Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Genre: Religious Studies / Comparative Religion / History

Book Review:
Elmar Gruber and Holger Kersten's ''The Original Jesus'' is a provocative and controversial book that will appeal to readers interested in alternative theories about Christian origins. Following their earlier bestseller ''The Jesus Conspiracy,'' the authors here argue that Buddhism had a significant influence on Jesus's life and teachings—a claim that challenges traditional Christian understandings.

The book's thesis is bold: Jesus was raised by Therapeutae missionaries, who were, the authors claim, followers of Theravada Buddhism. His spiritual development was continued by the Essenes and Mandaeans, groups that had also been influenced by Buddhist ideas. The authors point to parallels between early Buddhist texts and the Q material (the sayings of Jesus common to Matthew and Luke, thought by many scholars to be among our earliest sources for his teachings). They also trace the movement of Indian culture and ideas into the Middle East, arguing that such influence was plausible.

The book is clearly written and aimed at general readers. It draws on a wide range of scholarship, though critics would argue that it is selective in its use of evidence. The authors' credentials—Gruber in psychology and ethnography, Kersten in theology and religious history—give them some authority, though neither is a specialist in early Christianity or Buddhism.

The book's reception among mainstream scholars has been skeptical. Most historians of early Christianity do not accept the thesis of substantial Buddhist influence on Jesus, pointing to the lack of direct evidence and the very different contexts of first-century Galilee and Buddhist India. The parallels the authors identify may be coincidental or reflect common human concerns rather than direct influence.

For readers interested in alternative theories, this book is fascinating. It presents a coherent and well-argued case, even if one ultimately disagrees with its conclusions. For students of comparative religion, it offers a case study in how scholars can find connections across traditions. For general readers, it's an engaging and thought-provoking read.

However, readers should approach the book with appropriate skepticism and be aware that its thesis is not widely accepted. It is best read alongside more mainstream accounts of Christian origins.

''The Original Jesus'' is a book that will provoke thought and debate. Whether you agree or disagree, it will make you think about how religions influence each other and how we understand the past. Recommended for those with an open mind and a taste for controversy.