Was The "original Jesus" ... — The Jesus Mysteries :

: They argue the Gospels were never intended as eyewitness history. Instead, they were "Outer Mysteries" (spiritual allegories) designed to guide beginners toward "Inner Mysteries" or secret mystical knowledge (Gnosis).

Did Jesus Exist? | Notes & Review - vialogue - WordPress.com

While the book became a popular sensation, it is widely criticized or dismissed by mainstream academic historians.

: They followed up with Jesus and the Lost Goddess , which focuses on Christian mysticism and the "Aeon of Wisdom", and The Laughing Jesus .