Elaine Pagels' new book, "Heretic," reviewed in The New Yorker, revisits the enduring fascination with Jesus, even amidst declining Christian belief. Pagels argues that Jesus's radical message of love, forgiveness, and inclusivity, initially appealing to the marginalized, continues to resonate today, divorced from traditional church structures and doctrines. This enduring power stems from the human need for meaning and connection, offering a model for ethical living and social justice that transcends specific religious dogma. The review highlights how Pagels contrasts Jesus's teachings with the evolving, often exclusionary, interpretations imposed by the early Church, particularly Paul, suggesting the original message has been obscured and even betrayed over time.
Jill Lepore's extensive New Yorker article, "We're Still Not Done with Jesus," delves into the persistent fascination with the historical Jesus, examining the evolving interpretations of his life and teachings across centuries of scholarship and popular culture. Lepore's exploration is anchored by a review of two recent books: Elaine Pagels's "The Miracles of Jesus: A Skeptic's Guide to the Gospels" and Catherine Nixey's "Heretic: A History of How Christianity Destroyed the Classical World." The piece intricately weaves together these contemporary analyses with a broader historical narrative, tracing how different eras have grappled with the figure of Jesus.
Lepore meticulously details Pagels's approach to the Gospels, highlighting Pagels's careful consideration of the historical context in which these texts were written and transmitted. Pagels, a renowned scholar of early Christianity, adopts a skeptical yet empathetic lens, questioning the historicity of the miracles attributed to Jesus while simultaneously acknowledging their symbolic power and enduring influence on religious belief. Lepore explicates Pagels's argument that these miraculous narratives served various purposes, including bolstering faith, offering solace in times of hardship, and conveying complex theological concepts through vivid storytelling.
In contrast to Pagels's focus on the internal dynamics of early Christian thought, Lepore then turns to Nixey's more polemical "Heretic." She carefully summarizes Nixey's central thesis: that the rise of Christianity led to the systematic suppression and destruction of classical pagan culture. Lepore acknowledges the validity of some of Nixey's claims regarding the destruction of temples and the persecution of non-Christians, but also suggests that Nixey's account may oversimplify the complex historical processes at play and potentially exaggerate the extent of Christian culpability in the decline of classical civilization. Lepore provides a nuanced perspective, suggesting that the transition from paganism to Christianity was a multifaceted phenomenon involving not only conflict and suppression but also assimilation and adaptation.
Throughout her piece, Lepore skillfully interweaves these scholarly discussions with broader reflections on the enduring power of the Jesus story. She explores how different historical figures, from Renaissance artists to Enlightenment philosophers to contemporary theologians, have wrestled with the figure of Jesus, reimagining him in ways that reflect their own cultural and intellectual contexts. Lepore emphasizes the remarkable adaptability of the Jesus narrative, demonstrating how it has been continuously reinterpreted and repurposed to address a wide range of social, political, and spiritual concerns.
Ultimately, Lepore's article argues that the ongoing fascination with Jesus stems from his multifaceted nature, allowing him to be understood as a historical figure, a religious icon, a moral exemplar, and a symbol of hope and resistance. She concludes that the "Jesus story" continues to resonate precisely because it offers a canvas onto which individuals and communities can project their own hopes, fears, and aspirations, making it a perpetually relevant and endlessly adaptable narrative in the ongoing human search for meaning.
Summary of Comments ( 3 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43467847
Hacker News users discuss the complex legacy of Christianity, largely agreeing with the review's premise that its influence is still felt today. Some highlighted the enduring power of religious narratives, even for non-believers. Others pointed out the irony of dismissing Christianity while simultaneously being shaped by its values. Several comments explored the cyclical nature of history, with one user suggesting that humans are inherently drawn to belief systems, even if those systems change over time. A few questioned the reviewer's framing of early Christianity, suggesting it was more diverse than portrayed. There's also a thread examining the role of power structures in shaping religious narratives and their impact on societies throughout history.
The Hacker News post titled "We're Still Not Done with Jesus," linking to a New Yorker review of Elaine Pagels' book "Heretic," has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on the historical impact of Christianity and its relationship with other belief systems.
Several commenters discuss the complex relationship between early Christianity and Gnosticism. One commenter highlights the historical suppression of Gnostic texts and the ongoing scholarly efforts to understand their significance. Another notes the diversity of beliefs within early Christianity, emphasizing that Gnosticism wasn't a monolithic entity but rather a collection of different perspectives. A different user adds context by mentioning the Nag Hammadi library's discovery and its impact on understanding early Christian thought, contrasting the canonical gospels with Gnostic texts.
The idea of "heresy" itself is discussed. One commenter points out the inherent subjectivity in labeling something as heretical, emphasizing that it depends on who holds the power to define orthodoxy. Another expands on this, observing how evolving interpretations of scripture have led to significant shifts in what's considered acceptable belief within Christianity throughout history.
There's some discussion about the broader implications of religious belief and the role of institutions. One commenter questions the overall utility of organized religion, pointing to historical conflicts and suggesting a focus on individual spirituality instead. Another suggests that the appeal of Christianity lies in its message of hope and the promise of an afterlife, especially during times of hardship.
A few comments focus on the specific book and author. One commenter expresses interest in Pagels' work, praising her ability to make complex theological topics accessible to a wider audience. Another mentions reading the book being reviewed and offers a brief personal reflection on its themes.
Finally, a couple of comments offer tangential observations. One user briefly mentions the influence of paganism on Christian practices, while another makes a more humorous remark about the persistent relevance of religious topics, even in a technologically advanced society.
While the discussion doesn't reach any definitive conclusions, it provides a range of perspectives on the historical and contemporary significance of Christianity, Gnosticism, and the concept of heresy. The comments are generally thoughtful and contribute to a nuanced understanding of the topic, even without delving into highly specific theological debates.