The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot

Average customer rating:

nice effort, unfortunately dull

It actually has nothing to do with 'mysteries' of Judas

Judas the Ensnared

The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot

Lacks Impact

The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot
Jeffrey Archer , and Francis J. Moloney
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312375204
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Book Description

The very name of Judas raises among Christians an instinctive reaction of criticism and condemnationThe betrayal of Judas remainsa mystery. Pope Benedict XVI, October 2006 The Gospel According to Judas, by Benjamin Iscariot sheds new light on the the mystery of Judasincluding his motives for the betrayal and what happened to him after the crucifixionby retelling the story of Jesus through the eyes of Judas, using the canonical texts as its basic point of reference. Ostensibly written by Judass son, Benjamin, and following the narrative style of the Gospels, this re-creation is provocative, compelling, and controversial. The Gospel According to Judas, by Benjamin Iscariot is the result of an intense collaboration between a storyteller and a scholar: Jeffrey Archer and Francis J. Moloney. Their brilliant workbold and simpleis a compelling story for twenty-first-century readers, while maintaining an authenticity that would be credible to a first-century Christian or Jew.

Customer Reviews:

nice effort, unfortunately dull.......2007-09-25

I was waiting for something interesting to happen, some insight... I didn't really come across anything new.

Overall, a bit disappointing, luckily not a big book.

For much more illuminating Biblical historical fiction, I highly recommend the Kingdom & the Crown Series by Gerald Lund (3 books) and the Women of Genesis books by Orson Scott Card.

It actually has nothing to do with 'mysteries' of Judas.......2007-07-06

Oh come on people:
"The unlikely partnership of Jeffrey Archer and Francis J. Moloney was formed after Archer had sought advice from Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini on who should guide him through this demanding project. Among his many past students of the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Cardinal Martini singled
out Professor Moloney, a graduate of that institute in 1972, who had completed his doctoral studies at Oxford University in 1975.
The project was as bold as it was simple: Archer would write a story for twenty-first-century readers, while Moloney would ensure that the result would be credible to a first-century Christian or Jew."

And that's EXACTLY the case. An interesting read.

Judas the Ensnared.......2007-06-28

I've been reading Archer since Kane and Abel and when I saw that he was writing a fictionalized account of the life of Judas as told by his son, I thought, wow, this could really be a great read and a little controversial. Neither came true. Basically, it's formatted like the gospels (nothing wrong with that), but just not an exciting read this time around. I was actually kind of bored reading it and the only reason I kept going was because it came in at around ninety pages so I persevered with it. The last chapter or two is when the basis of the story comes out and nothing earth shattering here. Judas was the victim of the religious zealots at the time to get rid of Christ. Maybe, maybe not. Does it change my point of view or my beliefs, probably not. Just something more to ponder about; the Bible, its writers (Did they embellish the truth from generation to generation before writing it down, whether on purpose or by accident. Kind of difficult to keep the same exact story going for tens or even hundreds of years orally without some of it being changed on the next telling), and the facts that surround it that science today continues to try to prove happened. I expected Archer to put this into more story form like all his other works and I think then he could have gone into more depth with this alternate theory and really provoked the reader's imagination. But he chose not to, giving us instead this lackluster rendition of what could have been a great story about Judas Iscariot.

