Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Book Review: A pleasant change
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I learn much at my parish thru sermons and the occasional "special topics" seminars, I purchased this book to learn more about Jesus and his few years of ministry and public life. I wanted to have something to answer to the critics, to counter some of the nonsense about Jesus.
Before I read "Jesus of Nazareth", I wondered how Jesus fulfilled so many promises in such a short time while on earth. It doesn't say in the book if He had a list - but I certainly would have needed one. It turns out He was fulfilling promises made long-ago by his Father that were recorded in a few good books. You might have heard of them: Genesis, Exodus, etc. After his short public life, Jesus' words and actions laid the groundwork for the next books that would follow.
This book won't teach you how to debate a critic of religion. But you might learn enough to be able to smile back at them with a quiet satifaction that only knowledge and truth can provide.
So, go ahead and smile.
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: A text to return to again and again
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a text I return to again and again. I find myself quoting it in conversation and needing to find the precise wording of the text to convey the special and nuanced meaning I had found there. This is a text that I carry with me on long journeys as a source of inspiration. The voice of this author is not the voice of a rigid authoritarian but that of a compassionate deeply thoughtful pastor.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!Book Review: A wondrous meditation on Christ
Summary: 4 Stars
A simply superb and extremely readable meditation on Jesus Christ. This shows Pope Benedict XVI can communicate clearly his wise and intelligent thoughts [though there were parts I did find tough going].
Will definitely need a re-read. There is too much to commend this book to state it all. A must-read.