Born of a virgin, crucified under Pontius Pilate, died and was buried, and rose again on the third day - this, the Church's conception of Jesus, is based on mystical and mythological thinking.

But Jesus is not a citizen of another world, he is not an alien who dwelt amongst us for a short time. He is no omniscient and almighty miracle worker. And he is not an only-begotten Son of God.

The author looks at the gospels from a modern angle. Was Jesus a person like us? He investigates these issues conscientiously and opens up a new way in which the modern Christian, despite everything, can confidently be a believer.

Roger Lenaers, born in Ostend in 1925, is a Flemish theologian and classical scholar and a member of the Jesuit Order. For almost half a century he has been concerned with developments within the Christian faith.