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Jesus Lived in India: His Unknown Life Before and After the Crucifixion
Presents irrefutable evidence that Jesus did indeed live in India, dying there in old age. From the author of the best-selling The Jesus Conspiracy.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
110 people are currently reading
1509 people want to read
About the author
Holger Kersten
13 books25 followersHolger Kersten (born 1951) is a German writer on myth, legend, religion, and esoteric subjects. He is best known for speculative books about the time Jesus spent in India.
These are some of the books written by him.
Jesus Lived in India (1983)
The Original Jesus (1994)
The Jesus Conspiracy (1997)
These are some of the books written by him.
Jesus Lived in India (1983)
The Original Jesus (1994)
The Jesus Conspiracy (1997)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 16, 2020
Holger Kersten has done extensive research but it's all over the place. For instance, there's
▪︎Comparison of Jesus to the Buddha (similarities in their miracles, teachings, the temptations they faced, command in picking their disciples)
▪︎An attempt to draw parallels between Krishna and Jesus and included among many examples, is Lord Vishnu's appearance to Devaki just as Angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary and a hilarious version of 'Blessed are you amongst women...' It goes "Blessed art thou, Devaki, among women. Welcome art thou amid holi Rishis. Thou hast been chosen for the work of salvation...He will come with a luminous crown...Virgin and Mother we greet you...Thou shalt call him Krishna."
▪︎Quranic verses on Jesus
☆It felt very convincing that the 3 wise men who visited infant Jesus could actually have been 3 Buddhist monks from the far East out to locate a reincarnation guided by oracles, pronouncements, astrological signs, visions... Drawing from Nicholas Notovitch's research, the author claims that Jesus was in modern day Pakistan, India and Nepal from the time he was 14 till he turned 26.
(!!!) And apparently, when Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimather, Nicodemus and the centurion who drove a spear into Jesus's side made sure that their master was safe. Holger Kersten's theory is that while on the cross, Jesus was given an opiated drink and not vinegar after which he must have become unconscious just 3 hours after crucifixion and was declared dead by the centurion, when it could take 5-6 hours for a person to die on the cross. Jesus's tomb was in a garden hastily purchased by Joseph and in it, his wounds were treated using herbs. After recovering, Jesus traveled eastwards with Thomas, Mother Mary and Mary Magdeline to modern day Turkey, Iran and Iraq where he assumed the name Yuz Asaf and converted many. By the time he reached Kashmir, he was 49 and according to Holger Kersten that's where he spent the rest of his life. Pictures of his and Mother Mary's final resting places in Kashmir have been included.
If Holger Kirsten's research is anything to go by, then inspite of his wisdom, Jesus was compelled to keep his identity a secret for much of his life and the church did its bit to cover up a lot more. Although the author has provided extensive explanations of customs and biblical terminologies, the fact that he has taken liberties, leave readers a bit dubious about the work. An interesting read
▪︎Comparison of Jesus to the Buddha (similarities in their miracles, teachings, the temptations they faced, command in picking their disciples)
▪︎An attempt to draw parallels between Krishna and Jesus and included among many examples, is Lord Vishnu's appearance to Devaki just as Angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary and a hilarious version of 'Blessed are you amongst women...' It goes "Blessed art thou, Devaki, among women. Welcome art thou amid holi Rishis. Thou hast been chosen for the work of salvation...He will come with a luminous crown...Virgin and Mother we greet you...Thou shalt call him Krishna."
▪︎Quranic verses on Jesus
☆It felt very convincing that the 3 wise men who visited infant Jesus could actually have been 3 Buddhist monks from the far East out to locate a reincarnation guided by oracles, pronouncements, astrological signs, visions... Drawing from Nicholas Notovitch's research, the author claims that Jesus was in modern day Pakistan, India and Nepal from the time he was 14 till he turned 26.
