The Christian Compass

Jesus of Nazareth is widely recognized as the first truly historical figure in Christianity. His life, teachings, and the historical evidence supporting his existence have been pivotal in shaping the religion and its followers. This article explores the historical context of Jesus, examines the ancient texts and historians that reference him, and delves into the significance of his role in Christianity. By understanding Jesus from both a historical and religious perspective, we can gain deeper insights into the foundations of one of the world's largest religions. Historical Evidence of Jesus: Ancient Texts: The primary sources of information about Jesus are the Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These texts, written by Jesus' followers, provide detailed accounts of his life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection. Despite being religious texts, they are considered valuable historical documents. Non-Christian Sources: Josephus: A first-century...

The cross, a ubiquitous symbol of Christianity today, wasn't always embraced as a representation of faith. In fact, its journey from a despised instrument of torture to a cherished emblem of hope is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the resilience of early Christians. The Cross in Roman Times In the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a brutal form of execution reserved for the worst criminals and slaves. It was a public spectacle designed to humiliate and deter dissent. The cross, therefore, was a symbol of shame, suffering, and death. Early Christian Symbols In the early days of Christianity, when persecution was rampant, believers were cautious about openly displaying their faith. They used discreet symbols like the fish (ichthys), which represented Jesus as the "Son of God, Savior," and the Chi-Rho, a monogram of the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek. These symbols allowed Christians to identify each other and ex...