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Gospel Truth: On the Trail of the Historical Jesus
Russell Shorto does a crackerjack job of summing up the latest research on the historical Jesus. Without taking sides, Shorto draws a fascinating picture of Jesus the man by approaching the topic from all available angles, such as his Greekness, his Jewishness, his miracles, and his message. Although there is nothing in this book that hasn't been said already, it's value lies in its easy-to-read, balanced synthesis of the cacophony of scholarly and religious opinions. Not meant as a challenge to the Gospels but as an honest exploration of an issue of profound significance to so many Christians and non-Christians alike.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
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About the author
Russell Shorto
39 books514 followersRussell Shorto is the author, most recently, of Revolution Song, a new narrative of the American Revolution, which the New York Times called a "remarkable" achievement and the Chicago Tribune described as "an engaging piece of historical detective work and narrative craft." He is also the author of The Island at the Center of the World, a national bestseller about the Dutch founding of New York. Shorto is senior scholar at the New Netherland Institute and was formerly the director of the John Adams Institute in Amsterdam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 26, 2011
This is an excellent book. Russel Shorto's examination of the current trends in New Testament scholarship, and in particular the work of the Jesus Seminar (and its opponenents), is a well-written, balanced, informative, inspiring and enjoyable. In addition to learning a good deal about the state of contemporary scholarship and theology, the reader may also have his/her own personal beliefs challenged and informed/evolved.
Shorto starts by introducing the reader to the Jesus Seminar, its work and, eventually, its critics. Essentially, this is a non-denominational, inter-disciplinary research effort to discover/uncover the "historical Jesus," basically Jesus the human being and first century Jewish peasant and subsequent itinerant prophet as opposed to the mythologized Christ on whom the world's largest religion is based. It is revelatory work, as public awareness of the current state of New Testament scholarship isn't high. In fact, the vast majority of those calling themselves Christians believe (literal) things about Jesus that most scholars do not believe to be historically accurate. In fact, a major thrust of the Seminar's critics is to insure that this 'belief gap' is not exposed, as the implication for modern Christianity is that many of its seminal tenets will be disproved and, in so doing, may alienate most (if not virtually all) of its erstwhile adherents.
That his treatment of all sides of the subject is so respectful and careful is a tribute to the author's abundant skill and is critical to the book's impact. It's hard to take him to task because he is so truly "fair and balanced" in his approach. If I were to quibble, about the only significant criticisms of the work are that the author may bend over a little too far backward to be so at various points and that the book starts more slowly than it finishes. Other than this, it is an enjoyable and informative read that will encourage the reader to compare, contrast and evolve his/her beliefs along the way.
Accordingly, I recommend this book to all who are interested in contemporary New Testament scholarship and theology - believers and non-, those more fundamental in approach and those more heretical, etc. - and to those who may be interested in evolving their own belief system. Essentially Shorto supplies an interesting and compelling overview that can serve as a strong foundation for one's own further exploration. You will come to know Jesus differently and better ... but not completely (which, the author notes, is an impossible task), thereby drawing you deeper into the mystery that is God....
Shorto starts by introducing the reader to the Jesus Seminar, its work and, eventually, its critics. Essentially, this is a non-denominational, inter-disciplinary research effort to discover/uncover the "historical Jesus," basically Jesus the human being and first century Jewish peasant and subsequent itinerant prophet as opposed to the mythologized Christ on whom the world's largest religion is based. It is revelatory work, as public awareness of the current state of New Testament scholarship isn't high. In fact, the vast majority of those calling themselves Christians believe (literal) things about Jesus that most scholars do not believe to be historically accurate. In fact, a major thrust of the Seminar's critics is to insure that this 'belief gap' is not exposed, as the implication for modern Christianity is that many of its seminal tenets will be disproved and, in so doing, may alienate most (if not virtually all) of its erstwhile adherents.
That his treatment of all sides of the subject is so respectful and careful is a tribute to the author's abundant skill and is critical to the book's impact. It's hard to take him to task because he is so truly "fair and balanced" in his approach. If I were to quibble, about the only significant criticisms of the work are that the author may bend over a little too far backward to be so at various points and that the book starts more slowly than it finishes. Other than this, it is an enjoyable and informative read that will encourage the reader to compare, contrast and evolve his/her beliefs along the way.
