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Verdict of History
Craig S. Keener (Baker Academic: Nov 1, 2011), 928 pages.
Most modern prejudice against biblical miracle reports depends on David Hume's argument that uniform human experience precluded miracles. Yet current research shows that human experience is far from uniform. In fact, hundreds of millions of people today claim to have experienced miracles. New Testament scholar Craig Keener argues that it is time to rethink Hume's argument in light of the contemporary evidence available to us. This wide-ranging and meticulously researched two-volume study presents the most thorough current defense of the credibility of the miracle reports in the Gospels and Acts. Drawing on claims from a range of global cultures and taking a multidisciplinary approach to the topic, Keener suggests that many miracle accounts throughout history and from contemporary times are best explained as genuine divine acts, lending credence to the biblical miracle reports. ~ Book Description
John Dickson (Zondervan: Dec 14, 2010), 128 pages.
Uniquely among the world's religions, the central claims of Christianity concern not just timeless spiritual truths, but tangible historical events. At the heart of the of the Christian faith are things that are meant to have happened in Palestine between 5 BC and AD 30. It's as if Christianity happily places its head on the chopping block of public scrutiny and invites anyone who wants to come and take a swing. Some of Christianity's claims are so spectacular that they provoke a firestorm of questions, scrutiny, debate, and misinformation whenever they are discussed. The popularity of The Da Vinci Code and the frequent airing of TV documentaries delving into the darker uncertainties of Christianity show that such skepticism flourishes in the Western world today. In The Christ Files you will learn how historians know what they know about Jesus. Historian John Dickson embraces the need to examine Christianity's claims in the light of history, opening readers to a wealth of ancient sources and explaining how mainstream scholars — whether or not they claim Christian faith personally — reach their conclusions. Christianity arrived on the historical scene at a time of great literary activity. While many texts penned by ancient philosophers, historians, poets, and playwrights can reliably inform us about Jesus himself and about the culture in which he lived, others are not so credible. Dickson skillfully highlights both types of sources along with the historical methods used to study Christianity's claims. He also shows how historians asses the reliability of available data, and provides an honest but informed perspective on where historical issues are clear-cut and where personal faith comes into play. The Christ Files is a must-read for those looking to expand their understanding of early Christianity and the life of Jesus. ~ Book Description
Michael R. Licona (InterVarsity Press: Oct 2010), 720 pages.
The question of the historicity of Jesus' resurrection has been repeatedly probed, investigated and debated. And the results have varied widely. Perhaps some now regard this issue as the burned-over district of New Testament scholarship. Could there be any new and promising approach to this problem? Yes, answers Michael Licona. And he convincingly points us to a significant deficiency in approaching this question: our historiographical orientation and practice. So he opens this study with an extensive consideration of historiography and the particular problem of investigating claims of miracles. This alone is a valuable contribution. But then Licona carefully applies his principles and methods to the question of Jesus' resurrection. In addition to determining and working from the most reliable sources and bedrock historical evidence, Licona critically weighs other prominent hypotheses. His own argument is a challenging and closely argued case for the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. Any future approaches to dealing with this "prize puzzle" of New Testament study will need to be routed through The Resurrection of Jesus. ~ Synopsis
From the Foreward, in Craig Blomberg's The Historical Reliability of the Gospels (InterVarsity Press: 1987), p. ix.
There is, I imagine, no body of literature in the world that has been exposed to the stringent analytical study that the four gospels have sustained for the past 200 years. This is not something to be regretted: it is something to be accepted with satisfaction. Scholars today who treat the gospels as credible historical documents do so in the full light of this analytical study, not by closing their minds to it. ¶ A problem arises in this television age from the exposure of the public to a bewildering variety of opinions about the gospels in particular and the New Testament in general, including both the current scholarly consensus (if such a thing exists today) and every sort of way-out interpretation of the data, with little or no guidance being given about the criteria by which competing views are to be assessed and a reasonable conclusion reached.
John Dickson (Lion UK: Jul 9, 2010), 176 pages.
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. ~ Book Description
Cullen Murphy on Who Jesus Was said...
"Who Do Men Say That I Am?" in The Atlantic (December 1986).
