Based on the extensive research that I did back in 1987-90 I believe that
'christianity' is based on Paul's interpretation of Jesus. Paul's version of christianity most definitely was not the same as the Jesus movement! I believe that the man Jesus was a Jewish patriot that opposed the tyranny of Roman rule in Judaea, I believe that he was crucified (just like 1,000's of other Jewish men) for sedition against Rome. I believe that if the words 'My God, My God why have you forsaken me' were actually spoken by Jesus it was because at that point he realized that God was not going to intervene and help him/his followers overthrow the Roman oppressors. The Jesus movement didn't happen in a political vacuum! I found the following books very interesting: The Myth Maker: Paul and the Invention of Christianity, Revolution in Judea both by Hyam Maccoby
and Jesus and the Zealots by S.G.F. Brandon. Also the series on PBS titled
From Jesus to Christ very informative, its also available at:
frontline: from jesus to christ - the first christians