Josephus and The Jesus Mythers.

[sandwiches]

Seems to be a bit of an onslaught on Josephus in the internet Jesus Mythers community? There was Carrier's article on the reference to the passage on James (which according to the author - if no-one else - pretty well disposed of the authenticity of that reference - Carrier also disposed of the Testimonium in passing). But they seem also determined to attack the reference in Josephus to John the Baptist. This appeared on Vridar:

vridar.org/2013/08/24/so-john-the-baptist-was-interpolated-into-josephus-one-more-argument-for-the-forgery-case/

So John the Baptist was interpolated into Josephus? One more argument for the forgery case

The reference to John the Baptist in Josephus makes no direct allusion to Jesus, so why the desire to discredit that reference? Any suggestions?

[fortigurn]

The idea seems to be that undermining the historicity of John the Baptist further undermines the historicity of Jesus and validates Mytherist claims of forgery when confronted by inconvenient historical records.

[ignorantianescia]

James McGrath has commented on that article here:

www.patheos.com/blogs/exploringourmatrix/2013/08/josephus-jesus-and-john.html

Nir has also argued against the Jewish origins of 2 Baruch (a fairly unique position) and Joseph and Aseneth (more common).

[sandwiches]

Thanks for the responses. I suppose the mention of John the Baptist and his custom of baptism in Josephus might be seen as corroboration of the gospel accounts of John the Baptist. The McGrath article is interesting; I will read up on it. One can only wonder that the late Geza Vermes saw the Josephus accounts as illuminating, while lesser lights on the internet go to such extraordinary lengths to claim they are interpolations.

[wraggy]

James McGrath is still dealing with the James, the Lord's brother deniers.

What exactly is it that you still need in order to be convinced that Paul was most likely referring to James as the literal biological brother of the Lord?

www.patheos.com/blogs/exploringourmatrix/2013/11/james-the-lords-brother.html

[ignorantianescia]

"Long-form birth certificate," I bet they'll say.

Nir's views seem to have to be related to a concern for a too heterogeneous Judaism at the time.