Yes, the Jesus story is long in the tooth. The gospel story is the end of the story. Great... I sometimes like to read the end before the beginning... So that defeats the purpose of mystery stories. But it's also good to see how an author develops the story.Charles Wilson wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2024 10:18 amKeep Posting on this, maryhelena. Mebbe someday, someone here will realize that there was a History in the area before...before... JESUS!!!.maryhelena wrote: ↑Wed Apr 03, 2024 9:40 am And just to keep history in mind in view of the OP ... Alexander Jannaeus did not bring down the Hasmonean dynasty.... That tragedy fell to Hyrancus and Antigonus.
The beginning
Toldot Yeshu. Alexander Jannaeus and Queen Helene.
The update.
Slavonic Josephus. Herod and Archelaus to Pilate. The 'anointed one' and the baptiser and the wonder-doer stories.
The end, the conclusion.
The gospels. Quirinus to Tiberius and Pontius Pilate. (gospel of Luke) Jesus and John the Baptist.
An historical foundation on which to build a political allegory. An allegory enhanced with theology and philosophy. Not forgetting a sprinkling of pure magic....