
The Life of Jesus Critically Examined
Enriched edition. Challenging Traditional Beliefs: A Critical Examination of Historical Jesus and Biblical TextsBy David Friedrich StraussLength56h 25m
About this audiobook
In "The Life of Jesus Critically Examined," David Friedrich Strauss presents a groundbreaking critical analysis of the life and teachings of Jesus, merging rigorous scholarship with a profound philosophical inquiry. Written during the height of the 19th-century movement of liberal theology, this work employs a historical-critical method that unpacks the theological and mythical elements in the New Testament narratives. Strauss's literary style is incisive and thought-provoking, as he boldly challenges traditional Christian perceptions, asserting that many elements of Jesus's life are better understood through the lens of myth and legend rather than literal events, thus setting the stage for modern biblical criticism. David Friedrich Strauss, a German theologian and philosopher, was influenced by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and empirical evidence. His academic journey, framed by the religious upheavals of his time, enabled him to articulate a vision that questioned established dogmas. His prior works explored the relationship between faith and reason, leading to this critical examination where he sought to reconcile religious belief with modern scientific understanding and philosophical reasoning, making a powerful statement during a period of significant socio-religious transformation. This seminal text is highly recommended for anyone interested in theology, philosophy, or religious studies. Strauss's work invites readers to engage with the complexities of faith, history, and interpretation, offering a valuable perspective on the ongoing dialogue surrounding Jesus's legacy and the nature of belief itself.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length56 hrs 25 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 5, 2021
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5The Life of Jesus Critically Examined
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6INTRODUCTION
7PREFACE
8INTRODUCTION. DEVELOPMENT OF THE MYTHICAL POINT OF VIEW IN RELATION TO THE GOSPEL HISTORIES.
9INEVITABLE RISE OF DIFFERENT MODES OF EXPLAINING SACRED HISTORIES.
10DIFFERENT EXPLANATIONS OF SACRED LEGENDS AMONG THE GREEKS.
11ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATIONS AMONG THE HEBREWS.—PHILO.
12ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATIONS AMONG THE CHRISTIANS.—ORIGEN.
13TRANSITION TO MORE MODERN TIMES.—DEISTS AND NATURALISTS OF THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES.—THE WOLFENBÜTTEL FRAGMENTIST.
14NATURAL MODE OF EXPLANATION ADOPTED BY THE RATIONALISTS.—EICHHORN.—PAULUS.
15MORAL INTERPRETATION OF KANT.
16RISE OF THE MYTHICAL MODE OF INTERPRETING THE SACRED HISTORY, IN REFERENCE FIRST TO THE OLD TESTAMENT.
17THE MYTHICAL MODE OF INTERPRETATION IN REFERENCE TO THE NEW TESTAMENT.
18THE NOTION OF THE MYTHUS IN ITS APPLICATION TO SACRED HISTORIES NOT CLEARLY APPREHENDED BY THEOLOGIANS.
19THE APPLICATION OF THE NOTION OF THE MYTHUS TOO CIRCUMSCRIBED.
20OPPOSITION TO THE MYTHICAL VIEW OF THE GOSPEL HISTORY.
21THE POSSIBILITY OF THE EXISTENCE OF MYTHI IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CONSIDERED IN REFERENCE TO THE EXTERNAL EVIDENCES.
22THE POSSIBILITY OF MYTHI IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CONSIDERED ON INTERNAL GROUNDS.
23DEFINITION OF THE EVANGELICAL MYTHUS AND ITS DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS.
24CRITERIA BY WHICH TO DISTINGUISH THE UNHISTORICAL IN THE GOSPEL NARRATIVE.
25HISTORY OF THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS.
26ANNUNCIATION AND BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.
27DAVIDICAL DESCENT OF JESUS, ACCORDING TO THE GENEALOGICAL TABLES OF MATTHEW AND LUKE.
28ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CONCEPTION OF JESUS.—ITS SUPERNATURAL CHARACTER.—VISIT OF MARY TO ELIZABETH.
29SKETCH OF THE DIFFERENT CANONICAL AND APOCRYPHAL ACCOUNTS.
30DISAGREEMENTS OF THE CANONICAL GOSPELS IN RELATION TO THE FORM OF THE ANNUNCIATION.
31IMPORT OF THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE.—FULFILMENT OF THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH.
32JESUS BEGOTTEN OF THE HOLY GHOST. CRITICISM OF THE ORTHODOX OPINION.
33RETROSPECT OF THE GENEALOGIES.
34NATURAL EXPLANATION OF THE HISTORY OF THE CONCEPTION.
35HISTORY OF THE CONCEPTION OF JESUS VIEWED AS A MYTHUS.
36RELATION OF JOSEPH TO MARY—BROTHERS OF JESUS.
37VISIT OF MARY TO ELIZABETH.
38BIRTH AND EARLIEST EVENTS OF THE LIFE OF JESUS.
39THE CENSUS.
40PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS. THE CIRCUMCISION.
41THE MAGI AND THEIR STAR. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT AND THE MURDER OF THE CHILDREN IN BETHLEHEM. CRITICISM OF THE SUPRANATURALISTIC VIEW.
42ATTEMPTS AT A NATURAL EXPLANATION OF THE HISTORY OF THE MAGI. TRANSITION TO THE MYTHICAL EXPLANATION.
43THE PURELY MYTHICAL EXPLANATION OF THE NARRATIVE CONCERNING THE MAGI, AND OF THE EVENTS WITH WHICH IT IS CONNECTED.
44CHRONOLOGICAL RELATION BETWEEN THE VISIT OF THE MAGI, TOGETHER WITH THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT, AND THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE RECORDED BY LUKE.
45THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.
46RETROSPECT. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATTHEW AND LUKE AS TO THE ORIGINAL RESIDENCE OF THE PARENTS OF JESUS.
47THE FIRST VISIT TO THE TEMPLE, AND THE EDUCATION OF JESUS.
48HISTORY OF THE PUBLIC LIFE OF JESUS.
49RELATIONS BETWEEN JESUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST.
50CHRONOLOGICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN JOHN AND JESUS.