Anthropology of Jesus
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the evidence for the existence of Jesus from both Christian and non-Christian perspectives and the significance of these sources.
Key learning points
- Many historians agree that there is evidence of Jesus as a historical figure.
- Evidence for Jesus as a historical figure includes the New Testament and writings from non-Christian scholars.
- Sources of authority tell us that Jesus was a Jewish man, born in Bethlehem.
- The writings of non-Christians on the existence of Jesus may be considered more reliable.
- Jesus has had significant historical as well as religious influence.
Keywords
Anthropology/anthropological - relating to the study of humankind
Figure - a person who is important or distinctive in some way
Historian - a person who studies and writes about events from the past
Theologian - a person who studies religion, religious texts and religious beliefs
Common misconception
Non-Christians reject the existence of Jesus completely.
Many non-Christians, including non-religious people, do accept that Jesus existed as a person, but reject that he existed as anything more than a historical figure.
Teacher tip
You may wish to use this BBC article with students, or for your own research, to help break down misconceptions about Jesus' appearance that students may have: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35120965.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword refers to the group of monotheistic religions that Judaism, Christianity and Islam belong to?
Q2.The New covenant is found in the New .
Q3.Many Christians believe that Jesus' death was a ...
Q4.Many Christians believe that after Jesus died, he ...
Q5.The belief that God is one, in three persons, is known as the ...
Q6.Which Christian denomination rejects the belief that Jesus is God?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which keyword refers to the study of humankind?
Q2.Historians and theologians have been able to identify that Jesus was a __________ man.
Q3.Who are the earliest Christian writings attributed to?
Q4.Who did not write about Jesus?
Q5.Non-Christian writings about Jesus are significant because they show that Jesus had influence, as well as a religious influence.
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Anthropology of Jesus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 religious education lesson on: Anthropology of Jesus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Jesus: how do Abrahamic faiths view Jesus differently? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.