Historical jesus Quote by Hammann Konrad
““The historical Jesus . . . does not make any direct demand on us, nor does he condemn us for any deed we have committed against him. . . . I have done him no wrong and there is nothing for which he has to forgive me.255 I have never yet felt uncomfortable with my critical radicalism; to the contrary, I have been entirely comfortable. But I often have the impression that my conservative New Testament colleagues feel very uncomfortable, for I see them perpetually engaged in salvage operations. I calmly let the fire burn, for I see that what is consumed is only the fanciful portraits found in life-of-Jesus theology, and that is precisely the Christos kata sarka [Christ according to the flesh]. But the Christos kata sarka is no concern of ours. How things looked in the heart of Jesus I do not know and do not want to know.256””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Theological Critique, 2005
He claims the historical Jesus imposes no personal moral demands, and he feels comfortable with radical critique while others cling to comforting doctrines.
In simple terms: Jesus' life doesn't dictate our moral choices.
Key Takeaway
Accept that faith can be separate from moral obligations.
Themes
theology
historical criticism
faith
personal belief
Mood
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- academic discussion
- personal reflection
- interfaith dialogue
- religious education
Key Concepts
Christology
radicalism
doctrinal tension
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you separate historical figures from moral teachings?
- How does radical critique affect personal faith?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that moral guidance is essential regardless of historical facts.
![“If we could believe that he [Jesus] really countenanced the follies, the falsehoods, and the charlatanism which his biographers [Gospels] father on him, and admit the misconstructions, interpolations, and theorizations of the fathers of the early, and the fanatics of the latter ages, the…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b6/thomas-jefferson-43_christianity_if-we-could-believe-that-he-jesus-really_3065658.jpg)
![“Punishment [by Nero] was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition.” quote by Suetonius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b17/suetonius-25582_christian_punishment-by-nero-was-inflicted-on-the_137826.jpg)
![“At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good, and [he] was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not…” quote by Josephus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/233/josephus-35447_abandon_at-this-time-there-was-a-wise-man-who-wa_156080.jpg)
![“Being that the *historical* Jesus was of pure Hebraic descent- lineage of Eber- He was not an Arab or of Arabic descent, therefore He was not dark skinned as most Israeli's are not." ~R. Alan Woods [2013]” quote by R. Alan Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/692/r-alan-woods-1455_dark-skin_being-that-the-historical-jesus-was-of-p_250821.jpg)
