Rediscovering Jesus: An Introduction to Biblical, Religious and Cultural Perspectives on Christ

by David B. Capes, Rodney Reeves, E. Randolph Richards

Readers' Choice Awards Honorable Mention One of Nijay Gupta's Best Academic New Testament Books Who is your Jesus? Matthew's teacher? John's Word made flesh? Hebrews' great high priest? What if it turned out that your Jesus is a composite of your favorite selections from the New Testament buffet, garnished with some Hollywood and Americana? Rediscovering Jesus takes us on a gallery tour of biblical portraits of Jesus, from Matthew through Revelation. Our expert guides point out the background and highlights of each New Testament image of Jesus. Then we hit the streets to visit other houses of worship and their scriptures, examining the Jesus of the Book of Mormon and the Qur'an. Popping into a bookstore, we browse the latest on the Gnostic and the historical Jesus. Then we're off on a walking tour of Jesus in America, followed by a film festival of Jesus movies. All along the way our tour guides describe and interpret, but also raise How is this Jesus different from other portraits? If this were our only portrait of Jesus, what would our faith be like? Rediscovering Jesus is an enjoyable, informative and challenging look at how we encounter Jesus in Scripture and our culture. With ample sidebars exploring contexts and the "so what?" questions, it takes us beyond other surveys by probing how our understanding of Jesus can make a difference for faith and life. From the authors of Rediscovering Paul, this is a textbook introduction to Jesus that guides us in our pilgrimage toward seeing Jesus truly.

Genres: Christian, Biblical Studies, Theology

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 3, 2015

About the author

David B. Capes (born December 16, 1955) (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate dean of biblical and theological studies and professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. He has authored, coauthored, or coedited books such as Rediscovering Paul, Rediscovering Jesus, Old Testament Yahweh Texts in Paul's Christology, The Footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, The Last Eyewitness, Rebecca's Children, The Voice of Hebrews, and The Voice of Romans.

In addition to contributing to a number of dictionaries, encyclopedias, and professional journals, he served as the lead scholar on a new Bible translation, The Voice Bible. Since the early 1990s, Capes has been active in interfaith dialogue in Houston and cohosts a radio show called A Show of Faith on TALK RADIO 950 KPRC Houston. He was previously academic dean and professor of New Testament at Houston Graduate School of Theology, and he has served as pastor of several churches and has participated in a variety of professional organizations, including the Society of Biblical Literature, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Capes, Rodney Reeves, and E. Randolph Richards are three biblical scholars from three different institutions (Houston Baptist University, Southwest Baptist University, and Palm Beach Atlantic Univerisity, respectively). They have previously collaborated on a book about the apostle Paul, Rediscovering Paul: an Introduction to His World, Letters and Theology (IVP Academic, 2007). They are back at it. Their new book from IVP Academic is Rediscovering Jesus: An Introduction to Biblical, Religious and Cultural Perspectives on Christ.

Don't let the academic publisher or their resumés scare you. This is an engaging and interesting and accessible read! I had fun with this book. To me, this is really two books in one. Part I is a romp through the biblical images of Jesus, uncovering what is distinctive about the portrait of Jesus in Mark, Matthew, Luke and Acts, John, Paul's epistles, Hebrews, in the non-Pauline epistles and Revelation. Part II examines extra-biblical images of Jesus. Capes, Reeves & Richards look at the Gnostic Jesus, the Muslim Jesus, the Historical, demythologized Jesus, the Mormon Jesus, the American Jesus and the Cinematic Jesus. In each chapter, after exploring the distinctive portrait of Jesus in the Bible or culture, they ask, "What if this were the only Jesus?" The result is they showcase the important contribution of each Bible writers picture of Christ, and show how cultural depictions of Jesus, while sometimes illuminating, often obscure our perception of who the Jesus really is.

