Who is Jesus?: Answers to Your Questions about the Historical Jesus Book

This book gave some interesting theories on the historical Jesus that many persons would find offensive. The author basically believes in the teachings of Jesus but does not see him as a deity. He subscribes to a general "liberation theology" and, interestingly enough, he is not an agnostic. He promotes a vague faith towards a vague Judaeo-Christian God. Much my like Reza Aslan, he believes there was a Galilean peasant crucified by the Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate around 36 AD. He cites Flavius Josephas, Tacitus, and Celsus as close contemporaries who documented the existence of the namesake to the early Christians. He also treats the Gospels as relevant evidence to Christ's existence but as accounts that should truly be considered as early religious propaganda.

I am always drawn to these books that are highly critical of the origins and history of Christianity but I always seem to have the same complaints after completing the books. The authors cherry pick the historical accounts that agree with their conclusions and ignore the Biblical passages that are contrary to their thesis. I tend to have that complaint with traditional theologians as well.

I recommend this book for persons who want to test their faith or explore nontraditional theories of the New Testament. It is a worthwhile read.