The Figure of Jesus

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the place of Jesus as a religious icon and the central figure of one of the largest religious movements in the world is secure, but the role, meaning, and even existence of the historical Jesus is more problematic. The writer discusses that this figure is explored by Mark Allan Powell in his book "Jesus as a Figure in History," where the author considers how historians have treated the question of the historical Jesus, facts of his life that can be verified and similar issues separate from faith. The writer notes that different contemporary visions of Jesus are filled out even more as Powell discusses the six different contemporary accounts he features in his book. The writer concludes that Powell does a good job of bringing these different elements together and showing how the search for the historical Jesus relates to these questions, utilizes these questions, and leaves even more questions to be answered.

Outline:
Introduction
History of Jesus
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Hierophanies of the sacred are found as things or persons in which the sacred is manifested. Hierophanies are, metaphorically speaking, windows through which the believer apprehend the holy. Hierophanies might also be called sacraments, points of contact between the divine and the human. There are innumerable hierophanies. They are themselves treated reverently and sometimes fearfully, for they are the loci through which the divine power is mediated. Sacred power is seen as dangerous in all religions, and so these loci of power are considered dangerous as well.
"Different conceptions may be used as hierophanies. Time as hierophany shows that the holy is manifested in time or revealed in time. Sacred time is fulfilled time, or a moment in which the death that life might be simply one pointless, directionless series of events is transcended. There are different ways of conceiving of time, but many are cyclical and repetitive and rhythmic, suggesting a dimension to existence that is continuous and unbroken. In the Christian conception, time is linear and unique."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Powell, M.A. (1998). Jesus as a Figure in History. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press.
• Powell, M.A. (1998). Issues in Jesus Research and Scholarship. 20 March 2008. http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/jesusresearch.htm

More papers on The Figure of Jesus:

• Analytical Essay # 65139 : "Jesus Christ as the King in the Book of Matthew"
• Poem Review # 117491 : "An Analysis of "The Dream of the Rood"
• Comparison Essay # 25527 : "The Killing of Abel" and "The Second Shepherd's Play"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: