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Jesús, Aproximación Histórica

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¿Quién fue Jesús? ¿Cómo entendió su vida?
¿Qué alternativa quiso introducir con su actuación?
¿Dónde está la fuerza de su persona
y la originalidad de su mensaje?
¿Porqué se le ejecutó? ¿Cómo terminó su aventura?
Un relato vivo y apasionante de la actuación
y el mensaje de Jesús de Nazaret que,
partiendo del estado actual de la investigación,
lo sitúa en su contexto social, económico, político
y religioso desde los datos más recientes.

574 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

136 people are currently reading
348 people want to read

About the author

José Antonio Pagola

135 books15 followers

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5 stars
163 (64%)
4 stars
58 (23%)
3 stars
21 (8%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lee Harmon.
Author 5 books114 followers
May 28, 2011
Who was the Jesus of history? A wandering sage? A penniless do-gooder? An apocalyptic preacher?

If you’re tired of all the one-dimensional labels and want to find the real Jesus, this is the right book. Pagola begins by affirming his devotion to the Catholic Church, and his analysis overemphasizes canonical scripture just as one would expect of a confessing Christian, but this is not a book about the “Christ of Faith.” While resorting to neither evangelism nor sensationalism, Pagola tells the simple story of a very human Jesus, his beliefs, dreams, ambitions, and values. I’m well-read on the topic of the historical Jesus, and I have to say, I am very impressed by the picture Pagola paints. This is about as down-to-earth as any exposition of the life of Jesus I’ve ever read. Any more down-to-earth would be dishonest, for Jesus truly was exceptional. The result may be the most inspiring book I’ve ever read about Jesus.

This is a Jesus who desperately wants his audience to embrace what he calls the reign of God, or the kingdom of God, and who gently teaches in parable and example how it can come about. It’s a historical Jesus that is, finally, believable and consistent with the picture provided in both scripture and history. It is a Jesus we can both love and admire. A Jesus whose teachings might actually explain the following that sprang up after his death. But still a very human Jesus, with real problems.

“Jesus put the honor of his family at risk when he left. His vagabond’s life, far from home, without fixed employment, performing exorcisms and strange healings, and proclaiming a disturbing message without authorization, brought shame to the whole family.”

Clearly, this book is not about Christianity. Not until the final pages of the book does Pagola discuss the religion which sprang up in Jesus’ name, or the apocalyptic expectations that arose through messianic dreams, and that short discussion of the post-resurrection Jesus may be the only place where I disagree much with Pagola’s research, finding it too simplistic. He gives the impression (perhaps not intentionally) that the meaning of Jesus’ life and resurrection were interpreted similarly by all early followers. Elsewhere, whenever Pagola’s view differs from my own, his view is the one leaning toward the consensus of other scholars, and I guess that’s a good thing. I’d put it like this: Pagola has carefully extracted the meat from contemporary Jesus scholarship and flavored it with common sense.
Profile Image for Raúl San Martín Rodríguez.
341 reviews4 followers
June 27, 2022
Impresionante esfuerzo del Teólogo José Antonio Pagola. Un estudio histórico que más allá de la riqueza en sí misma en orden a conocer la sociedad Judía de la época y el rol del Imperio Romano en esa zona de Asia, da cuenta de una visión realista de la existencia de Jesús y su rol como transmisor vivo de la palabra de Dios como un ser humano que ha entregado todo por esa misión. Me emocionó profundamente ese rol humano, frágil y pobre desde el cual Jesús imparte su enseñanza, desde el mundo campesino, de los oprimidos y marginados. Lo que más valoro del autor, es la manera en la cual “la cristilogia” que pretende lo hace desde abajo, desde la humanidad de Jesús y no desde los dogmas divinos. Es esa naturaleza intrínsecamente propia de nosotros y de nosotras, la que revela justamente su rol de entrega a toda costa por que su mensaje, el Reino de Dios, se haga realidad en la sociedad humana. Pese a su soledad, y su abandono de todo que no sea buscar al pobre, al marginado, al sufriente, a los desvalidos, Jesús logró persuadir a la humanidad de que ese es el camino de nuestra especie, y que eso es lo que Dios quiere de y para nosotros. Es esa fe, la que me ha impactado, la que me ha dado una nueva forma de acercarme y ver a Jesús. Finalmente, y pese al estudio que seguiré en adelante, agradezco profundamente al autor por esta obra, la que recomiendo absolutamente, tanto desde el punto de vista de la fe, del conocimiento y de la historia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yanela.
180 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2012
Tan fácil de leer, tan cierto . Además es un autor vetado por el Vaticano
420 reviews13 followers
December 21, 2016
I appreciated the author's passion (pun intended, I guess) for his subject and gained insights from this work, which, although not a difficult read, took me a while to get through. In particular, I benefited from his discussion of historical, economic and political realities at the time of Jesus.

