.
Albert Schweitzer, who was awarded the Rousseau (1712–78) acknowledged Jesus’ paste their own version of Jesus to com-
Nobel Prize in 1952 for his humanitarian superior character and presence of mind. fortably fit their lives, for a watered-down
efforts, had his own views about Jesus. “When Plato describes his imaginary righ- Jesus like Jefferson’s makes no demands
Schweitzer concluded that insanity was teous man, loaded with all the punishments upon us. And we need not concern our-
behind Jesus’ claim to be God. In other of guilt, yet meriting the highest rewards of selves with what Jesus said about life and
words, Jesus was wrong about his claims virtue, he describes exactly the character of purpose when we can more easily delete
but didn’t intentionally lie. According to Christ. … What presence of mind. … Yes, his claims.
28 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com JESUS COMPLEX • ARTICLE TWO • 29in secular history, that Jesus lied about this theory, Jesus was deluded into actually if the life and death of Socrates are those of But, if Lewis is right, then the claims of
ENDNOTES
anything. Schaff argued, “How, in the name believing he was the Messiah. a philosopher, the life and death of Jesus Jesus maintain their weight and press in
of logic, common sense, and experience, Christ are those of a God.”14 around us, soliciting a response. As Lewis 1
C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1972), 51.
could a deceitful, selfish, depraved man C. S. Lewis considered this option care- stated it: 2
Quoted in Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, vol. 1 (Nashville: Nelson,
have invented, and consistently maintained fully. Lewis deduced the insanity of Jesus’ Schaff posed the question we must ask 1979), 127.
from the beginning to end, the purest and claims—if they are not true. He said that ourselves: “Is such an intellect—thoroughly You must make your choice. Either 3
Will Durant, The Story of Philosophy (New York: Washington Square, 1961), 428.
noblest character known in history with the someone who claimed to be God would not healthy and vigorous, always ready and this man was, and is, the Son of 4
Linda Kulman and Jay Tolson, “The Jesus Code,” U. S. News & World Report, December
most perfect air of truth and reality?”11 be a great moral teacher. “He would either always self-possessed—liable to a radical God: or else a madman or some- 22, 2003, 1.
be a lunatic—on a level with the man who and most serious delusion concerning his thing worse. You can shut Him up 5
Ravi Zacharias, Jesus among Other Gods (Nashville: Word, 2000), 89.
To go with the option of liar seems to swim says he is a poached egg—or else he would own character and mission?”15 for a fool, you can spit at Him and 6
Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli, Handbook of Christian Apologetics (Downers Grove, IL:
upstream against everything Jesus taught, be the Devil of Hell.”12 kill him as a demon or you can fall InterVarsity, 1994), 150.
lived, and died for. To most scholars, it just So, was Jesus a liar or a lunatic, or was he at his feet and call Him Lord and 7
A Deist is someone who believes in a standoffish God—a deity who created the world and
doesn’t make sense. Yet, to deny Jesus’ Even those most skeptical of Christianity the Son of God? Could Jefferson have been God. But let us not come with any then lets it run according to pre-established laws. Deism was a fad among intellectuals
claims, one must come up with some rarely question Jesus’ sanity. Social reformer right by labeling Jesus “only a good moral patronizing nonsense about His around the time of America’s independence, and Jefferson bought into it.
explanation. And if Jesus’ claims are not William Channing (1780–1842), admittedly teacher” while denying him deity? Interest- being a great human teacher. He 8
Lewis, 52.
true, and he wasn’t lying, the only option not a Christian, made the following observa- ingly, the audience who heard Jesus—both has not left that open to us. He did 9
Norman L. Geisler and Abdul Saleeb, Answering Islam (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2003),
remaining is that he must have been self- tion about Jesus: “The charge of an extrava- believers and enemies—never regarded not intend to.16 178–80.
deceived. gant, self-deluding enthusiasm is the last him as a mere moral teacher. Jesus pro- 10
Quoted in Josh McDowell, The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict (San Bernardino,
to be fastened on Jesus. Where can we find duced three primary effects in the people CA: Here’s Life, 1999), 159.
traces of it in history? Do we detect them in who met him: hatred, terror, or adoration. 11
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 160.
the calm authority of His precepts?”13 12
Lewis, 52.
There was no trace of apathy about Jesus 13
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 161, 162.
WAS JESUS Although his own life was filled with and his message. No evidence of people 14
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 122, 129.
A LUNATIC? immorality and personal skepticism, the re- expressing mild approval of him. Yet, two 15
Quoted in McDowell, New Evidence, 162.
nowned French philosopher Jean-Jacques centuries after Jefferson, many still cut and 16
Lewis, 52.
Albert Schweitzer, who was awarded the Rousseau (1712–78) acknowledged Jesus’ paste their own version of Jesus to com-
Nobel Prize in 1952 for his humanitarian superior character and presence of mind. fortably fit their lives, for a watered-down
efforts, had his own views about Jesus. “When Plato describes his imaginary righ- Jesus like Jefferson’s makes no demands
Schweitzer concluded that insanity was teous man, loaded with all the punishments upon us. And we need not concern our-
behind Jesus’ claim to be God. In other of guilt, yet meriting the highest rewards of selves with what Jesus said about life and
words, Jesus was wrong about his claims virtue, he describes exactly the character of purpose when we can more easily delete
but didn’t intentionally lie. According to Christ. … What presence of mind. … Yes, his claims.
28 • ARTICLE TWO • JESUS COMPLEX © 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com JESUS COMPLEX • ARTICLE TWO • 29You can also read