Accordingly, I recommend this book to all who are interested in contemporary New Testament scholarship and theology - believers and non-, those more fundamental in approach and those more heretical, etc. - and to those who may be interested in evolving their own belief system. Essentially Shorto supplies an interesting and compelling overview that can serve as a strong foundation for one's own further exploration. You will come to know Jesus differently and better ... but not completely (which, the author notes, is an impossible task), thereby drawing you deeper into the mystery that is God....
February 26, 2014
Rather than give a long, detailed review, I'll just say that the author does an excellent job with his intention in giving historical context to the time of the New Testament. A great choice for those who would like to explore why events likely didn't happen exactly as stated, though Shorto does not at all throw the baby out with the bath water (atheist-style de-bunking).
As one example, the underlying Hebrew word used to describe Mary did not imply virginity at all, but that a woman hadn't yet become pregnant.
As one example, the underlying Hebrew word used to describe Mary did not imply virginity at all, but that a woman hadn't yet become pregnant.
March 13, 2022
This is not a book to be read lightly. It could totally upend your Christian faith. So reader, beware.
It is written by historian and journalist Russell Shorto, who is not a New Testament scholar or theologian, but rather a talented nonfiction author of books on various topics. This is not his specialty—academic or otherwise.
That said, Shorto relies on modern-day New Testament research—archaeological, scientific, and theological—to separate the Jesus of the Gospels from the Jesus of history. And the two are very different. Putting a stern scientific lens on the familiar Gospel stories, Shorto's purpose is to either verify or disprove everything from the Virgin Birth to the Resurrection.
Among many other things, find out:
• Why Jesus's birth stories in Matthew and Luke are so different and what that means.
• Which of Jesus's miracles scholars are pretty much in agreement happened and which were likely made up to prove a point.
• Something you probably long suspected about the parables.
• Why John the Baptist was far better known in the first century than was Jesus.
• Details about Jesus's ministry you probably never knew.
• The tragic and nefarious reasons Jews have been unfairly and unjustly blamed for 2,000 years for Jesus's death.
• What this all means for our present-day churches and congregations.
Because Shorto can be seemingly brutal in his attempts to discredit popular events in Jesus's life, when he concludes that something is most likely true, it feels wondrous. And there is a lot that is true! But even with the events, deeds, and miracles that Shorto doubts happened, he tries to show how our beliefs came to be and why the Gospel writers portrayed those events, deeds, and miracles as they did.
Incredibly well-written, this book is a fascinating journey of both faith and fact in the quest to find the historical Jesus. But again, reader beware!
It is written by historian and journalist Russell Shorto, who is not a New Testament scholar or theologian, but rather a talented nonfiction author of books on various topics. This is not his specialty—academic or otherwise.
That said, Shorto relies on modern-day New Testament research—archaeological, scientific, and theological—to separate the Jesus of the Gospels from the Jesus of history. And the two are very different. Putting a stern scientific lens on the familiar Gospel stories, Shorto's purpose is to either verify or disprove everything from the Virgin Birth to the Resurrection.
Among many other things, find out:
• Why Jesus's birth stories in Matthew and Luke are so different and what that means.
• Which of Jesus's miracles scholars are pretty much in agreement happened and which were likely made up to prove a point.
• Something you probably long suspected about the parables.
• Why John the Baptist was far better known in the first century than was Jesus.
• Details about Jesus's ministry you probably never knew.
• The tragic and nefarious reasons Jews have been unfairly and unjustly blamed for 2,000 years for Jesus's death.
• What this all means for our present-day churches and congregations.
Because Shorto can be seemingly brutal in his attempts to discredit popular events in Jesus's life, when he concludes that something is most likely true, it feels wondrous. And there is a lot that is true! But even with the events, deeds, and miracles that Shorto doubts happened, he tries to show how our beliefs came to be and why the Gospel writers portrayed those events, deeds, and miracles as they did.
Incredibly well-written, this book is a fascinating journey of both faith and fact in the quest to find the historical Jesus. But again, reader beware!
November 3, 2018
Just finished my second reading of this great book. October - November, 2018. The first 4/5 of the book are fascinating. The two chapters before the final one are not so interesting to me,but are informative about what is happening in churches in America today.
December 31, 2017
This book may have strong appeal to atheists and it will surely infuriate fundamentalist christians. Overall I thought it was good, if a bit uneven.
