Does Historical Jesus research have a future?

Abstract

The aim of this article is to reflect on the work of historical Jesus scholars who represent the three facets in the research, referred to as the "New Quest", the "Third Quest", and the "Renewed New Quest". This is followed by a description of a plausible profile of Jesus in order to demonstrate the author's distinctive position. In the concluding section of the article the question is addressed whether the investigation of the historical Jesus is still significant today. The answer ensues from both the debate with scholars and the described Jesus profile. The article ends with the vision that, although the question as to the relationship between the historical Jesus and the faith assertions of Christians will never be adequately and finally answered, the search for Jesus should continue. Both the church and society at large are benefiting from the quest.