Charismatic qualities

[Rose2020]

What is the unmistakable quality of charisma?
Why do we listen to and idolise one man and not another? Few there are that are able to command respect and loyal following from the masses.

Jesus stands alone as the greatest, in my opinion.Thousands followed Him then, millions now.

Same question applies to every charismatic leader - why do people hero worship and trust certain leaders? I wonder in the case of some, is it great public relations talents - such as the Tele evangelist types, or the pop stars of today? Then there is the dark side, the Hitler's of this world - what personal qualities did he possess that meant millions did as he wanted?

Can charisma be quantified?

[Miles]

What is the unmistakable quality of charisma?

As dictionaries tell it, it's "a compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others."

Why do we listen to and idolise one man and not another?

Probably depends on what resonates with us.

Jesus stands alone as the greatest, in my opinion.

My take is that it isn't any compelling attractiveness or charm that attracts the believer, but what he supposedly can do for them after they die. It isn't the man, but his promise, so I fail to see Jesus as being charismatic at all.

Thousands followed Him then, millions now.

Only because of what they believe he can do for them.

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[Rose2020]

Indeed Miles
But why would they believe Jesus? There must have been proof then, over the ages and now. He healed instantly and in full view. Yes He brought hope. People do not continue to believe without good reason.
Charisma is an undefined factor. All we know is when someone has it.

Of course it works in darkest ways too. Hitler being a prime example. Millions follow a leader whose promises seem credible. Only a compelling personality can command such devotion.

[Difflugia]

But why would they believe Jesus?

That's not the question. The question is why people would believe stories about Jesus. You do now, people did then.

There must have been proof then, over the ages and now.

Why? Is it only you that takes others' word for it? If everyone now trusts the stories themselves, why must the tradition go back to someone that needed evidence beyond the stories?

He healed instantly and in full view. Yes He brought hope.

According to the stories, anyway.

People do not continue to believe without good reason.

Have you ever met a Mormon? Have you ever read the Book of Mormon?

[Miles]

Indeed Miles
But why would they believe Jesus? There must have been proof then, over the ages and now. He healed instantly and in full view. Yes He brought hope. People do not continue to believe without good reason.

And how many people have what they consider to be good reason for supporting the political party you oppose? Everyone thinks they have "good reason" for doing whatever they do; helping an old lady cross the street, or shooting up heroin. For the most part, today people believe the Jesus story because they were brought up to do just that: parental influence. Others come to Christianity or retain it because it offers comfort to in their daily lives and/or has a comforting answer to what lies after death. That and the fact that European and American folk have little exposure to alternative religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Plus, Christianity has been the most widespread religion in the world---think of missionaries and conquering Christian invaders. Aside from its story, Jesus and company has had more going for it than any other religion. Doesn't make it right of course, just more popular.

Charisma is an undefined factor. All we know is when someone has it.

Well here are a few definitions:

charisma
noun: charisma; plural noun: charismata
1. compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
source: Oxford Languages Dictionary
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charisma
noun
cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə
1: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (such as a political leader)
His success was largely due to his charisma.

2: a special magnetic charm or appeal
source: Merriam-Webster dictionary
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charisma
noun [ U ]
us /kəˈrɪz.mə/ uk /kəˈrɪz.mə/
C2
a special power that some people have naturally that makes them able to influence other people and attract their attention and admiration:
source: Cambridge Dictionary
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charisma
Word forms: plural chaˈrismata (kəˈrɪzmətə )
1. Christian Theology
a divinely inspired gift, grace, or talent, as for prophesying, healing, etc.
: also ˈcharˌism (ˈkærˌɪzəm )
2. a special quality of leadership that captures the popular imagination and inspires allegiance and devotion
3. a special charm or allure that inspires fascination or devotion
source: Collins Dictionary

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