This Jesus: Martyr, Lord, Messiah
The best thing about this book is the author's recommendation in the preface that readers accompany their reading with Mozart's concertos for flute, oboe, and clarinet. It is written with undergraduates in mind, in response to writing associated with the Jesus Seminar and the so-called third quest for the historical Jesus. But it is not a direct engagement with that body of literature so much as a summary of historical material that, in the author's estimation, is compatible with Christological speculation connecting "the Jesus of history" with "the Christ of faith." The connection is a legitimate one, and readers whose faith has been troubled by a supposed separation may find the book comforting. They may also find themselves inspired to investigate the "third quest" literature cited in Bockmuehl's notes. That could lead to direct engagement, which, accompanied by Mozart, is certain to be an inspiration.Steve Schroeder