Apocalypticism, anti-semitism and the historical Jesus
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into one of the most contentious debates in biblical studies: whether Jesus of Nazareth held apocalyptic beliefs about the end times. While virtually all experts acknowledge that apocalyptic thinking permeated first-century Jewish Palestine, fierce disagreement remains about how deeply these worldviews shaped Jesus's own message and identity.
John S. Kloppenborg moves beyond the typical arguments for or against an "apocalyptic Jesus" to examine something far more fundamental: why this question matters so profoundly to modern scholars and what underlying assumptions drive their conclusions. Rather than simply weighing ancient evidence, this work investigates how contemporary historians construct their portraits of Jesus and what ideological forces influence their interpretations.
The author challenges readers to consider why certain categories, particularly Jesus's Jewish identity, have become so central to historical debates about his life and teachings. This inquiry reveals that the stakes extend far beyond academic disagreement, touching on deeper questions about how modern scholarship approaches ancient religious figures.
By examining the ideological foundations of historical Jesus research, this volume offers readers a unique lens for understanding not just ancient apocalyptic movements, but how contemporary scholars' own perspectives shape their reconstruction of the past. The work provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between historical inquiry, religious interpretation, and the enduring questions surrounding one of history's most influential figures.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)
📄 Length: 141 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Prophetic office of Jesus Christ
- ✓ Explore Views on eschatology
- ✓ Explore Eschatology
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Explore Historicity
- ✓ Explore Apocalyptiek
- ✓ Explore Apocalyptic literature
- ✓ Explore Millenialism
