Historians can't deny Jesus

Reflection

Claims that historians cannot deny the existence of Jesus point to a genuinely strong consensus among scholars, whatever their faith commitments. The existence of Jesus of Nazareth as a historical figure who was crucified under Pontius Pilate is affirmed by mainstream historians, including sceptical ones, on the basis of both Christian and non-Christian sources. What remains genuinely debated, of course, is not whether Jesus lived, but who he was and what his life meant. That is where faith and history meet: the historical record establishes the man, while the resurrection and his identity as the Son of God are matters received through the testimony of the apostles and the ongoing witness of the church. Christians can hold historical confidence and personal faith together without confusing the two, recognising that history brings us to the threshold and invites a response.

Questions to sit with

• What difference does it make to you that Jesus is recognised as a real historical figure?
• Where do you see the line between historical fact and personal faith in your own belief?
• How would you explain the difference between evidence and trust to someone who is sceptical?

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