Defining Jesus

"Soulen's defining of Jesus is critical, profoundly clear, and faithful. Judiciously distinguishing between the earthly Jesus, the biblical Jesus, and the real Jesus, the author offers normative portraits of Jesus necessary to the church--hermeneutically sound, ethically viable, and experientially tested. This short yet magisterial book is a must-read for all who seek to understand who Jesus is in his earthly ministry, throughout history, and for today."

-Yung Suk Kim, Associate Professor of New Testament, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University



"Amidst the increasingly confusing claims about Jesus Christ today, Defining Jesus is a beacon of light as Soulen provides semantic and hermeneutical tools, clarity, and criteria to help readers traverse the rugged landscape and experience the reality of the traditional Christian faith."

--K. K. Yeo, Harry R. Kendall Professor of New Testament, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary



"Well-informed, precise, and insightful, Soulen's study brings much-needed clarity to an area that too often lacks it. A book especially for those confused and distracted by the commotions of contemporary scholarship."

--Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins,

Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and author of The Real Jesus