The experience of studying the Quest for the historical Jesus can be a discouraging one for a conservative Christian. I know this from personal experience. Dale C. Allison Jr., Professor of New Testament Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, explains why:

‘…those in the more orthodox camps typically find the quest [for the historical Jesus] discouraging because it delivers a Jesus with a non-Nicene christology and even raises the specter of unwarranted ecclesiastical embellishment…’

Dale C. Allison, The Historical Christ and the Theological Jesus, p. 86

I agree wholeheartedly with a reviewer who said,

I do not exaggerate when I say that this book needs to be read by every Christian. Allison’s insights are the epitome of honesty and humility. He is careful not to make claims and assertions that are unwarranted. Allison is the Jesus scholar of this generation that desperately needs to be heeded. I will, without a doubt, be reading this book many more times in the future. It has helped my faith tremendously.

Categories: Biblical scholarship