Since its first publication in 1977, Jesus before Christianity has established itself as an essential text for thinking Christians. It is much more than a new and original approach to a subject that still interests many people today; it is a courageous attempt to face the present world crisis and the problem of the survival of the human species. This serious concern has enabled the author to be refreshingly honest about Jesus. Does Jesus really have anything to say to our troubled world? The portrait of Jesus that emerges is unmistakably clear, convincing, challenging and different. We are introduced to the man as he was before he became enshrined in doctrines, dogmas, and ritual. Nothing is assumed; the historical evidence about Jesus is allowed to speak for itself. Here is a man who was deeply involved with the real problems of his time-which turn out to be the real problems of our time too.