The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions

Name: The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions
Author: J. M. Robertson

By J. M. Robertson

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - Religious Religion/Spirituality

About This Book

The book surveys scholarly debate about the historicity of the gospel figure, examining how presuppositions and conservative instincts have shaped critical judgments. It critiques methodological errors such as appeals to authority, selective use of documents, and rhetorical bluster, and contrasts historical, sociological, and comparative approaches to gospel material. Chapters consider gospel ethics, legendary and mythic motifs, visionary sources, and arguments that interpret episodes as derogatory or conventional. The author urges combining textual criticism with anthropological, mythological, and sociological evidence to distinguish elements rooted in historical memory from those produced by later myth-making.

About the Author

J. M. Robertson

J. M. Robertson was a notable British author and scholar known for his contributions to religious and philosophical discourse. His works often explore themes of freethought, rationalism, and the historical context of Christianity. Among his significant publications are "A Short History of Christianity" and the two-volume "A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern," which reflect his critical approach to traditional beliefs and his advocacy for secular thought. Robertson's writings also delve into literary analysis, as seen in his work "Montaigne and Shakspere," where he examines the influences of Montaigne on Shakespeare. His intellectual legacy continues to resonate in discussions of religion and philosophy.