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Product Description
Product Description
Combining NT scholarship with the racy and readable style of a thriller, Theissen succeeds brilliantly in conveying the gospel story in the fresh and imaginative prose of a novel. Here is a wealth of information about Palestinian life and politics.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
This has been one of the most memorable books I have ever read. It does not introduce Jesus directly to people but follows characters who would have met him or heard about him. It made me think about what life was like for people in those times and what they would have thought about Jesus and the challenge and impact his teaching and existence would have had on their daily lives. Its very easy to read and thoughts and questions come naturally to the reader because the book is so interesting.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
I enjoyed this book so much that I'm now reading it again. I very rarely do that.
This is a cross between a novel and a look at the historical Jesus. It's written in a very engaging style and you never know what's going to happen next.
If there was one thing that has ever opened my eyes to the political context that Jesus was in, this is it. And frankly, now I feel that the only way we can even start to stay we understand the historical Jesus is by looking at his context.
A nice spin-off in the novel format is that you are likely to remember things you might forget if they were presented in a traditional way. Your mind will be full of images of the past, all based on history and scholarship.
This is a cross between a novel and a look at the historical Jesus. It's written in a very engaging style and you never know what's going to happen next.
If there was one thing that has ever opened my eyes to the political context that Jesus was in, this is it. And frankly, now I feel that the only way we can even start to stay we understand the historical Jesus is by looking at his context.
A nice spin-off in the novel format is that you are likely to remember things you might forget if they were presented in a traditional way. Your mind will be full of images of the past, all based on history and scholarship.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Although Gerd Theissen is a giant among modern New Testament (NT) scholars, this little novel happily avoids the typical academic approach with a refreshing, informative and rewarding read.
Theissen vividly and imaginatively explains his understanding of NT history - but he makes it fun! By creating a believable character, giving him a family, friends - and enemies, a job and a life to lead, Theissen successfully and eloquently transports the reader back two thousand years. There were many different ways of "being Jewish" in Jesus time, with various points of conflict. This book allows you to not just see these tensions, but to begin to really understand them: why were some Jews decidedly pro-Roman rule? Why were others complete isolationists? Why did some believe in raw violence? And how could they all claim to honest, devout Jews? No wonder Israel had been on the verge of civil war for centuries!
And what of the Romans? And their puppet rulers, like Pilate or Herod? Where they mad, bad or delusional? Or were they essentially good people? If some of his historical conclusions may be questioned (though not very many), Theissen is careful to explain his theological and historical deductions so you are free to disagree if you wish. That alone makes this book an admirable achievement - and it shames many a high-brow theological text book in the process.
This is history and theology for the ordinary bloke-on-the-street who likes a good read: If you're interested in the lives of soldiers and politicians, or if you're interested in how people build (and break) relationships in various circumstances, there will be something here for you. I loved it!
Theissen vividly and imaginatively explains his understanding of NT history - but he makes it fun! By creating a believable character, giving him a family, friends - and enemies, a job and a life to lead, Theissen successfully and eloquently transports the reader back two thousand years. There were many different ways of "being Jewish" in Jesus time, with various points of conflict. This book allows you to not just see these tensions, but to begin to really understand them: why were some Jews decidedly pro-Roman rule? Why were others complete isolationists? Why did some believe in raw violence? And how could they all claim to honest, devout Jews? No wonder Israel had been on the verge of civil war for centuries!
And what of the Romans? And their puppet rulers, like Pilate or Herod? Where they mad, bad or delusional? Or were they essentially good people? If some of his historical conclusions may be questioned (though not very many), Theissen is careful to explain his theological and historical deductions so you are free to disagree if you wish. That alone makes this book an admirable achievement - and it shames many a high-brow theological text book in the process.
This is history and theology for the ordinary bloke-on-the-street who likes a good read: If you're interested in the lives of soldiers and politicians, or if you're interested in how people build (and break) relationships in various circumstances, there will be something here for you. I loved it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A good read ...
This book came recommended for a course I'm on. It's a good read and I'm glad I bought it. The way the story is told helps the reader to take in much of how things may well have... Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2010 by Mr. F. Franklin
Fascinating
A fascinating insight into 1st century Palestine at the time of Jesus.
It's a bit of a slow start though, as Geissen writes like some of my essays in exams when I was at... Read more
It's a bit of a slow start though, as Geissen writes like some of my essays in exams when I was at... Read more
Published on 8 April 2009 by freedomrulesok
Limited and useless?
Hmm, a fair enough book - but hardly a challenging read. The book fails both of the tasks it puts forward. Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2005 by "ben_of_weymouth"
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