Is the Death of Jesus in Vain if Christianity is False?

Many believe that Christianity holds the truth, with Jesus, the Son of God, proclaiming in John 14:6: 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' To them, the teachings within Christianity are the only path to salvation of the soul. However, if we consider the possibility that there is no real Jesus or God, does the narrative of his death on the cross hold any meaning?

While the notion of Jesus dying on the cross might crumble under scrutiny, the story and the concept of Christianity may still serve a purpose. According to Christian teachings, the act of worshipping God is meant to guide individuals to become the best possible version of themselves. This moral guidance can function as a compass to one's own moral beliefs. However, the effectiveness of this guidance is subjective, as it ultimately depends on the individual's desire to embrace moral integrity.

It is crucial to acknowledge that Christianity has been manipulated and exploited throughout history by individuals for their own personal gain. However, this does not diminish the impact of those who genuinely strive to improve the world through their beliefs. For instance, a simple example can illustrate this point:

Prayer for World Peace

A few years ago, my grandparents taught me a prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Lady of all Nations. They believed that if every person on Earth prayed it, true world peace would be achieved. Initially, I was skeptical. After all, was the Virgin Mary going to descend from heaven and end all wars if 7 billion people prayed the same prayer? But over time, I came to understand that it wouldn't matter if there was an actual divine being. The act of praying for peace would change the people and their intentions.

Imagine if every individual in the world said this prayer, they would all be advocating for peace. If everyone believed and yearned for peace, wars would become obsolete. Although this seems like a long shot, it highlights the power of collective belief and intention.

Jesus and the Socrates of His Time

A key argument in favor of the value of Jesus's teachings, even if Jesus himself never existed, lies in the strategy of communication he employed. Jesus, akin to the philosopher Socrates, simplified complex ideas to make them accessible to the masses. He understood the nature of the spiritual or divine force, but he likely simplified his teachings to be more palatable for the common people. Once his teachings were recorded and spread, the original intent may have been altered, making his sacrifice a tool for inspiration rather than merely a lesson.

Thus, it is reasonable to assert that the narrative of Jesus's supposed death was not in vain. He made a profound point by offering his life for his belief in and his love for this divine being. His teachings, although possibly “dumbed down” for the masses, still carry a powerful message that has been influential for centuries.

In conclusion, if Jesus never died on the cross or if there is no such thing as a divine being, the story still carries its value. It serves as a guiding light for moral integrity and a reminder of the power of collective belief.