Jesus of Nazareth
by Pope Benedict XVI
|
List Price: Our Price: $11.63 You Save: $14.37 (55%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.13 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
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: A Good Book for Catechists
Summary: 4 Stars
Pope Benedict's book, Jesus of Nazareth provides much spiritual enrichment for all people but I think can be especially enriching for catechists - those people who teach the Catholic faith to others. If you can get past some of the more scholarly and polemical sections, he offers many wonderful, pastoral insights. I am especially impressed with his ability to offer fresh insights on topics, such as the Lord's Prayer and the parables, that have been written about from so many angles over so many centuries. The Holy Father reminds us that we are called to proclaim a person: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Joe Paprocki
The Catechist's Toolbox: How to Thrive As a Religion Education Teacher
Living The Mass: How One Hour A Week Can Change Your Life
God's Library: A Catholic Introduction to the World's Greatest Book
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!
Book Review: Corrective
Summary: 5 Stars
I will have to reread this book several times. It is a wonderful antidote to the stuff we studied after the Vatican Council. Though much of the stuff was exciting, I sensed that some "theologians" were convinced that the scriptures meant anything other than what they actually said. Christianity taught witout content is a major problem in the Church.
The Holy Father is a gifted theologian and teacher, who can explain church teachings in a convincing way. I wish I had him as a teacher but my latin was not that good. His books provide the good theology needed for a sound spiritual life.
This book is a wonderful gift for educated Catholics who have neglected their education in theology and the contemplative tradition of the Church. The book is corrective and refreshing in that it written by a man who understands the scriptures, the Greek philosophers, and the Fathers of the Church.
The pressure to make the Catholic Church like all the others is illustrated in the innane comments in the media-parrallels some of the liberal theologians.