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THE LIFE OF CHRIST

A JEW’S RECONSTRUCTION.

DENOUNCED BY CHURCHMEN,

(United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON, February 19, (Received Feb. 20, at 10 p.m.)

Though admitting that the reconstruction was purely hypothetical, a German, Dr Eisler, gives in his book, ‘ The Messiah, Jesus, and John the Baptist,” a translation of which in English is just available, a picture of Christ's life on earth, which conflicts startlingly with the orthodox versions. It purports to be based on contemporary accounts of Christ as quoted by Josephus in old Russian and other versions recently discovered. Dr Eisler contends: “ Despite the tireless efforts of ecclesiastical revisers enough has been preserved in out-of-the-way corners of the world among Jews and heretics, besides quotations in Christian literature, to allow of the reconstruction of the fundamental features of Christ’s personality and mission as it appeared to his enemies.”

Josephus, as reconstructed, describes Jesus as a small, bent, homely figure. He alleges that some of his armed followers attempted to seize Jerusalem, upon which Pontius Pilate suppressed the rising and crucified Christ and two of his followers, elsewhere described as thieves. He also alleges that the Resurrection was made possible by the twin brother of Jesus, who was seen after the crucifixion. No reason is given why the Romans did not produce the body, thus settling the question. The Rev. Thomas Nightingale, on behalf of the National Council of Free Churches, issues a dramatic denunciation of Dr Eisler’s book as the work of a hostile Jew attempting to account for the Resurrection, and putting the best face he can on the treatment of Jesus by his fellow-countrymen. Mr Nightingale says: “ The book starts by postulating a theory which the writer builds up to suit his own purpose. Experts should not find it difficult to reduce his theories to their proper value. Even supposing that the new Josephus is authentic the whole of Dr Eisler’s work involves a reconstruction which is largely imaginary. This kind of thing has been attempted again and again, but Christianity remains.” , Dr Mingana, of Hylands Library, Manchester, the chief authority on Josephus, says: “ There are only two References' to Christ in the recognised edition of Josephus, and leading authorities are unanimous that both are mediaeval forgeries.”

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19310221.2.77

Bibliographic details

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21266, 21 February 1931, Page 13

Word Count
373

THE LIFE OF CHRIST Otago Daily Times, Issue 21266, 21 February 1931, Page 13

THE LIFE OF CHRIST Otago Daily Times, Issue 21266, 21 February 1931, Page 13

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