"Must read! Striking dive-in into the depths of the New Testament..." —Reedsy Discovery

"...intriguing, thought-provoking work on the historical and theological development of Christianity..." —BlueInk Review

"...a fascinating read for those interested in early Christian history." —IndieReader Reviews

"This thoughtful, scholarly work takes Biblical criticism in a unique direction..." —The Book Review Directory

"A well-written reinterpretation of early Christian history..." —Kirkus Reviews

"LaFond's enthusiasm is infectious. He lays out his ideas in the manner of a scholastic mystery... ably makes its case..." —Clarion Review

Modern scholars work from the presumption that Jesus and apostles could not have taught Christianity. So, texts that imply developed doctrine or Church are declared later than apostles. Thus, they discard any evidence that does not fit their theory.

Jesus Christ Divided challenges the scholarly paradigm of the boring Jesus by recovering the evidence that scholars discarded. Within the letters are unobtrusive details that form a web of connections that permit the reconstruction of a chronology of the letters. In chronological order, the letters outline a coherent narrative that proves the authenticity of the letters of the New Testament. Because the story was hidden for 1,900 years, it could not have been manipulated.

The narrative shows Christianity struggled from the start, clarifying the teachings of Jesus and aspects of the canonical Gospels. Key Christian doctrines are corroborated in a most surprising and convincing manner with great authority; Jesus Christ indeed founded Christianity. The early Church history, including the popularity of the widespread Docetic heresy, is explained.

The tale of early Christianity featured violence and betrayal, loyalty and sacrifice, love and wrath, revelation and heresy, politics and philosophy. Jews were the villains, but they were also Christians. Gentiles were the prize, but the gentiles were also Jews. Behind it all was the Gospel of Jesus Christ; but which gospel? One was surely heresy. Two holy men are each reviled, but only one can truly be the Antichrist. Do we know the number of the beast?

The story and its implications disturb us; but the story also proves the validity of the New Testament and explains the secrecy within the early Church about the family of Jesus. The contradictions within the four Gospels become understandable. The obsession with theology and the proliferation of schisms and heresies starts here. This ancient crisis marks the real beginning of Christianity, in the decision to follow Jesus Christ or a new Messiah.

❈❈❈❈❈Includes: Didache, Epistle of Barnabas, and Paul's Letter to the Laodiceans.