Cover of The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions

The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions

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  • 4 hours to read
  • 41 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions" by J. M. Robertson is a critical examination of the historicity of Jesus Christ, likely written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the various scholarly debates surrounding the life and teachings of Jesus, challenging traditional assumptions and scrutinizing the evidence presented in the Gospels. Robertson aims to clarify the complexities surrounding historical perspectives and the myth-theory related to Jesus' figure and legacy. At the start of the work, the author sets the stage for a rigorous analysis of historical assumptions in understanding Jesus, drawing parallels to significant scientific discoveries that faced skepticism in their time, such as the Copernican theory. He emphasizes the necessity of a critical examination of the Gospel narratives, cautioning against blind acceptance of their accounts as historical fact. The opening chapters introduce key arguments against the presuppositions that underpin contemporary Christian orthodoxy, highlighting how many of these ideas have not undergone the same level of critical scrutiny as other historical events. Through this approach, Robertson invites readers to reconsider the foundational ideas of Christian belief in light of historical analysis and scholarly critique.

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  • Jesus Christ · Historicity
  • Jesus Christ · Rationalistic interpretations

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Chapter I. — The Snare of Presupposition

Presupposition in science. The Copernican theory. The reception of
Galileo, Harvey, and Darwin. Blinding effects of scholarship. The
theological record. Mutations of Christian opinion. Defence
of the belief in witchcraft. Leibnitz and Newton. Criticism
of the Pentateuch. Parvish, Astruc, Voltaire, Colenso, and the
professional scholars 1

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Contents

Show all 41 chapters
  1. Chapter I. — The Snare of Presupposition
  2. Chapter II. — Modes of Conservative Fallacy
  3. Chapter III. — Illusions As to Gospel Ethic
  4. Chapter IV. — The Method of Bluster
  5. Chapter V. — Schmiedel and Derogatory Myth
  6. Chapter VI. — The Visionary Evangel
  7. Chapter VII. — The Alleged Consensus of Scholars
  8. Chapter VIII. — Conservative Positions
  9. Chapter IX. — Blass and Flinders Petrie
  10. Chapter X. — The Savonarola Fallacy
  11. Chapter XI. — The "Logia" Theory and the Historical Test
  12. Chapter XII. — Failure of the "Logia" Theory
  13. Chapter XIII. — Resurgence of the Historic Problem
  14. Chapter XIV. — Orthodoxy and the "Oral" Hypothesis
  15. Chapter XV. — The Method of M. Loisy
  16. Chapter XVI. — The Trial Crux
  17. Chapter XVII. — The Jesus-Figure of M. Loisy
  18. Chapter XVIII. — The Pauline Problem
  19. Chapter XIX. — The History of the Discussion
  20. Chapter XX. — The Ground Cleared for the Myth-Theory
  21. Chapter I
  22. Chapter II
  23. Chapter III
  24. Chapter IV
  25. Chapter V
  26. Chapter VI
  27. Chapter VII
  28. Chapter VIII
  29. Chapter IX
  30. Chapter X
  31. Chapter XI
  32. Chapter XII
  33. Chapter XIII
  34. Chapter XIV: Orthodoxy and the "Oral" Hypothesis
  35. Chapter XV
  36. Chapter XVI
  37. Chapter XVII
  38. Chapter XVIII
  39. Chapter XIX
  40. Chapter XX
  41. Conclusion

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About this edition

This free edition of The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions by J. M. Robertson comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #51655, released 2016-04-04. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: History - Religious, Religion/Spirituality.

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