The majority of biblical scholars and historians believe that Jesus existed as a historical man, that he was born in Palestine around the year 4BC and that he died at the hands of the Romans some thirty years later. A small minority of historians and scholars, however, dissent from this consensus. In between, there are many shades of belief with some scholars claiming that there is very little historical information in the gospels whilst others claim they are wholly trustworthy.
David Warden is a sceptic, believing on historical grounds that Jesus is an entirely mythical figure. John Ponter is a sceptic when it comes to relying exclusively on historical methods to settle such a question. He believes that the primary place where Jesus is encountered is not in the Bible nor in historical research. It is in the here and now, in the many-sided aspects of our experience, and our understanding of life as an individual and as a community. David Warden is a retired business trainer and Chairman of Dorset Humanists. He has degrees in theology and management and he is currently studying for a diploma in counselling and psychotherapy. John Ponter was ordained in 1963. He has worked in a range of communities and in various roles in training and education. He has a degree in theology and a doctorate in philosophy.
‘Out of the Box’ is a dialogue group for people who subscribe to different worldviews. We aim to attract an even mix of Christians and Humanists but we welcome people of all faiths and none.
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