It may be that Jesus went to his death not knowing quite who he was, regardless of what other men thought. He certainly went to his death with public opinion sharply divided and with his own disciples profoundly confused. There is obviously no consensus even today — even among Christians — as to what the real message of Jesus was and how it should apply to our lives, if it should apply at all. Despite the credal affirmations of the mainstream Christian churches, there is also no consensus — not if one looks at what real people actually believe — as to the identity of Jesus. Was he, as traditional Christian dogmatics hold, both God and Man — "the Word made flesh," a human being who was "consubstantial with the Father"? Did he partake of the divine in some more diluted and, as many twentieth-century churchgoers have doubtless concluded, inherently more plausible manner? Was he simply another of those charismatics who appear from time to time, destroy some complacency, do some good, and bequeath to the human race the symbol of an exemplary life?
Craig S. Keener (Eerdmans: Nov 15, 2009), 876 pages.
The earliest substantive sources available for historical Jesus research are in the Gospels themselves; when interpreted in their early Jewish setting, their picture of Jesus is more coherent and plausible than are the competing theories offered by many modern scholars. So argues Craig Keener in The Historical Jesus of the Gospels. In exploring the depth and riches of the material found in the Synoptic Gospels, Keener shows how many works on the historical Jesus emphasize just one aspect of the Jesus tradition against others, but a much wider range of material in the Jesus tradition makes sense in an ancient Jewish setting. Keener masterfully uses a broad range of evidence from the early Jesus traditions and early Judaism to reconstruct a fuller portrait of the Jesus who lived in history. ~ Book Description
Paul Copan and William Lane Craig, eds. (B&H Publishing: Aug 2009), 304 pages.
Contending with Christianity’s Critics is book two in a series on modern Christian apologetics that began with the popular Passionate Conviction. This second installment, featuring writings from eighteen respected apologists such as Gary Habermas and Ben Witherington, addresses challenges from noted New Atheists like Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and other contemporary critics of Christianity concerning belief in God, the historical Jesus, and Christianity’s doctrinal coherence. Contending with Christianity's Critics and Passionate Conviction are the result of national apologetics conferences sponsored by the Evangelical Philosophical Society.
From Richard's Website: Richard Carrier is a nationally-renowned author and speaker. As a professional historian, published philosopher, and prominent defender of the American freethought movement, Dr. Carrier has appeared across the country and on national television defending sound historical methods and the ethical worldview of secular naturalism. He holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in ancient history, specializing in the intellectual history of Greece and Rome, particularly ancient philosophy, religion, and science, with emphasis on the origins of Christianity and the use and progress of science under the Roman empire. He is best known as the author of Sense and Goodness without God and a major contributor to The Empty Tomb, as well as writer and editor-in-chief (now emeritus) for the Secular Web, and for his copious work in history and philosophy online and in print.
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Online resources, information, and media. Habermas is distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Theology at Liberty University. Habermas has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. Christian believers as well as unbelievers may find within the contents of this site a strong argument for the philosophical possibility of miracles and the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus, as well as the theological and practical implications of this event.
Craig Blomberg (IVP Academic: Jan 30, 2008), 416 pages.
For over twenty years, Craig Blomberg's The Historical Reliability of the Gospels has provided a useful antidote to many of the toxic effects of skeptical criticism of the Gospels. Offering a calm, balanced overview of the history of Gospel criticism, especially that of the late twentieth century, Blomberg introduces readers to the methods employed by New Testament scholars and shows both the values and limits of those methods. He then delves more deeply into the question of miracles, Synoptic discrepancies and the differences between the Synoptics and John. After an assessment of noncanonical Jesus tradition, he addresses issues of historical method directly. This new edition has been thoroughly updated in light of new developments with numerous additions to the footnotes and two added appendixes. Readers will find that over the past twenty years, the case for the historical trustworthiness of the Gospels has grown vastly stronger.
Darrell L. Bock (Thomas Nelson : November 6, 2007), 256 pages.
