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A study of the development, organization, characteristics, doctrine, and programs of the Church of the Nazarene.Paper. ... Read more

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Originally published in 1926, this classic investigation into the historical Jesus by Maurice Goguel, Professor of New Testament Criticism at the University of Paris, is considered one of the best rebuttals of the "Mythical Jesus" theory of Christian origins. This theory, started by German scholar Bruno Bauer in the mid 19th century, maintained that Jesus never existed and that Christianity evolved as an amalgam of various popular religious myths in circulation during the early centuries of the Roman Empire.Goguel first examines the meager non-Christian evidence from antiquity that attests to the existence of Christianity—i.e., in the works of Tacitus, Pliny, and Josephus, among others. Based on a statement about Christians in the annals of Tacitus, Goguel is convinced that Tacitus knew of a document that "connected Christianity with the Christ crucified by Pontius Pilate." He then devotes considerable attention to the letters of Paul, pointing out many points of historical reference in Paul that make it highly probable that Jesus was an actual religious leader. In particular he notes the sometimes-contentious relation between Paul and the brother of Jesus as well as Jesus’ apostles. He asks why such details of conflict and disharmony among early Christians would be preserved in accounts that dealt solely with a myth. Finally, he examines the four gospels. While recognizing their inadequacy as reliable historical accounts and the implausibility of certain supernatural events reported in them, he argues that literary creativity and supernatural claims were commonplace in describing extraordinary persons in antiquity. Roman accounts of the death of Julius Caesar, for example, also contain descriptions of miraculous events, yet no one today thinks to doubt the existence of Julius Caesar. This rigorous examination of the life of Jesus and early Christianity, full of sound historical conclusions that have stood the test of time, deserves a place in the library of anyone with an interest in Christian origins. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Paradoxical Book
Goguel wrote this book back in 1926 in defense of the historical verity of Jesus and his resurrection.It has been reprinted by a printing house that specializes in books hostile to the Christian faith.The introduction to the book touts it as evidence against the historicity of Jesus because Goguel admits the strengths of the arguments against Jesus' historicity and admits the weaknesses of the arguments in favor of Jesus' historicity.

Goguel does admit the strengths of opposing arguments, but feels, as I do, that his counter-arguments defeat them.Goguel further is willing to admit the weaknesses in his arguments.Such honesty is refreshing.On balance, he makes a strong case for Jesus as an actual human being whose Messianic ministry was cut short by Pontius Pilate.He also makes a strong case for Jesus' disciples sincerely believing and honestly reporting that they had seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion.

Why is Goguel being reprinted by a group that specializes in publishing anti-Christian rhetoric?Because, although he accepts the Gospels as historically accurate, he rejects them as literally true.He subjects the resurrection accounts to a most rigorous examination and comes away with conclusions which should please neither militant disbelievers nor militant believers.

Much debate falls into the error of false dichotomy.Either it's one way or the other with no alternative.Either you must vote Democrat or Republican in the next presidential election--nope, there will be other names on the ballot.Either the Gospels are fairy tales or every word of them is absolutely true--Goguel sees this as a false dichotomy, but he sees more truth than error in the Gospels.

Was Jesus a Historical Figure or a Myth?
This book sheds light on the historical evidence that Jesus of Nazareth lived on earth as the Bible states.

This is not a book for one who enjoys a casual read.This is an in-depth study of the entire personage and history of Jesus, as well as the faith/reglious beliefs that resulted due to his life on earth. It is a college-level text and the reader should be aware that it will require thought and study in reading and interpreting this volume. This is not to say that one needs a college education to read the book, but again, it is not a casual read.It will take effort on the part of the reader.

The author presents non-biblical sources that refer to Jesus.He also presents objections to the non-biblical sources.He then concentrates the remainder of the book on the Apostle Paul and the Gospels, and how Paul started and spread the Christian faith.

Ultimately, the book's central issue comes down to one point - did Jesus actually rise from the dead as the Gospels and Paul proclaim?If he rose, then he is indeed GOd in the flesh.If the resurrection is a myth or hoax, then the religion is as dead as the man.

Goguel takes the reader through a very in-depth study of early Christianity to come up with his final conclusion.

For the searcher trying to find faith in the historical reality of Jesus and his resurrection, this is a valuable book, one that will confirm the traditions of faith that have been practiced for nearly 2,000 years.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig ... Read more

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1969 Revied Edition of 1958 ... Read more

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For the Church of the Nazarene, creating a climate for the Holiness message is our primary purpose. It is in that climate and against the landscape of shattering global events that we work. It is here and now that disciples are made, nurtured, and incorporated into the indigenous Body of Christ.Vistas is the attempt by several writers to give a taste of what’s happening on the mission field. With great consideration and hope, Franklin Cook has compiled these six essays authored by noted members and leaders of the denomination. Written in their own words and based on their own experiences, their reflections are designed to bring the philosophy of missions up to the moment and into the future. Here they offer you an understanding—a vista—of the landscape of missions.The LANDSCAPES series explores the driving forces that have brought the Church of the Nazarene to where it is today. ... Read more

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In this authentic biography, young readers will meet the founderof the Church of the Nazarene.An inspiring story portraying the background and history-making events leading to the formation of the church.Kivar ... Read more

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Twelve sermons presented to seminarians, focusing on thedoctrine of Holiness. Various expositional methods andhomiletical forms. ... Read more

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Stories of faith, sacrifice, commitment and sheer grit are part of the foundation and fabric of the Church of the Nazarene. Read about the extraordinary, everyday people of faith who overcame great odds and made life-changing sacrifices for the sake of the church. Such as, the theologian who started in a converted chicken-coop, the district superintendent from skid row, the pastor extraordinaire who was elected to the beer board, and the Nazarene "Mother Teresa."Every effective movement in Christian history succeeded because unsung heroes gave themselves to a great cause. That cause for the Nazarenes was holiness of heart and life. Each story is alive, filled with a magnetic heartbeat, and provides a bridge to connect contemporary believers with unsung heroes of the past. These stories about very human people will nourish your spirit and remind you of the amazing delight of living the Christ-led life. ... Read more

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The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Press of Appeal to reason; Publication date: 1901; Subjects: Political ethics; Political Science / Political Process / General; Religion / Biblical Studies / Jesus, the Gospels ... Read more