Reinventing Jesus (Paperback)

~ (Author), M. James Sawyer (Author), Daniel B. Wallace (Author) "How do we know the Gospel writers got it right?..." (more)
Key Phrases: genealogical solidarity, viable variants, nonsense readings, New Testament, Jesus Christ, Jesus Seminar (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent book. A readable book. A perennial book with unfortunately, a seasonal title. It deserves to be bought and read and stored and studied o with or without its current connection to DaVinci Code and The Jesus Seminar. The book is an easy reading account of why and how we have the New Testament." (Doug Pagitt tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com 20060501)

"As I get ready to start writing on my next Jesus book, I want to recommend a volume I am currently reading. It is Reinventing Jesus, which is also noted elsewhere on this web site. It is a solid walk through the trustworthiness of Scripture dealing with such issues as oral tradition, the criteria of authenticity, issues tied to textual criticism, the canon, and the issues tied to myth, as well as a walk through the early texts on Jesus' deity. It is accessible and very well done. For those who want orientation to issues tied to these questions, this is a good source." (Darrell Bock dev.bible.org 20070102)

"For years now I've been lamenting the sad state of published apologetics, as it seemed that there was far more interest in getting out insipid eschatological novels than in offering defenses of the faith rooted in sound scholarship. I was glad when Lee Strobel's works finally jimmied that door some, and when Licona and Habermas cracked it further open with The Resurrection of Jesus; and now, this trio has blown the door off its hinges and sent it flying into the atmosphere. I'll put it bluntly: Buy this book. If you're tired of the Christian publishing industry putting out the intellectual equivalent of Hostess Ding Dongs in defense of the faith, you NEED to make this book a success, because otherwise, they won't get the message and we'll get more Ding Dongs instead of more roast beef." (J. P. Holding Tektonics Book Reviews 20060620)

"I have bought all the Da Vinci Code books and I feel this book is by far the best one out there. Reinventing Jesus transcends The Da Vinci Code stuff and is more a book on the origin of the New Testament for the most part. It is definitely a book for the average person to learn about how oral tradition and a memorizing culture was behind how things were written back then, all about textual criticism and why we can have confidence in the New Testament today. How books were selected etc. I can say there that it is one of the best books I have ever read that goes into the apologetics of the Bible and I hope that the Da Vinci Code tie in, doesn't give a short shelf life to this book, as it really is a book that is like taking a class on the origin and trustworthiness of the Bible, not The Da Vinci Code." (Dan Kimball Vintage_Faith.com 20060801)

"Of particular benefit in this book are the frequent references to the controversial and influential work of the Jesus Seminar. There is actually far more Jesus Seminar material in this book than DVC [Da Vinci Code] material. Because the methodology of the Jesus Seminar is accepted by many of the media pundits and promoters of the DVC phenomenon, it is important to respond to the assertions of those scholars who are making new and largely revolutionary claims about Jesus and the New Testament. The book is particularly impressive in taking the methodology of radical scholars and going, slowly and carefully through their use of logic, interpretative tools and assumptions. The result is a superb exposure of the bankruptcy of most of the assertions of radical revisions, using the same tools that they claim leads to a 'new' Jesus. . . .I recommend this book without reservation. It is 260 pages of text, with more than 50 pages of readable endnotes and extensive referencing within available New Testament literature. The book is perfectly aimed at students and informed laypersons. It could be given to a skeptic as well, as each author discusses the questions at hand calmly and without ridicule or cheerleader. This is serious scholarship translated down to a level that will help those in local churches and missional callings." (Michael Spencer InternetMonk.com 20061204)

"Reinventing Jesus cuts through the rhetoric of extreme doubt to reveal the profound credibility of historic Christianity. Meticulously researched yet eminently readable, this book invites a wide audience to take a first-hand look at the primary evidence for Christianity's origins. Reinventing Jesus shows believers that it's okay to think hard about Christianity, and shows hard thinkers that it's okay to believe. . . .While there are other books being written to defend the historical Jesus of the New Testament, and the authenticity and trustworthiness of the New Testament writings, Reinventing Jesus is one of the better ones read by this reviewer. The authors cover such a breath of material that it is hard to find one of similar value in terms of thoroughness and argumentation. I highly recommend this work." (Ray Hammond ChristianBookPreviews.com 20060401)