Ph.D.s and writers Bock (Jesus According to Scripture) and
Wallace (author of one of the most widely used textbooks on New
Testament Greek grammar) team up to address what they refer to as
Jesusanity—the trend to dethrone Jesus and view him as a wise and
revered leader rather than as the Christ of Christianity. They examine
the ideas of numerous scholars and theorists, including Bart Ehrman,
Elaine Pagels, Marcus Borg and James Tabor. With precision and care
drawn from their years of research, they study six key claims—including
the idea that the original New Testament manuscripts were corrupted
beyond recovery, that Jesus' message was primarily political, that new
gospels like Thomas and Judas throw traditional views of Jesus into
doubt and that Jesus' tomb has been discovered. What emerges is an
appreciation for the rigors of biblical study and a wealth of support
for traditional views of Jesus. The writing is at times unclear and
difficult, and could not compete on its own with the books Bock and
Wallace critique. However, this overview provides a concise and
well-researched appraisal. ~ Publishers Weekly
Paul Rhodes Eddy and Gregory A. Boyd (Baker Academic: August 1, 2007), 480 pages.
Even mature Christians have trouble defending the person and divinity of Christ. The Jesus Legend builds a convincing interdisciplinary case for the unique and plausible position of Jesus in human history. He was real and his presence on the planet has been well-documented. The authors of the New Testament didn't plant evidence, though each writer did tell the truth from a unique perspective. This book carefully investigates the Gospel portraits of Jesus — particularly the Synoptic Gospels — assessing what is reliable history and fictional legend. The authors contend that a cumulative case for the general reliability of the Synoptic Gospels can be made and boldly challenge those who question the veracity of the Jesus found there. ~ Product Description
Timothy Paul Jones (IVP Books : June 8, 2007), 175 pages.
Were the New Testament documents widely distorted by copyists as
Bart Ehrman, author of Misquoting Jesus, asserts? Can we in fact have
no idea what was in the originals? Do we have no hope of knowing what
eyewitnesses said and thought? Are other documents left out of the New
Testament better sources for understanding early Christianity? While
readily conceding that Ehrman has many of his facts straight, pastor
and researcher Timothy Paul Jones argues that Ehrman is far too quick
to jump to false and unnecessary conclusions. In clear,
straightforward prose, Jones explores and explains the ins and outs of
copying the New Testament, why lost Christianities were lost, and why
the Christian message still rings true today. ~ Product Description
"Jesus' Resurrection and Christian Origins", chap.9 in Passionate Conviction, eds. Paul Copan and William Lane Craig (B&H Academic, Nashville : 2007), p.128.
The historian is bound to face the question: once Jesus had been crucified, why would anyone say that He was Israel's Messiah? ¶ Nobody said that about Judas the Galilean after his revolt ended in failure in AD 6. Nobody said it of Simon bar-Giora after his death at the end of Titus's triumph in AD 70. Nobody said it about bar-Kochbar after his defeat and death in 135. On the contrary, where messianic movements tried to carry on after the death of their would-be messiah, their most important task was to find another messiah. The fact that the early Christians did not do that but continued against all precedent to regard Jesus Himself as Messiah, despite outstanding alternative candidates such as the righteous, devout, and well-respected James, Jesus' own brother, is evidence that demands an explanation. As with their beliefs about resurrection, they redefined messiahship itself and with it their whole view of the problem that Israel and the world faced and the solution they believed God had provided. They remained at one level a classic jewish messianic movement, owing fierce allegiance to their Messiah and claiming Israel and the whole world in His name. But the mode of that claim and the underlying allegiance itself were drastically redefined. ¶ The rise of early Christianity, and the shape it took in two central and vital respects, thus presses upon the historian the question for an explanation. The early Christian retained the Jewish belief in resurrection, but both modified it and made it more sharp and precise. They retained the Jewish belief in a coming Messiah but redrew it drastically around Jesus Himself. Why? ¶ The answer early Christians themselves give for these changes, of course, is that Jesus of Nazareth was bodily raised from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.
Richard Bauckham (Eerdmans : December 15, 2006), 538 pages.
This new book argues that the four Gospels are closely based on
eyewitness testimony of those who knew Jesus. Noted New Testament
scholar Richard Bauckham challenges the prevailing assumption that the
accounts of Jesus circulated as "anonymous community traditions,"
asserting instead that they were transmitted in the name of the
original eyewitnesses. To drive home this controversial point, Bauckham
draws on internal literary evidence, study of personal names in the
first century, and recent developments in the understanding of oral
traditions. Jesus
and the Eyewitnesses also taps into the rich resources of modern study
of memory and cognitive psychology, refuting the conclusions of the
form critics and calling New Testament scholarship to make a clean
break with this long-dominant tradition. Finally, Bauckham challenges
readers to end the classic division between the "historical Jesus" and
the "Christ of faith," proposing instead the "Jesus of testimony." Sure
to ignite heated debate on the precise character of the testimony about
Jesus, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses will be valued by scholars, students,
and all who seek to understand the origins of the Gospels.
