Jesus, a small-town Jewish teacher executed by Roman officials as a troublemaker, continues after two thousand years to vex our consciences, inspire actions of grace and mercy, and elude our categories. The diverse essays in this volume grapple thoughtfully with the perennial questions of who he was, how he has reshaped history, and why we cant seem to stop thinking about him. No serious reader will come away from this book without being challenged and stirred to fresh reflection. * Richard B. Hays, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, The Divinity School, Duke University * Revolutionary shows that traditional interpretations of Jesus' significance remain credible. But no particular view is forced upon us. Another merit of this stimulating collection is the wealth of perspectives - revisionist, Islamic, secular - on view for readers to assess in an open spirit. A rich and compelling kaleidoscope. * Rupert Shortt, Religion Editor of the Times Literary Supplement * Leading intellectuals comment on Jesus Christ as the single most important figure in Western history. . . I highly recommend it. * Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, Professor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School *
