For Christ's Sake. Rev. ed.

David M. Kelly teaches religious studies at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

In this updated version of the controversial 1986 bestseller, Harpur
once again contests the trinitarian or orthodox Christology of mainline
Christianity. According to this ex-professor of theology, Jesus was not
God but a human being endowed with the Holy Spirit to a radical degree.
This opinion, based on Harpur’s interpretation of the New Testament,
is very much akin to Arianism and opposed to the Nicene, Apostles’,
and Athanasian creeds.

Clearly written and at times persuasive, the book suffers from
occasional lapses in logic. Harpur readily espouses the reality of the
Resurrection and miracles of Jesus, yet denies the possibility of divine
incarnation. Also, while well versed in scriptural criticism, he tends
to use certain passages as if their historical authenticity were
unquestioned.

While ultraliberal theologians will cherish it, For Christ’s Sake
will doubtless provoke cries of heresy from traditionalists. Regardless,
Harpur is to be commended for reminding us of the true humanity of Jesus
Christ, Son of God or not.