Socrates

The most noticeable comparison between Jesus Christ and Socrates was that the charges against them. They were both seen as an “evil” influence to the townspeople because of their different ways to see life and for their beliefs on religion. Jesus was considered a heretic because he preached monotheism in a polytheistic world. He called himself the messiah, a divine being and the son of God and the Jews saw that as a major offence. The Roman Government did not like that Jesus questioned the oppressiveness and discrimination of the Roman law against people that were considered inferior, as he felt we were all created equal. Socrates was charged with corrupting the youth, as he went around seeing how little most people knew by asking questions. Socrates also worshipped the gods of Sparta, rather than the gods of Athens. Socrates and Jesus generally both drew large crowds when they preached their views (Socrates and Christ). Jesus and Socrates were both considered to be “corrupting society.” That was the main reason why they were brought to trial. In a democratic society, Socrates tried to open people eyes by questioning the purpose of society’s set of morals and virtues. Jesus though people to question their religious beliefs and introduced concepts of faith. He came and thought that humans should seek a relationship with God not a religion. For the established order at the time they were both attracting too much attention. Jesus claimed that there was one God almighty, not many others. Jesus spoke with authority and performed miracles for everyone to see and hear (Socrates and Christ).
Jesus claimed to be the word of God, the “King of the Jews” which made him a threat and He was viewed as attempting to overthrow a monarchy. Socrates was charged with heresy by not believing in the Athenian gods, and was accused of being an atheist despite having a clear belief and understanding in divine power. Like Jesus, Socrates is seen as one who has more knowledge or wisdom