Synopses & Reviews
The German theologian David Friedrich Strauss (1808-1874) first published his highly controversial The Life of Jesus in three volumes between 1835 and 1836. This translation, by George Eliot, is based on the fourth German edition (1840). In this work Strauss applied strict historical methods to the New Testament gospel narratives and caused scandal across the Protestant world by concluding that all miraculous elements in the life of Jesus were mythical and ahistorical. In volume 2 Strauss applies modern historical criticism to 'de-mythologize' the idea of Jesus as Messiah; the narratives about the disciples; the discourses in the Synoptic gospels and the Fourth Gospel; the non-miraculous events; and the miracles' narratives. This is a key text of nineteenth-century theology that pioneered the application of historical and scientific methods to the study of religions and religious texts. It is essential reading for any student of the New Testament.
Synopsis
Strauss' highly controversial challenge to the historicity of the gospels pioneered the application of modern historical methods to religious texts.
Synopsis
Strauss' controversial The Life of Jesus applied strict historical methods to the gospel narratives and caused scandal by concluding that all miraculous elements were mythical and ahistorical. Volume 2 applies modern historical criticism to the idea of Jesus as Messiah, the narratives about the disciples, the discourses, and the miracles.
Synopsis
Strauss' highly controversial The Life of Jesus applied strict historical methods to the gospel narratives and caused scandal by concluding that all miraculous elements were mythical and ahistorical. A key text of nineteenth-century theology that pioneered the application of historical and scientific methods to the study of religious texts.
Table of Contents
Volume 1: Preface to the first edition; Preface to the fourth edition; Introduction. Development of the mythical point of view in relation to the Gospel histories; Part I. History of the Birth and Childhood of Jesus: 1. Annunciation and birth of John the Baptist; 2. Davidical descent of Jesus, according to the genealogical tables of Matthew and Luke; 3. Announcement of the conception of Jesus. Its supernatural character. Visit of Mary to Elizabeth; 4. Birth and earliest events of the life of Jesus; 5. The first visit to the Temple, and the education of Jesus; Part II. History of the Public Life of Jesus: 1. Relations between Jesus and John the Baptist; 2. Baptism and temptation of Jesus; 3. Locality and chronology of the public life of Jesus. Volume 2: Part II continued. History of the Public Life of Jesus: 4. Jesus as the Messiah; 5. The disciples of Jesus; 6. The discourses of Jesus in the three first Gospels; 7. Discourses of Jesus in the fourth Gospel; 8. Events in the public life of Jesus, exclusive of the miracles; 9. Miracles of Jesus. Volume 3: Part II continued. History of the Public Life of Jesus: 10. The Transfiguration of Jesus, and his last journey to Jerusalem; Part III. History of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus: 1. Relation of Jesus to the idea of a suffering and dying Messiah; His discourses on his death, resurrection, and second advent; 2. Machinations of the enemies of Jesus; Treachery of Judas; Last supper with the disciples; 3. Retirement to the Mount of Olives, arrest, trial, condemnation, and crucifixion of Jesus; 4. Death and resurrection of Jesus; 5. The Ascension; Concluding dissertation. The dogmatic import of the life of Jesus.