(!!!) And apparently, when Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimather, Nicodemus and the centurion who drove a spear into Jesus's side made sure that their master was safe. Holger Kersten's theory is that while on the cross, Jesus was given an opiated drink and not vinegar after which he must have become unconscious just 3 hours after crucifixion and was declared dead by the centurion, when it could take 5-6 hours for a person to die on the cross. Jesus's tomb was in a garden hastily purchased by Joseph and in it, his wounds were treated using herbs. After recovering, Jesus traveled eastwards with Thomas, Mother Mary and Mary Magdeline to modern day Turkey, Iran and Iraq where he assumed the name Yuz Asaf and converted many. By the time he reached Kashmir, he was 49 and according to Holger Kersten that's where he spent the rest of his life. Pictures of his and Mother Mary's final resting places in Kashmir have been included.
If Holger Kirsten's research is anything to go by, then inspite of his wisdom, Jesus was compelled to keep his identity a secret for much of his life and the church did its bit to cover up a lot more. Although the author has provided extensive explanations of customs and biblical terminologies, the fact that he has taken liberties, leave readers a bit dubious about the work. An interesting read
October 7, 2017
This book is certainly very criticised before many people can even reflect about it, because it deals with the things many people were raised to believe, and these people are often offended if their beliefs are talked about from a different point of view.
What this book brought was completely new to me. I'm very interested in theology and history, but had never read about what Indian and other eastern authors have to say about Jesus. In my opinion Holger Kersten presented very solid arguments to justify and exemplify his points. It remains the reader's task to go further on the subject reading the tons of reference the author gives, or even visit the places he describes. I won't describe those points here; I recommend you to read them yourself.
I liked the book's message because although I was raised to be Catholic, I've always thought that there were things in this religion that are essencially good such as loving the others and spreading peace, but there are also things that are part of a political institution (the church, which wasn't created by Jesus the way it is today) and make no sense at all to me, such as "if you sinn you will go to hell", "you must attend mass every week; if you don't, you sinn", prohibition of sex, etc, and also others more absurd that I've seen in this Brazilian Catholic community I've attended such as prohibition of learning about other religions, prohibition of watching/reading/studying anything that might indirectly refer to different ideas such as some books, tv shows, movies etc. Or whatever.
Because of all that (and I could make that list way longer), the book made an absurd amount of sense to me. It was like I wasn't reading new information, I was just being told what I already new, now with historical proof. In no way I think this book is anti-religion. It is just in favor of Jesus ideas, taking off what was added by other men.
What this book brought was completely new to me. I'm very interested in theology and history, but had never read about what Indian and other eastern authors have to say about Jesus. In my opinion Holger Kersten presented very solid arguments to justify and exemplify his points. It remains the reader's task to go further on the subject reading the tons of reference the author gives, or even visit the places he describes. I won't describe those points here; I recommend you to read them yourself.
I liked the book's message because although I was raised to be Catholic, I've always thought that there were things in this religion that are essencially good such as loving the others and spreading peace, but there are also things that are part of a political institution (the church, which wasn't created by Jesus the way it is today) and make no sense at all to me, such as "if you sinn you will go to hell", "you must attend mass every week; if you don't, you sinn", prohibition of sex, etc, and also others more absurd that I've seen in this Brazilian Catholic community I've attended such as prohibition of learning about other religions, prohibition of watching/reading/studying anything that might indirectly refer to different ideas such as some books, tv shows, movies etc. Or whatever.
Because of all that (and I could make that list way longer), the book made an absurd amount of sense to me. It was like I wasn't reading new information, I was just being told what I already new, now with historical proof. In no way I think this book is anti-religion. It is just in favor of Jesus ideas, taking off what was added by other men.
January 25, 2010
This book greatly increased my respect for and faith in Jesus Christ.
I do not agree with all ideas put forward by this book. But I do find some parts of it easier to believe than Christian mainstream teachings. It suggests answers to questions that many of us have found bewilderingly unanswered and unaddressed in the religion in general, it helpfully addresses our doubts. Some of the ideas are shocking to us at first as they are completely new to us. To modify the old saying slightly, don’t judge the book by the title.
Most of the things discussed here happened so long ago that we cannot (nor does the book claim that we can) know exactly what happened. But using scholarship, research and evaluation of likely ideas this book propones ideas about Christian and Jewish history that I, personally, found to be fascinating and sometimes even satisfying.
