Jesus
From Srafopedia
Jesus Christ, who is also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is a central figure of Christianity. He was born in Galilee in a Jewish family. There isn't much information about the historical figure of Jesus other than that he was a spiritual teacher and that he was crucified by the Romans. According to the the New Testament, Mary the mother of Jesus, was a virgin impregnated by the Holy Spirit and therefore Jesus was the son of God. Christian doctrine states that God sent his son to Earth to die for the sins of Mankind. It is believed that if a person accepts Jesus as his savior his sins will be forgiven. Many Christians believe that belief in Jesus is the only way of getting to Heaven. It is also believed that Jesus is the "Messiah" whose coming was prophesied in the Old Testament.
Most of the information about Jesus comes from the four Gospels of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They present an account of Jesus travelling with the closest of his followers who are also known as the Twelve Apostles, preaching and performing miracles, such as healing the sick, turning water into wine, walking on water and rising from the dead. According to the gospels Jesus was ultimately betrayed by one of the Apostles and was crucified on orders of Pontius Pilate.
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Non-Christian views
Non-Christian views of Jesus vary significantly. There is a number of writings about him that were not included in the Bible, they are known as the Gnostic Gospels and are not recognised by Christian church. Jewish teachings do not recognise Jesus as the Messiah and claim that he is yet to come. Muslims see Jesus as a prophet but do not acknowledge his divinity. Non-religious people believe that Jesus was an ordinary man. Still, Jesus' teachings of peace are recognised even by non-Christians and he is considered to be one of the great moral thinkers of his time.
The "Pagan Christ"
Many of the stories of Jesus and his life are remarkably similar to very much earlier pagan myths: notably that of the Egyptian deity, Horus, who was born of a virgin in the middle of the winter, heralded by a star and angels, was baptised in a river at the age of 30 by a man who was subsequently beheaded, walked on water and performed miracles, was crucified with two theives and rose from the dead after three days. (Parallels between Jesus and Horus)
Similarities also exist with the Roman god Mithras, also probably styled on Horus. For more information about the possible pagan origins of these stories, see Pagan Origins of the Christ Myth.
Jesus in His Dark Materials
Jesus is mentioned only twice in His Dark Materials, both times in the same conversation. He is mentioned by Mary Malone when she is telling Will and Lyra about her life as a nun. She says that she had dedicated her life to him and was not living her life to its full extent.
In an interview with Tony Watkins Philip Pullman said that he considers Jesus to be one of those people who were inspired by the rebel Angels and gained wisdom and tried to share it with other people. Pullman also said that the Authority always tried to stop such people hinting that the crucifixion of Jesus was arranged by the Kingdom of Heaven.
See also: New Testament
