Accord Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 ROME (Reuters) - Forget the U.S. debate over intelligent design versus evolution. An Italian court is tackling Jesus -- and whether the Roman Catholic Church may be breaking the law by teaching that he existed 2,000 years ago. The case pits against each other two men in their 70s, who are from the same central Italian town and even went to the same seminary school in their teenage years. The defendant, Enrico Righi, went on to become a priest writing for the parish newspaper. The plaintiff, Luigi Cascioli, became a vocal atheist who, after years of legal wrangling, is set to get his day in court later this month. "I started this lawsuit because I wanted to deal the final blow against the Church, the bearer of obscurantism and regression," Cascioli told Reuters. Cascioli says Righi, and by extension the whole Church, broke two Italian laws. The first is "Abuso di Credulita Popolare" (Abuse of Popular Belief) meant to protect people against being swindled or conned. The second crime, he says, is "Sostituzione di Persona", or impersonation. "The Church constructed Christ upon the personality of John of Gamala," Cascioli claimed, referring to the 1st century Jew who fought against the Roman army. A court in Viterbo will hear from Righi, who has yet to be indicted, at a January 27 preliminary hearing meant to determine whether the case has enough merit to go forward. "In my book, The Fable of Christ, I present proof Jesus did not exist as a historic figure. He must now refute this by showing proof of Christ's existence," Cascioli said. Speaking to Reuters, Righi, 76, sounded frustrated by the case and baffled as to why Cascioli -- who, like him, came from the town of Bagnoregio -- singled him out in his crusade against the Church. "We're both from Bagnoregio, both of us. We were in seminary together. Then he took a different path and we didn't see each other anymore," Righi said. "Since I'm a priest, and I write in the parish newspaper, he is now suing me because I 'trick' the people." Righi claims there is plenty of evidence to support the existence of Jesus, including historical texts. He also claims that justice is on his side. The judge presiding over the hearing has tried, repeatedly, to dismiss the case -- prompting appeals from Cascioli. "Cascioli says he didn't exist. And I said that he did," he said. "The judge will to decide if Christ exists or not." Even Cascioli admits that the odds are against him, especially in Roman Catholic Italy. "It would take a miracle to win," he joked. :mischief2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlin Nation Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 "I started this lawsuit because I wanted to deal the final blow against the Church, the bearer of obscurantism and regression," Cascioli told Reuters." Sounds like me at 12 years old, lol! The Romans were very astute at record-keeping especially with legal stuff, so I'm pretty comfortable with Jesus existing as fact. Whether he was the son of God and the details of his life are subjects that have infinitely more value and room to debate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Guy's got stones. But, let's think for a moment, what if he was right? Can you imagine the effect this would have on Christians? I'd be interested to see the schism between those who believed the facts and those who wouldn't recognize it (with the majority siding on the latter, methinks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 People honestly think that Jesus of Nazareth was made up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Accord Posted January 5, 2006 Author Share Posted January 5, 2006 Guy's got stones. But, let's think for a moment, what if he was right? Can you imagine the effect this would have on Christians? I'd be interested to see the schism between those who believed the facts and those who wouldn't recognize it (with the majority siding on the latter, methinks). This could mean the end of Christmas. I bet Walmart, Macy's, Saks, ToysRUs, and other companies wouldn't let it happen though :lol . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Juanky Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Isn't there legit proof that Jesus walked the Earth 2,000 years ago? I've always heard of Roman records from the time dealing with his arrest and trial. Plus, not only are there Christian records but there should be Jewish records of his existence as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FutureGM Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Jesus certainly existed, I think there were records discovered of his crucifixion in Rome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckeye Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 They've never found a body or a place of burial, though. I'm not saying the guy's legit, but what we have is based on records by organizations who could and, maybe, would FAKE something like this to get people to join the club so to speak. He could have existed, I think probably he did, but what do I have to go on besides the records of the organizations he was supposedly involved with? I'd like to see his trial record, though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Juanky Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Why would it be in the Roman and Jewish best interests for Jesus to have existed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boog Sciambi Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 so the guy is arguing against not only the catholic church, any christian church, jews, and muslims? btw, jews and muslims also believe that jesus existed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minus Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Not only did he existed but the fact that he has affected so many people around the world is proof enough for me.What people have endured in his name sake to preach the gospel around the world.It saddest me what this guy is trying to do.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.