I will not attempt to record all of the background and research supporting the ideas here, but I do encourage you all to read this book or one of several others like it, to explore the ideas. They have increased my faith in Christianity because it showed me how the foundation of that religion might have been one of love and compassion.
Some very brief examples of the content, though with no attempt to give all the evidence exhibited in the book:
The book obviously suggests an aspect of Indian (and therefore Hindu and Buddhist) influence on the life of Jesus Christ (much, though obviously not all of which, could coincide comfortably with mainstream Christian culture and teaching). In his early life, the book suggests that the 18 or so years that Christianity cannot account for, were spent studying Buddhism, perhaps in India having taken a commonly used merchant route in use at the time. (My memory of Catholic school growing up was that they teach we just don’t know what Jesus was doing from the age of 12 to 30.)
Many of the ideas and sayings of Jesus (several of the Beatitudes, the idea that faith “can move mountains,” and the saying “Do unto others as you’d have done unto you,” for a few examples) are all recorded as having existed in Indian culture before the life of Jesus. These ideas do not exist in Jewish or other parts of Western culture before Jesus’ life. This itself I find to be fascinating and compelling.
Then, as the subtitle of the book “His Unknown Life Before and After the Crucifixion” suggests, the book indicates that Jesus was crucified, but that he survived it. It shows how there are strong indications in the canonical gospels that this is the case. Now, as I’ve discussed this book with people, already some have said how far fetched this sounds. But when I compare the idea that there was a small conspiracy in a Roman province that would have reached up the Roman chain of command only as high as some members of the army to keep one condemned man from suffering the fate of his criminal sentencing or that that man met his fate and then rose from the dead, the small conspiracy does not seem like the least plausible option.
The idea is that Nicomdemus and Joseph Arithmea, both friends of Jesus and important members of Jewish mainstream power structure of that time, did a little jail break and stole him (alive) out from under Pontius Pilate’s nose. Then, the idea goes, they nursed him back to health and that he then lived out his life, in hiding from his Jewish enemies, back in the land of his education as a peaceful and widely respected teacher. This then leads to his grave being found in Srinigar, in northern India, in a grave marked with the name Yuz Asaf, which means “leaders of of the healed” and who is revered as an Indian saint. Just two quick bits of evidence among others given here – crucifixion takes about 5 days to kill someone unless their legs are broken or some other means is taken to induce the asphyxiation that causes death in crucifixion – the Gospels make clear neither of these things took place.
The author also studies at great detail the history and scientific research of the Shroud of Turin, the authenticity of which he assures us of (this is an example of a part of the book I actually found more difficult to believe.) The Dead Sea Scrolls are examined at details as well as the Essenes, and each of their relationship to Jesus as well.
The book was very well written and reaffirming of many positive aspects of Christianity that many of us who have had questions about that faith might find reassuring. I highly recommend it.
I do not agree with all ideas put forward by this book. But I do find some parts of it easier to believe than Christian mainstream teachings. It suggests answers to questions that many of us have found bewilderingly unanswered and unaddressed in the religion in general, it helpfully addresses our doubts. Some of the ideas are shocking to us at first as they are completely new to us. To modify the old saying slightly, don’t judge the book by the title.
Most of the things discussed here happened so long ago that we cannot (nor does the book claim that we can) know exactly what happened. But using scholarship, research and evaluation of likely ideas this book propones ideas about Christian and Jewish history that I, personally, found to be fascinating and sometimes even satisfying.
I will not attempt to record all of the background and research supporting the ideas here, but I do encourage you all to read this book or one of several others like it, to explore the ideas. They have increased my faith in Christianity because it showed me how the foundation of that religion might have been one of love and compassion.
Some very brief examples of the content, though with no attempt to give all the evidence exhibited in the book:
The book obviously suggests an aspect of Indian (and therefore Hindu and Buddhist) influence on the life of Jesus Christ (much, though obviously not all of which, could coincide comfortably with mainstream Christian culture and teaching). In his early life, the book suggests that the 18 or so years that Christianity cannot account for, were spent studying Buddhism, perhaps in India having taken a commonly used merchant route in use at the time. (My memory of Catholic school growing up was that they teach we just don’t know what Jesus was doing from the age of 12 to 30.)