The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot.......2007-06-21

The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot
Where Do I begin. Lets start with the title, The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot by Jeffrey Archer, come on!! It should be the fictional story of The Gospel According to Judas by Jeffrey Archer as Benjamin Iscariot.
A Relevant Story:
A friend of mine recently told me of a Pastor who liked to make hot fudge, apparently he used all organic ingredients. One day the Pastor's daughter wanted to see PG parental guidance rated movie, that only had 5%, swearing/drug use or sex scenes. After much insistence the daughter when to see the movie, the next day the Pastor decided to make some hot chocolate fudge the aroma filled the house the Pastor stated that he'd used 5% of a special organic source and kept the matter a secret until all the fudge had been consumed. Then he asked did you notice any difference in the quality/flavour? No.. they replied, well the 5% special ingredient was organic it wont do any REAL harm, it was only dog p##h. lol
If you take a solid truth as the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus and you contaminant 5% to 10% of it with a special 'organic substance' what do you have in the end - dog p##h. I felt the tone and reason for the book was a Jewish backlash hardliner trying to have some justification why Jesus wasn't who he said he was the Son of God. The book was written from the sour grapes attitude, "[Jesus wasn't] ...the long-awaited Messiah."p1, on the betrayal of Christ, Archer says, "...Judas knew that he was innocent of such an accusation, as his only purpose was to save Jesus from an unnecessary death." After Jesus' Death, the sorrowful Judas goes a lives amongst the Essenes then a Masada as a "marked man". And the book concludes with "Judas died as Jesus did. He was crucified by the Romans." It's all a bit desperate!
The whole story Gospel of Judas is unbalanced what about Isaiah 53 The Sin-bearing, Suffering Servant? The Gospel of Judas omits the 30 pieces of silver, and suicide of Judas. The Gospel of Judas is nothing more that fragments of quotation out of context in Holy Bible blended together (very poorly) it just doesn't stick!
Let us set aside a few things, just say by chance that this gospel of Judas was right, and the whole of the New Testament wrong. Ok we've been deceived by the BIGGEST hoaxes since man made fire. We could be waiting for the Messiah to still come as the Gospel of Judas indicated, unhappily Israel still waits, they missed the boat. Not one Holy Prophet has been around for over two thousand years.
Israel is one of the most violent, sad and godless places on earth. There is no peace, the temple has gone, the glory has gone, as a nation they forsook the Lord time and time again and were taken off to captivity. Jesus said in Matt 23:37 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city the kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See your house is left to you, desolate..."
Now let's just say that the Gospel of Judas is false piece of fiction. Look at the people in New Testament who believe and were change by it and gave their lives for it (Peter & Paul), they did not write empty words by words of someone who knew and walked and talked with Jesus. The story of people in Bible give us hope, in a world where we are saturated with Hollywood, sexism, drugs and alcohol, domestic violence (rape/guns) the list keeps on going on. I want freedom from all that this world offers because it like hot sweet chocolate fudge one isn't enough and one piece is too much.
In closing a quote from James 3:13, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.
What was Archer really trying to achieve by the release of this book?

Lacks Impact.......2007-05-28

In spite of the clever packaging---this small 100+ page novel appears to be an ancient leather-bound journal complete with built in ribbon bookmark--- Jeffrey Archer's "The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot" fails to deliver the punch needed to smack it into the significance realm of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

I expected some grand revelation---perhaps Judas and Jesus had concocted the whole betrayal bit; Judas gladly takes the hit and for two millennia is thought to be the ultimate 30 pieces of silver traitor. As I read this little gospel formatted tome, I am thinking, Judas's legendary despicable actions were all part of his Master's ultimate plan, right?

Wrong.

Supposedly, in "The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot" Archer and Moloney collaborate to formulate a tale believable to both Biblical scholars and modern laymen readers. The format definitely bespeaks of their desire to create something that resembles a gospel rendering complete with chapter and verse and the Jesus quotations (most of which are familiar from evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) highlighted in a red italicized font. Nevertheless, the story itself disappoints as it is far too similar to the actual gospels from which it is based to excite any degree of controversy. The supposed mystery of the real Judas simply neglects to properly mystify.

Bottom line? Years ago, I had read Frank Yerby's novel, "Judas, My Brother." Believe me as scandalous as the plotline of this older book seemed to me then, it could far more captivate its audience now than this Archer-Moloney collaboration. Sadly, "The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot" attempts to retell the story of Christ's ministry utilizing a fifth evangelist format that simply doesn't work. Why read this when the original four authors of the New Testament gospels have already told the tale and have told it the best way possible? Not recommended.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc"

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

Average customer rating:

Funny, unique approach that pays no disservice to its subject
Humanizing but Reverent
Brilliant, irreverence...not for the faint of heart!
Laughing this much must be a sin!
Funny.

