What Historians Think About Jesus: Beyond Theological Claims

Introduction

The question of who Jesus of Nazareth was has long been a subject of much debate and discussion. Historians, both religious and secular, have contributed significantly to our understanding of Jesus. This article explores the views of prominent historians such as John P. Meier and Bart Ehrman, examining their insights and approaches to studying the historical Jesus. Through an analysis of their writings, we can better understand the methodologies and conclusions reached by these respected scholars.

Historical Methodology and Expertise

John P. Meier and Bart Ehrman are two of the most distinguished figures in the field of historical Jesus studies. Meier, a Catholic priest with a deep understanding of historical methods and theory, as well as the primary and secondary-source literature on the ancient world, has written extensively on the topic. Ehrman, on the other hand, is a prominent religious studies scholar, previously a conservative Protestant but now an atheist, who specializes in textual criticism and the assessment of ancient manuscripts.

Meier's multi-volume study, A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus, is a masterpiece of historical inquiry. He envisions an "unpapal conclave" of historians from diverse religious backgrounds to produce a consensus document. This approach is noteworthy because it emphasizes the secular, evidence-based nature of historical research, rather than theological claims.

Historical Consensus

In the realm of secular history, several key points are generally accepted as 'historical consensus.' These points form a framework for understanding the life and significance of Jesus:

Existence and Galilean Life: There is a strong historical consensus that Jesus did exist and spent a significant part of his life in the Galilee. This aligns with the myriad historical records of the time. Connection with John the Baptist: It is widely believed that Jesus made a connection with John the Baptist, who was a popular apocalyptic prophet at the time. Crucifixion under Pontius Pilate: The historical consensus is that Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate for sedition, stemming from a political event involving the Temple.

It is important to note that these points are not endorsed by the New Testament in their entirety, but are seen as historically established facts. Many details in the New Testament are considered embellishments or later additions.

Theological Versus Historical Claims

Historians, regardless of their personal beliefs, maintain a clear separation between their work and theological claims. John Meier explicitly states that a historian cannot address the question of whether Jesus was God. While some theologians might believe in the divinity of Jesus, they do not base these claims on purely historical evidence.

Bart Ehrman's work is another example of this separation. As a religious studies scholar, he does not defend Christian theological claims about Jesus and does not argue that Jesus is God. His focus is on the historical context and the texts, rather than religious doctrines.

Jesus in the Historical Context

From a secular historical perspective, Jesus is often viewed as a figure among many, particularly an apocalyptic prophet. His rise in popularity can be attributed to his association with John the Baptist after the latter's execution. Jesus' public actions, such as his outing in the Temple, also contributed to his arrest and crucifixion.

The legacy of Jesus remained popular among a minority of Jews, who continued to embellish his story, using it as a tool for religious reform. This period saw the separation of the Jesus movement from traditional Judaism, leading to the development of early Christianity with its unique theology that was often seen as too distinct from mainstream Jewish beliefs.

A key point of discussion among historians is whether Jesus intended to be recognized as "the son of God." Most scholars argue that this formulation was a later addition, occurring after the influence of Paul on the Jesus sect. This is a significant factor in understanding the transition from Judaism to Christianity.

Conclusion

The study of Jesus from a historical perspective is a complex and nuanced field. While there are differing viewpoints within the academic community, the historical consensus on several core aspects of Jesus' life is clear. As historian John Meier suggests, these conclusions are reached through a rigorous examination of evidence and the application of historical methodologies, rather than theological assumptions.

Understanding the historical context of Jesus and the early Christian movement can provide valuable insights into the development of both Judaism and Christianity. By separating theological claims from historical evidence, we can gain a clearer picture of the man and the times in which he lived.