Jesus: The Evidence [Paperback]

Ian Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

Ian Wilson takes you to the archaeological digs, shows you the crumbling documents analyzed by scholars, and highlights the latest discoveries, including recently uncovered bones and papyrus, that affirm that Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected in the Holy Land.

Product Details

• Paperback: 225 pages
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing; 1 edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895262398
• ISBN-13: 978-0895262394
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,706,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, factual, well supported and fun, September 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Jesus: The Evidence (Hardcover)

Wilson is a master of delivering the most information in the fewest words. His style is fascinating and clearly credible. I simply had to read this book in two settings. I came away with an excellent understanding of the short version of remarkably complex research material. My only problem with the work is I could not understand how such an objective and factual work could be written by a person who is seemingly so devoted to promoting the case for the existance of Jesus. The reader is treated with total respect throughout the book...no spoon feeding here. Yet, the material is so well documented and presented the reader can honestly draw his or her own conclusions. Thank you Mr. Wilson...I Greatly enjoyed your work and must read more.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An unbiased look at the most controversial topic of all-time, January 25, 2002

By 

Robbie Port "Rob Port" (Minot, ND United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jesus: The Evidence (Paperback)

No matter what religion or creed you are, or aren't, you cannot deny the fact that Jesus: The Evidence is a thoroughly-researched, well-written book.

Ian Wilson, who tells us that he is a practicing Christian, sets aside his bias to write a very authoratative book on this subject. In it, he examines the gospels and their supposed and suspected writers, archaeological sites in Jerusalm and Nazareth and a myriad of sources both pro-Christian and anti-Christian.

His views and findings are unique and he expresses them well. His theories are very intelligent. Mr. Wilson has established himself, with this book, as an authentic biblical scholar.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Balanced and informative, December 2, 2007

By 

Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Jesus: The Evidence (Paperback)

This appealingly objective book by a Christian author explores certain major themes about the life and message of Jesus of Nazareth. Wilson attempts to find the answer to timeless questions like whether Jesus really existed, who he was, what he really taught, if he would have endorsed the Nicene creed, how he might view contemporary Christianity or if he would feel more comfortable with modern Judaism.

On every issue Wilson marshals a wide spectrum of opinion including that of atheists and extreme skeptics, which make the book really interesting. He even considers the mushroom cult angle of John Allegro! In addition there are fascinating snippets about the discovery of early manuscripts, the development of Greek writing styles and various episodes from history.

Wilson is entirely honest about the fallibility of the Gospels, measuring the contradictions between the four accounts and the geographic and historical anomalies within them, all against the Jewish culture of the time. He frequently refers to the work of the respected scholar Geza Vermes whose books The Passion and The Nativity I have found very informative. The various and possible source/s of the gospels are discussed in great detail.

He approaches the question of the existence of Jesus from many perspectives, looking at the possible dates of birth and death via astronomical postulates about the star of Bethlehem, what we know of history, references in Josephus, Pliny the Younger, Tacitus and the Hebrew Mishna. There are passages on Jesus the Jew and the nature of Judaism at the time with reference to Honi the Circle Drawer, Hanina ben Dosa and the Essenes.

The information on John the Baptist is quite enlightening, as well as the words of Jesus viewed in the cultural/religious context of the time. Much emphasis is placed on the parables and Wilson attempts to explain some puzzling gospel verses whilst allowing other scholars to speak on some truly enigmatic ones. In this regard, I strongly recommend Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus by David Bivin.

The miracles or magical acts of Jesus are investigated in detail, considering the possibility that hypnosis played a part in the healings. The idea of deeper mysteries with adepts or initiates is thoroughly covered. In this regard, the interested reader may find Kabbalah of Yeshua by Zusha Kalet of great interest. Subjects like the identity of the earliest disciples and followers, the crucifixion and the resurrection are investigated by taking into account every shade of opinion.

The chapter titled A Faith Is Born deals with the spread of the religion, different groups in early Christianity (Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman provides much more information on the bewildering variety of early Christian movements), similarities between Christianity and other religions, Emperor Constantine, the Council of Nicea and the creed formulated there. Some prominent participants afterwards expressed their regret and unease with the formulation.

In the final chapter: The Real Jesus, Wilson sets out his conclusions. He argues that there may not be any formula or any one view of Jesus that can adequately explain or encompass him. I found this section to be particularly moving because of the author's genuine faith that is leavened by intellectual honesty. Lord Jesus Christ, an extensive scholarly work by Larry Hurtado is a most valuable and accessible book on how Jesus was viewed by the earliest Christian communities.

There are beautiful illustrations, including works of art and photographs plus comparative tables and maps of the Levant and the larger Mediterranean area. The book includes bibliographic notes and references arranged by chapter, an extensive bibliography and an index. Jesus: The Evidence is an enjoyable read and a balanced text; I recommend it to believers and agnostics alike.