Those are some insightful comments. To approach the Bible and teachings of Jesus from a historical, existential perspective is not necessarily in conflict with faith. They can go hand in hand. It is just that some people, perhaps you and I for example, seek to find more than what is the belief of the day. That we are expected to believe that which is dealt to us is too simple, and therefore we seek knowledge. Is this to be declared blasphemous? So be it. After all, was it not Jesus' desire to seek the truth? Had Jesus resigned himself to the life a carpenter this discussion does not exist.
The question now becomes -- "where or how does the inspiration to seek knowledge manifest itself within ourselves?" It's as if you either got it or you don't, perhaps it is genetic. If one does not have the knowledge and does not care to seek it, yet at the same time fears being without it, then some kind of faith in something is embraced. And that faith can be Christianity, Buddhism, Muslim, or even New Age.
With respect to your comment -- "After the Crucifixion, Jesus spent the rest of his life in utter obscurity in a monastery." Explain this to me for I thought it was historically accurate that Jesus had died.
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