In Search of Jesus: The Historical vs. Theological Christ - Interview with Professor Samuel Byrskog

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

Scholars struggle to piece together the historical puzzle of Jesus' life and are faced with the task of interpreting his teachings within the cultural and political milieu of his time. In the quest to understand Jesus Christ, two distinct perspectives emerge: the "historical Jesus" and the "theological Jesus. This fascinating dichotomy presents a unique challenge: how do we reconcile the flesh and blood figure who walked the earth with the divine being revered across Christian denominations? Delving into the historical evidence, we confront miracles through the lens of historical research, questioning their place in factual analysis while exploring their theological significance. As denominations diverge in their portrayals of Christ, we witness the evolution of theological understanding, shaped not only by canonical texts but also by the insights of non-canonical works such as the Gnostic Gospels. Recent archaeological discoveries further color our understanding of the historical background of Jesus, prompting us to distinguish between the teachings directly attributed to Jesus and those developed by later followers. In a modern context marked by secularism and a plurality of religious expressions, the challenge extends to reconciling these different accounts of Jesus while exploring the contemporary relevance of his dual perspectives.