During
the opening session of the much anticipated mouthful of a conference, “Jesus,
Criteria, and the Demise of Authenticity,” the methodic rumbling of a
jackhammer nearby seemed entirely appropriate.
The
purpose of the conference, and
accompanying collection of essays, was “to clear the ground of several crumbling
foundations to provide space for more sophisticated discussion of
historiography already underway within Jesus studies” (1). As the conference
ensued the foundation of historical Jesus studies in the last hundred years,
the criteria of authenticity, crumbled away indeed. Or at least that was the conclusion
of everyone at the conference.
The
collection of scholars at this conference was impressive to say the least. Spearheaded
by the mild-mannered Anthony Le Donne and, to quote Barry Schwartz “the destroyer of
worlds” Chris Keith, the conference featured presentations from notable
scholars including: Dale C. Allison, Jr., Mark Goodacre, Jens Schröter and Loren T. Stuckenbruck, among others. Each scholar
presented on why the “authenticity criteria approach” is insufficient for providing
access to the historical Jesus.
You can read stream-of-conference
blogging from Joel
Watts and Mark
Goodacre, though Mark is less comprehensive because he kept stopping to
speak at the conference. Though I’m not much engaged in historical Jesus
studies of late, I had a wonderful time seeing old friends and meeting new
ones.
I know what you're thinking, "I doubt there is a blog that I 'must' read." But hear me out.
About
The Historical Jesus. What could be more interesting to talk about than Jesus? While there is no shortage of blog material devoted to Jesus, the content at The Jesus Blog promises to be singularly devoted to the historical figure. If you think historical Jesus studies are a fad that's already passed, you'll thoroughly enjoy The Jesus Blog because it challenges past assumptions and promises new avenues of exploration.
By
The dynamic duo behind The Jesus Blog material are Chris Keith and Anthony Le Donne. Ask a veteran scholar like Larry Hurtado or John M. G. Barclay and they will tell you these two are rising stars in the academic world. You don't have to take their word for it, just check out Keith and Le Donne's notable publications (they are listed on a left sidebar at The Jesus Blog for convenience).
For
If you're interested in Historical Jesus Studies, or if you think Historical Jesus studies are so over, then you need to check out The Jesus Blog. If you're wanting to do a PhD, but are unsure of a suitable topic, Keith and Anthony boast to suggest 101 potential ideas. If you're not a trained scholar, but you are interested in the cutting edge of scholarship about Jesus then you should read The Jesus Blog. If you're just a regular person who interested in being informed about arguably the most important figure in the western world, then stop by The Jesus Blog.
Seriously, go to The Jesus Blog.
I'm always on the lookout for great minds from whom to learn. One of the great advantages of the blog world is it provides access to brilliant minds in process. Writers will try out theories and hypotheses and gage reactions. Not only do blogs provide a helpful format for watching the logic of good minds at work, they also provide an opportunity for the rest of us to ask questions. It's really fantastic to think that you can ask a question to world-class scholars and (usually) they actually give an answer! Lastly, blogging gives you access to fantastic reading FOR FREE!
Here are a couple of blogs or articles that I have recently enjoyed:
Michael Gorman, one of my favorite Pauline scholars, is blogging again after a hiatus due to the failing health of his father. Pastors and scholars alike will benefit from Dr. Gorman's fine blend of scholarship and theological commentary.
J. R. Daniel Kirk, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, offers insight into NT texts, cultural commentary and informed thoughts on theology and ethics. I would particularly recommend two recent posts. First, he offers reflection on the significance of the creation-fall narratives (Gen 1-3) for Paul's theology in an evolutionary cosmological framework. Second, he did a post on blogging and institutions. That might sound boring, but he wisely suggests caution while maintaining the value of blogging.
Larry Hurtado is a widely respected scholar's scholar. His knowledge of first century texts is exhaustive, his careful historical judgments are exemplary and he's been at the scholarly "game" for a long time. Thus, his posts reflect seasoned thought‒ an uncommon virtue in the blogosphere.
Each of these scholars is brilliant and more than willing to answer respectfully posed questions and even thoughtful disagreements. I wholeheartedly encourage any and all to frequent these fine blogs and see some great scholars "at work."
For those less interested in scholarship here are some other nice reads:
On being a Student from Stanley Hauerwas
On the healing power of Story from Lisa Nichols Hickman
What are your favorite blogs or journals?
