Does Historical Jesus research have a future?

• Main Author: A G van Aarde
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: AOSIS 2003-11-01
• Series: Verbum et Ecclesia
• Online Access: http://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/VE/article/view/325

The� aim� of this article is to reflect on the work of historical Jesus scholars who represent the three facets in� the research, referred� to as the �New Quest�, the �Third Quest�,� and� the� �Renewed� New Quest�. This is followed by a description of a plausible� profile� of Jesus in order to demonstrate the author�s distinctive position. In the concluding� section of the article the question is addressed whether the investigation of the historical Jesus is still significant today. The answer ensues from both the debate with scholars and the described Jesus profile. The article ends with� the� vision� that, although the question as to the relationship between the historical Jesus and the faith assertions of Christians will never be adequately and� finally answered, the search for Jesus should continue. Both the church and society at large are benefiting from the quest.