Jesus of Nazareth is one of history’s most influential figures, yet misconceptions about Him persist, particularly among some atheists. This article addresses 15 common misunderstandings about Jesus, providing clarifications supported by scholarly insights and references.
1. Jesus Never Existed
Some atheists assert that Jesus is a mythical figure who never existed. However, the overwhelming consensus among historians—both secular and religious—is that Jesus of Nazareth was a historical person.
Bart Ehrman, an agnostic historian, states: “The idea that Jesus did not exist is a modern myth…and virtually every scholar of antiquity agrees.”¹
Non-Christian sources, such as the writings of Tacitus and Josephus, also reference Jesus, affirming His existence and crucifixion.²
¹ Bart Ehrman, Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth (New York: HarperOne, 2012).
² Cornelius Tacitus, Annals 15.44.
2. Jesus Was Merely a Moral Teacher
While acknowledging Jesus as a moral teacher, some atheists deny His divine claims. However, Jesus made explicit claims to divinity. In John 10:30, He declared, “I and the Father are one,” and in Mark 14:61–64, He affirmed being the “Son of Man” who would sit at God’s right hand.
C.S. Lewis argued: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic…or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice.”³
³ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperCollins, 2001).
3. Jesus Didn’t Claim to Be God
Some skeptics argue that Jesus never claimed divinity. However, His statements and actions, especially within the Jewish context, indicate otherwise. For instance, in John 8:58, Jesus stated, “Before Abraham was, I am,” invoking God’s name from Exodus 3:14. Additionally, in Mark 2:5–7, Jesus forgave sins, an authority attributed solely to God in Jewish belief.
N.T. Wright notes: “Jesus’ actions and words, particularly in the context of Second Temple Judaism, were clear claims to divine authority.”⁴
⁴ N.T. Wright, Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters (New York: HarperOne, 2011).
4. The Gospels Are Unreliable
Critics often claim that the Gospels are unreliable due to their composition decades after Jesus’ life. However, by ancient standards, a gap of 30–60 years is relatively short, especially when written within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses. The Gospels are supported by early oral traditions and multiple independent sources.
Richard Bauckham explains: “The Gospels are based on eyewitness testimony, and their writers intended to preserve accurate historical accounts.”⁵
⁵ Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006).
5. Jesus’ Story Was Borrowed from Pagan Myths
Some suggest that Jesus’ narrative was derived from myths of dying and rising gods. However, these alleged parallels are often superficial or misrepresented. Moreover, the Jewish context of Jesus’ life and teachings makes such borrowing highly improbable, as Jews were staunchly opposed to pagan myths.
William Lane Craig writes: “The idea of Jesus being a copy of pagan myths has been debunked by historians. The Jewish worldview was radically different from any pagan mythology.”⁶
⁶ William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008).
6. Jesus’ Teachings Were Not Unique
Some argue that Jesus borrowed His teachings from other religious or philosophical traditions. While Jesus drew on Jewish scriptures, His teachings often defied cultural norms. His command to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44) and His radical forgiveness (Luke 23:34) were profoundly countercultural.
N.T. Wright observes: “Jesus’ teachings turned conventional wisdom upside down, offering a vision of God’s kingdom that was utterly unique.”⁷
⁷ N.T. Wright, The Challenge of Jesus (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 1999).
7. Jesus Was a Failed Political Revolutionary
Some portray Jesus as a failed revolutionary executed for political insurrection. However, Jesus explicitly rejected violence (Matthew 26:52) and proclaimed a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36). His mission was spiritual, focusing on redemption from sin rather than political overthrow.
Craig Keener writes: “While Jesus’ message had implications for social justice, it was fundamentally about the transformation of hearts, not political overthrow.”⁸
⁸ Craig S. Keener, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009).
8. Jesus Didn’t Die on the Cross
The “swoon theory” suggests that Jesus survived the crucifixion and later appeared to His disciples. However, this theory is inconsistent with historical and medical evidence. Roman executioners were proficient in ensuring death, and the spear wound described in John 19:34 confirms that Jesus was already dead. Non-Christian sources like Tacitus and Josephus also affirm Jesus’ crucifixion.
Alexander Metherell, a medical expert, explains: “The idea that Jesus survived crucifixion is medically and historically implausible.”⁹
⁹ Alexander Metherell in Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998).
9. Jesus’ Resurrection Is a Myth
Some skeptics dismiss the resurrection as a myth created by early Christians. However, the resurrection was proclaimed immediately after Jesus’ death, as evidenced by the early creed in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8. The empty tomb, post-resurrection appearances, and the disciples’ transformation are well-documented.
Gerd Lüdemann, an atheist scholar, concedes: “It may be taken as historically certain that Peter and the disciples had experiences after Jesus’ death in which Jesus appeared to them as the risen Christ.”¹⁰
¹⁰ Gerd Lüdemann, The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1994).
