Richard Carrier's mythicist theory (Jesus in outer space, apostles were schizotypal): Carrier is credentialed but widely disrespected in his field, on the fringe of scholarship. His strength is recall of sources; his weakness is unjustified connections between data points. His scholarly language ("perhaps," "what if") masks the extreme nature of his claims. Put the burden of proof on him to defend his theory.

Richard Carrier: PhD historian, mythicist (denies historical Jesus). Uses hedging language to present extreme theories as plausible conjecture. Appeals mainly to online atheists. Strategy: make Carrier defend his positive case rather than Christians defending against every fringe theory. Anything supporting the historicity of Jesus or the resurrection argues against Carrier by default. Look for unjustified connections in his reasoning.