Variations on the messianic theme

The original split between Christianity and Judaism was caused by a basic disagreement over whether or not Jesus was the messiah. This split happened in a specific context and for specific reasons, and it has been maintained in other contexts for other reasons. It is necessary to examine this split by employing a more empirical method in order to understand the complexities involved at the time. Such a method will enable us to attempt a retrieval of the ancient concept of the messiah and follow its historical evolution in two different directions, in two different faiths. (Book jacket).