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7. Is there any parallel to Jesus in human history besides
the fictitious figures of Bacchus, Apollo, Adonis, Homs and
other virigin-born gods?
8. Does it not give new insight to compare the words at-
tributed to Jesus with those of Bacchus, who said that he was
the Alpha and Omega of the world, and had come to redeetn
humanity by his blood? Could the similarity of these words
to those ascribed to Jesus in later years stimulate a new zeal
to search for the whole truth of the matter?
9. What did the Roman authorities have against Jesus?
He was no threat to their control. In fact he did many favors
for their leading personalities and their households. He
taught his followers to render unto Caesar what belonged to
Caesar and unto God what belonged to God. He was a
peaceful preacher and a great help to the Roman authorities
in keeping law and order in the land. Why then would they
crucify him and lose such a good law-abiding citizen and
supporter?
10. How much is known about the character of the Ro-
man governor, Pilate? Was he on good terms with the contemporary
Jews who appeaied to Rome against him? Was
his rule in Judaea not expressive of his hatred and contempt
of them? Was he not vulnerable to bribes? Why then would
he hasten to do their will or implement their order? Why
would he not accept the bribe of a rich admirer of Jesus such