Jesus of Nazareth
by Pope Benedict XVI
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Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Book Review: For eyes to see and ears to hear
Summary: 5 Stars
A stupendous work -- and this is not all that Pope Benedict has to say about Jesus Christ! Part Two, beginning with the Infancy Narratives, will come later. This book is so enriching and life promoting that I will need more time to appreciate it fully. But from what I've read so far, wow! And Benedict adds personal touches to endear the reader that much more. I especially enjoyed his take on Rabbi Jacob Neusner's book, "A Rabbi Talks with Jesus." By graciously engaging Rabbi Neusner's thoughts, Benedict shares something of himself as pontiff/"bridge builder," thus broadening the appeal of "Jesus of Nazareth." Read this book and accept no substitutes (Jesus Dynasty, Family Tomb, etc.)!
Pope Benedict not only knows about Jesus, he also has a close relationship with Him. And that is exactly why Jesus came -- to bring to us the one true God of all creation so that we might commune with Him. God risked the vulnerability of an intimate coming in the flesh so that we might be included in His Trinitarian life. All we have to do is say "Yes." Then, as we go about living God's will one day at a time, we shall begin to experience a life of grace that Benedict calls "heaven on earth." This gift of the divine life reveals the "hugeness of Christ," according to Catholic reviewer George A. Kendall. It is a life that is available right now and "Jesus of Nazareth" can help you experience it! Rev. Dennis J. Mercieri
Book Review: A Must-Read for Serious Theology Students
Summary: 5 Stars
I've spent the past 3 1/2 weeks making my way through "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict XVI. This is definitely required reading for any Catholic theology student and I was thrilled to pick it up at my local library. This is not, however, a book to breeze through. In general, I enjoy Ratzinger's works. They are definitely thought-provoking. They are also very erudite and this work was no exception. Every page needed to be read, reread, and pondered. There is just so much information here.
This book is the first of two, although there is no word on when the second installment will come out. Given his advanced age and the demands of his ministry, the Pope decided to publish what he had completed. As such, "Jesus of Nazareth" covers Jesus' life from the Baptism to the Transfiguration. Ratzinger's greatest strength is his ability to synthesize great volumes of research and different theological trends. He also spends much time integrating the Hebrew and Christian scriptures showing how they are interconnected.
I honestly don't feel up to the task of reviewing this book. It would make a wonderful college theology text, which I have no doubt it will be used as. You could probably spend a lifetime studying the text of this book and all the different ideas that Ratzinger put forth. If you are seriously interested in studying Jesus and the Biblical reason for our belief, pick up this book.
Book Review: An antidote against defamation, among other things...
Summary: 5 Stars
When Cardinal Ratzinger was elevated to St. Peter's chair, the media predicted he would usher an age of Catholic intolerance since, as Prefect for the Congregation of the doctrine of the Faith, he purportedly was Torquemada's successor. They also dug up that he had been in the Hitler Youth (as was obligatory of all German male teenagers of his time) and predicted a wave of Catholic Antisemitism. Benedict XVI will never get a deserved apology for the smears, but the rest of us at least can gloat at how his book proved the slanderers wrong.
His candid reflections betray a deeply sentimental man who simply loves Jesus above anything else, not a fire-breathing ayatollah damning those who don't conform with his views. And I have not came across a better book to illuminate the Jewish context of Jesus' life. Moreover, the chapter discussing of Neusner's "A Rabbi talks with Jesus" leaves no doubt as to how much Benedict XVI respects, no, cherishes Judaism.
So, if for example, you want to understand what Jesus REALLY meant when he spoke of relieving our burdens in Mt 11:28-30 or the profound significance of Peter's comment about the tents at the Transfiguration in Mt 17:4, you simply cannot pass this book up. And while your understanding of the Gospels deepens as you read "Jesus of Nazareth", you will also be truly glad of getting to know our Pope.
Book Review: A simple review
Summary: 4 Stars
I promise I won't add another winded diatribe on this book, just a simple review.
Who is this book for? It's for someone very familar with the gospels. But that's not enough, you also need to be familar with Christian Theology enough to relate to Ratzinger's references otherwise you'll never draw out the depth of his thoughts on the life of Jesus as God.
Who this book isn't for? If you aren't well versed in the gospels you will not get much out of this book. Save the effort and read Scott Hahn's study bibles instead. After that you'll need some understanding of Christian Theology, start with the Early Church Fathers up to and including Augustine. For Protestants it will be a Revelation, for Catholics it will be an Epiphany. If, after that you still have a hunger for more, then buy this book.
I only gave it 4 stars because it's actually the middle chapters of larger work that hasn't been released yet. Ratzinger was concerned that he would not live long enough to finish the work and decided to issue the middle chapters first in hopes to follow it up later with the beginning chapters, and then the ending chapters. I truly hope he does. He is to the study of the "historica Jesus," what the late John Paul II was to communisim; a candle in an otherwise engulfing darkness.
Book Review: . . .not a good believer, but
Summary: 5 Stars
WHITE LIGHT DARK NIGHT: THE REVOLUTIONARY LIFE OF JOHN PAUL I
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 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.
WHITE LIGHT DARK NIGHT: THE REVOLUTIONARY LIFE OF JOHN PAUL I