The phrase references a well-known trilemma often used in theological and philosophical discussions concerning the nature of Jesus Christ. It posits that Jesus, as portrayed in the Gospels, can only be one of three things: a deliberate deceiver (“liar”), a person suffering from severe mental illness (“lunatic”), or truly who he claimed to be (“Lord”). The associated PDF likely contains analysis, arguments, and perspectives related to this specific argument.
The significance of this conceptual framework lies in its attempt to force a binary choice. It aims to demonstrate that neutrality or agnosticism regarding Jesus’ claims is untenable. By presenting limited options, it demands a direct conclusion about his character and nature. Historically, this argument has been used by Christian apologists to defend the divinity of Jesus against alternative interpretations.