Dave, it's a good point: I might have said "for better or worse" or "for better and for worse." But I think recent scholarship and archaeological discoveries really are helpful clues if we are to hope to understand Jesus' true intent. And if for instance we can reach a better understanding of the role of women (cf. Mary Magdalene) in Early Christianity, we can also form a clearer picture of Jesus in relation to Judaism and the Jewish movements of his time.