The Quest: The Historian's Search for Jesus and Mohammad

by F.E. Peters

Esteemed professor emeritus F. E. Peters compares the similarities and differences in the dual searches for the historical Jesus and the historical Muhammad. These quests have been the focus of considerable effort since the lifetime of each of these venerated figures. Using the primary tools of historical inquiry and the evidence discovered by both believers and unbelievers in the faiths established by Jesus and Muhammad, Professor Peters provides an insightful look into the results thus far found and the surprising truths uncovered.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Islam, Audiobook

8 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Abubakar Mehdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

F.E.Peters is a leading scholar on the history of Islam and the Middle East. I knew about his works but what I did not know, was that he gave a series of lectures (Fourteen Lectures) dealing with the early history of Islam and Christianity, and not audio-book format lectures but proper lectures like the ones an old professor gives to his students. It was a wonderful experience. Peters is thoughtful, skeptical and a true historian.

In the beginning of his lectures, he briefly outlines what his intention is in delivering these lectures. He says that his sole motive is to “Debunk historical fallacies and myths” which have become a part of the mainstream narrative. He approaches the subject with great care and deliberation, always polite and gentle, he peels off the fiction and concoction that shrouds the whole subject, and lays bare a truer picture of the life and times of Muhammad and Jesus.

Throughout the book, he briefly draws some parallels between the two, but the most significant and apt contrast of the two personalities is only etched in the last lecture. While Muhammad was a greater success in his life, Jesus has been remembered for his pacifism and humility.

From Quran to bible, Mecca to Jerusalem, Paul to Ibn Ishaq, he gives a succinct but accurate account of how these two men might have lived and how their lives were interpreted and understood after their deaths. This is an invaluable study for anyone interested in “History”, and not the fiction, of the life and times of Jesus and Muhammad, the two most influential figures in the history of mankind.

[Nick Rolston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this work to be lacking in terms of organization and structure. Although there were some interesting aspects discussed regarding the authors of the Gospel writings and the sources drawn from in addition to some critical commentary about the narrative events contained within, I found that the sections ended abruptly and there was an attempt to cram in discussions of Muhammad and Islam in a somewhat haphazard manner. The author begins to examine some interesting comparisons between Jesus and Muhammad at the very end by contrasting their purposes as religious figures and legacies to the respective faiths, and I would have liked to see that expanded.

[Payam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Historian's Search for Jesus and Mohammad provides an academic and historical analysis of these two important "holy" men who are often misrepresented by their respective churches. Despite the biased books written by followers of these men, the author strips aside the bias using evidence and instead sets in place believable theories using science. When the author cannot explain, the author does not explain; this is its strength. There are unknowns in history which when researchers attempt to bridge with whimsical theories tends to mislead those in the present. The author avoids such bridges by simply claiming ignorance when little information exists and instead focuses on evidence.

This factual approach and its unbiased perspective serves as a stepping stone for listeners that are interested about the history of these two men. While, by the end of this audiobook, the listener will be left with more questions, the questions will be more intelligent than those the listener started with. This is perhaps why I would recommend this book. Before reading the book, you may view the Christian Bible as a holy book; after, you may view it as a human book. Before, you may view Muhammad as a perfect individual from birth; after, you wonder if Muhammad participated in pagan community practices or not. New questions serve as new doors to knowledge. The new doors will lead back to new questions. "The Quest" turns into a cycle and leaves the reader hungry for more

[Tariq Mahmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series of lectures is titled as the historian's quest for Jesus and Mohammad. Which means that Peter treats all the scripture available with a critical analysis instead of the prejudiced reading of believers. Both Prophets are presented in a matter of fact manner along with of all the controversies surrounding their famous personalities. These lectures are a very good start for any young historian and fans of history as it removes the favoured image created by believers over the centuries. But one credit which I never gave to all the literally minded believers was their contribution to their cause. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Professor's respect of Hadith and the Gospels as he believes that true believers will never strive to subvert a text which they hold so sacred, which is a great point to ponder. I thought these lectures are a must for any serious student of religion as well as readers of religious history.

[Hank Pharis]

I was hoping this might provide some kind of reasonable comparison for the historical evidence regarding Jesus and Muhammad. Instead the author basically claims that everyone is biased except him! And yet he clearly suffers from what C.S. Lewis called "chronological snobbery." That is, hundreds of years later he knows better what happened than eyewitnesses (in the case of Jesus). Precious little of value here.

[Blair Hodgkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. This helps to separate the fact from the fiction that has accrued around the objects of this quest. I particularly found it interesting how historians were able to deduce the existence of the "Q" text from comparisons of the gospels.

[Helen Azar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview of both religions from a historical point of view.

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. I have a much better understanding of where Islam came from and what it's basic meaning is. Most of the Bible stuff I already knew.