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
Christopher Moore
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Release Date: 2003-02-04

Amazon.com

While the Bible may be the word of God, transcribed by divinely inspired men, it does not provide a full (or even partial) account of the life of Jesus Christ. Lucky for us that Christopher Moore presents a funny, lighthearted satire of the life of Christ--from his childhood days up to his crucifixion--in Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. This clever novel is surely blasphemy to some, but to others it's a coming-of-age story of the highest order.

Joshua (a.k.a. Jesus) knows he is unique and quite alone in his calling, but what exactly does his Father want of him? Taking liberties with ancient history, Moore works up an adventure tale as Biff and Joshua seek out the three wise men so that Joshua can better understand what he is supposed to do as Messiah. Biff, a capable sinner, tags along and gives Joshua ample opportunities to know the failings and weaknesses of being truly human. With a wit similar to Douglas Adams, Moore pulls no punches: a young Biff has the hots for Joshua's mom, Mary, which doesn't amuse Josh much: "Don't let anyone ever tell you that the Prince of Peace never struck anyone." And the origin of the Easter Bunny is explained as a drunken Jesus gushes his affection for bunnies, declaring, "Henceforth and from now on, I decree that whenever something bad happens to me, there shall be bunnies around."

One small problem with the narrative is that Biff and Joshua often do not have distinct voices. A larger difficulty is that as the tone becomes more somber with Joshua's life drawing to its inevitable close, the one-liners, though not as numerous, seem forced. True to form, Lamb keeps the story of Joshua light, even after its darkest moments. --Michael Ferch

Book Description

The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years -- except Biff, the Messiah's best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in the divinely hilarious yet heartfelt work "reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams" (Philadelphia Inquirer).

Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior's pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there's no one who loves Josh more -- except maybe "Maggie," Mary of Magdala -- and Biff isn't about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight.

Download Description

The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years -- except Biff, the Messiah's best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in the divinely hilarious yet heartfelt work ""reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams"" (Philadelphia Inquirer).

Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior's pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there's no one who loves Josh more -- except maybe ""Maggie,"" Mary of Magdala -- and Biff isn't about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight.

Customer Reviews:

Funny, unique approach that pays no disservice to its subject.......2007-09-30

It's hard to get offended reading 'Lamb' as Moore treats the titular character with respect while portraying his human side, and of course letting Biff do all the dirty work. Those of faith will easily dive into the book, relishing in a story about a man who, while divine, is still a human with all the same anxieties, fears, and desires. The book takes a somewhat odd turn in the middle that I felt pushed it a little too much into fantasy, but in retrospect it did add a lot to the story and broke the book up into three acts. The end was particularly moving, and the change in tone and tempo appropriately brought a new perspective to one of the most-told tales.

In terms of writing style, the book is conversational and it is easy to shoot through. You can pick it up for five minutes and make progress or two hours and not grow weary.

Humanizing but Reverent.......2007-09-27

While it may not be the expected response, this comedic novel on the missing 30 years in the Gospels helps my faith, in both Christ and humanity in general.

In spite of its fictional base and outlandish experiences based at least partly in myth, Moore uses a logical and solid grounding in both the Bible and history that resonates strongly. While the poetic license in some areas is strong (the Messiah using the power of his mind to cram himself into glass jars) in others the facts speak for themselves (Jewish customs both honored by Christ after the "coming" and those dismissed).

Almost no one's faith is ridiculed in this novel, with Moore instead using Biff as the catalyst for the humor focused on a personal level. Instead of ridicule, between bizarre experiences and funny anecdotes, Moore goes about methodically answering how Jesus became Jesus, and not just some poor kid from Nazereth. It may not be a convincing or even possible explanation, but it carries its own logic and the reader is carried along a natural progression.

Moore has to create a character of the Son of God, no easy feat. I think he accomplishes this end very well, since I found myself wrapped up in the plight of these two childhood friends, even though I already "know" how the story turns out.

