
The Life of Jesus Critically Examined
'The Life of Jesus Critically Examined ' Summary
Strauss was an early pioneer in the ongoing 'Quest of the Historical Jesus' movement, and his Life of Jesus is one of the few landmarks in the field. The first edition of Strauss' book was published in Germany in 1835, when he was only 27 years old. He focused his attention on battling two theological fronts which were current at the time - the biblical Literalists who believed the miracles in the Gospels were to be taken as literal history, and the Rationalists, who believed that the Gospel miracles were true but could be explained by natural and rational causes. Strauss rejected both camps and, in a historical analysis of the Gospels that was scrupulous and exhaustive, concluded that our knowledge of the Historical Jesus is hopelessly buried under layers of legend and myth.
The price that Strauss paid for publication was high – his book scandalized Europe, and cost him his job as Chair of Theology at the University of Zurich, and ultimately his career. Dozens of books, mostly from Germany, were written in rebuttal. The school of Rationalism died in the 19th century, due in no small part to Strauss' criticism. The school of Literalism that Strauss criticized evolved into Fundamentalism in the early 20th century, which was in large part a reaction to the groundbreaking path started by Strauss and his revolutionary book.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
GermanPublished In
1835Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Authors

David Friedrich Strauss
Germany
David Friedrich Strauss was a German liberal Protestant theologian and writer, who influenced Christian Europe with his portrayal of the "historical Jesus", whose divine nature he denied. His work was...
Books by David Friedrich StraussListen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Creation: A Commentary on the First Five Chapters of the Book of Genesis by Martin Luther
Martin Luther's 'Creation' delves into the first five chapters of Genesis, offering a detailed commentary on its meaning and significance. The book re...

Historia de la Sagrada Pasión sacada de los cuatro evangelios, Parte I by Padre Luis de la Palma
This book is a detailed and moving account of the Passion of Christ, based on the narratives of the four Gospels. It is written in a meditative style,...

Lamentation of a Sinner by Catherine Parr
This book was written during a time of great religious and political upheaval in England, as the country was transitioning from Catholicism to Protest...

State of the Union Addresses by United States Presidents (1829 - 1836) by Andrew Jackson
This book contains a collection of Andrew Jackson's State of the Union addresses delivered to Congress between 1829 and 1836. These speeches provide i...

The Desire of Ages by Ellen White
In the depths of human yearning, there lies an unspoken desire, a longing for something greater than ourselves, a fulfillment that transcends the flee...

Life of St. Hilarion by Saint Jerome
The Life of St. Hilarion by Saint Jerome is a biography of the founder of Palestinian monasticism. Hilarion was born in Gaza to pagan parents, but con...

Bible (Reina Valera) NT 05: Hechos de los Apostoles by Reina-Valera
Los Hechos de los Apóstoles es una obra narrativa que narra el desarrollo de la Iglesia cristiana en sus primeros años. Comienza con la ascensión de...

History of the English Bible by John Brown
This book provides a comprehensive history of the English Bible, tracing its development from the earliest translations to the Revised Version of 1881...

On the Trail of Don Quixote, Being a Record of Rambles in the Ancient Province of La Mancha by August F. Jaccaci
This book, originally published in the late 1890s, chronicles the travels of two friends, August F. Jaccaci, a French author, and Daniel Vierge, a Spa...

Treasury of David, Vol. 7 (Abridged) by Charles H. Spurgeon
The seventh and final volume of Charles Spurgeon's exposition of the Psalms, covering Psalms 125 to 150. Spurgeon's insights and practical application...
Reviews for The Life of Jesus Critically Examined
No reviews posted or approved, yet...