The Pulling the Thread Podcast

Jesus the Jew within Judaism – Tracing Jesus Beyond Christianity – A Jewish Reclamation of Jesus!

Book Overview: Gerd Lüdemann The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology


Gerd Lüdemann’s book The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology is a critical examination of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. Lüdemann argues that there is no historical evidence to support the claim that Jesus rose from the dead, and that the resurrection stories in the Gospels are based on visions and hallucinations experienced by the disciples.

Lüdemann argues that the early Christians believed that Jesus had been raised from the dead, but that they did not have any eyewitness accounts of the resurrection. The earliest mention of the resurrection is in Paul’s letters, which were written about 20 years after Jesus’ death. In these letters, Paul does not describe the resurrection in any detail. He simply says that Jesus was raised from the dead, and that this was a sign of God’s victory over death.

Lüdemann begins by examining the earliest Christian creed, which is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. This creed states that Jesus died, was buried, and was raised on the third day. Lüdemann argues that this creed does not mention an empty tomb, and that it is more likely that the disciples experienced visions of Jesus after his death.

The four Gospels were written later than Paul’s letters, and they contain more detailed accounts of the resurrection. However, Lüdemann argues that these accounts are not reliable historical sources. He points out that the Gospels were written for a theological purpose, and that they are not interested in providing a factual account of the resurrection.

Lüdemann then examines the four Gospels. He argues that the resurrection stories in these Gospels are inconsistent with each other, and that they are more likely to be based on later traditions than on eyewitness accounts. For example, the Gospels differ on who discovered the empty tomb, what happened to Jesus’ body, and what the disciples did after the resurrection.

Lüdemann also argues that the resurrection stories are not credible. He points out that the disciples were not eyewitnesses to the resurrection, and that they had a vested interest in believing that Jesus had risen from the dead. He also argues that the resurrection stories are full of mythological elements, such as angels, a bright light, and a talking tomb.

Lüdemann concludes that the resurrection of Jesus is a myth. He argues that the disciples experienced visions of Jesus after his death, and that these visions were later embellished into the resurrection stories in the Gospels. Lüdemann concludes that the resurrection of Jesus is not a historical event, but rather a theological construct. He argues that the early Christians believed that Jesus had been raised from the dead, but that they did not have any eyewitness accounts of the resurrection. Lüdemann believes that the resurrection stories are important for understanding the early Christian movement, but he does not believe that they are historical accounts. The resurrection is best understood as a way of expressing the faith of the early Christians.

Here are some of the key points from Lüdemann’s book:

  • There is no historical evidence to support the claim that Jesus rose from the dead.
  • The resurrection stories in the Gospels are based on visions and hallucinations experienced by the disciples.
  • The empty tomb is not evidence for the resurrection of Jesus.
  • The resurrection of Jesus is a myth that was created by the early Christians in order to explain the sudden and unexpected growth of the Christian movement.

Lüdemann’s book has been controversial since its publication in 1994. Some scholars have praised Lüdemann for his critical analysis of the evidence. Lüdemann’s book has been influential in the study of the resurrection of Jesus, and it has forced scholars to re-examine the evidence for this event. Lüdemann’s book is a valuable contribution to the debate about the resurrection of Jesus. It is a well-argued book that challenges the traditional view of the resurrection, and it forces readers to think critically about the evidence. Overall, “The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology” presents a scholarly examination of the resurrection of Jesus, challenging traditional beliefs and offering alternative perspectives rooted in historical analysis, subjective experiences, and theological considerations.

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About The Pulling the Thread Podcast

Pulling the Thread is a captivating podcast that delves into a plethora of thought-provoking topics. With its engaging episodes and insightful discussions, it offers a fresh perspective on various subjects, serving as a valuable source of inspiration and knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned podcast enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Pulling the Thread guarantees to captivate your mind and keep you coming back for more. So, gear up and embark on an intellectual journey with this exceptional podcast!

The Pulling the Threads Podcast’s primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context through the lens of Judaism before Christianity. Our primary objective is to study and analyze Jesus within his Jewish context, specifically from a pre-Christianity perspective. Seeking a Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, relying on Jewish and secular biblical scholars who specialize in Second Temple Judaism, the Qumran community, the Parting of Ways around 90 CE, the Historical Jesus, and Textual Criticism. Some notable scholars mentioned include Geza Vermes, Hyam Maccoby, Alan Segal, Carol Harris-Shapiro, Lawrence Kushner, Samuel Sandmel, Bart Ehrman, James Tabor, Robert Eisenman, Paula Frederiksen, and Hugh Schonfield.

