The Historical Jesus

Carpenter from Nazareth? Or Nazarene High Priest?

This book invites readers to explore interpretations of scripture and early Christian history that go beyond orthodox boundaries, offering a thought-provoking reassessment of Jesus' identity and the theological traditions surrounding him. It suggests that enigmatic expressions in scripture may conceal suppressed Nazarene beliefs, offering an alternative lens for understanding early Christianity. The authors propose that Jesus might have been a Nazarene high priest, aligned with unorthodox Jewish sects and critical of YHWH worship. They further argue that early Christian texts were possibly edited to obscure these origins, encouraging a deeper investigation into the historical context and theological diversity of the time.
Core Themes are:

1. Challenging Orthodox Narratives:
   The book critiques traditional historical-critical methods as constrained by institutional biases and argues that Jesus, as presented in orthodox Christianity, may be a construct rooted in patriarchal reinterpretations of ancient traditions.
2. Reevaluating "Nazareth" and "Nazarene":
   It distinguishes "Jesus of Nazareth" from "Jesus the Nazarene," suggesting the latter is tied to an unorthodox sect rather than the town of Nazareth, which the authors argue was a later Christian invention to obscure these connections.
3. Nazarenes and Alternative Theology:
   The Nazarenes are linked to Mount Carmel, with beliefs opposing sacrifices and promoting vegetarianism. Their "Father-Mother" deity, Elohim, is contrasted with YHWH worship, emphasizing a compassionate and inclusive theology.
4. Enigmatic Interpretations:
   Drawing on Philo’s methods, the authors propose that biblical texts encode suppressed Nazarene beliefs in enigmas, offering a hidden theological narrative that diverges from orthodox Christianity.
5. Historical Figures and Reinterpretation:
   Historical figures such as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Hillel the Elder are reexamined, with the suggestion that Hillel and his descendants played a key role in preserving Nazarene theology.
6. Critique of Paul and Early Christianity:
   Paul is portrayed as diverging from Nazarene teachings, crafting a YHWH-centric Christianity that marginalized alternative traditions. Acts is interpreted as cryptically revealing Paul’s rejection of Nazarene beliefs.
7. Symbolism and Allegory:
   Stories such as Elijah’s contest on Mount Carmel and Joseph’s rise in Egypt are reinterpreted through the lens of feminine divine imagery and egalitarian theology.
8. Integration of Mysticism and History:
   The book traces the influence of Neoplatonism, Pythagoreanism, and Egyptian mysticism on Nazarene traditions, suggesting they preserved an esoteric blend of these elements within early Jewish-Christian theology.