However, I got annoyed by two things. One, the reliance of the author on the consensus of a select group of current theologians as a determiner of truth. Second, the tendency - not unique to this writer - to have an idea of who the "historical Jesus" was, and then to explain away everything in the Gospels that goes against this picture.

So, much as I admire this work and recommend it to others, it has led me to conclude that the "search for the historical Jesus" is more reliable at revealing the assumptions and inclinations of the searcher than a means to create a portrait of Jesus as he was, pre-resurrection. Those of us who believe the Gospels to be written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit - i.e., the Spirit of Jesus - are thereby called to take them all to heart as written, and those who do not, probably are not that interested in this debate in the first place.

Recommended for those seeking to learn more of the time and place in which Jesus lived, and to spend time reflecting on His life, lived mainly with those on the margins and on his mandate to his followers to do the same.
Profile Image for Hasler Iglesias.
41 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2018
Sin duda una aproximación minuciosa al día a día que seguramente vivió Jesús. Una manera de acercarse al hombre de carne y hueso que cambió el curso de la historia y que marcó tanto a quienes lo escucharon que 2.000 años después es una de las religiones más seguidas en el mundo.

Humaniza la persona de Jesús, aterriza su historia a la Palestina del siglo I. Sin ánimos de convencer a nadie de su divinidad, pero que para el lector creyente termina siendo de muchísimo provecho.
Profile Image for JeanAnn.
99 reviews
July 16, 2018
The author, Jose A. Pagola, emphasizes early on that he has written an “approximation” of the life of the historical Jesus. Pagola states, “My study of the historical Jesus should not be confused with the study on the Christ of faith in whom we Christians believe.“ “Historical research on the life of Jesus clearly cannot by itself awaken faith in Jesus Christ, the son of God incarnate for our salvation.“ A footnote follows which says, “On the other hand, the study and analysis of Christology has also been unable, by itself, to generate faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is the fruit of God’s action in us and our faithful response in different and complementary ways . . .” Later, Pagola reiterates, “I shall explain, my faith has had great importance in other ways, but I have not used it as an instrument of historical interpretation.“ (I insert here: To set aside one’s faith in this endeavor would be very difficult, if truly possible.) The book’s bibliography contains a list of nearly 200 sources of more recent studies on the historical Jesus referenced by the author. Pagola himself has dedicated his life to Biblical studies and Christology and has done research on the historical Jesus for more than 30 years. His goal in writing this in-depth study was to try to answer these questions: “What was Jesus like? How did he understand his life? What were the basic characteristics of his activity, the thrust and essential content of his message? Why did they kill him? How did the adventure of his life end?”
Profile Image for Paula Sáez.
252 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2024
Cuando empecé a leerlo quedé más prendada de este libro, pero con el paso del tiempo y mi avance en la formación cristiana, veo que no es tan bueno como en un principio pensaba. El libro acerca a la religión y creo que puede combatir con unos cuantos prejuicios existentes, sin embargo, considero que a veces se aleja a lo que la Tradición nos enseña y choca con algunos detalles teológicos. Considero que hay otros libros más bonitos e interesantes para acercarse a la figura de Jesús.
Profile Image for Paloma.
45 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2025
Un Jesús, hijo de Dios, histórico. Me ha encantado. Te sitúa en aquel tiempo, te explica el sentido de muchos gestos de Jesús, dentro de la cultura judía, te habla de las fuentes, te dice qué es verdad y que está en duda o no es cierto. Me ha hecho sentirme parte de un proyecto maravilloso en mi mundo al igual que El lo fue en el suyo. Un placer leerlo.
Profile Image for Larry Wood.
70 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2022
I have read many books on the life of Jesus, and what his message and meaning are for the world. This is the most thought-provoking, thorough and inspiring of them all.
Profile Image for Dhanaraj Rajan.
529 reviews362 followers
September 19, 2013
An interesting book on Jesus.

There are many books on Jesus and this book is 'an historical approximation of Jesus'. There have been many books written to present the Historical Jesus.

For those who are confused about the usage of the term 'historical Jesus' a small clarification: Jesus of History and Christ of Faith. These are two major classifications in the study of Jesus. One is historical and the other is theological. Historical Jesus would mean to get near the historical figure of Jesus as he lived in Galilee in his own days. Christ of Faith would indicate the theological thinking centered on and about the person of Jesus, the Son of God.