While there is some first-rate biblical theology and cultural analysis here, this is a completely practical and non-technical text about Jesus, appropriate for undergrads (or even a Christian high school). Part I is helpful because it reveals how the entire New Testament, all the books together, gives us our picture of who Jesus is. The Jesus of Mark appears on the scene, binding the strong man and fighting the religious establishment, but there is no mention of Jesus' virgin birth, his post resurrection appearances, his great commission or ascension. Luke's Jesus was more politicized, and didn't even give a theological account of the atonement (71). Matthew's Jesus is firmly connected with Israel's God and has the most developed ethic. John's Jesus is not of this world and focuses more on the after life than this life. "Christians who read too much of John's Gospel and not enough of Matthew's might talk abut eternal life but not about caring for the least of these" (86). Paul's high Christology is almost devoid of biography (how Jesus lived). If the Priestly Jesus of Hebrews were our only Jesus we'd focus on purity, perfection and completion. The non-Pauline epistles are immersed in Jesus' teaching but without the Gospels you wouldn't know that the origins of John, Jude, Peter and James' words are found in Christ's teaching. The apocalyptic Jesus is the disquieting image of the warrior lamb and the glorified Christ. Each of these images enlarge our picture of Christ. Any image that is excluded from our portrait of Jesus would result in bias and incomplete vision.

What of Jesus' cultural images? Capes, Reeves and Richards focus on images of Jesus that have a great deal of cultural pull. They profile the esoteric gnositic Jesus, the localized prophet of Islam, the Post-Enlightenment historical Jesus, the American hero, and the movie star. They observe (writing as one voice):

Jesus outside the Bible can on occasion help us rediscover some aspect of Jesus that has been ignored or sidelined. More commonly, though, these nonbiblical images influence and color our biblical image. Understanding these images helps reveal ideas that need to be expunged from 'my Jesus.' While I found themes and emphases from the various biblical images of Jesus that needed to be reintroduced into my picture of Jesus, I also found other themes and emphases from nonbiblical images that needed to be extracted from my portrait of Jesus. both of these processes help me to rediscover Jesus. (261)

The disparity between cultural images of Jesus and the Jesus of the Bible is highlighted well throughout part II. Perhaps it is the 'Cinematic Jesus' which highlights how much a depiction of Jesus for a particular era says more about that culture and time than it does about the real Jesus (244-245).

This is a fun, thought-provoking book that deserves a wide readership beyond the classroom. I give it five stars

Notice of material connection: I received this book from IVP Academic in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan Titus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent! I loved the challenging perspective shifts and thoughts related to the gospels.
Will definitely read again!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is intended to be used as a textbook -- and I will find out this fall how well it works with undergraduates. The authors clearly set out the differences in the portrayals of Jesus within the New Testament, and they do so in a way that is affirming for Christian readers. The book displays a conservative orientation, but within that framework the scholarship is solid. I appreciated the authors' emphasis on practice over theology. It helps to have already learned some basics in the scholarship of the New Testament, because the authors seem to assume some knowledge that they do not explain. In the second half they look at portrayals of Jesus outside the Bible. Five of the snapshots they provide (Gnostic, Muslim, Mormon, American, and Cinematic) are solid. The chapter on the Historical Jesus is weaker, especially when dealing with the Jesus Seminar. I would like to have seen a chapter on the "Jewish Jesus." Greater recognition of global Christianity would strengthen the book, but would also lengthen it. I especially like the way they end each chapter with the question, "What if this were our only Jesus"? Each chapter includes reflection questions and recommended bibliography.

This book will likely be appreciated by thoughtful, Christian readers from Anabaptist or evangelical backgrounds. It may have less appeal among Catholic, Orthodox, and progressive, mainline Protestant readers. Humanists, agnostics, atheists and readers from other religious traditions may find the authors' clear identification as Christians unappealing.

