Jesus

by John P. Meier and Elizabeth A. Johnson

Book Overview

In June 2000, five internationally renowned biblical scholars and one equally well known systematic theologian traveled to Israel with 60 non-academic pilgrims to share their insights on the Jesus of history and the meaning of the "historians' Jesus" for Christian faith. The result is a book that provides a succinct summary of what is currently known about Jesus and his times-his setting in Galilee, his relationship to the Qumran community, his...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826413072
• ISBN13: 9780826413079
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Continuum
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Scholars, Excellent Discussion

This book provides an excellent overview of some of the most important current topics in Historical Jesus Study. They include:(1) a study of Galilee at the time of Jesus (by E. P. Sanders); (2) a comparison and analysis of Jesus's teachings with the doctrines contained in the Dead Sea Scrolls (by Daniel J. Harrington); (3) some preliminary musings by John P. Meier about how he will reconcile the Elijah-like miracle working prophet who has emerged to date from his "Marginal Jew" series with the early remembrance of Jesus as the Davidic Messiah; (4)an assement of the important role of oral traditions as sources for the Gospels (by James D. G. Dunn); and finally, a respected systematic theologian's perspective on the importance and usefulness of honest and objective historical Jesus research in terms of nurturing the Christian faith (by Elizabeth A. Johnson). The contributors are all leading scholars who are excited about their subjects. They brilliantly employ the tools of honest, objective, historical criticism--but they also do not apologise for their faith. This short collection provides an excellent introduction to the work and thought processes of these wonderful scholars. I recommend it highly.