Controversial Jesus Seminar

I was indeed fascinated to learn that the “mainline biblical scholars” of the Jesus Seminar have, in their decidedly finite wisdom, concluded that 80% of the New Testament quotes attributed to Jesus were not in fact his words at all. He was, in their estimation, a “prophet-sage who told parables and made pithy comments.”

I guess if Jesus hadn’t been so busy changing the course of human history he might have made a great talk-show host, or perhaps he could have started a greeting card company. Fortunately, he passed on these career opportunities. And so, long after the pretentious claims of the Jesus Seminar are forgotten, Jesus’ words--all of them--will continue to transform and liberate those who have ears to hear.

PAUL C. REISSER, Thousand Oaks