The current controversy over the historical Jesus and his significance for both scholarship and religious belief continues to rage inside and outside the academy. In this volume, three distinguished New Testament scholars debate the historical, textual, and theological problems at the core of the controversy.

John Dominic Crossan offers a theological defense of the historical reconstruction of Jesus, arguing that if Christian faith is not founded on the historical Jesus, it will fall into Docetism. Luke Timothy Johnson counters this thesis, arguing that the biblical Christ and his presence in the life of believers is the proper focus of Christian faith. Werner Kelber takes issue with both views. Placing them in the broader context and history of Christian hermeneutics, he seeks to overcome the alternatives that govern the controversy.

John Dominic Crossan is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at De Paul University.

Luke Timothy Johnson is Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Emory University.

Werner H. Kelber is Turner Professor of Biblical Studies at Rice University.