You are too humble. There are levels within levels. The deeper one investigates the more one discovers.
There are fundamental realities in the body of Judaic history and theology that defy scientific principles.
To understand the historical evidence for Jesus it is vital to study ancient Jewish history and the prophets. Jesus is, after all is said and done, the culmination of ancient Jewish history.
I have no pro nor con re: religion. I realize, being Man, I have no concept of the finer workings that could/might be divine (origin of the Universe, the soul (good vs. bad)...Hell, how atoms form an ‘object’ but don’t bond to the next nearest ‘object’ (ie; touch two fingers together..pressure only)
IMHO, the greatest ‘ding’ is the church, picking/choosing of Books to include in the Bible. If they are the word of God/life of Christ, why would you keep ANY account OUT??
I enjoy the theological threads like these, great discussion all around, w/out the call (yet) of fire and brimstone :)