The book's best moments came when the author presented the historical consensus on the four gospels (although the Gospel according to John is barely mentioned) and the influence of certain Old Testament books on the writings of Mark, Matthew and Luke (whoever these gospel writers may have been). Information on the Jesus of history and what miracles he may or may not have performed was also a highlight.
History is this book's strength. Conjecture is its weakness. As Shorto periodically got away from the historical consensus and introduced competing theories of who Jesus may have been he was swinging at air. Here he spoke with far less authority and the material was simply far less interesting. Also, Shorto made too much of how Jesus's teachings were largely nonsensical. I've heard enough excellent homilies about several of the cited messages to feel comfortable that they actually are very meaningful from a historical perspective and are meaningful today. In that regard I felt that Shorto cherry-picked to make a point.
Gospel Truth is provocative in a good way but maybe not the best book to read during the Christmas season.
The book's best moments came when the author presented the historical consensus on the four gospels (although the Gospel according to John is barely mentioned) and the influence of certain Old Testament books on the writings of Mark, Matthew and Luke (whoever these gospel writers may have been). Information on the Jesus of history and what miracles he may or may not have performed was also a highlight.
History is this book's strength. Conjecture is its weakness. As Shorto periodically got away from the historical consensus and introduced competing theories of who Jesus may have been he was swinging at air. Here he spoke with far less authority and the material was simply far less interesting. Also, Shorto made too much of how Jesus's teachings were largely nonsensical. I've heard enough excellent homilies about several of the cited messages to feel comfortable that they actually are very meaningful from a historical perspective and are meaningful today. In that regard I felt that Shorto cherry-picked to make a point.
Gospel Truth is provocative in a good way but maybe not the best book to read during the Christmas season.
February 18, 2009
If you want an easy-to-read distillation of the research of the Jesus Seminar and other recent biographers of Jesus, Shorto's book is your best bet. He proceeds through Jesus's life chronologically, taking up such issues as whether there was a Virgin birth, was Jesus really born in Bethlehem, the relationship or perhaps rivalry between Jesus and John the Baptist, the authenticity of his miracles, etc. Of course, the fiercest debate is saved for last: the nature of the Resurrection -- did it occur literally, or was there a vision, or perhaps a mass hallucination? Shorto endeavors not to take sides, but it seemed rather clear to me that he accepts the debunking efforts of the Jesus Seminar theologians. A thought-provoking book that is bound to stir up some heated discussion in any Bible-study group. Not recommended for those who subscribe to view that "the Bible says it, that settles it."
August 14, 2022
This is the third book I have read by Russel Shorto. Not as captivating as his best sellers Amsterdam and the Island at the Center of the world but definitely a very interesting read that had provided me with new insights into the historical Jesus Christ and the roots of Christianity. No matter what your faith or religion is, if you are interested in this topic, This book although already 25 years old provides a good summary of the different schools of thought on who Jesus was and which parts of the gospels are true (or not).
July 5, 2012
Author Shorto has achieved the nearly impossible -- written a book about the historical life and times of Jesus that will be a source of interest and inspiration to believers and non-believers alike.
April 14, 2013
I've read several books on historical Jesus scholarship and this is one of the better ones. Using both canonical and non-canonical sources from Middle Eastern history and culture from the time period, this book paints a realistic and believable picture of who Jesus may have been.
April 11, 2019
Excellent overview of a thorny subject
Russell manages to cover all the current findings surrounding the historical Jesus. Let's face it, it's pretty clear that the real Jesus never claimed to be divine and certainly wasn't. His importance, however, is not up for discussion. The religion founded in his name after his death has influenced western civilization for two millennia.
It behooves us to learn more about his reality as a Galilean and Jewish apocalyptic preacher, and understand how his death continues to influence people to this day. He was certainly an interesting figure, even after removing his divinity. This book is as much a review of human nature and psychology, as it is a New Testament critique. I highly recommend it, regardless of your stance on Christianity.
That even Vatican historians are agreeing on many of the historical claims is telling. Time to open up the curtain and let the light shine on the real Jesus. But let's be clear, this book summarizes the research and findings, and should be a starting point, not a final say.
Russell manages to cover all the current findings surrounding the historical Jesus. Let's face it, it's pretty clear that the real Jesus never claimed to be divine and certainly wasn't. His importance, however, is not up for discussion. The religion founded in his name after his death has influenced western civilization for two millennia.