Craig A. Evans (IVP Books : December 6, 2006), 290 pages.
Craig Evans is a very well-respected New Testament scholar with a
background in historical studies. Although Fabricating Jesus includes
brief though able refutations of claims made by The Da Vinci Code, The
Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception, The
Jesus Papers, and The Pagan Christ, the bulk of material addresses
popularized claims made by more reputable commentators, such as J.D.
Crossan, Bart Ehrman, James Robinson, the Jesus Seminar, and James
Tabor. Evans begins by discussing his own religious background and how it was
affected by the critical study of the New Testament and historical
Jesus. He uses this personal reflection to try and understand why some
respected scholars have embraced such far-fetched theories. One of his
explanations is that some of these scholars came from strict,
fundamentalist backgrounds. When exposed to the critical studies, they
were not flexible enough to accomodate the new information in their
existing religious mind set. As a result, their faith was shattered
instead of modified. They see little middle ground betweeen strict
fundamentalism and utter rejection of traditional positions. Evans
points to himself as evidence of a middle ground that actually bases
its opinions on better historical evidences. ~ C. Price at Amazon.com
Ben Witherington III (HarperOne : October 3, 2006), 352 pages.
With all the talk these days about a diversity of Christian beliefs in
the first century, here's a book designed to smack some sense into the
dialogue. Traditional sense, that is. Witherington, professor of New
Testament interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, creates
well-researched profiles of people in Jesus' inner circle—profiles that
stand up to the most rigorous biblical criticism. No flights of
fancy—just the historical understandings as they can be agreed upon by
the best and brightest evangelical biblical scholars. At times, there
is a strong whiff of defensiveness about the orthodoxy of the canon as
Witherington skewers views on early Christian beliefs made popular by
Gnosticism scholars Elaine Pagels and Karen King (they being among the
purveyors of the "strange theories and bad history" in the title).
Readers seeking a uniform and conservative view of early Christianity
will find a wealth of information about Jesus and his early followers,
which offers an ardent corrective to recent popular works by Bart
Ehrman and others. Others, however, may be so put off by Witherington's
polemical tones that they miss the meat of his research. ~ Publishers Weekly
F.F. Bruce (Eerdmans: May 1, 2003)
This book is a fantastic guide for any person, Christian or otherwise, who would like to understand the level of historical accuracy that can be found in the New Testament documents. In that Christianity is a religion whose truth claims are allegedly rooted in historical fact, it is key that the works through which we read of those "facts" be considered reliable. Bruce does a great job of doing just that. No historical account, regardless of reliability, can prove miraculous events. However, Bruce argues, if a work can be proven to be historically and culturally accurate with respect to most of its content, that document then becomes-on the whole-more compelling. Any historian would then need to take more seriously the author's questionable claims such as the miracles, and Christ as God and savior of humanity. For if an author can be shown to be reliable in all other aspects of his work, why should he lie with respect to the documentation of miracles? This line of reasoning, and many other arguments, make Bruce's short book a compelling read for anybody interested in this topic. ~ guy-72 at Amazon.com
Albert Schweitzer, W. Montgomery (Dover: Feb 11, 2005), 416 pages.
This book is a turning point in the history of Jesus studies. Schweitzer demonstrates how previous research was really an (unwitting) attempt by liberal and rationalist theologians to proof-text a Jesus who would embarrass orthodox Protestantism and serve as a figurehead for liberal ("Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of Man") Christianity. Schweitzer showed how each historical reconstruction of Jesus uncannily matched the beliefs and agenda of the scholar in question. But Schweitzer knew the Christ of orthodoxy was not the historical Jesus either. One could only discover the latter by being willing to find the unexpected, and Schweitzer thought he found a Jesus who was a prophet of the end of the world, who expected to judge the earth as the Son of Man, and who died tragically mistaken. Even so, he still serves as a beacon of spiritual force for the ages. As does Schweitzer's great book! ~ Robert M. Price