Robert J. Hutchinson (born November 12, 1957) is an American writer[1]essayist and author. He has been a contributor to Catholic and evangelical publications, including the National Catholic Register, Christianity Today, and Aleteia. Hutchinson is the author of numerous books of popular history, most notably Searching for Jesus: New Discoveriesin the Quest for Jesus of Nazareth (2015)[2][3] and The Dawn of Christianity (2018). His book When in Rome is one of the books on Italy recommended by the Lonely Planet travel guide.[4] Additionally, in 2020 Hutchinson debuted the What Really Happened series, the first about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the second about the death of Adolf Hitler (in light of claims of the dictator's survival). He writes a regular column on philosophical and religious topics, Disputed Questions, on Substack and Patheos.com.
In 1979, Hutchinson moved to Israel where he completed a series of uplanim––intensive six-month language courses for new Israeli immigrants –– and developed a lifelong interest in the Jewish roots of Christianity.[6][7]
In addition to his time in Israel, Hutchinson has also lived in Rome, Italy, and in Hawaii, where he worked as the managing editor of Hawaii Magazine.[8]
In a series of books, Hutchinson challenges longstanding academic views on Jesus of Nazareth and early Christianity that have held sway for over a century, sparking debate.[13]
Hutchinson claims recent archaeological discoveries and New Testament scholarship now undermine older notions that Jesus believed the world would end in his lifetime or that he was sympathetic to violent revolutionaries. Leading secular scholars at elite universities are increasingly dismissing these century-old ideas, he argues.[13]
He also argues that the Bible's philosophical concepts formed the bedrock of Western civilization and helped pave the way for experimental science, the abolition of slavery, the development of limited government and the recognition of universal human rights.[14][15]
Appearances
In addition to in-person lectures, Hutchinson has appeared on a number of TV shows, including "Fox News" "Spirited Debate" with Lauren Green and the Christian Broadcasting Network.[16] Hutchinson has been a guest on nationally syndicated radio talk shows and podcasts, including Handel in the Morning, Point of View with Kirby Anderson and The Bottom Line with Roger Marsh.[17][18]
