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an history and theology be reconciled? The New Testament contains the story of a man, Jesus; it is a primary historical source for our knowledge of his life, death and alleged resurrection. But it also has been the basis for 2,000 years of theological speculation and doctrinal formation. As Neufeld puts it, “theology has had to contend with history,” and “history has had to contend with theology.” There are sources outside the Bible that inform us about the context in which Jesus was born and into which his movement blossomed into Christianity. The author, associate professor of religious studies at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, mines the depths of New Testament writings and other contemporary sources, looking to effect this reconciliation and to present Jesus as a real person in real history. His subject is complex, but he succeeds nicely in simplifying terms and explaining difficult ideas in understandable language. Describing himself as both a “believer and a scholar,” Neufeld finds the real Jesus in both history and theology. Readers at all levels will enjoy this fine volume. (Aug.)