Many of the ideas and sayings of Jesus (several of the Beatitudes, the idea that faith “can move mountains,” and the saying “Do unto others as you’d have done unto you,” for a few examples) are all recorded as having existed in Indian culture before the life of Jesus. These ideas do not exist in Jewish or other parts of Western culture before Jesus’ life. This itself I find to be fascinating and compelling.
Then, as the subtitle of the book “His Unknown Life Before and After the Crucifixion” suggests, the book indicates that Jesus was crucified, but that he survived it. It shows how there are strong indications in the canonical gospels that this is the case. Now, as I’ve discussed this book with people, already some have said how far fetched this sounds. But when I compare the idea that there was a small conspiracy in a Roman province that would have reached up the Roman chain of command only as high as some members of the army to keep one condemned man from suffering the fate of his criminal sentencing or that that man met his fate and then rose from the dead, the small conspiracy does not seem like the least plausible option.
The idea is that Nicomdemus and Joseph Arithmea, both friends of Jesus and important members of Jewish mainstream power structure of that time, did a little jail break and stole him (alive) out from under Pontius Pilate’s nose. Then, the idea goes, they nursed him back to health and that he then lived out his life, in hiding from his Jewish enemies, back in the land of his education as a peaceful and widely respected teacher. This then leads to his grave being found in Srinigar, in northern India, in a grave marked with the name Yuz Asaf, which means “leaders of of the healed” and who is revered as an Indian saint. Just two quick bits of evidence among others given here – crucifixion takes about 5 days to kill someone unless their legs are broken or some other means is taken to induce the asphyxiation that causes death in crucifixion – the Gospels make clear neither of these things took place.
The author also studies at great detail the history and scientific research of the Shroud of Turin, the authenticity of which he assures us of (this is an example of a part of the book I actually found more difficult to believe.) The Dead Sea Scrolls are examined at details as well as the Essenes, and each of their relationship to Jesus as well.
The book was very well written and reaffirming of many positive aspects of Christianity that many of us who have had questions about that faith might find reassuring. I highly recommend it.
August 13, 2015
This is a MOST FASCINATING BOOK...When I was in Kochi, Kerala State in India about one year ago, I was told that JESUS WAS IN INDIA...WHAT? I was told to buy this book....so interesting. The book basically says that KASHMIR is the promised land. For the years of 12-30, Jesus journeyed to India to learn from the Buddhist and Hindu masters. Jesus, after his "crucifixion travled to India and mentored and taught there. He is supposedly buried in Srinigar, Kashmir, India along with Moses, Mary Magdalan, and others. The book shows MANY similarities between Hinduism, Buddism, Christianity, and Islam...OPEN your mind and read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
IF one is Christian BUT NOT open to new ideas about Jesus, FORGET THIS BOOK. But for those of us who are spirtually and intellectually curious, this book is simply fascinating.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
IF one is Christian BUT NOT open to new ideas about Jesus, FORGET THIS BOOK. But for those of us who are spirtually and intellectually curious, this book is simply fascinating.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
July 11, 2011
I was quite sceptical about this book in the beginning but after much thought i bought this book. This book turned out to be a complete revelation. I am really impressed by the research work done by Mr. holger kersten. He took on himself to find the truth of the resurrection of Jesus which is being suppressed by the church authorities from the beginning of the christ era. He has done a thorough work and substantiates every theory with strong evidences which can't be ignored at all costs. After reading this book, I am completely in accordance with the belief that all religions have a common origin whether it be Christianity, Hinduism,Islam, Buddhism or any other religion as such. % stars from my side.
April 9, 2012
A nice informative book, revealing some unknown truth about Jesus life and his visit to India.
