Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI
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Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Book Review: Jesus the Messiah
Summary: 5 Stars
We live in an age where people often want to render Jesus Christ as a common man who had no special spiritual powers and was merely a social radical of his day. As eras of history have been the subject of deconstructionism, so has the life of Jesus and the biblical accounts of his life.
Pope Benedict responds to these confusions and distortions in a brilliant, yet very readable explanation of who Jesus was as he was promised to the Hebrew people in the Old Testament, foreshadowed by many of the great Old Testament figures, and born in the flesh to live and die for the salvation of souls. He ties together God's relationship with his people in the Old Testament and his relationship with all people in Jesus Christ.
"Jesus of Nazareth" is a masterful work that comes directly from the heart and soul of this holy man's life of study and prayer. With breathless clarity it shows how great is the God of Judaism and Christianity. I recommend it quite heartily!
Book Review: Not a good believer, but . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
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, 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: A Pearl of Great Price
Summary: 5 Stars
Tremendous work!
One reviewer disliked the book because of the way, or method, the Pope employs. He adopts the same historical-critical approach that has gained much creedence since WW2 and existed prior. The work is not pedantic though.
His audience, I think, is larger than those who buy best selling books. He's speaking directly to academe while he speaks to the rest of us.
A wonderful corrective! Illuminating. Profound and powerful. This book will create waves and ripples that will last generations.
Step by step we are walked though Jesus' ministry as well as representative "versions" of revisionist history. This is really something. Something very important.
The Holy Father's book is not only to be read, but it is to be experienced. You will find yourself saying "Yes," and "Wow" on many more than one occasion.
Book Review: Surprising Beauty
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a delightful book; extremely easy to read. It is almost surprising and a pleasure to read that even the head of what appears so often to be a Church of absolute certainty shows that all is not totally certain and that it is right to debate and search meaning and truth; and that understanding does indeed evolve. There have been suggestions that Benedict XVI is antisemitic or definitely less friendly to Judaism than his predessor but after reading this book, there is no way that this opinion can be held. He knows and admires Jewish intellectuals and the richness that lies in rabbinical studies. There are small compliments to women that hint to an evolving attitude of the hierarchy of the Church and reading "Jesus of Nazareth" by Joseph Ratzinger, the current Pope is almost a resume of the Catholic catechism. I hope many will read this. They will feel warm to the author.Book Review: A very informative read!
Summary: 5 Stars
The theology of this book is very sound and revealing. It is very detailed in exploring Jesus through the Gospels. My only problem is that it was a little difficult for me to read. Pope Benedict is even more erudite, in his writings, than John Paul II! Perhaps, it's the translation that is the cause of this, I'll have to read the book again to understand it completely. I've read other writings of Benedict's but this one, by far, is the most difficult to get through. Otherwise, I find it a fascinating and interesting read. It is much better than the biography Jesus by Michael Grant which was so secular that Jesus is almost unrecognizable. If one wants a legitimate portrait and understanding of Jesus based in Catholic understanding then this is the book to read!