The Historical Jesus: Understanding Jesus' Life, Times, and Ministry

Embark on the quest for the historical Jesus.

For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have followed the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, called Messiah or Christ in the New Testament. Indeed, no other person has had such a wide-ranging and powerful impact on the history of the Western world. This has compelled scholars and the faithful alike to undertake the quest for knowledge about his life.

Now, you too can take this quest. In this series, you will explore the ways in which contemporary scholarship, scripture, and our culture have approached the life of Jesus. Your guide, Professor David Zachariah Flanagin, is both a historical scholar and Catholic educator, providing a singular and faithful perspective into this fascinating and inspiring subject.

First, you will consider the major issues surrounding knowledge about Jesus’ life. Next, you will look at three well-known reconstructions of Jesus in the work of contemporary scholars. Finally, you will explore the most fruitful line of inquiry into the historical Jesus: research that situates him firmly within the world of first-century Palestinian Judaism.

The portraits of Jesus do not end here. This course, however, will help you to understand the key issues, the illuminating insights, and the problematic uncertainties that surround the fundamental question, “Who is Jesus?”

As you embark on this journey, you will deepen both your faith and understanding. Begin this quest today.

This course is part of the Learn 25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.