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1. The Historical Jesus: Five views

   The “Historical Jesus: Five views” by Beilby and Eddy reconstructs the life of Jesus by reflecting on who he was, what he did and many other things. Beilby and Eddy provide a clear overview of the ideas and publications by some of the most prominent scholars. The five noted scholars namely; Robert Price, John Dominic Crossan, Luke Timothy Johnson, James Dunn and Darrel Bock all present their ideologies concerning the historical Jesus . This paper critically discusses the historical book and looks into the different views of the said scholars in the book.

   The historical Jesus provides an arena for writers and readers to express their theories on the historical Jesus. In chapter three of the text there is a sharp disagreement between scholars on the human existence of Jesus. However, they all agree on the pivotal role of Jesus in Christianity. Consequently they all agree on the non debatable need to study the character of the historical Jesus. The main theme of Jesus’ existence is clearly visible throughout the text. According to the bible Jesus was born in a town known as Bethlehem, (New international version, Luke, 2). This confirms the  birth and existence of Jesus at that time according to the Gospel narratives. His impact on the lives of both Christians and non Christians is also clearly brought out. One of the central theories evident in the text is the theory Jesus earlier existence as the historical Jesus. Some of the scholars in the Historical Jesus: Five views agree with the fact that Jesus once existed and some even argue of his present existence. Nevertheless, they have some differences in their ideologies concerning the main purpose of the historical Jesus. On the other hand Robert Price lucidly maintains his views that Jesus probably never existed. Another central theory of concern is that of Luke Timothy Johnson. According to him Jesus greatly impacted the lives on both believers and non believers through his compelling and fascinating nature.

   In this text I resonate with the fact that since Jesus is a historical figure, he should be  interrogated historically. Furthermore, since he is a subject of historical inquiry he should be treated exactly as other historical figures such as Napoleon and the likes of Christopher Columbus. I also resonate with the idea of applying appropriate historiographical methods in order to unveil the history of Jesus. This ensures the construction of a narrative that is self explanatory and with less debates revolving around it.

   The historical Jesus: five views is one of the most well endowed books focusing on the historical Jesus. Despite the different views by the several scholars, an overall fact of Jesus’ existence is evident throughout the text. However awkward it may sound, my most favorite quote is the one which Robert Rice argues that the whole Gospel narrative is the product of the haggadic midrash on the Old testament, (Beilby & Eddy, 2009).

   However exciting the work and debates by the five scholars may be I still disagree with some of them. For instance, Price’s ideology that Jesus’ existence has reached the “vanishing point” I however strongly disagree with this notion since according to research by both Christian and non Christian sources Jesus’ Gospel is still spreading all over the world and many are still believing in the narratives about Jesus. Nonetheless, this does not fit the overall conclusion about the historical Jesus. Questions dealing with Jesus being classified as either a historical figure or a present figure are still left unanswered. Further questions concerning the true believers of Christ are also raised. These questions particularly focus on whether Christ’s believers base their faith in Jesus because of their faith in him or due to their historical knowledge about him.