The Life of Jesus

Author: Ernest Renan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-05-01
Features: This book is a biographical work that combines existing historical records as its framework with the author's emotions and ideals as scattered materials to infuse it with life. The book has several prominent features that can be clearly seen even in the Chinese translation, such as being accessible to both the educated and the masses—its main body is a narrative-style biography, yet it intersperses many profound discussions and analyses; rich in philosophical reflection—often using brilliant penwork to highlight the extraordinary depth of Jesus' concepts; broad perspective—frequently mentioning the history of the Middle East, Southern Europe, and especially the ancient Jewish people, giving the image of Jesus a deep historical and cultural context; and vivid writing—full of eloquent expressions, passionate and compelling, with a heavy sense of melancholy that deeply moves the readers. Christianity holds the highest position in the history of human religions, and the life of its founder, Jesus, is quite legendary. The author of this book explores the life and actions of Christ Jesus through historical analysis and criticism, allowing us to see a real, unembroidered Jesus.
Introduction to the English Edition Dedicated to the pure soul of my sister Henriette
Preface: The historical sources of this book
1. Jesus in world history
2. Jesus' childhood and youth—the first impressions
3. Jesus' education
4. The intellectual environment in which Jesus grew up
5. Jesus' early teachings, the concept of the Father and pure religion, the early disciples
6. John the Baptist—Jesus' request to John, his residence in the Judean desert—John's baptism of Jesus
7. The development of Jesus' concept of the "Kingdom of God"
8. Jesus in Capernaum
9. Jesus' disciples
10. The Sermon on the Lake
11. The Kingdom of God that accepts the poor
12. John in prison—John's death—the relationship between the Johannine and Jesus movements
13. The first attempt in Jerusalem
14. Jesus' interactions with Gentiles and Samaritans
15. The early evolution of the Jesus—his own views on his supernatural nature
16. Jesus' miracles
17. The clear formation of Jesus' concept of the "Kingdom of God"
18. Jesus' system
19. The process of Jesus' spiritual elevation
20. Jesus' adversaries
21. Jesus' last trip to Jerusalem
22. The conspiracy of Jesus' enemies
23. Jesus' last week
24. Jesus' arrest and trial
25. Jesus' death
26. Jesus in the tomb
27. The fate of Jesus' enemies
28. The basic nature of Jesus' mission
Chinese-English Name Comparison Table