Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI
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Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Book Review: Will Still be in print in year 4000
Summary: 5 Stars
This excellent book is hard to pigeonhole. It is somewhat akin to reflections on the Life of Christ which have come from Sheed, Sheen, and others. But there is an extra dimension to this work. Although the author took pains to remind the reader that the book is not "an exercise of the magesterium", the fact remains that the book was written by a Pope while in office. I don't think that Benedict XVI writes books just for the fun of it; there was a purpose for him to write this book at this time, and I think that purpose is simply to share his understanding of Jesus with the faithful and indeed with the whole human family.
No one can deny the Pope's erudition, but in this book he seems to "step down" not only from his chair of authority, but also from the specialized language of one who has been doing Theology for over a half-century. Not that he has "dumbed down" the message; it still has depth. Reading it requires more attentiveness than it does to peruse TV Guide or the New York Times, but the text is accessible to practically anyone.
This book is written by someone who loves his Lord, who has thought deeply about the Person of Jesus, and who wants to share his thoughts with many. I think it will be reckoned a classic.
Book Review: Worthy of the Price Tag
Summary: 5 Stars
This book invites people of faith to view the historical Jesus without fear. If you haven't noticed the field of history isn't a great place to make money, unless you decide to write a book that goes against the grain. As a result it has become much more profitable to scandalize the traditional view of Christ than to uphold it. It is a common refrain from so-called historians that, "There were many different figures named Jesus that were melded into the Jesus we know now." One could find enough evidence to make the same claim about George Washington and use it to deny his existence. The issue is that you must ignore as much, or more, evidence as you use.
On to the book. The Holy Father opens the book with a sharp rebuttal against many "historical" books about Jesus, pointing out that the Jesus depicted in these books is remarkably similar to the authors who have penned them. He goes on to bring to life the earthly mission of Christ through reading scripture as a whole. I have referred numerous people to the chapter on the temptations of Christ. In my opinion, that chapter alone makes the book worth the price tag. There is no doubt something in this book for all believers, Catholic and nonCatholic alike.
Book Review: from an unbeliever . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
WHITE LIGHT DARK NIGHT: THE REVOLUTIONARY LIFE OF JOHN PAUL I
Not a good believer, but . . .
I've been a doubter most of my life. Benedict came close to entrapping me. The only thing that saved me was I knew I was dealing with the world's macro-genius of theology. Yet, although I did not come away as a believer, I did come away with a profound respect for this good man who so many accept as the Vicar of Christ on earth.
If you like pope-books, try also John Cornwell's `The Pope in Winter', a wonderful record of the ups and downs of John Paul II. Also, for an eye-opener, get your fingers on Lucien Gregoire's `White Light Dark Night' a newly released biog of another of Benedict's predecessors, the 33-day Pope. We've heard too much of his death. Finally someone brings John Paul I back to life: his struggles as an impoverished child, as a rebellious seminarian, as a revolutionary priest and as an outspoken bishop/cardinal. John Paul I had a very different definition of `Jesus of Nazareth' than did either of his successors.
Book Review: High Level Exercise in Bible Study
Summary: 5 Stars
The present book ist the first volume of a two-volume study. The second volume is yet to be completed and published. The reader is taken along the major stations of Jesus' path on earth, from Baptism through Transfiguration. As could be expected, the account is closely based on the books and letters of the New Testament, with frequent cross-references to the Old Testament and secondary literature. This, plus the penetrating interpretation offered by the author, makes the book fascinating albeit demanding reading. The reader should by all means have a bible at hand. To me, the reading was the most intense and illuminating experience in bible study I have ever had.
The book is in no way confessional. A member of any protestant denomination, or even a Non-Christian, will find it as fascinating as a Catholic. Whether the book attracts or repels the reader depends essentially on his interest in spiritual issues, his inner openness and, last but not least, on the degree of his literacy. The language is by no means far-fetched or sophisticated. It is, indeed, beautiful, but the reader has to be able to keep a number of balls in the air.
Book Review: Understand who Jesus IS, despite the modern world.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great book. In it, Pope Benedict XVI shows that the Jesus of the Gospels is the same Jesus of today and dispels myths and confusion about Jesus that are so common today. Its a great read for those who know the faith, or those who are just finding it, or are simply curious about Christianty. Pope Benedict XVI is a great teacher and there is a warmth and wit about his writing style, that is even conveyed in translation. This book will make you think about your faith more deeply and come to know that the Jesus of the Gospels and the Jesus of history are one and the same. Highly recommended!
As a post script; I would say that this book will so a long way in looking at the Bible in renewing actual faith, that is seeing the Bible as true, and to be read once again with faith. There are many half truths, some bold lies, and countless smoke screens out there today regarding the Bible. Pope Benedict goes a long way in dispersing these and focusing our attention back on the truth of the Bible, which is the reality of Christ. This book is sure to be a classic!