It behooves us to learn more about his reality as a Galilean and Jewish apocalyptic preacher, and understand how his death continues to influence people to this day. He was certainly an interesting figure, even after removing his divinity. This book is as much a review of human nature and psychology, as it is a New Testament critique. I highly recommend it, regardless of your stance on Christianity.
That even Vatican historians are agreeing on many of the historical claims is telling. Time to open up the curtain and let the light shine on the real Jesus. But let's be clear, this book summarizes the research and findings, and should be a starting point, not a final say.
April 6, 2016
"Historical Jesus" work fascinates me, and this was a great (but somewhat dated) overview of the field. It is difficult to credibly dispute that Jesus lived, although there are a very small number of scholars who do, but the views of who Jesus actually was vary greatly across the academic world. This book does a good job of summarizing the main strands of those views, and of pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each.
August 25, 2024
A JOURNALIST SUMMARIZES RECENT "HISTORICAL JESUS" RESEARCH
Writer and journalist Russell Shorto has written many other books, such as 'Saints and Madmen: Psychiatry Opens Its Doors to Religion, 'Descartes' Bones: A Skeletal History of the Conflict between Faith and Reason,' etc.
He states in the Acknowledgements section of this 1997 book that "My first exploration of this field was for a magazine article on the Jesus Seminar." (Pg. viii) He added in the Introduction, "Over the past two decades or so, biblical scholars have become excited by recent archaeological discoveries and new ways of applying scientific and social-scientific tools ... and their work has blossomed into a full-fledged movement... [which] has not only taken over New Testament studies but has swept into the popular consciousness. It has raised the ire of religious conservatives and resulted in an enormous ... amount of confusion.
"In the following pages I will attempt to sort through the claims... and present what I take to be a core consensus of material, a kind of collective portrait of the most influential life in Western history. Beyond that I will report on... how this figure born of scholarly reconstruction is beginning to make an impact on Christian faith." (Pg. 2-3)
He also admits, "I am not a biblical scholar but a writer who grew up Catholic, attended Catholic school until the fourth grade, and did a stint as an altar boy before leaving the church in my teens. Although I never returned to organized religion, my early religious experience has stayed with me, whether I like it or not. Historical Jesus work first caught my attention because of its coolly rational perspective." (Pg. 3)
He notes, "The work of the Jesus Seminar, and of all contemporary Jesus researchers, in [Robert] Funk's view, represents a shift ... away from the tyranny of the church and toward cultural honesty... If Funk had his way, Jesus would be knocked off his divine pedestal and take his place alongside Lao-tzu, Socrates, and Nietzsche. Funk goes much farther than most scholars. Most do not have a far-reaching agenda, or they have a different sort of agenda. One thing that emerges from studying the various experts is the realization that scholarly objectivity is a myth: everyone has his or her own bias, which results in a different Jesus. Paula Fredriksen [in 'Jesus of Nazareth']... herself a convert to Judaism, believes that the importance of the work is in revealing the Jesus of history as a Jew speaking to Jews about Judaism, and in putting to rest the notion that he was out to form a new religion." (Pg. 15)
Discussing Burton Mack ['The Lost Gospel: The Book of Q and Christian Origins'], he observes, "If Mack is right---if Q is the earliest layer of the Jesus tradition... then the historical Jesus and Christianity must be radically rethought... Mack charges the media with the task of bringing this new insight to popular attention. Christianity, Mack claims, began not with a historical figure of divinity or a man with insights into the divine, with a simple teacher along the lines of a Greek sage. This was the 'real' Jesus... Christianity stole Jesus away from the people of Q. Burton Mack thinks it's time that we acknowledged that." (Pg. 153)
This is an interesting overview, albeit written from a "journalistic" rather than "scholarly" perspective, that may whet one's appetite to pursue the more detailed studies mentioned in the book.
Writer and journalist Russell Shorto has written many other books, such as 'Saints and Madmen: Psychiatry Opens Its Doors to Religion, 'Descartes' Bones: A Skeletal History of the Conflict between Faith and Reason,' etc.
He states in the Acknowledgements section of this 1997 book that "My first exploration of this field was for a magazine article on the Jesus Seminar." (Pg. viii) He added in the Introduction, "Over the past two decades or so, biblical scholars have become excited by recent archaeological discoveries and new ways of applying scientific and social-scientific tools ... and their work has blossomed into a full-fledged movement... [which] has not only taken over New Testament studies but has swept into the popular consciousness. It has raised the ire of religious conservatives and resulted in an enormous ... amount of confusion.