Brilliant, irreverence...not for the faint of heart!.......2007-09-17

From the moment "Josh" (Aka: Jesus) was described as babysitting his younger brother...quietly sitting with him and occasionally putting the lizard in his mouth that his brother had just whacked on a rock...thus bringing it back to life....then handing it back to his brother.....*whack* goes the lizard....*pop* back into Josh's mouth...*whack* and so-on.....Josh was described as calm, patient, everything you'd hope and expect him to be...even as a babysitter...(and no, that's not exactly a spoiler there.) Biff on the other hand was Josh's alter-ego. His other half. He was the one who could get away with everything Josh couldn't - and then Josh would in his way live vicariously through Biff and his adventures. The book goes into the missing years of Jesus's life. What DID he do in those missing years? Well, the Bible doesn't exactly say. Christopher Moore gives a fascinating account of what he could have been up to. He certainly could have gone out on a hunt for the Three Wise Men. He could have. Did he? Who knows? But oh, wouldn't it be fun if his adventures were something like this? Christopher Moore's irreverence and humor makes Jesus more approachable. In his way, Moore turns this foray into Biblical history into an enjoyable and yes, sometimes disgusting tale. You delve into different belief systems - different Traditions. You see that Jesus himself respecting other beliefs and even following those Traditions and religions as a student of all things. I found myself thinking more than once that it's a shame more people who claim to follow Jesus's teachings don't do the same.
If you can look at Jesus with a sense of humor, read this. You won't be sorry. What you will do, however, is laugh until you cry, so you'd better be prepared with some of those funny little incontinence pads just in case. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Laughing this much must be a sin!.......2007-09-11

This is one of the few books that I joyously read over and over. From the moment I read that Biff's mother was beset by demons... I knew he was my kind of guy.I have given this book to several of my friends as a must read. The best way to describe this story is to say that it is an irreverant satire that becomes reverant. Wonderful, READ IT! You wont be sorry.

Funny........2007-09-10

This was very funny up until Moore's take on the passion story, when it gets serious. I especially liked all the things Biff invents: matches, cream in coffee, sarcasm, etc. I also like it when he tries to fool Joshua (Jesus) by citing non-existent scripture, like Amphibians 6:5, for example, and Joshua, of course, plays the perfect staight-man. Moore obviously did his homework on this amusing tour of major world religions. I prefer a long, satisfying denouement and Moore's is rather abrubt, but the book was most enjoyable.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

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Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

"New Gospel" not for fundamentalists
Grateful for this gift from Mitchell
SIMPLE YET PROFOUND
For the non-traditional Christian
great book.........

The Gospel According to Jesus
Stephen Mitchell
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060923210

Book Description

A dazzling presentation of the life and teachings of Jesus by the eminent scholar and translator Stephen Mitchell.

Customer Reviews:

"New Gospel" not for fundamentalists.......2005-09-14

Absolutely great, simultaneously critical and spiritual. I have long seen Jesus pretty much the way Mitchell sees him. (a wise and compassionate human being with no pretensions to specialness)
But this book is a revelation; and such "good news" for those who admire Jesus and want to follow his path as decribed in the Sermon on the mount, and the parables of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, but who find Christology and mystification off-putting.

Grateful for this gift from Mitchell.......2005-04-25

I spent a good 15 years of my life trying to make peace with Christianity. I've struggled to appreciate the avid Christians' ability to embrace the Bible as a literal transcription of God's word. I've struggled to forgive those who applied peer pressure to me as a young teen to "accept Jesus as my personal savior." I've pondered with bewilderment the idea that God would create us with inquisitive, questioning minds but then require us to engage in blind acceptance of Jesus' teachings.

Finally, I was pushed over the edge by an evangelical Christian housemate who wouldn't shut up, and I picked up Mitchell's book in the hope of developing my gentle art of verbal self-defense. What an expected blessing this book has been! I was touched deeply and permanently by Mitchell's focus on forgiveness, and the many ways in which the teachings of Jesus the man are relevant to finding the Kingdom of Heaven within myself every day. Mitchell's book has helped me make peace with Christianity and Christians, and that is no small gift.

