What do Frederick Strauss, Martin Heidegger, Rudolf Bultmann, and the "Jesus Seminar" have in common? One thing that unites them is the great influence they have exerted – or are exerting – on many theologians and leaders during the last century. They have often been known as "modernists" or "rationalists" for their denial of many supernatural aspects of the Bible.
However, Dr. Peter Jones shows that the theological project of these men has not been primarily motivated by rationalism, but by a deep commitment to the occult – to paganism. Jones uncovers surprising facts from the lives and theology of many of these scholars, and traces a clear development in the "paganization of New Testament studies."
Jones's work could require a re-evaluation of our concepts regarding the development of what we call "liberalism" – as its commitment seems closely linked to a spirituality of the occult or paganism.
