Jesus: The Evidence

by Ian Wilson

Book Overview

Wilson uses Scriptures, noncanonical writings, and research from a variety of disciplines to penetrate pious mythology and historical distortions. To committed Christians, this book offers a fascinating new perspective on their beliefs. To the skeptic, it provides a convincing explanation of why the beliefs centered on this one man have proven so powerful and pervasive. Illustrated.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006250973X
• ISBN13: 9780062509734
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The first televisual expose in script

Whereas the information in this book was well established before it was published, a bare bones assesssment of the gospels had not been broadcast on British television until this programme came out for that is what the book is - to follow a TV series released around 1984-5. Sadly, since this book was published, Wilson has tried to recant from his position of being something of a sceptic or heretic (which he never was anyway) and this probably explains why the book is out of print - because Wilson has since disowned it and become more of a believer as attested by his eulogies to biblical history published recently. The book attempts to cast a skeptical eye on Jesus but actually it is soft skepticism. Jesus is shown very much as a saintly figure with mysterious aspects. Some ambiguous areas are examined. Jesus' miracles are explained largely on the basis of hypnosis. Crucifiction and ressurection are explained very well. Gospel scholarship has been lucidly explained to a layman including most of the evidence for Jesus from non Christian sources, possible datings and areas of controversy. I was especially touched at the way that James the brother of Jesus was cast out from Gentile Christianity and how Peter was emphasised as the key disciple on which the Roman Church was established. The complexity of Jesus' family in that Mary was not really a virgin and probably had about 6 children is brought startlingly to light. This is a very easy book to read and casts a critical eye on the formation of the Gentile Church, especially after emperor Constantine. It is clear that much has been lost from the original teachings of Christianity, largely in a Jewish form to begin with. This book is a Christian perspective on Jesus, echoing "Honest to God" which the author mentions. More critical books have since been published.

scholarly and inspiring

The existence of Jesus? The Shroud of Turin? 2000 years of lost and garbled "evidence", 2000 years of awe-inspiring belief in the most profound searching of the Spirit. All of these come together in one absorbing narrative concerning Christ Jesus.Do we live only in the flesh - the world of things physical? Have we not known that other world of the spirit - where even so called miracles are possible?I try to read along with Ian Wilson's analysis the simple awareness that the natural order of things is way beyond our understanding, that real people have walked the earth and known how to "read" the wholeness of a man and have the "power" to heal imbalance and pain. We call miracles that which we can't understand. Death, the other side of Life is dark to us. Why to Jesus if he lived in completeness with physical, psychical and spiritual - was such clarity not possible, even to the point of healing that disintegration of the body we call death?This is what Ian Wilson brings to me as I read those shells of discovery - those outward clues and observations that inspire us to think for ourselves - it really happened back there. And what - what is it all about?

Heresies Unbounded

In a more civilized era, one might say, you would be burned alive for writing a book like this. With a skeptical eye, Wilson examines the core tenets of the Gospels, questioning not only the Trinity but also the status of Mary and the Resurrection itself. Wilson is at his best when he dissects the various texts and discusses their antecedents, including the famous "Q" text. He also shows how sophisticated the different Gospels were, with each aimed at a different audience (e.g. Luke for the Romans - hence Pilate gets a sympathetic treatment; Mark for the Judeans - hence a stronger biblical theme). Doubtless there are other, mainstream Christian texts which deal with the same themes, but Wilson makes the topic approachable.

A Broad-minded approach to a difficult subject!

The author presents a well documented, rational, & unbiased view of a controversial topic, which allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. Very easy, yet spellbinding to read. Such a shame it's out-of-print! Also well worth reading:anything by Geza Vermes, & "James, The Brother of Jesus", by Robert Eisenman.

Excellent, factual, well supported and fun

Wilson is a master of delivering the most information in the fewest words. His style is fascinating and clearly credible. I simply had to read this book in two settings. I came away with an excellent understanding of the short version of remarkably complex research material. My only problem with the work is I could not understand how such an objective and factual work could be written by a person who is seemingly so devoted to promoting the case for the existance of Jesus. The reader is treated with total respect throughout the book...no spoon feeding here. Yet, the material is so well documented and presented the reader can honestly draw his or her own conclusions. Thank you Mr. Wilson...I Greatly enjoyed your work and must read more.