Note 3 — Chapter XV · THE METHOD OF M. LOISY

M. Loisy is quite satisfied that there was a Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph, a “worker in wood, carpenter, furniture maker, wheelwright.”3 “And Jesus followed originally the same profession.” When he began his preaching of the speedy coming of the heavenly kingdom, “his mother Mary was a widow, with numerous children. It is not certain that Jesus was the eldest....” “It was probably John the Baptist who, unknowingly, awoke the vocation of the young carpenter of Nazareth. The crisis which traversed Judæa had evoked a prophet.... This preaching of terror made a great impression.... John was usually on the Jordan, baptizing in the river those touched by his burning words. Jesus was drawn like many others.... He was baptized, and remained some time in the desert.”