"Reinventing Jesus cuts through the rhetoric of extreme doubt to reveal the profound credibility of historic Christianity. Meticulously researched yet eminently readable, this book invites a wide audience to take a firsthand look at the primary evidence for Christianity's origins. Reinventing Jesus shows believers that it's okay to think hard about Christianity, and shows hard thinkers that it's okay to believe. While there are other books being written to defend the historical Jesus of the New Testament, and the authenticity and trustworthiness of the New Testament writings, Reinventing Jesus is one of the better ones read by this reviewer. The authors cover such a breath of material that it is hard to find one of similar value in terms of thoroughness and argumentation. I highly recommend this work." (Ray Hammond ChristianBookPreviews.com 20060619)

"The book Reinventing Jesus is by three authors, Dr. Sawyer who spoke at our church is one of them. I have bought all the Da Vinci Code books and feel this book is by far the best one out there. Reinventing Jesus transcends the Da Vinci Code stuff and is more a book on the origin of the New Testament for the most part. It is definitely a book for the average person to learn about how oral tradition and a memorizing culture was behind how things were written back then, all about textual criticism and why we can have confidence in the New Testament today. How books were selected etc. I can say there it is one of the best books I have ever read that goes into the apologetics of the Bible and I hope that The Da Vinci Code tie in, doesn't give a short shelf life to this book, as it really is a book that is like taking a class on the origin and trustworthiness of the Bible, not the Da Vinci Code." (Dan Kimball Vintage Faith 20070102)

"The book is a very good introduction to the topic from an evangelical perspective, it is well written, extensively footnoted, and it should serve well as a primer for textual criticism and related topics. I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for just such a resource." (Michael Kruse krusekronicle.typepad.com 20060701)

"This is not just another response to the issues raised in the novel and the film. It is a serious, detailed, yet eminently accessible refutation of the exaggerated skepticism of bona fide scholars like Bart Ehrman or Robert Price and of the outright misinformation in frequently-believed pseudo-scholarship circulating on the web or via little-known publishing houses." (Craig L. Blomberg Apologia Report 20060701)

I agree with your review. I reviewed this a few months ago and I was particularly impressed with how accessible the language is in describing some complex idea. (Michael W. Kruse Euangelion )

I agree with your review. I reviewed this a few months ago and I was particularly impressed with how accessible the language is in describing some complex idea. (Michael W. Kruse Euangelion 20061204)

Many British evangelicals tend to be cautious about something coming from Dallas Theological Seminary because of its dispensationalist tendencies. This book, however, written by three graduates from the Seminary and including one (Wallace) actually lecturing there, deserves a whole-hearted welcome by everyone in the UK. The book is accessible, thorough and informative. . . . All in all, the authors have greatly placed us in their debt, and this book should be widely read by everyone. (Dr. Anthony McRoy Evangelicals Now )

Many British evangelicals tend to be cautious about something coming from Dallas Theological Seminary because of its dispensationalist tendencies. This book, however, written by three graduates from the Seminary and including one (Wallace) actually lecturing there, deserves a whole-hearted welcome by everyone in the UK. The book is accessible, thorough and informative. . . . All in all, the authors have greatly placed us in their debt, and this book should be widely read by everyone. (Dr. Anthony McRoy Evangelicals Now 20070102)

My opinion of the books is that the authors have spent a great deal of time (decades) in their research. It is truly time for other scholars to step up and answer the claims of the skeptics. This book may well be the start of a new gyration of inspiration of upcoming apologetic authors. You can find a helpful set of endnotes (64 pages to be exact) and handy resources for further reading. I highly recommend adding this book to your shelf as a valuable reference tool whether you are an apologist or lay Christian. (Dennis myspace.com 20070201)

Well, I had not heard of this book, but your review, coupled with endorsements by Craig Blomberg (my college advisor back in the day) and Craig Keener and Scott McKnight (both friends whom I consider to be some of the best of current evangelical scholarship), has placed it on my wish list. I am very upset with the way popular culture is misled this wayoalthough rightwing distortions are just as bad. (Michael Westmoreland-White Euangelion )

