Story of Jesus in History and Faith - by Daniel J Estes (Paperback)

About the Book

A leading New Testament scholar provides an introduction to the study of the historical Jesus that takes both scholarship and Christian faith seriously.

Book Synopsis

Many books are available on the historical Jesus, but few address issues that are critically central to Christian faith--namely, Jesus as resurrected Lord, Christ, and Son of God. This comprehensive introduction to the study of the historical Jesus takes both scholarship and Christian faith seriously.

Leading New Testament scholar Lee Martin McDonald brings together two critically important dimensions of the story of Jesus: what we can know about him in his historical context and what we can responsibly claim about his significance for faith today. McDonald examines the most important aspects of the story of Jesus from his birth to his resurrection and introduces key issues and approaches in the study of the historical Jesus. He also considers faith issues, taking account of theological perspectives that secular historiography cannot address. The book incorporates excerpts from primary sources and includes a map and tables.

From the Back Cover

"Lee Martin McDonald writes with skill, insight, and spiritual energy. This book is highly recommended for classes and all who find Jesus' story riveting and compelling."
--James H. Charlesworth, Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project, Princeton Theological Seminary

"The Story of Jesus in History and Faith is perhaps the best technical survey of Jesus research now in print. It is at once exhaustively thorough, painstakingly fair, and enormously readable. This is simply a great book that will serve scholars and students alike who need to become current on virtually every critical issue surrounding the Gospels, the life of Jesus, and the intersection of history and faith."
--Gary M. Burge, Wheaton College and Graduate School

"A tour de force in Jesus studies. As a fourth quest for Jesus seeks a way to include the Gospel of John, this book will play a pivotal role in restoring the critical integration of history and faith regarding the greatest subject of both fields: Jesus."
--Paul N. Anderson, George Fox University; author of The Riddles of the Fourth Gospel

"Lee McDonald writes as a veteran scholar with a depth of experience in both the church and the academy. The Story of Jesus in History and Faith distinguishes itself by offering readers a learned and carefully nuanced discussion of what history is, how it is written, and what relevance it has for our understanding of Jesus. Careful reading of this book will profit believers and skeptics alike."
--Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada

"A wide-ranging compendium of useful information on the study of the historical Jesus, including an account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that engages the major critical issues. This material will be well suited to students at various levels of engagement."
--Stanley E. Porter, McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

"McDonald surveys the broad range of issues and sources in historical Jesus research in a way that is irenic toward all sides. Rather than pursuing a partisan line, he writes as an independent observer and yet with sensitivity to the scholars with whom he disagrees."
--Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary

About the Author

Lee Martin McDonald (PhD, University of Edinburgh), before his retirement, was professor of New Testament studies and president of Acadia Divinity College. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including "The Biblical Canon," and coeditor of "The Canon Debate" (with James Sanders), and "The World of the New Testament "(with Joel Green). He lives in Mesa, Arizona.