Introduction
The Christian understanding of Jesus
Objectives of this book
A note on the sources
Chapter One: Making the Messiah
Israel before the Romans
Features of Judaism in Jesus’ time
Religious tension under the Romans
Political and religious sects in the age of Jesus
The Galileans
Charismatic holy men
Chapter Two: Bias of the Biographers
What is a gospel?
Who wrote the gospels?
When were the gospels written?
How were the gospels written?
Can we know anything about Jesus’ character from the gospels?
Why does Jesus ride on two donkeys?
Are the gospels for or against Jewish Law?
Chapter Three: When God is a Child
Was Jesus descended from David?
Was Mary really a virgin?
Was Jesus from Bethlehem or Nazareth?
What is it like being a child god?
Why does Jesus’ family think he is mad?
What happened to Jesus’ brother?
Chapter Four: What Jesus Really Taught
How did Jesus teach?
Was Jesus really a Jew?
What did Jesus wear?
Why does Jesus fight with the Pharisees?
Did Jesus believe the end of the world was near?
Was Jesus a failed prophet?
How should we follow Jesus?
Was Jesus the messiah?
Did Jesus say that he was the son of god?
Chapter Five: The Meaning of Miracles
What miracles did Jesus supposedly perform?
What were ancient causes and treatment of disease?
Could Jesus miraculously heal people?
Could Jesus exorcise demons?
What does Jesus’ control over nature symbolise?
Could Jesus raise the dead?
How unique are Jesus’ miraculous abilities?
Chapter Six: His Execution and Resurrection
How did Jesus die?
Why do the soldiers want Jesus’ underwear?
Why did Jesus die?
Was Pontius Pilate guilty or innocent of killing Jesus?
Why were the Jews blamed for killing Jesus?
Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
Chapter Seven: How Jesus Became God
What did the first disciples believe?
How did the faith spread?
Who was Paul of Tarsus?
Did Paul think Jesus was god?
What was Paul’s understanding of Jesus?
When did Jesus first become divine?
What was Paul’s influence on alternative Christianities?
What did the Jewish Christians think about Paul?
How was the battle of faith won?
What factors contributed to the victory?
Epilogue – The Evolution of Faith
Lucky people, you can read two free extracts from the Christ Conundrum and find out:
Why did the Romans want Jesus’ underwear?
Why did Jesus ride on two donkeys?
Or why not see the book’s table of contents to discover what other surprises are in store?