An ex-software professional from Australia has claimed himself to be Jesus Christ through reincarnation, causing quite a sensation across the southern continent.

Alan John Miller, also known as AJ, also claimed that his partner, Mary Luck, is Saint Mary Magdalene.

The self-proclaimed Jesus told Sky News, "I have very clear memories of the crucifixion, but it wasn't as harrowing for me as it was for others like Mary who was present."

Elaborating on his crucifixation memories, he added, "When you are one with God you are not in a state of fear, and you have quite good control over your body's sensations and the level of pain that you absorb from your body."

Recalling his past life, the new age messiah said he had performed some miracles. "I did resurrect quite a number of people ... including a friend of mine Lazarus, who most people know is mentioned in the Bible," he said.

Miller, who resides in Wikesdale, conducts seminars about developing personal relationship with god, which his website Divine Truth claims.

To spread his message globally, Miller has published several DVDs and leaflets with the aid of the donation money which Divine Truth receives.

With the growing adulation for the living god, many of his followers have bought properties to settle close to him.

One such case is 39-year-old neuroscientist Lousie Luli Faver, who came down from Britain to stay close to Miller. "It's just nice to instead of being surrounded by people who think you are nuts, to be surrounded by people who understand what you are going through and the difficulties of trying to deal with all the emotional stuff," she said.

Similarly, businessman George Hamel, who found nothing wrong with Miller's claim of being Christ, gave up his family and profession life to live near his god.

However, critics aren't too happy with the development of this religious cult which believes in Miller.

Reverend David Milkan is of the opinion that such a religious movement is hazardous as it would ultimately lead to loss of personal life.

"The danger is you'll be drawn closer and closer into his web to a point that you lose access to your social life, you spend all your money, you'll have the curses of all your family ringing in your ears and you may well lose your relationship," said Milkan, an observer of cults for the last 30 years.

When asked of the opposition, Miller said, "There were lots of people in the first century who didn't believe I was the Messiah and were offended by what I said - and in fact I died at the hands of some of them."

"Unfortunately they didn't learn love either and my suggestion is, even if you don't believe I am Jesus, at least learn how to love," added the self proclaimed God.