The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant
Wishlist
"He comes as yet unknown into a hamlet of Lower Galilee. He is watched by the cold, hard eyes of peasants living long enough at a subsistence level to know exactly where the line …
Book Summary
John Dominic Crossan's The Historical Jesus reconstructs Jesus as a Mediterranean Jewish peasant and radical social revolutionary. Using rigorous historical methods, Crossan strips away later theological additions to uncover Jesus' actual words and actions, presenting a vision of economic, political, and religious egalitarianism. This groundbreaking work challenges conventional scholarship and offers a compelling portrait of Jesus as a savvy, courageous advocate for social justice.
This book is not available
Store  |
Condition |
Deals & Coupons | Price |
Est. Shipping |
Total |
Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorry we could not find any result for “9780060616298” | ||||||
About The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant
In The Historical Jesus, John Dominic Crossan employs cutting-edge historical methodology to recover the authentic Jesus beneath centuries of theological interpretation. Opening with 'The Gospel of Jesus,' a reconstructed capsule biography, Crossan portrays Jesus as a Jewish Mediterranean peasant who challenged the oppressive social order of his time. This Jesus is a radical social revolutionary, advocating for economic, political, and religious egalitarianism through a program of open commensality and healing. Crossan draws on archaeology, anthropology, and textual analysis to situate Jesus within the agrarian society of Lower Galilee, where peasants struggled under the weight of taxation, debt, and Roman occupation. He argues that Jesus' kingdom of God was not a otherworldly promise but a concrete social program for transforming this-worldly conditions. The book systematically dismantles the notion that little can be known about the historical Jesus, demonstrating that careful scholarship can yield a vivid and coherent portrait. Crossan's work is a landmark in historical Jesus studies, offering both a rigorous method and a provocative reconstruction that continues to spark debate among scholars and general readers alike.
Who should read The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant?
This book is essential for scholars and students of early Christianity, biblical studies, and ancient history. It will appeal to anyone interested in the historical Jesus, the social world of first-century Palestine, and the intersection of religion and social justice. Readers who appreciate rigorous historical methodology and are open to challenging traditional theological perspectives will find it particularly rewarding. It is also valuable for clergy, educators, and informed laypeople seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus' life and message.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Groundbreaking and influential work in historical Jesus research
- ✓ Rigorous interdisciplinary methodology combining archaeology, anthropology, and textual analysis
- ✓ Compelling and accessible writing style, despite scholarly depth
- ✓ Offers a vivid, concrete portrait of Jesus as a social revolutionary
- ✓ Challenges conventional wisdom and stimulates critical thinking
Cons
- ✗ Some conclusions are highly speculative and debated among scholars
- ✗ Dense and academically rigorous, may overwhelm casual readers
- ✗ Presupposes some familiarity with biblical scholarship and ancient history
- ✗ Controversial among those with traditional theological views
- ✗ The reconstruction of Jesus' words and actions is inevitably subjective
Similar books
Frequently asked questions
What is the main thesis of The Historical Jesus?
Crossan argues that the historical Jesus can be recovered through rigorous historical methods and that he was a Jewish Mediterranean peasant who advocated a radical social program of egalitarianism, challenging the oppressive systems of his time.
Is this book suitable for readers without a background in theology?
While accessible, the book is academically rigorous and assumes some familiarity with biblical scholarship. Motivated general readers may find it rewarding but should be prepared for a challenging read.
How does Crossan reconstruct Jesus' words and actions?
Crossan uses a multidisciplinary approach, including textual analysis of early Christian sources, archaeological evidence, and anthropological models of peasant societies, to determine what is historically authentic.
What is 'The Gospel of Jesus' at the beginning of the book?
It is Crossan's reconstruction of Jesus' life and teachings, stripping away later theological additions to present a concise account of what he believes Jesus actually said and did.
Why is this book considered controversial?
Crossan's portrayal of Jesus as a social revolutionary and his skeptical stance toward traditional theological claims challenge orthodox Christian views, sparking debate among scholars and believers.
At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.
As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.