Historical Jesus has always been the subject of study for a very long time and Historical Jesus has always interested many. There have been many books on this theme and they were all highly scholarly and were too difficult for the ordinary lay readers. It is here the difference of this book lies. This is written for the lay readers (the author also states it as his intention). Though this is written for the lay readers this book does not lack the research or the use of the research materials. The author is a well known scholar and he has used all the knowledge that he had gained for the very human presentation of Jesus in today's language. In simple words, this is a research work that is readable.

An Observations as a believer:
There are many revealing and refreshing details. The analysis of Jewish society of Jesus' time in Galilee and its surroundings, the analysis of Jesus' parables, the analysis of the political and religious powers that dominated the society that Jesus had, the social set up in which Jesus freely associated with the tax collectors and women, the details on crucifixion, etc shed new light on the Jesus' message of 'Reign of God' and his understanding of 'God, the Father'. These details are never presented in a spiritual manner. They are presented in the secular language. But the impact that made on me, a believer was great.

The interesting appendices:
There are eight appendices and they are of utmost importance. It is here the author speaks of the research technologies that are used presently in the study of historical Jesus,the criteria to decide upon the historicity of few details used are revealed to the readers, and the stupid sensationalism and the foolish historical claims of some popular writers like Dan Brown are answered, etc.

As a non- believer, if one reads the book he/she would admire the person of Jesus.

As a believer, if one reads the book he/she would love his/her Lord even more.
41 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2019
Este libro me presentó de una manera peculiar la vida de Jesus.

Me pareció una analice de substancial rigor, con mucho sustento bibliográfico.
Además, Pagola expone con maestría los impactos e los significados de las parábolas, de las actitudes, del propósito de Jesus.

Es intrigante como, por medio de inúmeros estudios, se concluye que varios textos y dichos fueran construidos por los autores para propagar una mensaje de su proprio interese o de interese de las comunidades cristianas, de alguna forma distinta de la mensaje original.

Sin embargo, se percibe como la alquimia entre celestial y humano era tan harmónica y presente en todas las actitudes de Jesus, por medio de la compasión, del interese en estar al lado de los que sufren, de dar aliento a almas indistintamente. Todo eso hace parte de su misión principal: propagar el Reino de Dios.

Al final, se siente que de fato hubo una aproximación de Jesus, no solamente histórica, pero vital.
Profile Image for Victor.
37 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2015
Es un libro magnífico que arroja meridiana claridad científica sobre un personaje tan ultrajado por el amarillismo y la ignorancia.

Recomendado, sin duda, se sea cristiano o no.
Profile Image for Sean Loone.
Author 13 books5 followers
February 19, 2019
If I could give this book more than 5*’s then I would have no hesitation in doing so. It is masterly in its scholarship yet retains, throughout, the authors deep and profound faith in Jesus. Controversial at times but never wavering in its authenticity and readability. You don’t have to be a biblical scholar to appreciate the depth and detail of this book. I would highly recommend this work to all those interested in Jesus from the seminarian to the lay person, from the undergraduate to the postgraduate. Do not be put off by the title. Read it slowly and carefully making notes in the margin and highlighting those moments when something happens within you and it will, believe me.
79 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2024
Without a doubt the best book on the life of Jesus.
This is not a theological text, but rather a good research book on His life, written in a clear language .
The five stars rating is not only for the great historical details but for the inspirational content and the way the author is capable to reach the heart of the reader in a way I have never experienced before.
Very emotional. I have to confess that I cried reading several passages. Definitely I will read it again, and keep it as a treasure.
Profile Image for Bébhinn Ní Riain.
63 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2024
José Antonio Pagola’s "Jesus: An Historical Approximation" offers an insightful and accessible exploration of the life of Jesus, blending historical scholarship with spiritual depth. The book portrays Jesus both as a historical figure and as a person of faith, making his life and message relatable. Pagola’s compassionate depiction of Jesus emphasizes his mission to the poor and marginalized, while challenging societal structures. This work is both informative and moving, appealing to scholars, believers, and anyone interested in understanding the human side of Jesus.