January 23, 2014
Not particularly well organized or well written book but written on an interesting topic: Christ's missing years from around age 13 to age 28 which are not discussed in the 4 Gospels. Perhaps Kersten's book suffers in translation. Kersten theory basically is that 1) Jesus journeyed to India, survived the crucifixion, and returned to India (or what is now Pakistan\Afghanistan). The theory is no less credible than some of the superstitious stories offered by the 4 gospels. Of course, billions believe the Jesus, son of God, possessed of supernatural powers theory.
Christ's missing years has been subject of much speculation. Almost exact similarities between Buddhist teachings and Christ's teachings have been noted by scholars many times, thought most Christian scholars--especially the superstitious ones--see such a link as "unthinkable." Kersten discusses some of these similarities in chapter 5, Eastern Wisdom in the West. Of course, given trade routes, Jesus would not need to visit India to have been exposed to the Buddhist theories of good behavior.
Kersten's theory that Jesus was actually in India is based on various sources. Kersten relies quite a bit on Notovitch's 1890 tale that he saw a scroll in a Buddhist monastery detailing Christ's arrival, preaching, and later death in the Kashmir region. Many--including open minded contemporary scholars of Notovich's time such as Max Mueller--think Notovich's tale a fabrication (photocopy technology not being then extant) while others think the scroll seen was purchased, purloined, or destroyed by Catholic church representatives.
I skipped the Shroud of Turin speculations, having seen a scientist explaining how it was probably created in mid-evil times and being very dubious of relics.
All in all an interesting book for the open minded. I gave it 2 stars rather than 3 based on my (subjective) dislike for the book's organization and writing style.
Christ's missing years has been subject of much speculation. Almost exact similarities between Buddhist teachings and Christ's teachings have been noted by scholars many times, thought most Christian scholars--especially the superstitious ones--see such a link as "unthinkable." Kersten discusses some of these similarities in chapter 5, Eastern Wisdom in the West. Of course, given trade routes, Jesus would not need to visit India to have been exposed to the Buddhist theories of good behavior.
Kersten's theory that Jesus was actually in India is based on various sources. Kersten relies quite a bit on Notovitch's 1890 tale that he saw a scroll in a Buddhist monastery detailing Christ's arrival, preaching, and later death in the Kashmir region. Many--including open minded contemporary scholars of Notovich's time such as Max Mueller--think Notovich's tale a fabrication (photocopy technology not being then extant) while others think the scroll seen was purchased, purloined, or destroyed by Catholic church representatives.
I skipped the Shroud of Turin speculations, having seen a scientist explaining how it was probably created in mid-evil times and being very dubious of relics.
All in all an interesting book for the open minded. I gave it 2 stars rather than 3 based on my (subjective) dislike for the book's organization and writing style.
January 23, 2014
This is one of those books you pick up from the darkest corner of the book shop because you just felt like it. I have no idea who the author is or what his specialty is (yep, a wiki search could have helped but I've got bigger fish to fry) but he seems to be quite convinced about Jesus and India. Whether or not he ties the two contexts together with enough research and authenticity is matter that needs to be left to the warring groups (you know who they are!). As for us bookworms who now and then buy off-beat books for their wierdo-books shelf, I would say the writing is engaging and does not bore you. Has some pictures but not a whole lot or of good quality (no good quality cameras back then?)
Verdict: total time pass material, could have been a few bucks cheaper.
Verdict: total time pass material, could have been a few bucks cheaper.
May 3, 2020
Over the past 24 years as I explored Buddhism and meditation it seemed apparent that Jesus was Buddhist like. Not Christian. This book brought to light significant historical and scientific data that suggests Jesus was in fact Buddhist. Also amazing was the data supporting the idea that Jesus survived his crucifixion. I did not realize that this was stated as a fact multiple times in the Koran
and supported in ancient Hindu and Buddhist writings. In any case if you are looking for more historical and scientific information about the life and death and resurrection of Jesus this is a great read.
and supported in ancient Hindu and Buddhist writings. In any case if you are looking for more historical and scientific information about the life and death and resurrection of Jesus this is a great read.
