Serie A brev nr 21 (2)

Magazine Overview

Title: BREVCIRKELN
Issue: 21
Volume: A
Date: February 1965

This issue of Brevcirkeln, identified as Volume A, Issue 21, dated February 1965, focuses on the historical figure of Jesus, under the cover headline "VEM VAR JESUS?" (Who was Jesus?). The magazine addresses a previous error in correspondence, apologizing for mishandling an article by Anna-Lisa Helles and reissuing it. It also corrects a numbering error in a previous letter concerning lessons.

The Historical Jesus: A Critical Examination

The central article, "VEM VAR JESUS?" by A.-L. Helles, critically examines the historical evidence for Jesus of Nazareth. It acknowledges the difficulty in establishing a historically reliable picture, with some scholars even doubting Jesus' existence as a real historical person, suggesting the narratives might be products of the early church.

Skeptical Scholarship and Ancient Texts

The article mentions Professor Peter Jensen of Marburg, who in 1906 argued in "Das Gilgamesj-Epos in der Weltliteratur" that the entire evangelical history could be traced back to the Babylonian Gilgamesh epic. This theory posits that the biblical flood narrative and other events in the Old and New Testaments are reproductions of the Gilgamesh epic. The article also notes attempts to identify Jesus with a historical figure named 'Jeschu ben Panthera' from around 100 BCE.

Non-Christian Sources for Jesus' Existence

Despite the challenges, the article asserts that it is difficult to dismiss the numerous, independently occurring mentions of Jesus. It details several non-Christian sources that reference Jesus:

1. The Talmud: From the first two centuries CE, the Talmud presupposes Jesus' existence and miracles, attributing them to magic. It mentions his crucifixion and includes narratives about Jesus as the son of Mary and a Roman soldier, and his life in Egypt. The article questions why these accounts, dating from the early centuries CE and showing that Jews at the time did not doubt his historicity, should be disregarded.
2. Flavius Josephus: The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (c. 37-94 CE) is presented as a key source. His work "Antiquities of the Jews" is described as a learned, clear, and chronological account of Jewish history up to 66 CE. Josephus is said to have mastered known literature and, in the twentieth book, chapter nine, writes about James, Jesus' brother, with details that have never been doubted.
* A passage attributed to Josephus states that the high priest Ananus convened the high council and brought to judgment the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others, and stoned them.
* Another passage, from Book 18, Chapter 3, describes Jesus as a wise man, a teacher of people who gladly followed the truth, attracting many Jews and Gentiles. It mentions that Pilate had him crucified upon the accusation of the principal men among us, but that those who had loved him at first did not give up their love for him. It also states that he appeared alive again on the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold this and many other wonders about him. The Christians, who were called after him, still exist to this day.
The article acknowledges that many scholars consider this latter quote to be a forgery, and Alf Ahlberg expresses extreme doubt about its authenticity.
3. Pliny the Younger: His report to Emperor Trajanus (111-113 CE) about "Christians in Bithynia" is mentioned.
4. Tacitus: In his Annals (117 CE), Tacitus reportedly writes about "Christus," the originator of "Christians," and his crucifixion by Pontius Pilate.
5. Suetonius: In one of his writings, Suetonius mentions a "Chrestus" who gave rise to "Messianic tumults" in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius.

The article emphasizes that while the Talmud passage covers the content, the other mentions are brief notices. Josephus' account is deemed the most significant, though some researchers view his references as questionable or altered.

The Gospel Accounts and Jesus' Life

The article then turns to the Gospels, noting that while they are the primary source, their accounts are complex and influenced by tradition. It highlights the difficulty in reconstructing the original Jesus. The value of Jesus' teachings is presented as independent of the debate about his historical existence.