10. Jesus’ Ministry Was Exclusively Jewish
Some critics argue that Jesus’ ministry was solely directed at Jews, making Him irrelevant to the broader world. While Jesus’ earthly ministry primarily targeted Israel (Matthew 15:24), He consistently demonstrated a universal mission. He healed Gentiles (Matthew 8:5–13), praised a Samaritan (Luke 10:33), and commissioned His disciples to make disciples of “all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Michael Green writes: “Jesus’ message transcended cultural and ethnic boundaries, reflecting God’s universal plan of redemption.”¹¹
¹¹ Michael Green, Evangelism in the Early Church (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970).
11. Jesus Opposed Women’s Equality
Some skeptics claim that Jesus upheld patriarchal norms, but His actions demonstrate otherwise. Jesus treated women with dignity and respect, breaking cultural norms by including them among His followers (Luke 8:1–3), speaking with a Samaritan woman (John 4:26), and appearing first to women after His resurrection (Matthew 28:1–10).
Dorothy Sayers writes: “It is curious that people who are shocked by what the Gospels say about women are shocked by what they do not say—that women were not scorned or patronized by Jesus.”¹²
¹² Dorothy Sayers, Are Women Human? (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005).
12. Jesus Was Against Wealth
Some atheists argue that Jesus condemned wealth entirely. While He warned against greed (Luke 12:15) and called for generosity, Jesus did not condemn wealth itself. His parables (e.g., the talents in Matthew 25:14–30) emphasize stewardship of resources for God’s purposes.
Randy Alcorn explains: “Jesus never condemned wealth itself but challenged people to use it for eternal purposes.”¹³
¹³ Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, and Eternity (Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2003).
13. Jesus’ Miracles Were Fabrications
Some skeptics claim Jesus’ miracles were fabricated to bolster His reputation. However, the Gospels present the miracles as signs of His divine authority and compassion. Even His opponents in the Gospels acknowledged His miracles but attributed them to other sources (Mark 3:22).
Craig Blomberg states: “The miracles of Jesus are deeply embedded in the Gospel tradition and are consistent with His claims to divinity.”¹⁴
¹⁴ Craig Blomberg, The Historical Reliability of the Gospels (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2007).
14. Jesus Didn’t Teach About Hell
Some atheists claim that the concept of hell was added later by the Church. However, Jesus frequently warned about judgment and described hell as a place of separation from God (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:19–31). His teachings on hell emphasize divine justice and the need for repentance.
Tim Keller writes: “Jesus taught more about hell than anyone else, but always with a view toward inviting people into God’s grace.”¹⁵
¹⁵ Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (New York: Riverhead, 2008).
15. Jesus Was Only About Love and Acceptance
While Jesus emphasized love, He also called for repentance and transformation (Mark 1:15). His love was not passive approval but active grace that challenges sin and changes lives. He forgave sinners but also said, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).
D.A. Carson writes: “The love of Jesus is inseparable from His call to holiness and repentance.”¹⁶
¹⁶ D.A. Carson, The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God (Wheaton: Crossway, 2000).
The Transforming Power of Jesus
The life and teachings of Jesus Christ have shaped history in unparalleled ways. He is the most written-about, studied, and debated figure in history, and His influence has been transformational both in the lives of His followers and in the world.
The Transformation of His Disciples
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for the historical Jesus is the transformation of His disciples. They went from fearful, scattered individuals at His crucifixion to bold witnesses willing to die for their faith. This change can only be explained by their genuine belief that they encountered the risen Christ.
Richard Dawkins, despite his atheism, admits: “It is possible to mount a serious historical case that this illusion gave birth to a religion that swept the world.”¹⁷
¹⁷ Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006).
Scholars on Jesus’ Impact
Even secular and skeptical scholars acknowledge the significance of Jesus and His profound impact:
- Bart Ehrman: “Jesus certainly existed, and the impact of His life and teachings continues to be felt.”
- Geza Vermes: “Jesus of Nazareth occupies a unique place in the history of religion and cannot be dismissed.”
- E.P. Sanders: “Jesus’ resurrection experiences—whatever their nature—must be acknowledged for their role in launching the Christian movement.”
Christian Scholars on Jesus’ Significance
Christian scholars affirm Jesus’ uniqueness as both the Son of God and the Savior of the world:
- N.T. Wright: “The resurrection of Jesus confirms that His teachings, death, and life were part of God’s redemptive plan.”
- C.S. Lewis: “Christianity, if true, is of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
A Final Challenge
Could it be that some atheists misunderstand or misrepresent Jesus because of preconceived ideas rather than an honest examination of the evidence? Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and resurrection invite all to explore His claims and consider their transformative implications. As Sam Harris, another outspoken atheist, concedes: “There is no doubt that Jesus was an influential moral figure whose teachings continue to inspire millions.”¹⁸
¹⁸ Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006).
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