This may not be a new book but it is certainly a useful addition to the bookshelves of anyone who is concerned about how Jesus has often been portrayed recently, either in books, articles or TV programmes.

The source of fabrication

The subtitle is a clear indication of the nature and aim of the study. Rest assured, the author is not himself fabricating Jesus; rather he is setting out to explain the more unusual portraits of Jesus which depart from the traditional or biblical view but which have gained media attention and even scholarly credence.

Evans asks some important questions. Why are some scholars so keen to fabricate a new Jesus? What methods do they use to distort the biblical record? And why are their results so readily accepted by both the public and those in academic circles?

Not for dummies!

The author claims the book is “written at a popular level and is primarily intended for nonexperts who find much that has been said about Jesus in recent years terribly confusing” (p.14). This means that notes are kept to a minimum and placed at the back of the book, terms that are common in biblical studies are clearly defined, and a glossary is attached for quick reference.

Once you realise the complexity of the issue being discussed and the depth the author provides, you are more likely to keep going to the end.

However, it must be said that this is not a book that everyone will find straightforward to read. In no way is it a ‘simple guide’ or a ‘For Dummies’ style book. Perseverance is necessary at times, as is a real interest in the subject. Yet once you realise the complexity of the issue being discussed and the depth the author provides, you are more likely to keep going to the end.

Extra-biblical gospels

As well as discussing certain scholars in depth (Ehrman, Funk, Crossan, Meir, and the Jesus Seminar, among others), the author examines the matter of questionable texts which such scholars depend on. In particular there are two chapters on five of the main extracanonical gospels (Thomas, Peter, Mary, the Egerton Gospel and the Secret Gospel of Mark). The reason for so much space being devoted to these is because Evans believes that “For many people the most disturbing feature in contemporary reports concerning the Jesus of history is the attention given to texts outside of the New Testament” (p.52).

If these areas are not understand then “writers of hokum history and bad theology will continue to prey on the naïve and credulous”.

At several places within the main text of a chapter there are other ‘box’ type sections which contain snippets of interesting information. These include what other ancient sources (Graeco-Roman, Jewish, Gnostic) say about Jesus, plus items on Jewish customs which help to set the real Jesus within his actual historical context, in contrast to the many alternatives suggested today. There is also a complete list of miracles performed by Jesus as recorded in the synoptic gospels, which is a useful aid to Bible study.

Hokum history

After ten chapters examining “some of the worst examples of hokum history and bogus research” (p. 222), Evans recognises that this is no way to conclude a book about Jesus, so the final chapter is dedicated to something more positive and edifying. In ‘Will the real Jesus please stand up?’, the author considers seven important topics; these include Jesus’ relationship with the Judaism of his day and Christian faith as part of the Jewish story. The point is that if these areas are not understand then “writers of hokum history and bad theology will continue to prey on the naïve and credulous” (p.222).

Satisfying study

Two appendices round off the scholarly aspects of this book. One is on the free-floating sayings of Jesus known as the Agrapha. The other asks what we as ordinary Christians should think about the Gospel of Judas, one of the texts which has created a lot of attention in this field of scholarship.

Overall, this is a very satisfying study for those who like something solid to read and digest. Craig Evans has previously written extensively on the historical Jesus and the Jewish background to the New Testament, so some of his writing might already be known to some of our readers. If not, it may well be worth exploring what else of his is available.

‘Fabricating Jesus’ (290 pp) is published by IVP and is on special offer from ICM Books for £8.49 (postage free). Watch also this interview with Dr Evans.