Jesus' Life and Ministry:

• Birth: Jesus was born in Bethlehem shortly before the death of Herod the Great (4 BCE). The current dating system, established by Dionysius Exiguus around 500 CE, is considered inaccurate; Jesus' birth year is possibly 7 BCE.
• Star of Bethlehem: Professor Ethelbert Stauffer suggests that the "star" mentioned in relation to Jesus' birth might refer to a rare conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, observed by astronomers like Johannes Kepler, appearing in the morning sky.
• Upbringing: Jesus grew up in Nazareth, learning the trade of a carpenter. His parents were Joseph and Mary. Joseph appears to have died early, as he is not mentioned further. Jesus had siblings: at least two sisters and four brothers (James, Joses, Judas, and Simon). James later became a leader of the Jerusalem congregation.
• Public Ministry: Jesus' public activity occurred during the Roman occupation of Judea and Samaria under Pontius Pilate, and Galilee and Perea under Herod Antipas. His ministry is divided into phases:
• Introduction and Preparation: This phase began with his baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan. Jesus then underwent temptations, described symbolically, which tested his identity as the Messiah and his divine gifts.
• Temptation in the Wilderness: Questioning whether he would use his gifts for self-preservation and personal needs.
• Temptation on the Mount: Questioning if he would establish a worldly kingdom.
• Temptation of the Pinnacles: Questioning if he would perform a public miracle to convince Israel. Jesus rejected these temptations, diverging from the popular Messianic expectations of the time, which often involved political and military revolt (like the Zealots).
• Period of External Success: This period, lasting about two years, saw Jesus' ministry primarily in Galilee, near the Sea of Gennesaret. He visited Jerusalem, cleansed the Temple, and had a notable conversation with Nicodemus. He also met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well. His base was likely in Capernaum.
• Selection of Disciples: Jesus chose twelve close disciples, most of whom were from Galilee and had connections to John the Baptist's followers. These included Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
• Preaching and Healing: Jesus preached in synagogues, delivered free talks (like the Sermon on the Mount), and used parables to teach about the Kingdom of God. He also performed healings and cast out demons, often described as 'nervous illnesses'.
• Association with Outcasts: Jesus' willingness to associate with sinners and tax collectors, and his declaration that he came to save sinners, was controversial and drew criticism from the religious elite.
• Period of Opposition and Struggle: This phase marked a growing resistance to Jesus. The article mentions his journey to the region north of Galilee, a visit to Caesarea Philippi where Peter confessed him as the Messiah, and Jesus beginning to speak of his suffering. He also experienced the Transfiguration with three disciples. He later traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, then to the region of the lower Jordan, with brief visits to Bethany, before his final entry into Jerusalem.

The Causes of Jesus' Death

The article attributes the condemnation of Jesus to several factors:

• Popular Disillusionment: The crowds who initially hailed Jesus cooled their fervor when he did not fulfill their expectations of a political Messiah.
• Religious Elite's Opposition: The Scribes and Pharisees found Jesus' disregard for their traditions, his interpretation of the Sabbath, his association with sinners, and his forgiveness of sins to be problematic. They saw him as a threat to their authority.
• Sadducees' Fear: The Sadducees, who held significant power in the Sanhedrin, feared that Jesus' movement could provoke Roman intervention, jeopardizing their remaining authority.

Theories on Jesus' Early Life

The article briefly references previous discussions in Brevcirkeln about Jesus' "lost years" (ages 12-30). It mentions theories suggesting Buddhist influence, with Jesus traveling to India (Benares, Rajagriha) and becoming an Arhat, before returning to preach in his homeland. Another theory, citing a German catechism, suggests Jesus may have been a disciple of Buddhist monks and achieved enlightenment before returning to Israel.

Jesus' Teachings and the Church

The article concludes by reflecting on the transformation of Jesus' teachings into a complex theological system. It argues that the church, by focusing on metaphysical doctrines, has distorted Jesus' message of an inner, holy life lived in communion with God. The author contrasts Jesus' emphasis on human responsibility and the possibility of achieving perfection with later doctrines that emphasize predestination and inability to do good on one's own. The article posits that Jesus' core message was about becoming psychologically pure, whole, and divine by realizing one's higher self.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical historical investigation of Jesus' life and teachings, utilizing both biblical and non-biblical sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning traditional interpretations and emphasizing the importance of Jesus' original message of inner transformation over later theological constructs. There is an openness to exploring alternative theories regarding Jesus' early life and influences, suggesting a broad and inclusive approach to understanding his legacy.