Well, I had not heard of this book, but your review, coupled with endorsements by Craig Blomberg (my college advisor back in the day) and Craig Keener and Scott McKnight (both friends whom I consider to be some of the best of current evangelical scholarship), has placed it on my wish list. I am very upset with the way popular culture is misled this wayoalthough rightwing distortions are just as bad. (Michael Westmoreland-White Euangelion 20070102)

Product Description

From the worldwide phenomenon The Da Vinci Code to the national best-seller Misquoting Jesus, popular culture is being bombarded with radical skepticism about the uniqueness of Christ and the reliability of the New Testament. Reinventing Jesus cuts through the rhetoric of extreme doubt to reveal the profound credibility of historic Christianity. Meticulously researched yet eminently readable, this book invites a wide audience to take a firsthand look at the primary evidence for Christianity's origins. Reinventing Jesus shows believers that it's okay to think hard about Christianity, and shows hard thinkers that it's okay to believe.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (May 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082542982X
• ISBN-13: 978-0825429828
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #214,397 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Kind of Apologetics -- Welcome and Needed, June 10, 2006

By	C. Price "Layman, Lawyer, Blogger" (Southern California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In some ways the title is unfortunate, because Reinventing Jesus is so much more than another response to The Da Vinci Code (as good as some of those are). What this book provides is excellent scholarship on a number of issues that have been inadequately addressed, if addressed at all, by traditional apologists. The authors have actually lowered themselves to address arguments and theories that academics rarely encounter in scholarly circles. As noted in Reinventing Jesus, much of said sludge has flowed forth as a result of -- in the author's words -- "ready access to unfiltered information via the Internet and the influential power of this medium. The result is junk food for the mind--a pseudointellectual meal that is as easy to swallow as it is devoid of substance." Id. at 221-22. In response, Reinventing Jesus provides rebuttals to arguments propounded by the likes of Internet Infidels, Robert M. Price, and even, yes, Earl Doherty (though not yet his Jesus Myth stuff).

In my opinion, the best part of the book is a superb discussion of the textual transmission of the New Testament. There is the usual stuff we see from apologists like Josh McDowell about the wealth of manuscript evidence comparative to other ancient writings, but there is a lot more. Reinventing Jesus breaks down the information into greater detail, explaining the manuscript evidence more deeply, the nature of the disagreements in the traditions, the types of traditions and their origins. The result is a powerful case for accuracy of our modern translations. All this is written for the layperson, but the authors apparently believe that the layperson can handle a lot more (intellectually and spiritually) than is typically assumed. This targeting of the well-informed layperson is a hallmark of the entire book, resulting in more information and deeper analysis than the typical apologetic provides.

The discussion of the origins of the NT Canon is also excellent, once again giving layreaders more information than they may be expecting. Reinventing Jesus goes through the criteria by which the books of the NT were chosen and is candid about which books were quickly accepted as well as those which where not. The authors also discuss those who made the decisions and when the decisions were made. Special attention is given to the last books to be accepted. In this section, as well as throughout the book, the authors attempt to come up with examples and metaphors from sports, work, pop culture, or everyday life. Most of these examples are well made and a feature employed throughout the book.

Another very effective set of chapters addresses what the authors call "Parallelomania." Here the authors take on an argument that even many of the online-skeptics have abandoned; namely that Christianity was merely a myth based on pre-existing pagan myths. It is good that they do such an excellent job of debunking all of the supposed "parallels" because too many of the underinformed on the internet are still being taken in. Reinventing Jesus is successful in showing that the core doctrines of Christianity originated out of Judaism and the events in the life of Jesus and his apostles. The supposed "parallels" between Christianity and the pagan religions are either based on word games (describing very different beliefs as if they were the same), misunderstandings of the evidence, are the result of pagan copying of the more successful Christian belief system, or are the result of some Christian copying of pagan beliefs in the third and fourth centuries (after the core NT beliefs were already well-established). There are several online responses to parallelomania, but this chapter exceeds most of them in its breadth, depth, and readability.

