Investigating Jesus: An Historian's Quest

by John Dickson

An in-depth investigation into the history of Jesus, from his early beginnings to how he was viewed in the Enlightenment, the 20th Century, and beyond   In this lovely full-color book, the question of how much anyone can really know about Jesus of Nazareth is addressed. From the Gospels to the word of modern-day theologians to historical record, all accounts are examined in minute detail in attempt to uncover the truth. By reviewing ancient evidence, interviewing leading experts, and setting out a robust historical method, the reliability or unreliability of different sources, interpretations, and arguments is clearly established. Christianity prides itself on being a historical religion. Here this pride is subjected to a very close scrutiny and it is shown both how vital this is and yet how different Jesus was from the way he is so often portrayed today.

Genres: Religion, Theology, History

176 pages, Hardcover

First published July 9, 2010

About the author

John focuses on the big ideas that have shaped our world.

His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.

With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .

John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.

His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Investigating Jesus is a large format illustrated book (from the high quality Lion stable) in which the author investigates the historical evidence of the existence of Jesus Christ. Dickson presents us with a book entirely about history and about how historians do their job. It’s not a theological book. It’s not religious propaganda aiming to persuade people to become Christians. Rather it offers a good introduction to anyone wanting to learn the tools and strategies available to historians, and it demonstrates how they’ve been applied in examining the evidence regarding Jesus.

As Dickson himself says, he seeks to bridge the gap between popular perception and scholarly judgement about the figure of Jesus. By putting together various evidences and research carried out throughout history since the death and resurrection of Jesus, and by using non-Christian references as well as New Testament records, Dickson concludes that. the evidence from all these sources leads all reputable historians to agree that a Jewish teacher named Jesus really did live and die in the first part of the first century CE. However, rather than simply saying we have proof in history, Dickson calls it ‘very high probability’.

I have always enjoyed reading history, and I’ve found Investigating Jesus a great introduction. If you’ve never considered the reliability of the evidence for Jesus, then here’s a place to start. If you’re after an easy to read, well-illustrated, clearly argued book on the historical bedrock of Christianity, then I recommend this one. At the end of the day, this is a ‘second order’ book. It’s like an instruction manual that shows how something works and helps you to use it. Investigating Jesus is aimed at helping the reader to investigate Jesus. It’s not an alternative to investigating Jesus for yourself. Having read this book you’ll be better equipped to go back to the primary sources, read them over and over, and weigh up their implications. If you’ve never done this before, let me encourage you to get hold of Investigating Jesus and start now.

[Matthew Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

John never argues that something is true simply because it is found in the Bible. He instead explains the worth of the historical process in finding facts of "high probability". He is always careful to highlight the shortcomings of methods and sources which is evidence of intellectual honesty. He applies these techniques to as much evidence as he could find, ancient and modern, to paint what I think is a compelling portrait of the historical Jesus.

This is a great introduction to the study of the Bible's historicity, and perhaps even into how we do Ancient History at all. A useful resource to rebuff commonly encountered biblical misconceptions

[Vincent Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fair review of the historicity of Jesus

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it. A survey of the way secular ancient historians understand Jesus, not at all dry or technical. As an old history undergrad, I really enjoy John Dickson's 'pure historian' viewpoint. The evidence speaks very well for itself.