[Robert Varner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives an in depth analysis of all of the “pictures” of Jesus through various biblical and extra-biblical sources. The authors intention is to help us discover any biases in the way we view Jesus. Maybe we tend to focus on the Jesus portrayed in the Gospel of John or in the letters of Paul. Maybe we have allowed too much of Hollywood or American nationalism and culture to influence our picture of Jesus.

The authors are unbiased, yet keep a biblical and conservative view of how we should view Jesus. The analysis of each picture and the subsequent application of that analysis is very well done and should cause the reader a great deal of reflection of their own view of Jesus without making the reader feel completely condemned for their views. It is an invitation to adopt Jesus for who He really is and not who we think He is.

[Tim Franks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will rate this book a 3.5 stars. Very intriguing look at different viewpoints of Jesus from the Gospels to cinematic offerings of his life. I think the authors were a little harsh on the topic of harmonizing the Gospel which I believe to be a little more feasible than they do. I like structure in what I am reading and some of the chapter sections were a little loose causing some confusion and issues. Help us Lord to understand you as revealed by grace to us for our salvation and for your glory!

[Juliana Meding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this was a really refreshing and insightful book. I enjoyed the compartmentalization of each Gospel narrative and uncovering some of my own beliefs around who Jesus is.

[John Kight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rediscovering Jesus: An Introduction to Biblical, Religious, and Cultural Perspectives on Christ by David B. Capes, Rodney Reeves, and E. Randolph Richards is a calculated investigation into nearly every corner of today’s Christological landscape. The perspectives presented in this book are numerous and the presentation is everything but boring. From the opening pages, the authors captivate the reader with illustrative narratives that are easily relatable and appropriately placed.

Each chapter of the book has three specific parts. First, the authors seek to clarify who Jesus is in relation to a particular perspective discussed. Second, the authors aim to articulate the more unique features of Jesus from within that perspective and how it is distinctive. Third, the authors attempt to discuss a hypothetical situation where that perspective of Jesus is the only perspective available to the conversation.

Rediscovering Jesus is divided into two major parts: (1) Jesus in the Bible and (2) Jesus outside the Bible. In the former, the authors guide the reader through the New Testament as they examine the portrait of Jesus painted in (1) Mark, (2) Matthew, (3) Luke-Acts, (4) John, (5) Pauline literature, (6) Hebrews, (7) James, Peter, and Jude, and (8) Revelation. In the latter, the reader is guided through various sketches of Jesus in (9) Gnostic literature, (10) the Quran, (11) history, (12) Mormonism, (13) America, and (14) the cinema.

The authors are sensitive to the fact that the majority understanding of Jesus is traceable back to either Paul, John, or some closely knit combination of both. I found the work shown on this observation to be accurate and important to the topic. The authors provide excellent guidance through each New Testament book. The discussion is informative and displays a keen eye of surveillance regarding the variegated portraits of Jesus presented therein—especially when one considers some of the more unusual books surveyed.

As the attention is directed to religious and cultural views of Jesus outside the Bible. I personally found the selection of perspectives for this section interesting and well-intended. Each of these perspectives could be encountered with some level of frequency by the average Christian in America, and the conversation and examination are all too appropriate. Still, I would have loved to have seen a chapter on the Jehovah Witnesses or Judaism. Of course, I am well aware that perspectives of Jesus outside the Bible could produce a volume much longer than that here.

There are a number of things about this book that I really enjoyed. First and foremost, it was extremely readable and highly engaging. I found myself unable to put it down as I became more familiar with the format and anticipated the outcome of each chapter. Second, I really thought the authors made an excellent choice to wrestle with the hypothetical of each perspective being our only source of information about Jesus. It was well-thought and interesting to ponder. Third, each chapter has a number of call-out boxes that provide additional content on the specific perspective that is both informationally and practically oriented.

