When he died at 33, she was at least in her 50's, maybe 60's. Once that rock rolled away and he was found to have raptured up and out, did she sell pebbles for pennies?

I'm an atheist but I want to understand how people can justify believing these fantasies.

and some people want to believe.

They can believe what they want.

I would love for it all to be true, there are too many horrible people living their fantasy by pushing off to others their fantasy interpretations. All we have is our faith, or not, and a bunch of people taking every advantage using the stories.

I prefer the sidelines.

As a little kid who was taken to Sunday School and LOVED the stories of Jesus I have wandered far away from them and am more comfortable now. Still, would I wish to find out they were true? I think so, it is hard to lose what you are fed as a wondering child.

Thank you

it goes against what is historically known for the time. So no, this grave is not the midwife who helped in Yeshua's birth, which, if he existed, was most likely in Nazareth.

I see no point in entering a debate that would solve nothing. People have a right to believe as they wish regarding religion or even not believing as atheists.

Do I have issues with Christianity? I certainly do as many of us have for plenty of reasons, far too many to list here. Do I believe in Jesus? Yes but I also believe in Judaism, Muhammad and Buddha. If it is a teaching of peace, tolerance of others and love, please include me. I am well aware far too many Christians are intolerant, that is why I shy away from them and am ambivalent towards churches as well as organized faiths.

I do not need any man or woman telling me how I should feel, do or think about anything regarding a personal faith. There is either right or there is wrong. I do my best daily to do right by others no matter who they are. Well, other than today's republicans unless they are somewhat receptive to at least civilly discussing something.

Anyways, believe or do not. It's your choice and I respect that.

information about Salome, some things I vaguely remembered from previous study.

I think we did the same thing lol. I had to look her up as well for the same reason, John The Baptist.