A Skeptic’s Investigation into Jesus
by J. P. Hannah
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Does human life have any significance? The statements below have become widely accepted in the Western world:
-Life is the accidental product of random events.
-The laws of physics are totally deterministic.
-Science does not accept a connection between physical matter and human consciousness.
-Atheism is a conclusion from evidence while faith is speculation.
-Science and faith are incompatible.
-Suffering contradicts the existence of a loving, omnipotent God.
-Jesus was a compilation of pagan mythologies or a human teacher who was deified.
But do these statements represent eternal truths? Are they logical conclusions based on established facts or merely opinions? What is the evidence?
To investigate these and other questions of existence and faith, a skeptical academic objectively explored relevant aspects of philosophy, mythology, history, archaeology, cosmology, quantum physics, biochemistry, and various faiths that finally led to investigation of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures (including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the gnostic gospels). The findings of this research not only challenge many modern assumptions but also have significant implications for our understanding of reality.
Written with minimum technicality for general readership, this book presents a wide range of interesting and carefully confirmed facts relevant to the above questions. Whether you are an atheist or an agnostic, a Christian, or a follower of another faith, or have simply not been interested, this investigation provides valuable and surprising insights into the nature of the universe and our place in it.
J. P. Hannah is a mathematics lecturer with a passionate interest in the meaning of human existence. This book discusses the findings of a decade-long investigation into relevant research in science, history, and Scripture, and its implications for faith.
“Mathematics professor, Julie Hannah, was on a metaphysical quest. She was profoundly skeptical about the historical basis of the Christian faith and determined to dig down and get to the facts—at all costs. . . . Pursuing truth is simultaneously a liberating and dangerous endeavor. It led Julie to embrace more than she bargained for. Devour this volume with an open mind. You too may find yourself on a dangerous, yet liberating, path. “
—Daniel B. Wallace, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary; Executive Director, Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts
“The title of this book might suggest that it is another of the attacks on the biblical version of Jesus, of which there are many currently. This one, however, with admirable candor, is the record of how a genuine skeptic found the arguments of fellow skeptics wanting in all vectors of their cynical reconstructions of the life and teachings of Jesus. This is an excellent resource as a defense of the faith on a philosophical, cosmological, scientific, and theological basis.”
—Paul L. Maier, Seibert Professor of Ancient History, Western Michigan University; author of The Genuine Jesus-Fresh Evidence from History and Archeology
“A brilliant, open-minded agnostic’s search for truth led to this book. . . . Fairly and methodically evaluating evidence, the author first meets head-on popular myths about Christianity and skillfully debunks them. Working from her own special expertise, Hannah then introduces vital questions of mathematical physics often new even to scholars of religion. This work deserves a wide hearing.”
—Craig Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary