Jesus: The Complete Works

Jesus: The Complete Works retells the life of Jesus through a faithful reconstruction of the many texts written about him in the centuries following his death. When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in the late fourth century, numerous writings about Jesus were removed from the official record, though these texts continued to circulate and were deeply revered by Christians.

Over the past century, many of these long-lost, ancient writings have been rediscovered. Weaving together both official and unofficial texts, Jesus: The Complete Works provides us a fuller and more coherent picture of Jesus's biography and philosophy. It also changes our understanding of Jesus in subtle but frequently important ways. When the full story is told, women play and more important role. Jesus more clearly becomes a philosopher who is fearlessly prepared to criticize material wealth and power, the first such philosopher in human history. Nor, with the restoration of the censored books, do we need the promises of the institutional church about miracle cures and life after death. The whole story is more realistic and believable.

Meticulously sourcing every sentence to the original texts, Jesus: The Complete Works offers a comprehensive and accessible account of Jesus's life, philosophy, and social mission. This book brings new insight to one of history's most influential figures, offering illumination for believers and nonbelievers alike.