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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
slow-paced
if i were to believe in a jesus of nazareth, i guess it would be this one.
I enjoy Aslan's writing style - highly readable and engaging. But I disagree with many of his conclusions. He seems to give equal weight to all scriptural writing, when I think most of the mainline scholarly Christian community would agree that the different biblical authors had their own agendas - and laying down the facts wasn't always top of the list. Aslan, then, draws conclusions based on texts that aren't meant to be histories - and I think he misses the mark. Still, some compelling, intriguing ideas.
Like many people, I read this book after watching the ridiculous "interview" Fox News did with the author. It's an interesting read and offers a perspective I think many Christians might feel threatened by--that the historical Jesus would discredit the Biblical Jesus. As a Christian, I didn't feel that at all as I read this. The author's tone felt a bit smug (like those people who start comments with "Actually..."), but he offers up what seems to be a well-researched historical account of Jesus. I appreciated getting a deeper understanding of the context of the time in which Jesus lived, but it didn't change what I believe about Him. I'm not sure the author was trying to do that anyway. Long story short: an interesting read that's worth your time, but do with it what you will.
I took more notes on this book than I have since college.
Also, the last 30% of the book are the author's notes.
As a non-believer and a skeptic, it was hard to read the book without looking for holes, which I could imagine believers doing as well. I read it and could poke and point out things that make no sense, and I can see Christians reading it and saying that's not what the Bible means. Will be good for discussion.
Also, the last 30% of the book are the author's notes.
As a non-believer and a skeptic, it was hard to read the book without looking for holes, which I could imagine believers doing as well. I read it and could poke and point out things that make no sense, and I can see Christians reading it and saying that's not what the Bible means. Will be good for discussion.
Excellent depiction of the Jesus period: the political turmoils, sentiments of the people and conditions of the common Jew. Packed with information that fills the gaps in the New Testament. Without these info the NT seems quite 'flat'.
Now wearing the goggles that lets us see in the light of the above environment, the character Jesus does seem different from the Christ as propagated by Paul.
However, the name 'Zealot' still doesn't seem to (perfectly) fit.
Now wearing the goggles that lets us see in the light of the above environment, the character Jesus does seem different from the Christ as propagated by Paul.
However, the name 'Zealot' still doesn't seem to (perfectly) fit.
The idea of Jesus the man vs. Jesus the Christ is utterly fascinating. Beyond this, I truly am not sure right how to best organize my thoughts about this text, and thus can not give a proper review. I can only suggest you read it yourself and draw your own conclusions.
Definitely thought-provoking, and should give all those mega-church pastors/parishioners pause.
Product of years of study, removed from prejudices and myth, this is a good read.