Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration
by Pope Benedict XVI
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Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration
Book Review: A long and insightful sermon
Summary: 5 Stars
I was given this book as a gift. I could hardly put it down and finished it in just a few days, it was that good. It is more approachable and readable than other books by Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict.
The book covers the life of Jesus between his baptism and the transfiguration. Note that the most celebrated events, his birth, death, and resurrection, are not the focus of this book. And yet, Pope Benedict manages to weave together a very interesting narrative and analysis of who Jesus is, and why he stands out from his time in history until now.
Before anyone reads this book, they should have first read the whole Bible. There are plenty of references to the New Testament, Isaiah, Psalms, and the Torah (books of Moses). Most references are self contained, including quotes from the Revised Standard Version Bible. Sometimes the references include only partial or no quotes. In either case, it helps to be able to put things in context in your head, so it helps to be familiar with the text of the Bible before hand.
Pope Benedict is a first rate theological scholar. By the way, there is practically nothing Catholic-specific in this book - everything applies to all Christians. The point of view is conservative, decidedly not liberal. You will no doubt see positive reviews by Protestants and Mormons of this book. Sometimes the tone is a bit scholarly, discussing the work of other theologians. All in all, probably not a good book for someone who is unfamiliar with the Bible.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. This is one of most inspired and intelligently written books I own. In the preface, Pope Benedict promises to write a sequel about the rest of Jesus' life, and I look forward to that next book.
Book Review: An Eye-opener
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll admit up front that I am not Roman Catholic. In fact, I am an evangelical Southern Baptist. But before you roll your eyes, let me say that this is one of the most inspirational books I've ever read regarding Jesus Christ. It covers the first part of His adult life, from His baptism to His transformation.
I usually devour a book like this quickly... get the main points and move on. But I found myself constantly pausing, pondering what I just read. While he kept most things on a theological level that an average layman like me could understand, Pope Benedict also managed to pack almost every sentence with amazing insightfulness. This is the first part of what the author plans as a two-volume set. I can hardly wait for volume two!
I would urge believers and non-believers, Catholics and Protestants, to get this book and enjoy an amazing look at the life of Jesus.
If you are interested in doing a small-group study based on this book, I recommend the companion study guide. It breaks down the book into small essays with simple outlines. It definitely cannot replace the book, but helps you guide discussions and provides thoughtful questions.
Book Review: an Amazing book (capital A)
Summary: 5 Stars
Jesus of Nazareth
This is no quick reading..you will find yourself stopping frequently
in meditation. Excellent for reading with the bible close by for complete enlightenment and enjoyment. This is a catholic book, NOT a
"Catholic" one since and all faiths in God will come away with
praise and astoundment that a book with a familiar title like this
gets so close to bringing an understanding of Jesus. At the least it fills one with graditude for more than the author but for Jesus, Himself. Amazing book with words that lift off the page and straights into hearts and minds who long for understanding. What's this big deal about Jesus, one might say...after reading the book you will be reluctant to give it away...so I went back and bought 2 more new ones to give away. I'm now
awaiting the second book which will come out I think in the spring (vol II). This price is a gift not a sale.
Maggie
clearwater FL
Book Review: Preliminary Assessment
Summary: 5 Stars
Pope Benedict has created an authoritarian study of the meanings of Jesus' teachings. Since I have not finished the book, I can give only preliminary impressions of the content. But so far, the Pope's text relies on extensive research and explanations from the authors of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). And he also establishes the divinity of Jesus by comparing many of His actions to the prophets, recalled from the 1st Testament; and how He was perceived by the Jewish hierarchy during that period. It is thoroughly thought provoking, an extremely scholarly documentation, based on the Popes extensive research. Since it was obviously translated to English from German, several terms are not household words, so have your dictionary and the Glossary in hand. My good friend who initially introduced the work to me has read the book in it's entirety ........ when I commented that it might easier for me if I had a PhD in Philosophy, he just said that I'll have to read it more than once, that he's already read it twice and he is a PhD in Educational Technology.Book Review: Tendentious Rubbish
Summary: 1 Stars
Joseph Ratzinger claims to being at least partially reliant on historical New Testament scholarship, and then goes on to simply ignore the consensus that has emerged from the last century of that scholarship.
One simply cannot defend the historicity of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' acts and words and say one is relying on historical scholarship. His heavy reliance on the historicity of the Gospel of John is a clear signal that he is pointedly ignoring mainstream scholarship. And his claim to discover Trinitarian Christology explicit in the words of Jesus is nothing more than apologetics.
Nobody is saying the Pope can't write a book about Catholic theology for Catholics. But the pretense that this somehow relies on historical New Testament scholarship is patently dishonest.