SIMPLE YET PROFOUND.......2004-12-24

I would recommend this book to anyone seeking spiritual truth. Mitchell has done a wonderful job of research to find the inconsistencies in other works, including the bible. What remains are not versions of the truth written by those with a personal agenda, but the simple message of the Christ: The Kingdom is Within. Why dogmatic religions don't get this is still beyond my comprehension. Perhaps it's to keep people living in fear of suffering an eternal inferno, or to keep the religious hierarchy alive. But when the man called Jesus embodied the Christ his point was clear: don't follow me, but your own wisdom, for you have the Christ within as well.

For the non-traditional Christian.......2004-02-08

I wish Mitchell began this book with more autobiographical material. He spent many years halfway around the world finding spiritual truths in Zen Buddhism. How could he not find Western Christianity a little bit lacking? I found the most perceptive insights speculate on Jesus' psychology as an "illegitimate" child. Did the local community know Joseph was not Jesus' biological father? One wonders how this might have affected Jesus. This book is not for devout traditional Christians, although more liberal Christians might enjoy it.

great book................2003-07-23

...but the fudamentalist won't like it! But they don't like much of anything that goes against their narrow, exclusive beliefs.
The Gospel According to Jesus is a magnificent, large-hearted book that makes Jesus come alive again. If you are burnt out on "fundagelicalism", then read this book and be refreshed!

Average customer rating:

Jesus' Teachings on Salvation
Excellent book
Very good book
A Much Needed Corrective to a Faulty Gospel
Mostly good

Gospel According to Jesus, The
John MacArthur
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus
Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World
Charismatic Chaos
NASB MacArthur Study Bible
The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception

ASIN: 0310394910

Book Description

A revised edition of the best-seller that explains the intrinsic relationship between faith and works and reveals why Jesus is both Savior and Lord to all who believe.

Customer Reviews:

Jesus' Teachings on Salvation.......2007-10-10

"The gospel in vogue today holds forth a false hope to sinners. It promises them they can have eternal life yet continue to live in rebellion against God." ~ John F. MacArthur

John F. MacArthur presents a more radical approach to Christianity. In "The Gospel According to Jesus" he takes the reader on a journey to the heart of Jesus' message. This book is the result of seven years of serious study and it shows. He answers the following questions:

What is authentic faith in Christ?
What is a true conversion?
Will asking Jesus into your heart get you to heaven?
Can you become a believer if you don't repent of your sins?
What are the signs of a true believer?

If you have ever had any doubts about your salvation this is a very interesting read. Not only does the author base his teachings on the words of Christ, he explains them in ways I've never heard before. I was very interested in his comparison between Nicodemus and the woman by the well. He also brings a much fuller understanding to biblical stories of salvation.

"The mark of a true disciple is not that he never sins, but rather that when he does sin he inevitably returns to the Lord to receive cleansing and forgiveness." ~ pg. 111

John F. MacArthur makes some excellent points about the life of a Christian after conversion. Many of the topics discussed will shock you back into the reality of Christ's true teachings. Throughout this book he explains the spiritual truths in Jesus' parables.

What I appreciated most about this work was the emphasis on Jesus' teachings and the excellent translation of Jesus' ideas for our modern society. If you are willing to take an honest look at your faith then I can highly recommend this to you. I can honestly say that the teachings in this book will lead you to a much happier life as a Christian. You can test out the theories and teachings and decide what is true in your own life.

~The Rebecca Review

Excellent book .......2007-07-20

This book demonstrates that the author has thought carefully about the issues involved. The book is inspiring, deep and gives much food for thought. I have a fresh appreciation and understanding for a number of Jesus's parables after reading this book. Highly recommended for those who like to grapple with meaning behind Christ's teachings and apply it to their life.

Very good book.......2007-06-30

It once-and-for-all refutes the false doctrine of "easy-believism" (correctly termed as "easy-credulism" in Spanish)! I highly recommend it.

