Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Jesus of Nazareth
Book Review: Catholic Philosophy
Summary: 5 Stars
Jesus of Nazareth is a wonderful tour de force by the Pope who explains how the teachings of Christ are exemplified by his life, works and words.
Intellectually inspiring.
Book Review: Clarity appreciated by a non-Roman clergyman.
Summary: 4 Stars
Ratzinger has always been a clear writer, and this book adds the benefit of a very clear translation from German to English. Here is the expression of a man who can get honest dialogue going with those holding theologies he does not share. Reading this book was an inspiration.Book Review: Clear & Profound
Summary: 5 Stars
Pope Benedict's writings are always remarkably clear and full of profound statements. This one is no exception. He looks directly at the results of the historical critical method and its impact on the modern understanding of Jesus and the Gospels; he sees the sometimes contradictory conclusions and shows a way forward. He ultimately shows that the Jesus portrayed in the Gospels is accurate history. But he eschews many knee-jerk interpretations such as Jesus was simply an anti-legalistic liberal and shows that Jesus' teachings were radical because they involved something new, that Jesus was God made man, and that this was the new change. This is what brought salvation and awe to many, and why many others felt compelled to reject him. Fascinating reading.Book Review: Commendable yet Problematic Discourse on Jesus
Summary: 3 Stars
Certainly a Lutheran enters into such a work with heightened spiritual discretion, since our historical and public confessions about Jesus and His work differ.
Thus, as a Lutheran I will review this book by providing some general comments about the work, rather than a fine critique of its arguments which I will leave to others who most certainly will do a fine job.
Preliminarily, his audience seems to be the more educated exegetically of his confessional persuasion, given his quoting primarily from academic German RC exegetes. A perusal of his bibliography convinces one of this: Gnilka, Berger, et al. These are names unfamiliar to most, even of a trained theological nature. Thus, the question remains what value most of this will be for the laity.
First, Pope Benedict wants to remove the doubts that modern exegetical scholarship has entered into the world's view of Jesus. Reading this first of two volumes certainly maintains and accomplishes this theme to a degree. However, he seems to for the time being at least ride a somewhat middle ground, not totally discouraging and countering historical criticism, e.g. such statements as "The first point is that the historical-critical method--specifically because of the intrinsic nature of theology and faith--is and remains an indispensable dimension of exegetical work." (pg.xv) However, as one example, he contends with them regarding the "Son of man" sayings as the genuine words of Jesus. He disagrees with them on this vital account which is most commendable. However, it remains to be seen what his goal is in being pro historical-critical method when he seems to be for the "historical" yet against the "critical." This would seem to render the hc movement nill and void, yet he wants to be for it in some dimension. Confusing and unclear and wavering.
This leads me to the overall critique I have with this work. He never seems to come clear with the center of Scripture for me: that Jesus is about the forgiveness of sins and faith alone in this gives one eternal life. He comes close at times, e.g. a magnificent commentary on the Transfiguration with special allusion to Luke's statement of what Elijah, Moses and Jesus were talking about: His exodus! Here he starts to touch on this center with talk of hope and liberation, yet falls short in clearly attaching this to faith alone. His tendency earlier in the book of emphasizing 'service to God' makes the whole "faith alone" doctrinal dispute central and vital again.
While there is much of his Biblical discussion on our Lord to commend, yet his tendency not to come clearly clean on the central Scriptural truth of faith alone in the Gospel, makes this a three for this reviewer. I was teetering between two and three, and want to be charitable as much as possible. The above stated positives of his approach make me lean towards three.
Certainly one bestowed with title "Vicar of Christ" on earth should be held to the standard of speaking all the truth for Jesus. He falls short in vital areas mentioned to this Lutheran.
Encourage reading with discretion of Scripture.
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.