June 15, 2014
പരസ്യ ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ ആരംഭത്തിന് മുന്പ് ഉള്ള 14 വര്ഷത്തെ ഇടവേള എവിടെ ആണ് ക്രിസ്തു ഇരുന്നു എന്ന് അറിയത്തില്ല ... അതിൽ തുടങ്ങിയ അന്വേഷണം ചരിത്ര പഠനം എത്തി ചേർന്നത് സത്യമോ മിഥ്യയോ എന്ന് തിരിച്ചറിയ പെടാൻ കഴിയാത്ത കുറെ ചരിത്ര സംഭവങ്ങളിലേക്ക് . മൂന്നതൊരു ചോദ്യം ഇനി ഉണ്ടാകാൻ പാടില്ല എന്നാ കണക്കെ ആണ് വിശദീകരണം . ഒരു കാര്യം എന്തായാലും അന്ഗീകരിച്ചേ പറ്റു , ആ പതിനാല് വര്ഷങ്ങളാണ് യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ ക്രിസ്തുവിനെ യഥാർത്ഥ ഒരു ആത്മീയ ഗുരു ആകിയത് . പുനരുത്ഥാനം സംബന്ധിച്ച് ബുക്കിൽ പറയുന്ന കാര്യങ്ങൾ ഒരു പരിതി വരെ വായിക്ക്കുനവന് ഒരു പരിതി വരെ സമ്മതിച്ചു കൊടുകേണ്ടി വരും . മരിച്ചവരിൽ നിന്ന് ഉയര്തെഴുനെല്കും എന്നല്ല മരണത്തിൽ നിന്ന് ഉയര്തെഴുനെല്ത്തവൻ എന്നാണ് പഴയ നിയമം അനുശസികുന്നതും . പൌലോസിന്റെ നിയന്ത്രണത്തിൽ ഉണ്ടാക്കിയെടുത്ത 14 അധ്യായങ്ങളിൽ നിന്ന് ഉരുക്കി എടുത്തതാണ് ക്രിസ്തുമതം എന്നാ നിഗമനത്തോട് കുറെ എല്ലാം യോജിക്കുന്നു . "നിങ്ങൾ എന്റെ അടുക്കള വരുവിൻ , നീയും നിന്റെ കുടുംബവും രക്ഷ പ്രാപിക്കും " എന്നൊന്നും ക്രിസ്തു പടിപ്പിചിടില .. എല്ലാ നിയമങ്ങള്ക് നിലനില്ക്കുന്ന വിശ്വാസ് സംഹിതകളിൽ നിനല്ല ക്രിസ്തു സംസാരിച്ചത് നല്ല മനുഷ്യനായി മാറാനാണ് അതിനും മതം സ്വീകരികണം എന്നും പറഞ്ഞിടില . റോജർ കേര്സ്റെൻ ഒരു നാസ്തിക സംവാദത്തിനു വേണ്ടി അല്ല ഇത് എഴുതിയത് ഒരു മതത്തെയും കരി വാരി തെക്കനും അല്ല മറിച്ച് ക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെനല്ല ശരിയായ കഴച്ചപടുകളെ ഇവിടെ നല്ല രീതിയിൽ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയുന്നു...
August 1, 2007
blew my mind. god i love this book.
inspired me to travel all the way to
Kashmir by myself in India.
fannnn fuckin tassstic
inspired me to travel all the way to
Kashmir by myself in India.
fannnn fuckin tassstic
January 7, 2022
Great book! Unlike this history book written by a PhD in Theology, in my novel THE TWIN, the crucification happens. I knew the idea of Jesus studying Buddhism was not a new one (see Notovich's book from 1894, and there are certainly much older sources) but I never saw Kersten's book. It might have been another useful source for writing my own.
