Ehrman's starts by setting context that he is analyzing the biography of Jesus from a historian's perspective. Throughout, he uses the evaluative criteria of independent attestation, dissimilarity, and historical context. On this basis, he concludes that Jesus followed the apocalyptic sect of Jews and was ultimately crucified for challenging the leadership in Jerusalem. All of this analysis is done while allowing for additional views based on theology, faith, or any other lens. His arguments are compelling and intellectually engaging. ( )