The Historical Jesus: A Guide for the Perplexed

Guides for the Perplexed

by Helen K. Bond

The introduction to this new guide sets out the sources (Graeco-Roman, Jewish and Christian), noting the problems connected with them, paying particular attention to the nature of the gospels, and the Synoptic versus the Johannine tradition. A substantial section will discuss scholarship on Jesus from the nineteenth century to the explosion of works in the present day, introducing and explaining the three different 'quests' for the historical Jesus.

Subsequent chapters will analyse key themes in historical Jesus research: Jesus' Galilean origins; the scope of his ministry and models of 'holy men', particularly that of prophet; Jesus' teaching and healing; his trial and crucifixion; the highly contentious question of his resurrection; and finally an exploration of the links between the Jesus movement and the early church. Throughout, the (often opposing) positions of a variety of key scholars will be explained and discussed (eg. Sanders, Crossan, Dunn, Wright, Brown).

Genres: Religion, History, Christianity, Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality

216 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2012

Reviews

[Christopher Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introduction to Historical Jesus scholarship. Part 1 is a great background to understand how we got to where we are today in the scholarship. Not a lot of talk about her own methodology which I thought was really disappointing. We jump into the "snapshots of Jesus" and Bond mentions what she finds to be plausible and what she doesn't, but somethings are just dismissed without much comment. She takes a minimalist approach to the historical Jesus, but sometimes I found it to be a little too rigid. I don't know why it's so unlikely that Jesus does things that are congruent with other prophets as a sign of who he is. To me, this skims over how well known Israel's stories were to its people and the likelihood of Jesus playing into this story.

For me, I loved the earlier chapters, but the second half was a lot less helpful. Sander's "The Historical Figure of Jesus" does a better job with the minimalistic approach and his methodology laid out clearer.

[Morgan]

Serves excellently as an introduction to the field of historical Jesus scholarship, though I wish it could take a somewhat more 'objective' stance. It is very obvious that Bond prefers the apocalypticist interpretation, and as such she appears dismissive of more 'immanent' interpretations of Jesus. While I agree that the apocalypticist interpretation is by far the most accurate, there is something interesting in the interpretations of Crossan et al. which deserves more serious consideration than given in this book. The book is also too eager to appease conservative Christian interpretations, calling N. T. Wright's work 'a welcome alternative'. These elements are regrettable, because otherwise this is a very solid work.

[Jonathan Latshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent introduction to historic Jesus scholarship. I had previously always recommended Richard Bauckham’s “Jesus: A Very Short Introduction”, but Bond’s work now takes first prize for quick reads in this category. Bond does a good job of providing the general lay of the land in the field without overt endorsements of more niche positions. What you get is what you should want from a book like this: a generally accepted historical portrait of Jesus.

One aspect I found helpful was the summaries of the various phases of scholarship along with snapshots of the work of a few major players in historical Jesus scholarship (Meier, Crossan, Sanders, Wright, Allison, etc.).

[Anthony Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to historical Jesus studies. The author is sensitive to the many historical-critical issues related to the biblical records and what we can know and not know. The author is willing to show sympathy towards certain positions but without distortion of dissenting views. Highly recommended.

[Aimée van den Heuvel · Rating 3 out of 5]

heeeel uitgebreid en levert soms meer vragen op dan antwoorden. goede uiteenzetting van wie Jezus is, wat Hij deed, waar Hij leefde, welke keuzes Hij maakte, wie er in Zijn omgeving waren, hoe zijn omgeving eruit zag. leest niet makkelijk weg ofzo, wel veeeel informatie. soms voelt het wel alsof de auteur dingen in twijfel trekt - die ik dan eigenlijk wel voorafgaand aan het lezen normaal/logisch vond.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best overall introduction to historical Jesus research. Dr. Helen Bond covers all the main scholars in the movement and walks through all key points in the life of Jesus, all in a non technical way. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the historical Jesus.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to leading scholarly works on Jesus in history. Tells you to decide for yourself whether or not it was possible for Jesus to risen from the dead, which is pretty funny.

[Alexis Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating review, would’ve loved to share a glass with the dude

[Sanjuro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while taking a class on the historical Jesus from Helen Bond, the author of this book. Going in to the class, I previously had some negative experiences trying to discuss this subject with people from different faith backgrounds than mine. Discussing Jesus can be a tricky business. However, Dr. Bond and I met for coffee to discuss her views of Jesus, and she was insightful and charitable, despite the fact that we see things differently on some key issues. She even went on to be one of the two academic references that got me into 7 PhD programs on the New Testament.

The book is representative of that charity and insight. Rather than forcefully arguing for a specific vision, this book works as a primer, introducing the reader to the relevant arguments and scholars on historical Jesus studies over the past century. Bond hits, at least briefly, on every major issue surrounding historical Jesus studies, and offers excellent commentary on the debates and their significance. An excellent introduction.

[William Saeednia-Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who studied Ancient History (and loved it) this was the mental version of a fireworks show. While the author takes a very agnostic approach to the actual person of Jesus, she uses this thread as the centre around which she brings in a million fascinating facts about this little corner of the Roman world at a particularly interesting time.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to historical questions surrounding Jesus of Nazareth. Does a fair job summarizing various positions.