Jesus of Nazareth
by Pope Benedict XVI
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Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Book Review: Opening our eyes to the real Jesus
Summary: 5 Stars
Pope Benedict inserts this book into the context of those theologians who claim that Jesus was no more than a man, and that the scriptures and later articulations about Jesus were fabricated by subsequent generations. Pope Benedict in response shows that the outlook of faith is not irrational but rather extremely reasonable. He analyzes many themes in depth such as the Transfiguration, the temptation of Jesus and the importance of settings such as mountains. He draws forth the significance of these events from Jewish tradition as well as from a deeper understanding of the language used in the texts themselves. What emerges is a solidly articulated depiction of Jesus as He presented Himself, and a refutation that this depiction was or indeed could have been, drawn up by subsequent generations.
At times I found the scholarly depth of this book a little trying, however it is in general a rich and nourishing read. I was a little frustrated that it took me so long to read this book, but that's more to do with me than the book, since I had to keep putting it down to read other things through the course of this summer. however this is not a book that should be rushed through, it should be prayed through and pondered. I also found that the book broke down easily into individual sections and themes, which makes it easy to go back to for deeper reflection. A final point which makes this book a great read is that the editors inserted a glossary at the back for those who might not be so familiar with some of the terminology Pope Benedict uses.
Through expressing his knowledge and love for Christ, Pope Benedict here gives us an example of study and love to follow in our own journey towards Christ.
Book Review: The Real Jesus
Summary: 5 Stars
At the end of his foreword Benedict invites the reader to remember he is not speaking in this book with the authority of the Magesterium - anyone is free to disagree with him. So clearly the head of the Catholic Church writing as a catholic and as Joseph Ratzinger will find most non-Catholics disagreeing to varying degrees with his expostion of the eucharistic message in the Gospels. Others will find the exposition exquisite. The subjects covered in this first volumne are so clearly presented from a view that is highly spiritual yet so well grounded in scholarship as to be viable and not emotional. Leaving the specific subjects aside a great service is done for the Chrsitian community by the discussion on modern exegesis and especially the craze in modern times for finding the "historical Jesus" as if that were the only thing that matters; not least the exposure of how this approach can so easily lead to a view of Jesus as no more than just another holy man in history. Benedict assures the reader that he has endeavoured to avoid theological technicalities and he is easy reading until the last third of the book which is heavier going. What is so pleasing in this book is that his basic thought principles are so consistent with his previous writings even such (non-theological) works asSalt of the Earth: The Church at the End of the Millennium: An Interview With Peter SeewaldRatzinger Report: An Exclusive Interview on the State of the Church.Book Review: Jesus of Nazareth
Summary: 5 Stars
Great books, from my point of view, are... or rather become, as I read them, close friends. The closer I get to the end of such a book the greater becomes my trepidation, or perhaps it's more properly, my remorse. The trepidation or remorse stems from the fact that I seek more, I don't want the experience to end, yet end it must.
For me this is such a book. The style is easy, and the message is clearly conveyed. The deeply held sharing is refreshing, intimate and quite simply wonderful. The read becomes an intimately shared experience between the author and the reader of the deepest spiritual kind. The observations made and intellectual insight offered is intellectually pleasing, the spirituality is personally satisfying and humbling - it reaches inside and penetrates beyond the intellect, it penetrates to that place where I decide who and what I am to be; it makes me, in short, want to be a better man.
While the Pope is certainly Catholic, the content is universally Christian and yet it is more than simply a "religious" book. The issues are those of interest to all - believers, and non-believers. The issues are timeless: what is the purpose of religion, does goodness come from a life of plenty or from austerity and contemplative reflection, can the content of the bible be abused, what is the source of goodness, and so, much more - it is time well spent and well worth the read.
The book needs to be read with a bible and several are available online [...]
Book Review: A homily in a book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been an avid reader of many books by Cardinal Ratzinger, now pope Benedict. His approach to theological, social, and cultural issues of today is very closely aligned with my own, and in his works I find a very insightful foundation for the intellectual exploration of those issues. However, compared to most other books that he authored, this one comes across very differently. This is a much more personal and accessible account of the person and life of Jesus of Nazareth. Scholarly understanding is still there, but it is somewhat pushed to the background and given way to the more immediate access to the founder of Christian faith. In the light of that, it is perhaps best to understand this book as an extended homily. One of the main themes of this homily is a reaffirmation of orthodox understanding of Jesus Christ. There is a whole cottage industry of books that try to undermine this view of Jesus, and the pope would have none of it.
This book was started before Benedict became the pope, and he continued the work on it during the first two years of his pontificate. It is inspiring and admirable to see such a sharpness of mind in an octogenarian. The book, however, has been without the inclusion of the passion and infancy narratives. The pope has expressed a hope to be able to finish those parts as the time permits. We can all hope that God gives him strength and good health in the years to come, so we can be enriched for yet another spiritual gem.
Book Review: DEEP AND UNDERSTANDABLE - for people of all backgrounds
Summary: 5 Stars
Peter Seewald interviewed Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, Personal Assistant to Pope Benedict XVI. It is often said, by those who read or hear the Holy Father speak, that Pope Benedict XVI is not only brilliant but he is easily understood by all. We see that comment again in this Seewald interview about JESUS OF NAZARETH. These words, although they cannot be underlined here, do say it all. Don't miss a word! PS, of course, is Peter Seewald and MG is Monsignor Georg Gaenswein.
PS: What do you like about this work in particular?
MG: I'm just reading it once more. It is written in a manner that it is as deep as it is understandable. It is the sum of the life of an important person. The book takes its place in the tradition of the great Church Fathers. I am convinced that this book will strengthen many people in their faith and will lead them to faith - and not just a particular group of intellectuals, but people of all backgrounds and education.
PS: The theologian Joseph Ratzinger delivers a forceful logic: This Jesus is the one who has all powers, who is Lord of the Universe, God Himself, who has become man. Jesus of Nazareth would seem bound to start a revolution...
MG: Yes, but without bloodshed.
There we have it. Someone else said in Rome last year, "John Paul II opened the hearts of the people. Benedict XVI fills them." Let his words in this great new book, Jesus of Nazareth, fill your hearts.