"In the following pages I will attempt to sort through the claims... and present what I take to be a core consensus of material, a kind of collective portrait of the most influential life in Western history. Beyond that I will report on... how this figure born of scholarly reconstruction is beginning to make an impact on Christian faith." (Pg. 2-3)
He also admits, "I am not a biblical scholar but a writer who grew up Catholic, attended Catholic school until the fourth grade, and did a stint as an altar boy before leaving the church in my teens. Although I never returned to organized religion, my early religious experience has stayed with me, whether I like it or not. Historical Jesus work first caught my attention because of its coolly rational perspective." (Pg. 3)
He notes, "The work of the Jesus Seminar, and of all contemporary Jesus researchers, in [Robert] Funk's view, represents a shift ... away from the tyranny of the church and toward cultural honesty... If Funk had his way, Jesus would be knocked off his divine pedestal and take his place alongside Lao-tzu, Socrates, and Nietzsche. Funk goes much farther than most scholars. Most do not have a far-reaching agenda, or they have a different sort of agenda. One thing that emerges from studying the various experts is the realization that scholarly objectivity is a myth: everyone has his or her own bias, which results in a different Jesus. Paula Fredriksen [in 'Jesus of Nazareth']... herself a convert to Judaism, believes that the importance of the work is in revealing the Jesus of history as a Jew speaking to Jews about Judaism, and in putting to rest the notion that he was out to form a new religion." (Pg. 15)
Discussing Burton Mack ['The Lost Gospel: The Book of Q and Christian Origins'], he observes, "If Mack is right---if Q is the earliest layer of the Jesus tradition... then the historical Jesus and Christianity must be radically rethought... Mack charges the media with the task of bringing this new insight to popular attention. Christianity, Mack claims, began not with a historical figure of divinity or a man with insights into the divine, with a simple teacher along the lines of a Greek sage. This was the 'real' Jesus... Christianity stole Jesus away from the people of Q. Burton Mack thinks it's time that we acknowledged that." (Pg. 153)
This is an interesting overview, albeit written from a "journalistic" rather than "scholarly" perspective, that may whet one's appetite to pursue the more detailed studies mentioned in the book.
September 8, 2020
Thorough summary of our doubts
I am not english fortunately...but I read most of Spong and Armstrong and just about all from the Jesus Seminar.
This book covers most of what the famous scholars and authors said about the subject.
Will someone of those brilliant writers and researchers host a web page where one can pose a question like what did Constantine had in mind when he converted and had the canon compiled...did he subscribe to the old testament as well or was he to illiterate to realize what he was presented? Reading this book with a concordance next to you verify the integrity of the author...he has his facts right. And between the words I just generated more questions about the stories in the Bible to the extend that I felt unwelcome in my Sunday school class asking if someone has an answer....made me feel the church likes to continue a story telling journey...emphasis on story? It left me feel I have special insight and that made all the books on the subject worth the time spend. I am grateful to every one of them
I am not english fortunately...but I read most of Spong and Armstrong and just about all from the Jesus Seminar.
This book covers most of what the famous scholars and authors said about the subject.
Will someone of those brilliant writers and researchers host a web page where one can pose a question like what did Constantine had in mind when he converted and had the canon compiled...did he subscribe to the old testament as well or was he to illiterate to realize what he was presented? Reading this book with a concordance next to you verify the integrity of the author...he has his facts right. And between the words I just generated more questions about the stories in the Bible to the extend that I felt unwelcome in my Sunday school class asking if someone has an answer....made me feel the church likes to continue a story telling journey...emphasis on story? It left me feel I have special insight and that made all the books on the subject worth the time spend. I am grateful to every one of them
May 9, 2022
I labored through the book. Shorto outlined a lot of theories and research about the “historical Jesus”but for me there were a lot of conjectures. Most of the information comes from the New Testament and it is largely unreliable. The inconsistencies among the various Gospels and writings were cited. I was happy to see there is a more rational appraisal of the life of Jesus. No virgin birth. No resurrection from the dead. Doubts about miracles performed.
This isn’t a book that most churchgoers would like. They want to hear about the “Son of God” Jesus not a portrayal of a decidedly human prophet.
