Used to research a college paper. It's an okay place to start for information on historical Jesus, although a little dated now. The chapter I found most helpful referenced Josephus a lot. So, Josephus' writings would be a more direct source. ( )

Ian Wilson’s book is a lament for the lack of historical evidence regarding Jesus. It includes a critical appraisal of the gospels as history and a recitation of paradoxes revealed by comparing gospel claims to facts known otherwise. The author takes great exception to the Nicaean creed as it relates to the teaching of Christ, and also to the notion of Mary Theotokos which he feels is a response to the promulgation of the creed rather than to anything in the gospels. The book includes many photographs and maps in the fly leafs. While there are no formal citations, there are many mentions of other work and a corresponding bibliography which is excellent. There are notes for the text which are collected in the back of the book. These elucidate arguments in the text and give credit to the ideas of others when they are paraphrased rather than quoted.

This is altogether an excellent book. It sharply delineates the bounds of what is known regarding Jesus, and as such delineates the bounds of faith. I recall the old hymn of Henry Alford- “We walk by faith and not by sight- no precious words we hear of Him who spoke as none ere spoke yet we believe Him near.” ( )