Ernest Renan
Renan, (Joseph) Ernest (1823–1892), a French philosopher, historian, and philologist. His Life of Jesus (1863) portrayed Jesus as a mere preacher without divine origin and devoid of supernatural powers. Although widely denounced upon its publication, the work influenced others to study religion historically and scientifically. Life of Jesus was the first of a series, History of the Origins of Christianity (8 volumes, 1863–83).
Renan was educated to be a Roman Catholic priest, but was unable to accept church doctrines. He turned to teaching and became an expert in the languages and history of the Middle East.