The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent (2006, Hardcover)

Quoted from The Jonathan Dolhenty Archive:

There are three questions posed on the back of the dust-jacket and these, I think, are significant. They draw us to the essence of what Baigent is saying.

Question 1: What if everything we have been told about the origins of Christianity is a lie? Now, that's pretty strong stuff. "Everything"? Does he mean that for over 2,000 years intelligent scholars and others have been duped into believing something that is a "total lie"? Does this mean that no one, until Baigent came along, had any of the "truth"? Have I, after taking Professor Bart Ehrman's courses in "Lost Christianities" and "The New Testament," and read books on this subject by this outstanding religious scholar, been victimized?

Question 2: What if a small group had always known the truth and had kept it hidden...until now? OK, this is, I suppose, possible. But it seems hardly probable what with all the groups out there opposed to traditional Christianity and doing their best to destroy it. So far, for over two millennia, the Church has survived, even prospered, and I find it hard to believe that a "small group" could contain such power for that long a time. Nevertheless, it's possible, maybe.

Question 3: What if there is incontrovertible proof that Jesus Christ survived the crucifixion? "Incontrovertible"? OK, we're on to something here. Incontrovertible means "undeniable" or "can't be disputed." Case closed. Hypothesis proved. End of story. But...but, search as I might through the entire 286 pages of the text in Baigent's book, I cannot find a single "proof," much less any "evidence," which would support an assertion that Christ survived his crucifixion. It's just not there!

Now, what we are asked to "believe," that is, to have "faith" in, is that Baigent saw a document -- what he refers to as "The Jesus Papers" -- which he "alleges" exists, but in private hands and unavailable, and which "proves" that Jesus was alive in A.D. 45, thereby surviving the crucifixion. I have said "believe" and used the word "faith" because Baigent can produce no such document for objective, public examination. We are, therefore, asked to accept his assertion on his "authority." Just as we are asked to accept Christ's death and resurrection on the "authority" of the Bible and Church officials. Take your choice, simply stand aside, or call it a draw.

Since this controversy involves neither formal philosophy nor empirical science, I personally have no dog in this fight. The outcome of this controversy -- if there is ever to be one -- has no real bearing on my thought or life. All I can say for sure at this point is that Baigent's claim that "'The Jesus Papers' reveal the truth about Jesus' life and crucifixion" is not supported by what he presents in his book. Given that, however, I still recommend that those interested in the question, and especially those interested in debating the question, read Baigent's book before proceeding into the intellectual arena where a battle is sure to be waged.

A must read by those interested in exploring the 'son of Man' and 'the Kingdom of God' mysteries of the New Testament Gospels. Baigent does an excellent job of covering the history of this exploration but, curiously, does not mention "The Jesus Scroll" by Donovan Joyce other than through an off-hand comment about Yigael Yadin at Masada (p.268). Unfortunately, his exploration ends before the publication of new information concerning the 'Gospel of Judas' although he does hint at this new text coming to light. His theory about Jesus in Egypt is much more plausible than anything previous and is woven in neatly with a believable 'Kingdom of God' presentation. His exposition of supposed proof of Jesus being alive in 45 A.D. is fascinating as is his revelation that a much less adulterated history by Flavius Josephus exists! One must forgive any association that has developed through his "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" that may have been borrowed by Dan Brown in "The Da Vinci Code." Truly a MUST READ!

Book was in excellent condition. Recommended by relative as some insight in subject. On Ebay the book was $6.00 cheaper than ordering through a book outlet.

This book was absolutely a great "Read". Could not put the book down and it gave me lots of food for thought. I'm a christian and reading this book did not change this. After reading this book went out and purchased his other book "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" just started it and already cannot put this book down. Also, if you love history you will enjoy this book.

Enjoy!

This is an excellent book on the subject of the authenticity of old documents from the time of Jesus. The author references his material throughly! The book is written in easy to read format without a lot of useless filler information. He is also a highly respected author and a researcher of antique documents.
All my life I have looked for historical references, other than the Bible, to the time of Jesus and his actual existence. In reading books concerning the history of the first century AD, I find this one to be among the best! I was completely unprepared for the ending of this very informative book. It is definitely worth the money and time to read it!

As someone who got caught up in the whole "da vinci code" craze, I was anxious to get my hands on more reading material on the subject. "The Jesus Papers" was one of those books. Having just read the book, my thoughts are as follows...if you're into the whole history of the subject matter, this will prove a fasinating read. If you are, like me, a casual reader with no particular interest in history, this book is a definate turn off. For example, when writing about where Jesus got his "training" from, the author goes into the whole history of egyptian mysticism to explain it. This section, I felt, could've been greatly condensed. By the time I got through this section, I'd completely forgotten why this was so important. However, there are other sections I found fasinating, such as what one experiences when nailed to a cross and the whole idealogy behind it. If your're a casual reader with a thrirst for knowledge, I say, give it a go and hope for the best. But if you're scared or cautious of the word "history", as I am, think twice before taking the dive. There are other books out there, I'm sure that are less taxing on the curious mind.