A Much Needed Corrective to a Faulty Gospel.......2007-06-20

This book is a must read for any minister of the Gospel. The stakes are too high to ignore John MacArthur's message, for some are in peril of stepping into eternity unsaved because ministers who should know better have given them a faulty, unbiblical gospel and a false security. I confess that I was astounded at my first reading of "The Gospel According to Jesus" to discover that seminary professors from one of the most respected evangelical seminaries in the country have been teaching salvation without repentance and that one can actually cease to believe in Christ yet still be saved. Had MacArthur not footnoted every quote, I would not have believed it. However, led by the footnotes, I purchased and read the books by those errant professors and found MacArthur's assessment to be accurate. It is little wonder that so many professing Christians look no different from the world in which they live. They have never been truly converted to genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

Mostly good.......2007-05-25

I knew about the whole lordship controversy for about a decade now and was perplexed by the intensity of the debate at that time. I knew that justification was by faith alone but could not understand why some pastors and scholars "added" conditions to the gospel message. After ten years (and with enough formal and informal theological study) I have a much clearer idea of what this debate was really about.

First off, I must commend John MacArthur for fighting against the easy-believism gospel that is rampant in evangelical churches today. With the popularity of the health-wealth gospel, the seeker-sensitive movement, and the Emerging Church movement with an accompanying very shallow and insipid gospel message books like these must be published more and more to combat the truth decay that exists in many evangelical churches today. Many professing Christians today have joined the bandwagon of leeching off the blessings of Christ while at the same time avoiding any sort of discipleship and fruit-bearing for the Kingdom. This book points out the serious problems with this view and attitude.

One of the things that many people will find helpful in this book is MacArthur's profuse use of Scripture to defend the view that true believers will bear fruit in varying degrees on a consistent basis. Though he mostly relies on the passages in the Gospels, he also cites passages in the Pauline and other apostolic letters to advocate his view. Those who advocate a cheap grace view of the gospel will struggle hard to reconcile their view with passages like Matthew 7:13-27; 16:24-25; 24:13; 25:31-46; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 13:1-9; 18:18-27; John 15:1-11; Romans 6:1-11; 8:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; 6:8; Ephesians 5:5; Philippians 3:17-19; Colossians 1:23; 3:5-7; Hebrews 4:1-14; 6:4-6; 10:26-31; James 2:14-26; 2 Peter 2:20-22; 1 John 3:6-9; Jude 21; Revelation 21:8. Scripture, it appears, is decidedly against the cheap grace understanding of the gospel.

Another part of the book I liked is MacArthur's chapter on justification by faith (chap. 18). I thought this was one of the finest treatments on justification based on Luke 18:9-13. Contrary to what some opponents might claim, MacArthur does strongly affirm justification by faith alone. He also emphatically states that justification is a purely forensic declaration by God of the sinner solely on the grounds of Christ's righteousness and sacrifice. It is imputed and once-for-all. This chapter should quell the accusations that MacArthur's view of the gospel is Romish or legalistic.

Though the book is mostly well written and convincing, I still had some issues with the way MacArthur understood the whole faith, works, and justification paradigm. Though I wholeheartedly agree with MacArthur's stance that all true believers will bear fruit in varying degrees and will not totally or finally fall away from the faith, there were times where I thought MacArthur overstressed the matter. There were times where he dangerously equated faith with the fruits of faith (i.e., obedience to God's commands). Though genuine faith will issue in good works (James 2:26), faith is still purely a humble trust in the saving promises of God found in Jesus Christ. Though I agree that faith is not merely intellectual assent, we still cannot transform the nature of saving faith to combat antinomianism in modern-day evangelicalism. Faith is still a beggar reaching out his hand to the giver (as Luther once pointed out). If you want a more biblical and balanced understanding of the issue of the relationships between faith, works, sins in the Christian life, and justification then I recommend you read stuff by Darrell Bock, Robert Saucy, S. Lewis Johnson, and Michael Horton.

Overall, I recommend this book. It is a needed book in our time to show many church-goers what it truly means to be a child of God.

The Gospel according to Moses: What My Jewish Friends Taught Me about Jesus

Average customer rating:

So, What's the Difference?
Perspective Expanding Insights for Christians
A book for every Christian's bookshelf
Respecting the questions.
The Gospel is for Everyone!!

