Doubter's Guide to Jesus

An Introduction to the Man from Nazareth for Believers and Skeptics

By John Dickson | Publisher: Zondervan Academic

About the book

Who was Jesus?

Historical sources portray a person who was complex, multi-layered, and often contradictory to the tidy portrait that much of modern Christianity paints him as. Even the gospel accounts render him as both judge and healer, teacher and temple, servant and savior.

A Doubter's Guide to Jesus is a persuasive and often challenging investigation into the historical figure found in the earliest sources. These sources, which include references both direct and indirect—from Roman, Jewish, and Christian accounts—offer us more than simple evidence that Jesus existed; they begin to form a picture that is both deeply credible and profoundly counterintuitive.

Each chapter explores the evidence for a different aspect of the most influential figure in human history, exploring:

  • His words and their impact.
  • The scandal of his social life.
  • His preference for the poor and lowly.
  • The meaning of his death and influence of his promises.

The goal is not to turn Jesus into something neater, more systematic and digestible; but to see him more clearly as someone who stretches our imaginations, confronts our beliefs, and challenges our lifestyles.

After two millennia of spiritual devotion and more than two centuries of modern critical research, we still cannot fit Jesus into a box—and this is as challenging as it is deeply compelling.

Editions of Doubter's Guide to Jesus

EBook
ISBN 9780310571988

Read an Excerpt

Who was Jesus?

Historical sources portray a person who was complex, multi-layered, and often contradictory to the tidy portrait that much of modern Christianity paints him as. Even the gospel accounts render him as both judge and healer, teacher and temple, servant and savior.

A Doubter's Guide to Jesus is a persuasive and often challenging investigation into the historical figure found in the earliest sources. These sources, which include references both direct and indirect—from Roman, Jewish, and Christian accounts—offer us more than simple evidence that Jesus existed; they begin to form a picture that is both deeply credible and profoundly counterintuitive.

Each chapter explores the evidence for a different aspect of the most influential figure in human history, exploring:

  • His words and their impact.
  • The scandal of his social life.
  • His preference for the poor and lowly.
  • The meaning of his death and influence of his promises.

The goal is not to turn Jesus into something neater, more systematic and digestible; but to see him more clearly as someone who stretches our imaginations, confronts our beliefs, and challenges our lifestyles.

After two millennia of spiritual devotion and more than two centuries of modern critical research, we still cannot fit Jesus into a box—and this is as challenging as it is deeply compelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Doubter's Guide to Jesus about?

Who was Jesus?

Historical sources portray a person who was complex, multi-layered, and often contradictory to the tidy portrait that much of modern Christianity paints him as. Even the gospel accounts render him as both judge and healer, teacher and temple, servant and savior.

A Doubter's Guide to Jesus is a persuasive and often challenging investigation into the historical figure found in the earliest sources. These sources, which include references both direct and indirect—from Roman, Jewish, and Christian accounts—offer us more than simple evidence that Jesus existed; they begin to form a picture that is both deeply credible and profoundly counterintuitive.

Each chapter explores the evidence for a different aspect of the most influential figure in human history, exploring:

  • His words and their impact.
  • The scandal of his social life.
  • His preference for the poor and lowly.
  • The meaning of his death and influence of his promises.

The goal is not to turn Jesus into something neater, more systematic and digestible; but to see him more clearly as someone who stretches our imaginations, confronts our beliefs, and challenges our lifestyles.

After two millennia of spiritual devotion and more than two centuries of modern critical research, we still cannot fit Jesus into a box—and this is as challenging as it is deeply compelling.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Doubter's Guide to Jesus?

Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts

Where can I read a sample of Doubter's Guide to Jesus?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780310571988

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Doubter's Guide to Jesus?

John Dickson

Who is the Publisher of the book Doubter's Guide to Jesus?

Zondervan Academic

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Doubter's Guide to Jesus is available as ebook(ISBN 9780310571988)

Where can I buy Doubter's Guide to Jesus online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Doubter's Guide to Jesus?