Quote from smilingsynic:
1. There is no substantiated historical evidence that Jesus was God. This is entirely a matter of faith.
As opposed to all the evidence of everyone else who claimed to be God?
The fact is, there is a large amount of evidence for his claims in the existence of several hundred fulfilled prophecies. It is quite unlikely that you ever did an objective analysis of them, or even did the standard cursory look of a "skeptic", who is able to dismiss everything out of hand whether he grasps it or not.
2. Most of the so-called historical evidence of Jesus's existence was composed decades after his death.
Please post your proof of this on this thread, thanks...
In terms of primary historical documents (first-hand evidence), evidence is nil.
This can be said for most historical characters. Perhaps we should dismiss every such person without "firsthand evidence? The fact is, there are far more copies of the New Testament from the century or two following Christ's lifetime than any character or book in history. Hundreds to thousands of partial and complete works.
Most Jewish writings are from strong oral traditions. Your complaint against written evidence overlooks that this was the main way that information was passed on, and usually, quite accurately.
Secondly, Josephus, Jewish writings and Roman writings have significant amounts to say about his effect and presence.
Try doing your homework first before displaying so much ignorance. You don't even qualify as a rank amateur.