This innovative book presents a detailed examination of Christian origins through a careful assessment of common features and differences found between the many Christian denominations, such as, the role of Jesus as the Son of God, salvation through the belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the interpretation of the Christian scriptures. Readers will trace these issues back to their original first century context by exploring the Scriptures, the history of the period, and the development of the Jesus story found in the New Testament. A different portrait of Jesus emerges that departs from the traditional ideal of Jesus found in mainstream Christianity. Discover just how far Christianity has strayed from the Jesus of history.