Book cover of The Life of Jesus, Critically Examined

Book description

The German theologian David Friedrich Strauss (1808-1874) published his highly controversial The Life of Jesus in three volumes between 1835 and 1836. This translation, by George Eliot, is based on the fourth German edition (1840). In this work Strauss applied strict historical method to the New Testament gospel narratives and…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Life of Jesus, Critically Examined as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This seminal work from the 19th century remains the most eagle-eyed analysis of the four gospels.

It demonstrated the absurdity and futility of all attempts to vindicate the Jesus stories as genuine history by showing their legendary character. I have learned more about historical-critical methodology from this one book than from all others, and I have pretty much read them all.

From Robert's list on the historical Jesus.

If you love The Life of Jesus, Critically Examined...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like The Life of Jesus, Critically Examined?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Life of Jesus, Critically Examined.

Browse books like The Life of Jesus, Critically Examined

Book cover of Jesus and the Zealots: A Study of the Political Factor in Primitive Christianity
Book cover of Jesus the Jew
Book cover of The Jesus of the Early Christians: A Study in Christian Origins

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,367

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Life of Jesus, Critically Examined, you might also like...

Book cover of Pioneer Paddles of the Colonial South

Pioneer Paddles of the Colonial South by William D. Auman,

Award-winning novelist William Auman, author of If Trees Could Testify..., takes the reader on a time-traveling odyssey featuring 345 bodies of water in six states within the historical context through which they unfold.

Journey into remaining Colonial-era wilderness with stories of pirate treasure, epic frontiersmen, Indigenous Peoples, and Revolutionary…

Book cover of A Winter's Disgrace

A Winter's Disgrace by Kathleen Buckley,

Cyprian, a marquess’s heir, will not let his mother choose his next bride. Leaving a house party in a blizzard to avoid her stratagems, he finds a woman trudging half frozen toward the London road. Rosamund fled disgrace, hoping to reach the one person who might shelter her, but even…

5 book lists we think you will like!