No irrelevant Jesus

By Gerhard Lohfink

Book Description

In a world where ancient wisdom often feels disconnected from modern struggles, one crucial question emerges: does Jesus still matter today? Gerhard Lohfink confronts this challenge head-on, refusing to let readers settle for easy answers or comfortable assumptions.

Rather than presenting a sanitized figure offering only personal comfort, Lohfink examines the various ways Jesus has been understood throughout history. Was he simply a gentle teacher focused on individual salvation? A political revolutionary fighting against impossible odds? A wise rabbi among many, or perhaps another religious founder like Buddha or Muhammad?

The author argues for a far more compelling vision: Jesus as someone completely devoted to establishing God's reign on earth, driven by what he calls "the fierce urgency of now." This Jesus emerges as the leader of a transformative movement that combined passionate commitment to divine justice with unwavering dedication to nonviolence and service to others.

Drawing from his acclaimed work on the historical Jesus, Lohfink guides readers through these competing interpretations while addressing a practical concern many face: can this relevant Jesus actually be found within today's churches? Through careful examination and thoughtful analysis, he builds a case for why Jesus remains not just historically significant, but vitally important for anyone seeking to understand how ancient spiritual wisdom can address contemporary challenges and guide meaningful action in our world.