Rediscovering Jesus: An Introduction to Biblical, Religious, and Cultural Perspectives on Christ by David B. Capes, Rodney Reeves, and E. Randolph Richards is an easy candidate for a supplementary textbook for a seminary course. However, this does not mean that it is purely an academic work. In fact, you will find that it is quite the opposite. Rediscovering Jesus is an inviting book that will make you ponder long and hard about your understanding of Jesus—or lack thereof. If you are interested in a book that will challenge you to contemplate your answer to Jesus’ question—who do you say that I am?—then this is a book you will indeed not want to miss.

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we get used to someone, a spouse or children, for example, it’s easy for that relationship to become dull and routine. Just like driving to work day after day, week upon week, and you miss the beauty or uniqueness surrounding your route. The same kind of thing happens for Christians, especially those who rigorously read the Scriptures, day after day, week upon week. So that when it comes to Jesus, predictable assumptions begin to take over, and the surprise and scandal of Jesus becomes planed down and polished smooth. To remedy this, three authors have pooled their talents and expertise together in a 272 page resource intended to freshly bring out some of the distinctiveness of Jesus. “Rediscovering Jesus: An Introduction to Biblical, Religious and Cultural Perspectives on Christ,” is collaboratively penned by David B. Capes, professor of New Testament in the School of Christian Thought at Houston Baptist University; Rodney Reeves, dean of The Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry and professor of biblical studies at Southwest Baptist University, both in Bolivar, Missouri; and E. Randolph Richards, dean and professor of biblical studies in the School of Ministry at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

“Rediscovering Jesus” opens out into two sections, the first is biblical, and the second is religious and cultural. Each chapter answers three questions: (1) What picture of Jesus is portrayed in this venue? (2) How is this picture of Jesus different from others? (3) What would it mean if this was our only depiction of Jesus? Whether the authors are examining Matthew, John, Paul and other biblical sources, or they’re looking into the religious and cultural models of Mormonism, Islam, Americanism and others, they follow this three-fold query. Additionally, each chapter ends with discussion questions making this book ideal for group study.

The strength of “Rediscovering Jesus” is that readers will see old things afresh, and stumble onto ideas that may be novel to them. Another asset of this approach is that it helps the Christian to regain some of the original intent of biblical authors, as well as to hear more clearly the assumptions made by others about Jesus. It is an easy to read, non-technical volume that can be simply adapted to Upper School and college level classes, as well as Bible studies. It’s a book worth your time and your money.

My thanks to InterVarsity Press and IVP Academic for the free copy of “Rediscovering Jesus” used for this review.

[Mikeskinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book, I found myself deeply engaged in a beautifully written, biblically sound, and theologically informed work on the person of Jesus.

The premise of the book is that we all have an idea of Jesus’ identity that is partially formed by many factors: different parts of Scripture, certain traditional teachings, and even our own personal biases. As the subtitle suggests, the authors attempt to introduce the reader to the various unique biblical, religious, and cultural perspectives of Jesus of Nazareth. The genius of this book is found in its three-fold structure for each perspective. First, they look at each book, religious, or cultural perspective as an individual work and ask “What does this picture of Jesus look like?” The explicit goal is to not let other texts or theological commitments influence the observation of the image of Jesus presented in these unique perspectives. Second, they expand on how each particular portrait of Jesus is different than other images of Jesus. Third, and perhaps most interestingly, they ask “Who would we say that Jesus is if this were the only picture of Jesus that we had?”

I found this third task to be the most illuminating part of the book. While I am committed to understanding Jesus both canonically and theologically, I have always believed that there is so much more to learn about Jesus if we would just let certain texts stand by themselves first, before we try to make a composite image of the person and work of Jesus.

Bottom line: there is a lot to like about this book. The book is consistently engaging and always well-informed. I found the second part of the book just as fascinating and imagine that for many lay-people these would be the most impactful chapters. It is easy to disregard how much our view of Jesus has been influenced by American values and various forms of art.

I highly recommend this book for audiences of all sorts. I can see myself using it as a supplementary textbook to a course on Jesus or the Gospels. I can also see this material being implemented in a local ministry setting at a book study or Bible study. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy!