As an atheist who is the daughter of a catholic school teacher- there has been lots of debate in my family You have to remember the bible is a historical book written by people's accounts of events. Much of it happened as Jesus was a man who lived and died on this earth. But just as accident / crime witnesses always differe on their accounts- people differ in their accounts of most things.

By definition all religion is a cult- including catholicism. By Definition. An acceptable cult, but nonetheless a cult- even my catholic school teacher mom can agree on that. So in my atheist "terms" religion is a cult that "got out of hand" so to speak. Sure, Jesus lived and there were 12 men who followed him and called themselves disciples, but as for miracles- did he walk on water- well go to cape cod bay when the water is just coming in and walk along and have someone take a pic-sure looks like walking on water!!! All things are not always what they seem.

I am also a huge amateur astronomer and have a bit of obsession with cosmology. When religion was "created" it was a way to explain the unexplainable. Just as Greek mythology- but placing the mythology into human form made it more "mainstream". Now- many doors are being opened in space and cosmology and the evidence for evolution is there.

Facts can explain the unexplainable. Answers don't need to be made up based on lore. And even theologians are starting to combine the two- even Stephen Hawking believes there is a place for God in science.

As for the tomb- could be - could not be- but Jesus was just a charismatic man who changed the history and beliefs of the world.

So the above are just my opinion , I know many many will not agree and probably be upset as to my definitions- but just my side of the "great debate".

A baptist theology student I was debating with once said I would go to hell for not believeing in god. My response was- well if there happens to be "god" making that decision somewhere, then as "he" created me he will understand my pragmatic view and need for scientific fact and explanation and will readily admit me to heaven!!!