April 7, 2016
This is an exceptional book. The extensive bibliography and notes section speak to the author's scholarship and to the stunning conclusions that he presents in the narrative. Bottom line is that Jesus survived the crucifixion, continued to preach his gospel and lived to a ripe old age. Not the 100+ years of many Old Testament characters but a good age nonetheless. Author Holger Kersten in his second book concerning the Jesus conspiracy puts forth the arguments that with assistance of secret followers and being protected by the widespread membership of the Essenes, Jesus was saved from death on the cross and brought back to health through medicinal herbs. His gospel of love and concern for all God's creatures evolved for him through years of study in Jewish and Buddhist/Hindu traditions in the missing years of his life from age 12 to the start of his public ministry at age 30. He is venerated by people throughout the Near East and Muslim Kashmir and India (including South Indian Thomas Christians) as a great prophet and teacher, even the Bodhisattva, the Buddhist Enlightened One, who renounces Nirvana and instead strives to aid all mankind in moving to a higher level of love and concern for themselves and each other. In this form he takes on all pains and sufferings of man and through his example attempts to reach the goodness within each of us.
The author points out that many of the current concepts of Catholic (and most other Christian Churches) are really an evolution of Paulinism, that is, the words and efforts of Saint Paul to mold the events of the crucifixion, as he believed it to be (it is to be noted that Saint Paul was not a witness to any of the goings on before, during and just after the crucifixion), to fit in with his conception of salvation and the need for Christ's suffering and death on the cross to be the only path for our salvation through God's will and grace. This is certainly a work that will continue to cause consternation for Christian believers though in no way is that mandatory. This is not an anti-Christian tome and it should be read and studied for the vast linguistic and anthropological scholarship that is displayed within. Who can say where Jesus would be taking sides on this issue. It is a beautiful and inspiring story, perfect for this Christmas season.
The author points out that many of the current concepts of Catholic (and most other Christian Churches) are really an evolution of Paulinism, that is, the words and efforts of Saint Paul to mold the events of the crucifixion, as he believed it to be (it is to be noted that Saint Paul was not a witness to any of the goings on before, during and just after the crucifixion), to fit in with his conception of salvation and the need for Christ's suffering and death on the cross to be the only path for our salvation through God's will and grace. This is certainly a work that will continue to cause consternation for Christian believers though in no way is that mandatory. This is not an anti-Christian tome and it should be read and studied for the vast linguistic and anthropological scholarship that is displayed within. Who can say where Jesus would be taking sides on this issue. It is a beautiful and inspiring story, perfect for this Christmas season.
February 7, 2017
Thought Provoking
I was given this book by a friend, because she knows I am interested in, and have written about, theology and India (also Indiana). I interpreted her gift as a sort-of joke. I opened the book ready to be amused and with an attitude of skepticism. I was surprised and pleased to discover thoughtful and well-researched arguments for: 1. Jesus did not die, when crucified, and 2. He traveled from the Middle East to Asia and eventually died an aged holy man in Kashmir. Kerstin's argument on #1 I found quite persuasive. Less so #2, because there is much less actual evidence to support the travelogue for Jesus Kersten describes. He asks the reader to accept many speculative leaps and interpretations of folk history to reach the conclusion that Jesus lived a long life as a revered holy man in India. Still, it is an interesting and provoking read, especially the demythologizing of Christ's Resurrection.
I was given this book by a friend, because she knows I am interested in, and have written about, theology and India (also Indiana). I interpreted her gift as a sort-of joke. I opened the book ready to be amused and with an attitude of skepticism. I was surprised and pleased to discover thoughtful and well-researched arguments for: 1. Jesus did not die, when crucified, and 2. He traveled from the Middle East to Asia and eventually died an aged holy man in Kashmir. Kerstin's argument on #1 I found quite persuasive. Less so #2, because there is much less actual evidence to support the travelogue for Jesus Kersten describes. He asks the reader to accept many speculative leaps and interpretations of folk history to reach the conclusion that Jesus lived a long life as a revered holy man in India. Still, it is an interesting and provoking read, especially the demythologizing of Christ's Resurrection.
August 15, 2016
Theological mysteries have always intrigued me and they're one of my most favourite genres to read. That precisely is the reason I read this book on one of the most glorified names on the planet, 'Jesus Christ'. There has always been a debate about his existence between the religious ones and the agnostics, but I have always believed what really should be a question is whether Jesus was a mythical person or a historical one. The book certainly proves him to be a person of history if not as someone who 'resurrected' from the dead.