The chapter on the Council of Nicea is quite good. There are also chapters about the accuracy of the NT, oral tradition, and authorship of NT documents that are solid discussions, though not the best available. Still, they add to the value of the book and fill out the complete picture that the authors are trying to impart.

As for other features, there is a helpful list of Suggested Reading for each part of the book, as well as a scripture index and subject index. My only real complaint about the book is that it uses book endnotes, rather than footnotes or chapter endnotes.

On a whole, Reinventing Jesus would be an excellent addition to any apologist's or pastor's library. In fact, it is so effective and readable, it would be a good buy for any Christian wanting to better understand the history of their faith (as all should). It is a big step above Josh McDowell's helpful though basic historical apologetic books. It effectively engages some of the most recent skeptical arguments that having been spreading with the help of the internet. Finally, it trusts laypersons to sort through the good and the bad in the historical evidence while maintaining a very readable presentation.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth About Jesus and the Bible, May 29, 2006

By	Roger N. Overton (Orange, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of foundational claims of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is that the Bible of Christian tradition is unreliable. The result is that our idea of Jesus doesn't match up with the real Jesus who was married to Mary Magdalene and had a child with her. Rather than respond directly to the speculations of the novel and works like it, Reinventing Jesus by J. Ed Komoszewksi, M. James Sawyer, and Daniel B. Wallace seeks to provide a positive case for why we can trust the New Testament and the Jesus it speaks of.


Reinventing Jesus is divided into five parts consisting of 18 chapters together. Part one deals with whether or not the first Gospel writers were able to get the story right. Part two is an analysis of the transmission of the Gospels seeking to show that what we have now is incredibly close to what was originally written. The canon of the New Testament is tackled in part three, where explanations are given for why some were included in the Bible and others weren't. With the reliability of the scriptures established, part four goes on to look at what the New Testament says about Jesus. Finally, in part five, Christianity is defended against accusations that it borrowed from pagan mythology.

Throughout the book, the authors interact with the claims of The Da Vinci Code and other more scholarly works that question the historicity of the Bible, but the central focus is more about a positive case for Christianity than a defensive one. At the end of the book are subject and Scripture indexes, as well as a thorough recommended reading list according to each part of the book.

Of the works that deal with claims like those in The Da Vinci Code, Reinventing Jesus is one of the more scholarly. That said, it does a commendable job of making the scholarly discussions accessible and relevant to "motivated laypersons" without dumbing down the material or making the reader feel dumb. The book covers a wide hosts of issues related to the Bible and Jesus, but due its focus on a positive case for Christianity, lacks a thorough critique of Gnosticism or "the sacred feminine." Ultimately, Reinventing Jesus is a great book for readers who want accurate first-hand information from scholars about the historicity of the Christian faith in light of "novel speculations."

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book for Laypersons, Scholars, and Everyone in Between!, September 6, 2006

By	K. Larrett (Florida) - See all my reviews

General observations: This book is solid, clear, and winsome from front to back. And it's one of the most creatively and effectively organized apologetics books written to date.

Specific Highlights:
1. The section on New Testament manuscripts is absolutely unique in popular apologetic literature. The information in this section isn't covered as thoroughly or accessibly from a conservative perspective anywhere else.

2. The entire book is well written but the section on the divinity of Jesus is especially so. By the time I got to the chapter on the Council of Nicea, I forgot I was reading "heady" material. That chapter was as enjoyable as it was insightful.

3. This book combines the best of both worlds: readable prose and serious documentation. By relegating more technical information and references to endnotes, the authors have constructed a book that will serve students and scholars, as well as general readers who can opt to read the less technical chapters and skip the advanced stuff in the back. This was a bold and brilliant move on the part of the publisher.

Concluding thought: One reviewer already noted how Christians should purchase this book to encourage publishers to make more of the same. I couldn't agree more! But I hope that Kregel Publishing will be encouraged to publish more editions of THIS book. With more junk on Jesus sure to come down the pike, Reinventing Jesus could easily be updated every few years to stay current.

This book is a groundbreaking book that is sure to become a classic apologetics text!