Maybe the most influential person ever on this earth and yet so little really known about him. More questions than answers for me from this book.
This isn’t a book that most churchgoers would like. They want to hear about the “Son of God” Jesus not a portrayal of a decidedly human prophet.
Maybe the most influential person ever on this earth and yet so little really known about him. More questions than answers for me from this book.
February 1, 2018
This books explains why I don't go to church anymore. The chapter "The Historical Jesus Goes to Church" describes how some ministers are trying to incorporate the historical Jesus into their sermons. I wish more minister were like that. I'd probably go to church more than once every 10 years. This book comes closest to what I believe Jesus was really like.
April 22, 2018
A helpful survey of historical Jesus scholarship as it stood 20 years ago, and reactions to it then.
May 18, 2020
A good survey of research into the historical Jesus. A quick read.
August 10, 2022
A Multifaceted Jesus
For any student of Christianity. You will learn of the many theories underlying the historical Jesus. A wonderfully informative read.
For any student of Christianity. You will learn of the many theories underlying the historical Jesus. A wonderfully informative read.
Read
August 31, 2022Didn't finish it.
November 28, 2022
Interesting account of the academic search for an historical Jesus.
December 9, 2022
Well written and researched.
February 14, 2017
This was an interesting review of the "historical Jesus." Shorto is a good writer and I found the book compelling.
He did a good job researching and provided good end notes.
He did a good job researching and provided good end notes.
June 27, 2007
I spent a good deal of time reading through this book on the search for the "historical Jesus" - a worthy effort, of course, but I have to admit that I'm disappointed in the efforts of the Jesus Seminar and others who dissect the gospels and base their version of truth only after those things that would have been embarrassing or unheard of for a hero to do or be in that time period. Other than this frustration with the research, I have to hand it to Shorto for his efforts to preserve "the other side" - the mystical, miraculous aspects of faith that should not be grounded in the historical. Faith and belief are not reliant upon what we know of Jesus, where He walked, or what He ate. This book, along with others on the study of the first century, can be used by believers to enhance our experience of the gospels as long as we are willing to truly think through what the author proposes, and what the author states out of emotional charge or subjectivity.
December 5, 2015
The first few chapters of this book were fascinating. They get right to the heart of the historical Jesus that the author is presenting, and why the gospels included references to a virgin birth, miracles, healings, etc. As you get into the later chapters, the author focuses on theories from different sources about specific aspects of the gospels. The chapters get into how factors like the Greek culture and John the Baptist influenced the historical Jesus. Later, the author gets into what may have really happened at specific events in the gospels. It is interesting material, but the writing gets much more academic after those first few chapters. The insights also get more muddled. The author presents several different theories for how events may have happened rather than a more concise, "This is what probably happened and here's why," approach.
December 15, 2013
This is the second book I've read by Russell Shorto and I've enjoy both of them. This is a great review of where the search for the historical Jesus has accomplished, as of 1997, and the context for what the search means. For being such a serious subject I still found my self entertained. There is a chapter on John the Baptist, he being so important to the story of Jesus, and that chapter is titled "The Big Dipper."
It was very informative and open-minded. I recommend to this to anyone with questions about the gospels.
It was very informative and open-minded. I recommend to this to anyone with questions about the gospels.
June 21, 2020
Russell Shorto ‘s survey of the 1990s explosion of the “Historical Jesus Movement” onto public consciousness has all the hallmarks one has come to expect from Shorto - Journalistic integrity, balance, clear sighted impartiality, and a gift for making the difficult and obscure seem comprehensible. Shorto’s work here is a model of even-handedness. He seems to have no axe to grind; rather, he seems intent only on discerning truth (as opposed to just fact) from the gospels. Even now, 25 years after its publication, “Gospel Truth” remains a model of its kind.
May 2, 2016
One of the best history books on the subject
Nicely brings history and mythology together which lends a deeper meaning to the subject of religion. It made me think I may still find something worth while after all in an unconventional way.
Nicely brings history and mythology together which lends a deeper meaning to the subject of religion. It made me think I may still find something worth while after all in an unconventional way.
November 11, 2009
Decent survey of Jesus scholarship.
August 11, 2013
Really interesting take on the study of who Jesus was as a person and how it relates or diverges from the portrait of him portrayed in the gospels.
May 11, 2020
Didn't like this at all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews