Christobiography

Craig Keener's massive scholarly undertaking emerges from decades of engagement with historical Jesus scholarship and the persistent questions surrounding Gospel reliability. Writing as a New Testament scholar deeply versed in both ancient historiography and contemporary biblical criticism, Keener addresses the tension between traditional Christian confidence in the Gospels and modern historical skepticism about their trustworthiness as sources for Jesus's life and teachings.

Keener argues that the Gospels function as ancient biographies (bioi) that, while not meeting modern standards of historical precision, operate within the conventions and expectations of their literary and cultural context. He systematically examines how memory functioned in oral cultures, how ancient biographers approached their subjects, and how the Gospel writers employed recognized literary techniques while preserving historically reliable core traditions. The work demonstrates that ancient biographical writing, including the Gospels, could simultaneously engage in literary shaping and maintain historical fidelity to essential facts and characteristics of their subjects. Keener draws extensively on comparative studies of ancient biography, memory research, and form-critical analysis to show that the Gospel writers were neither modern historians nor mythmakers, but ancient biographers working within established conventions that balanced literary artistry with historical concern.

The work has established itself as a significant contribution to historical Jesus studies and Gospel scholarship, offering a robust defense of Gospel reliability that engages seriously with critical scholarship rather than dismissing it. Keener's encyclopedic knowledge of ancient sources and contemporary research has made this a reference point for scholars across theological traditions grappling with questions of history and faith in Gospel studies.

This work is essential reading for advanced students and scholars in New Testament studies, pastors seeking sophisticated engagement with historical criticism, and educated Christians wrestling with questions about Gospel trustworthiness. Those seeking devotional reading or simple apologetic arguments will find Keener's detailed academic approach challenging and potentially overwhelming.