The Passover Plot
by Hugh J. Schonfield
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This is the new official Schonfield Trust edition of the Passover Plot which is probably one of the most controversial books on the role of Jesus the Messiah. Yet to say that, might detract from its scholarly attention to detail and its furnishing of new insights into the character of the Man who changed the world so radically. Thus it is a 'must read' for who are seeking a better understanding. Schonfield's aim in life was to build a bridge between peoples and he hoped that by digging into show more the facts behind the origins of Christianity, he would be able to uncover the real Messiah, misrepresented since time immemorial. His sincere desire was that this understanding would bring together those who had so long been divided. Whilst his thesis that Jesus plotted his own crucifixion may seem far-fetched or even offensive at first, seen in the light of John's Gospel and the thinking of the times it provides food for thought to those with an open mind. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
As long as this influential book has been around, I’m just now getting around to reading it. The problem, for me, was the title; somehow, it just seemed hard for me to take it seriously.
It is, however, an interesting and thoughtful picture of the historical Jesus. Jesus is portrayed as a keen judge of human character, shrewdly manipulating both friend and foe with utmost precision to orchestrate his own death, because that was the messianic prophecy which most rang true to him.
The “plot,” however, is a bit bizarre. The way Schonfield puts the pieces together, Jesus never intended to die. Instead, he carefully timed his execution so that he would not be left long on the cross, and with the help of a bit of drugged wine vinegar show more lifted to him on the cross from a friend, he hoped to fake his death. He expected to revive in the tomb. Whether he actually did revive or not seems immaterial to the success of the plot, because this accomplice was asked to spread the word of his impending return, and the accomplice was then mistaken by others to be the risen Jesus himself! That alone left enough miracle resurrection stories hanging around that Christianity would emerge even if Jesus didn’t manage to reappear.
Part II of the book presents six essays describing the origin and growth of Christianity. I found the essay about Messianism to be particularly interesting, because of my interest in the apocalyptic Son of Man title, but the other five essays were also thought-provoking.
Though the scholarship is now a little dated (this was published in 1965), this is a five-star book. But I just couldn’t bring myself to award all five stars, because the Passover Plot theory itself (supposedly the focus of the book) is just too far-fetched for me to take seriously. show less
It is, however, an interesting and thoughtful picture of the historical Jesus. Jesus is portrayed as a keen judge of human character, shrewdly manipulating both friend and foe with utmost precision to orchestrate his own death, because that was the messianic prophecy which most rang true to him.
The “plot,” however, is a bit bizarre. The way Schonfield puts the pieces together, Jesus never intended to die. Instead, he carefully timed his execution so that he would not be left long on the cross, and with the help of a bit of drugged wine vinegar show more lifted to him on the cross from a friend, he hoped to fake his death. He expected to revive in the tomb. Whether he actually did revive or not seems immaterial to the success of the plot, because this accomplice was asked to spread the word of his impending return, and the accomplice was then mistaken by others to be the risen Jesus himself! That alone left enough miracle resurrection stories hanging around that Christianity would emerge even if Jesus didn’t manage to reappear.
Part II of the book presents six essays describing the origin and growth of Christianity. I found the essay about Messianism to be particularly interesting, because of my interest in the apocalyptic Son of Man title, but the other five essays were also thought-provoking.
Though the scholarship is now a little dated (this was published in 1965), this is a five-star book. But I just couldn’t bring myself to award all five stars, because the Passover Plot theory itself (supposedly the focus of the book) is just too far-fetched for me to take seriously. show less
A rather strained conspiracy account, but with substantial underpinnings of sound historical research.
The most convincing explanation I've read to date about what really might have happened. Unlike anything else I've read, it argues that the entire crucifixion scenario was a political strategy carefully planned by the jewish community.
The invention of Jesus as Christ
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Author Information
38 Works 1,223 Members
Awards and Honors
Distinctions
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1965
- People/Characters
- Jesus Christ; Herod the Great; Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC/BCE); John Hyrcanus I; Judas the Galilean; John the Baptist (show all 23); Herod Antipas; Pontius Pilate; Judas Iscariot; Satan; Malchus; Annas ben Seth; Caiaphas; Joseph of Arimathea; Flavius Josephus (37-c.100); Simon bar Giora; Justin Martyr; Enoch; Cuspius Fadus; Simeon bar Cleophas; Philo Judaeus (or Philo of Alexandria, c.20 BC/BCE to c.50 AD/CE); John the Elder; Herod Antipas
- Dedication
- In Memoriam R.H. Strachan, D.D.
- First words
- Introduction: The Passover Plot is the outcome of an endeavor which has extended over forty years ti discover the man Jesus Christ really was.
1, The Last Times: Christianity is rooted in Palestine in a Jewish environment and in the historical circumstances of a plainly dated period. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)What began as edification ended as accepted fact.
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- Members
- 608
- Popularity
- 47,680
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (3.20)
- Languages
- English, German, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 19
- ASINs
- 19