Profile Image for Gary Emig.
195 reviews
February 13, 2019
Worth reading, but at times the author is confusing and interjecting is own theories. He writes that Jesus was unaware of his purpose and relationship with God the Father. Early on we know that he understood why he was here and who he was. He ends it well and certainly challenges the gospel writings. I would not recommend reading this unless you have a decent understanding of scripture.
41 reviews
February 27, 2024
Jesús

Excelente como libro de estudio y para conocer mejor la vida de nuestro Señor Jesús. Me ha dejado unas grandes lecciones no solo de historia pero también me ha ayudado en mi vida espiritual. Lo recomiendo a aquellos que quieran conoce más y mejor a nuestro Salvador; el Señor Jesús.
Profile Image for delbee.
81 reviews
April 1, 2025
This book has helped me to get to know Jesus, who was he, what was he like, and the story around it. Quite a dense book, it's more like a light textbook. Not too heavy but not too light. A book I hope I can come back to in the future.
Profile Image for Rubén.
51 reviews
Read
July 24, 2025
Un acercamiento al Jesús histórico retratado en el fruto de una vida dedicada a la investigación de José Antonio Pagola. Sin duda un referente para quien desea acercarse a una cristología contemporánea, fundamentada u contextualizada en la dimensión humana y divina de Jesús de Nazaret.
Profile Image for Daniel Subiabre.
24 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2018
Es un libro excelente. Se lo recomiendo tanto a Católicos como a Protestantes de todas las denominaciones. Es una gran ayuda para acercarse al Jesús histórico y comprender los Evangelios.
Profile Image for Ryan.
13 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2021
Some good stuff here. It has flaws but it's an able guide through the thicket of historical-critical sholarship on Jesus.
63 reviews
August 24, 2025
A compelling account / approximation of the historical figure of Jesus.
Profile Image for Shawn.
46 reviews
August 7, 2013
This is really a refreshing, if long, book. The author has a far-reaching knowledge of practically all of the scholarship concerning Jesus, his life and times. Written in a popular style, the book presents a valuable portrait of Jesus, the man, without sacrificing any of his divinity.

I really got the sense of getting to know Jesus better through this very thorough exploration of his life that uses the Gospels as its baseline source and brings what's there alive with everything that is known about the New Testament era through all of the research that has been done over the last century.

The portrait that emerges is of a Jesus who is all about his relationship with his Father, and their desire to bring truly good news to a repressed people.

Along the way Jesus shocks his contemporaries' sensibilities by, among other things, treating women with a dignity and respect that was unheard of in that culture at that time, and hanging out with the people who needed him the most - sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors - not the kind of people you'd associate with holy men and women, even today.

This book seems to dovetail nicely with the ministry of Pope Francis with its description of a Jesus who wants nothing more than to bring His Father's love, acceptance, and mercy to a world that is starving for those things.

I imagine that some Catholics and conservative Protestants might be made uncomfortable by the places where the author strays from an orthodox interpretation of scripture based on sound scholarship. And "liberals" may be uncomfortable with a Messiah that relates to a masculine God, or one that doesn't seem interested in political revolution as much as personal liberation from everything that demeans human happiness and dignity.

But even if you don't feel comfortable with some of the things in this book, you'll get so much out of the rest.

It took me forever to read this book, but it was worth the trip.
Profile Image for Paulson Pulikottil.
32 reviews9 followers
September 5, 2014
Excerpts from the review on www.academia.co.in : "Though Jesus reconstructed through historical research is not essential for our faith, the faith demands that we use the methods available to us to have a better understanding of his historical dimension and his concrete human life. Pagola argues that this is required because Jesus Christ was incarnate in our history and he is a person of history.
However, Pagola’s work is not just a pious retelling of the story of Jesus of Nazareth. But throughout this book he interacts with other Jesus scholars and sifts in an immense amount of insights on the Roman and Jewish world of first century produced by contemporary scholarship."
For more visit.
http://academia.co.in/reviews/archive...
Profile Image for John.
98 reviews
August 9, 2011
Decided....this is a GREAT accounting and I refer to it often Historical background interesting...geographical and sociological cultural history interesting also...discussion of Jesus' motivations and story a little simplistic ...have read better and more thorough texts...really intriguing though the discussion of Jesus' family and circle of friends ( and my speculation ...a wife?)
1 review
April 15, 2016
Interesante por aportar mucho conocimiento de la época, pero tremendamente adoctrinante, no me lo esperaba. También bastante aburrido, insiste una y otra vez. Me esperaba algo más analítico dado el título.
Profile Image for Michael.
10 reviews7 followers
September 25, 2012
An excellent exploration of the historical Jesus grounded in a narrative style. This may be the closest a writer ever gets to the heart and psychology of this historical rabbi from Nazareth.
Profile Image for Pat.
25 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2016
superb book and I learned a lot .... well written.... and I would recommend this book for anyone interested in Jesus and the times he lived in
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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