Christ Files [Paperback]

John Dickson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2006

Uniquely among the world's religions, the central claims of Christianity concern not just timeless spiritual truths, but tangible historical events. At the heart of the of the Christian faith are things that are meant to have happened in Palestine between 5 BC and AD 30. It's as if Christianity happily places its head on the chopping block of public scrutiny and invites anyone who wants to come and take a swing. Some of Christianity's claims are so spectacular that they provoke a firestorm of questions, scrutiny, debate, and misinformation whenever they are discussed. The popularity of The Da Vinci Code and the frequent airing of TV documentaries delving into the darker uncertainties of Christianity show that such skepticism flourishes in the Western world today. In The Christ Files you will learn how historians know what they know about Jesus. Historian John Dickson embraces the need to examine Christianity's claims in the light of history, opening readers to a wealth of ancient sources and explaining how mainstream scholars---whether or not they claim Christian faith personally---reach their conclusions. Christianity arrived on the historical scene at a time of great literary activity. While many texts penned by ancient philosophers, historians, poets, and playwrights can reliably inform us about Jesus himself and about the culture in which he lived, others are not so credible. Dickson skillfully highlights both types of sources along with the historical methods used to study Christianity's claims. He also shows how historians asses the reliability of available data, and provides an honest but informed perspective on where historical issues are clear-cut and where personal faith comes into play. The Christ Files is a must-read for those looking to expand their understanding of early Christianity and the life of Jesus.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Want to know what is being said about the evidence for Jesus around the world? The Christ Files offers a wealth of knowledge of the key issues and interviews with key scholars answering key controversial questions about Jesus: Gnostics, the first century Judaism of Jesus, how oral tradition operated in the background, and archaeology. John Dickson is a skilled guide. These 'files' are loaded with information that is fascinating and accessible. Open the drawer and enjoy. -- Darrell Bock, Author, Jesus according to Scripture

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

"Offers a wealth of knowledge of the key issues. Fascinating and accessible." 
--Darrell L. Bock, author of Jesus according to Scripture and co-editor of Key Events in the Life of the Historical Jesus

"First rate historical detective work. Highly recommended." 
--Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

"A sober, well-informed guide based on sound scholarship." 
--I. Howard Marshall, Emeritus Professor of New Testament, University of Aberdeen

"Based on wide-ranging knowledge of the field and on the finest and most cutting-edge scholarship."
--Craig Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

Uniquely among the world's religions, the central claims of Christianity concern not just timeless spiritual truths, but tangible historical events. Historian John Dickson examines Christianity's claims in the light of history, opening readers to a wealth of ancient sources and explaining how mainstream scholars--whether or not they claim Christian faith personally--reach their conclusions about history's most influential figure, Jesus of Nazareth. 

Dickson skillfully highlights sources and historical methods used to study Christianity's claims. He shows how historians assess the reliability of available data, and provides an honest and informed perspective on where historical issues are clear-cut and where personal faith comes into play. The Christ Files is a must-read for those looking to expand their understanding of early Christianity and the life of Jesus.  --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Blue Bottle Books (July 1, 2006)
• ISBN-10: 1921137541
• ISBN-13: 978-1921137549
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,229,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Dickson (PhD) is co-director of Centre for Public Christianity (publicchristianity.org), an independent research and media organization promoting the public understanding of the Christian faith. With a degree in theology (Moore Theological College, Sydney) and a doctorate in ancient history (Macquarie University, Sydney) he is a senior research fellow of the Department of Ancient History, Macquarie University, where he teaches courses on Christian origins and the world religions. John is also the Senior Minister at St. Andrews Roseville (standrews.net.au), an innovative Anglican community on Sydney's North Shore. He has a wealth of experience as a local church pastor, public evangelist, and media presenter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and the host of two major television documentaries on the life of Jesus. He lives in Sydney with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Short but Great, September 15, 2008

By 

E. Chaney - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christ Files (Paperback)

Dickson is a Ancient History professor at the University of Macquarie University in Australia. The book gives an account on how historians study the historical Jesus. There is also a DVD out, and I'm sure that it is great as well.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Christ Files, October 22, 2011

By 

T. Eldridge - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Christ Files: How Historians Know What They Know about Jesus (Paperback)

A great introduction to the following issues: How historical study works, how historians arrive at their conclusions about Jesus, the sources they use- both Christian and non Christian, oral tradition.

Much has been written on these topics but I don't know of any better book to explain the basics clearly and concisely.

4.5 stars.