Was Judas Iscariot a figure of history? I do not think so. There is no mention of him in any source before the 8th decade.

Apologetic explanations do not develop unless there is a reality that has to be explained and defended. Jesus was undeniably a figure of history.

Jesus represents the possibilities of a new dimension of existence that transcends all the boundaries that restrict us from opening ourselves to God and allowing this source of love to flow through us.

The Bible interprets life from its particular perspective; it does not record in a factual way the human journey through history.

I think that anything that begins to give people a sense of their own worth and dignity is God.

I was baptized as an infant. I was confirmed as an adolescent; I was active in my church's youth group and in my university student group. I was married before the church's altar; trained at the church's seminaries, ordained deacon and priest at age 24.