Perspective

The Irish-born author, a former Roman Catholic priest, has for several decades been a leader and innovator in the historical study of Jesus' life and work. At times, his views have been controversial, particularly when he has discussed the times at which the various books of the Bible were written. It is important to note, however, that he backs up his contentions here and in his other writings with what appears to be documented, careful, detailed research.

All that said, while Crossan's reasons for writing seem clear to simultaneously deepen genuine faith and challenge faith built on false premises, it is less clear just who his intended audience is. His reasons for writing and the book's content seem to suggest that he is writing for the benefit of Christians who accept the Bible as both absolute historical truth and the unquestioned word of God. In other words, he...