Does it really matter who Jesus was? Does it make any difference whether he existed or not? Even if we think it might matter and might make a difference, is it possible after two thousand years to recover something, anything, of the authentic historical Jesus?
Who on earth was Jesus? Twenty five years ago a number of Scholars gathered in Berkeley, California at The Graduate Theological Union, responding to the invitation of Robert Funk to begin a new quest for the historical Jesus.
This was the founding of the Westar Institute, the home of The Jesus Seminar. The Seminar is dedicated to critical historical scholarship and religious literacy. Why is critical historical scholarship in regard to Jesus important? Is there anyone who has never heard a historical claim made for Jesus, or “Christ”? Is there anyone who has never heard someone use Jesus, “Christ” as an appeal to authority or truth in an argument or discussion? We make historical claims for our beliefs and hear historical claims being made every day for about almost anything. How do we evaluate these many claims?
If these questions tweak your curiosity and stimulate in you more questions; if you are committed to religious literacy; if you find growth in open discussion about our religious traditions; if you enjoy interaction with others, then you are welcome to become a part of the Jesus Seminar Study groups. There are two groups. One meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7:00-9:00 pm in room 11 (downstairs); the other group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 1:00-3:00 pm in the Church library.
Contact info@fccb.net for more details.