Secularizing the Historical Jesus: Bridging Church Perspectives with Modern Interpretations

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

EXPLORING THE SECULAR JESUS IN CHURCH

My initial foray into the world of historical Jesus in a church setting was based out of Hamilton, Ontario. I embarked on this venture to ascertn if the historical Jesus could be integrated within religious contexts. Surprisingly, it turned out that yes, such integration was possible albeit with some resistance from the traditional church perspectives.

During these early explorations, an indepent newspaper reporter sought my insights into the historical Jesus. The interviewer was young and profoundly skeptical of religion's role in society, challenging me on its purported associations with homophobia, crusading ideologies, and social strife. While acknowledging that religious beliefs can indeed incite such tragedies, I was pushed into defing myself agnst these criticisms by emphasizing that numerous factors contribute to the darker aspects of history.

The reporter then advocated for secular societal structures as superior alternatives to religious institutions. In my response, I brought forward an intriguing perspective: historically speaking, secular referred not just to abstract ideas but actually signified generations or epochs contrasted with ecclesiastical times. Yet, it is still perplexing how the common perception of Christianity often construes Jesus solely as a holy figure, either perceived as omniscient or in need of divine intervention. This misinterpretation overlooks his earthly nature.

The discussion then shifted towards recognizing the humor and critique embedded within Jesus' teachings. For example, when he speaks about finding a pearl of great price, one might initially interpret this to refer to a rare gemstone with incredible value. However, Jesus uses exaggeration as a tool for self-reflection; it's not about material riches or divine reward, but rather about the temptation to prioritize wealth at all costs. The laughter embedded within his teachings serves as both humor and critique - challenging us to scrutinize our own beliefs and actions.

Moreover, the political implications of Jesus' teachings were also highlighted through his statement that the poor are fortunate. This seemingly contradictory message was seen initially as cruel or misguided; however, it reveals Jesus' understanding of societal structures favoring wealth at the expense of the vulnerable. His perspective invites solidarity among those who experience poverty and calls for systemic change.

In essence, humor, critique, and political commentary characterize the teachings of Jesus when viewed through a secular lens. By doing so, they transc the professional boundaries that often isolate religious knowledge to abstract beliefs, allowing it to connect with everyday experiences.

David Galston, Executive Director at Westar Institute and an Adjunct Professor in Philosophy at Brock University, is also an ecumenical chapln. He co-founded SnowStar Institute of Religion and acts as a Fellow for the Jesus Seminar. His scholarly works delve into questions about historical Jesus, future Christianity's trajectory, and the theological implications arising from exploring the historical Jesus.

He holds a PhD from McGill University in Philosophy of Religion and has published several articles and led workshops on these subjects. David's latest works include Embracing the Jesus Polebridge Press and Archives and the Event of God McGill-Queens Press.

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