Q: I noticed that Judeans always prioritize themselves over the Galilee region. So, do you think the apostles could have made up Christ just to stop Judea’s superiority claims as well as to stop the Jewish scholars from oppressing the rest of the population? Forgive me if it is a stupid question. As I grow closer to God doubts start flooding my mind. — Josh
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:
It’s good that you are airing the question.
First, it’s unlikely that a group of simple fishermen and tax collectors would have ever dreamed up someone like Jesus.
He is so unique and profound, and so unexpected in many ways. Simple minds in ancient Israel would certainly have never come up with the notion of what we now call the Trinity, with Jesus being the Son of God.
Moreover, just about all the apostles suffered martyrdom. It’s unlikely that they would have died for the sake of a lie.
Besides, there were lots of people who knew the apostles and who could have refuted a make-believe story about Jesus.
As for trying to stop those “superiority claims”: The Gospels according to Matthew and Luke plainly say that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which is in the southern province of Judea.
That would give Judea “bragging rights” as the birthplace of the Savior — something the northern province Galilee couldn’t boast.
And even though Jesus was crucified in Judea, he didn’t always get warm welcomes in Galilee. A case in point is when people in Nazareth tried to hurl him down the brow of a hill.
Also, Jesus rose from the dead in Judea, which meant that that area would have some of the most revered places in Christianity, eclipsing Galilee.
Moreover, the spectacular conversion and baptism of 3,000 people on Pentecost morning took place in Jerusalem, in Judea (Acts 2:41). Remember that Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles.
As for trying to stop the “Jewish scholars”: The Gospels note that Jesus’ focus was on calling people to repentance and announcing the Kingdom.
True, Jesus had run-ins with scholars and various authority figures. But some of them are portrayed positively, such as the scribe whom Our Lord praised: “And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’” (Mark 12:34). And there’s Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who brought spices to help prepare the body of Jesus for burial (John 19:39).
By the way, don’t be surprised by these questions and difficulties that come to mind.
A suggestion: Try browsing the Catholic Answers site for specific topics.
As you try to draw nearer to God, the devil might be trying to sow doubts in you. Don’t fall for his tricks.