The site aims to approach the New Testament using the historical-critical method and textual criticism within the realm of secular Jewish scholarship, reflecting the perspectives of mainstream Judaism today. Engaging in scholarly and polemical discussions, the group seeks to question and challenge established Christian doctrines. The main goal is to establish an independent Jewish understanding of Jesus, emphasizing his significance within a Jewish context and distancing him from centuries of Christian interpretations. Furthermore, the group aims to conduct a comprehensive historical examination of Jesus, employing textual criticism to counter Christianity’s claims regarding the New Testament. The focus is on understanding Jesus within Judaism based on the Torah and Talmud.

This is about Jewish and Secular Scholarship into the New Testament using the Historical Critical method and Textual Criticism within Jewish scholarship. For us Jews, the Tanakh and Talmud inform our view of scripture. In the modern age, as Jews, we struggle with texts with an academic approach. The site is pro-Tanakh and will explore history, archaeology, and textual criticism to comprehend the development of the Jesus movement before the parting of ways with Judaism. It aims to emphasize that Jesus and his followers were seen as Jewish and part of Judaism, and that the conversion of Gentiles to Judaism by the community of James and Peter continued, with some Jewish followers remaining distinctly Jewish for centuries. It is important to note that this is not a study of Jewish-Christians, but rather an examination of Jews who followed Jesus within Judaism before the emergence of Christianity. Anti-Judaism is not welcome in this group, which focuses on Jewish perspectives within an academic framework.

This is an attempt to work out the Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, trying to understand him within Judaism before Christianity existed. The group’s objective is to understand Jesus within Judaism before the influence of Christian perspectives during the historical Jesus movement. It seeks to reclaim Jesus within Judaism, separate from Christianity, Messianic, or Hebrew Roots movements. The study incorporates textual criticism, historical Jesus research, and Jewish scholarship into the New Testament to assert the following beliefs:

  • The New Testament lacks historical accuracy.
  • The New Testament is not divinely inspired.
  • The New Testament has not been divinely preserved.
  • The New Testament was written by individuals decades and even millennia after the events it portrays.
  • Original autographs of the New Testament do not exist.
  • Consequently, the New Testament is not the most reliable source for understanding the historical Jesus as a Jewish figure.
  • To ascertain historical accuracy, we rely on modern Jewish and secular scholarship and engage in historical reconstruction.
  • Through textual criticism, we strive to identify the potentially most authentic sayings of Jesus, following the Q hypothesis in relation to the synoptic gospels.
  • The New Testament bears the influence of Roman culture and language, making it a non-Jewish text with glimpses of Jewish source material.
  • Greco-Roman influences, including Hellenistic, Stoic, Gnostic, and paganistic elements (e.g., Zoroastrianism) and the Roman imperial cult, have shaped New Testament ideas of salvation and hell in a manner contrary to Jewish tradition, resulting in a narrative distinct from the Jewish religion.
  • Both Jewish and secular scholarship acknowledge approximately 500,000 textual errors among the 5,800 New Testament manuscripts. These variations include theological revisions that were added by later editors and were not believed by the original followers.
  • The seven most authentic epistles of Paul were written prior to the gospels, with the gospels reflecting the addition of Pauline theology.
  • Jesus might have been an actual person, with the only point of agreement among Jewish scholars being that he was baptized by John for the repentance of sins and was crucified.
  • Jewish scholars concur that Jesus was not born of a virgin, was not resurrected, is not a savior, may be considered a false prophet, and failed as the Messiah.
  • Judaism represents the religion of Jesus, while Christianity is a religion centered around Jesus.
  • The term “Jewish-Christian,” used to describe the early understanding of Jesus in Judaism, is a misnomer.

Understanding Jesus within Judaism can aid us in grappling with a culture in which Christianity has altered the Jewish message. Given the history of crusades, pogroms, the Holocaust, and inquisitions that have harmed the Jewish people, recognizing Jesus within a Jewish context becomes crucial.

The Catholic Church, in Nostra Aetate, ceased evangelizing Jews and acknowledged them as a covenant people within Judaism. In response, Jewish scholars released Dibre Emet, recognizing the place of Righteous Gentiles, including the offspring of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, in Olam HaBa (the world to come). While agreement may not be necessary, it is important to foster understanding and coexistence.

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