<<This might be valid in discussion of Christian communities
later on, but I think that Brian needs to show that faith in
resurrection was a necessary attribute for messianic judaism
for his rebuttal to hold in discussion of the faith of the
disciples/apostles. The Sadduces, at least, appeared to feel
their own faith to be not pointless, and they had no belief
in resurrection.>>
Ian Wilson writes: "Of the fate of James, we learn from Josephus, Eusebius and
Hegesippus that after leading a life of great piety, worshipping daily in the
Temple, and winning great respect from the ordinary people, in 62 AD he was
murdered at the instigtion of one of that same Sadducee sect responsible for
the death of Stephen, and of his brother Jesus." [Jesus: The Evidence, p. 149]
<<It seems that many in this discussion wish to accord to the
disciples/apostles a mindset that incorporates all the finer
points of modern Christian doctrine. I don't think that that
stance bears out. The disciples/apostles were Jews, and what
they considered to be a faith of value would be derived from
that belief system as it existed at that time. The Peter/Paul
rift over gentile entry into the faith is a clue that doctrine
developed over time, and was not sprung fully into being all
at once.>>
This is true. But the centrality of the resurrection was there from the
beginning, in both Petrine and Pauline doctrine.
<< Was there one
coherent political stance of the disciples? Perhaps, or
perhaps not. However, a resurrection could serve more than
just the purpose of establishing a faith; it could help move a
population closer to revolt as well. Rebels are well-known for
willingness to die in advancement of the cause.>>
The obvious question here is, What political cause? I can think of only one
possibility: the messianic overthrow of the Roman government. But this seems
unlikely as a rationale for a resurrection story. Subsequent apostolic
preaching was not political. Indeed, Paul emphasized obedience to the secular
government.
Jim