So many facts about a great individual, ideas that have been misunderstood and facts that have been misconstrued, are all clarified in this book by Mr. Kersten.
A wonderful read that can be enjoyed over and again.
So many facts about a great individual, ideas that have been misunderstood and facts that have been misconstrued, are all clarified in this book by Mr. Kersten.
A wonderful read that can be enjoyed over and again.
September 12, 2010
Kersten makes an interesting argument about the unknown life of Jesus. But I feel like his arguments could have been stronger. A lot of what he says is based on assumptions that people will believe him, rather than strong proof. The first part of the book feels like he is really just undermining Christianity, as if these other texts are more legitimate, although all spiritual texts have their failings. However, the information is compelling, and not illogical, and something that stays with you. Recommended to the not overly religiously sensitive. It could definitely be offensive.
August 27, 2013
A portion of the book is about hardcore facts, another portion is conjecture and yet another portion is somewhere in the middle. But clearly this book is an honest work on focusing on the facts which in turn open the door into some deep insights on the life of someone we know not much about. Surely everyone has the right to accept or reject the conclusions drawn in the book but then it doesn't take away the fact that this book is more scientific and archaeologically convincing than compared to other forms of literature on religion.
I would recommend anyone and everyone to read this book.
I would recommend anyone and everyone to read this book.
August 14, 2020
The book is a great read, informative and introduces new facts and theories into Christ’s life and teachings. Very informative, revealing some details such as Christ’s Buddhist and Hindu connection. Definitely it exists and like many religions Sanatan (Hindu) Dharma is the basis of Christ philosophy and believes as well before it is diluted with medieval Church regime. Interesting to read and realize how all world religions are interconnected and influenced by each other. But the most bold disclosure is Christ’s life in Kashmir (India) and other middle east countries.
July 27, 2011
If Kersten hadn't based 90% of his research on the Shroud of Turin I would say this book could change the world. But then so much of it is conjectural it's just a bit too far fetched.
I'm really convinced about the wandering ascetic through India, but as for Jesus' settling down, then retiring and ultimately dying in Kashmir, I'm not so convinced.
Kasmiris and Punjabis alike seem quite convinced of it, though.
I'm really convinced about the wandering ascetic through India, but as for Jesus' settling down, then retiring and ultimately dying in Kashmir, I'm not so convinced.
Kasmiris and Punjabis alike seem quite convinced of it, though.
May 14, 2009
Very interesting. Should I believe everything it says? Some of the things seem quite plausible - like the influence of Buddhism in the West Asian countries that were part of the Silk Route - and others seem quite far fetched - like the stuff on re-incarnation.
But it's made me curious about finding out more on some of the places and communities it talks about.
But it's made me curious about finding out more on some of the places and communities it talks about.
April 24, 2012
Interesting study of the subject, but not within the deepest understanding of the nature of Self. Of course, it never claims to be. More important for me to remember that all of this world and its history is but a dream, a reflection of the Self. That includes Jesus and all the gods and of course, the stories of the stories of the story.....
April 13, 2010
Incredible! We never read much in the bible about what Jesus was doing from the time he left the holy land as a child and when he returned as a man to carry out his ministry. Not sure about some of this, but it is a good speculation read.
February 13, 2016
An awe inspiring book, if and strictly if you can survive it. A bit too many facts but still a good read ... Captures Jesus' life mostly after crucification which is surprisingly kept under wraps by flagbearers of Christianity ..
March 16, 2009
fascinating review of historical record, physical evidence, Biblical clues and other information about Jesus' life and the origins of his teachings and Christianity.
November 30, 2009
written in a convincing manner. there is enough material to shake the beliefs of few devout people.
July 10, 2011
I agree with the reviewer who called this one "far fetched". it is, but still an entertaining yarn
April 14, 2013
Fascinating! This book's a real thinker.
March 24, 2013
Will make you rethink about what Bible says!
January 13, 2015
The book, although an interesting read, lacks precise scholarship in content.
June 23, 2018
Totally convincing.
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