The Gospel according to Moses: What My Jewish Friends Taught Me about Jesus
Athol Dickson
Manufacturer: Brazos Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality And Spirituality
Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus: New Insights From a Hebrew Perspective
Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel: A Message for Christians
Jesus the Jewish Theologian
From Paradise to the Promised Land,: An Introduction to the Pentateuch

ASIN: 1587430487
Release Date: 2003-05-01

Book Description

Years ago I exposed myself to the possibility that Judaism might have great truths to offer, and Chever Torah (Jewish Bible study) rewarded my open mind with radical improvements in the way I live and view my Christian faith. -from the Introduction After he spent five years attending Chever Torah, Athol Dickson found his faith radically changed-the result being a deeper relationship with God. In beautiful and simple language, The Gospel according to Moses illustrates Dickson's journey of faith exploring some of the primary theological differences and similarities between Christianity and Judaism. He draws generously on both Old and New Testament scriptures, looking at Christian and Jewish perspectives on topics such as suffering, grace vs. works, and the place of Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Customer Reviews:

So, What's the Difference?.......2007-09-02

This was neat. But in saying that, it was by no means at all, a light read. Athol Dickson made you think. A great writer of fiction, he writes great stories, with a message. But when he wrote, "The Gospel According to Moses," he is to be taken very seriously. Upon joining a Chever Torah group, his faith was challenged. And his faith was ultimately strengthened. He wasn't afraid to address difficult questions.

When I read this, Dickson wasn't afraid to to discuss what a Christian believes, opposed to what a Jew might think. And he wasn't afraid to apply Torah and Bible scripture. He takes examples in The Bible like Moses and Abraham, and events in their lives. He begins by stating, "Life's most important moments are often disguised as the commonplace." In this case, in the situation that Athol Dickson knowingly put himself into, that is most certainly true. Did he expect to be challenged? Possibly. He wasn't afraid to expose the differences. Or was he? Where does Jesus fit in this? You'll know soon enough.

So, if you want a few of the topics that Dickson addresses in a nut shell, I'll give a few. In the opening chapter, Dickson talks about dealing with doubts. He'll talk about why God lets us suffer. He'll discuss finding connections between obedience and grace. And in the final chapter, he'll ask a real tough one: Are Jews going to Hell? He discusses a lot of other stuff as well. The topics are 13 chapters total. I would dare to say, give this a try. If you have tough questions, then maybe this has the answer. Will it give you satisfying results? Only you can answer that.

Is this possibly a "Jesus Freak Among the Jews" account? Quite possibly, and a little more. It was awesome.

Perspective Expanding Insights for Christians.......2006-05-15

Based on insights gained from his experience as a Christian guest in a Reform Judaism Bible study, Dickson offers his thoughts about God, scripture, and interfaith misunderstandings--such as the relationship of faith to obedience, grace to works. 'The Gospel According to Moses,' one of the most refreshing books I've read in a while, has caused me to study the Jewishness of the Christian faith, which in turn has brought new depths of understanding of and awe for God and the Bible--and more questions to contemplate and explore.

A book for every Christian's bookshelf.......2006-03-10

This was a great read. Highly recommended.

The book reads smoothly, uses comfortable language, and flows in a logical way. Dickson employs several mini-stories throughout the book to introduce and illustrate the subject matter of that chapter.

Dickson touches an area of Christianity which is desperately needed. We embrace so much of our faith without having any knowledge of its roots or foundation in Judaism. Christianity and Judaism are not synonymous. They have significant differences, and Dickson does not ignore these differences, or try to homogenize the two faiths. But they ARE similar, and Dickson does a great job of showing just how so many of the themes in Christianity overlap with those of Judaism, even if that doesn't appear to be the case at first glance. Most of Dickson's focus is not on the minutiae differences of Christianity and Judaism, but is on the larger elements of our faiths, including the differences in how we approach our faith, and how we answer the hard-to-answer questions.

Allow me to share my favorite aspect of the book. Dickson discusses, in detail, the difference in the way Christians and Jews deal with difficult questions about our faith. I grew up in the church, Dickson is correct in characterizing the way most Christians answer those questions: we often try to make them seem less difficult than they really are, and look to some pre-fabricated answer found in our "ways to answer those questions" manual. Many questions are off-limits as quasi-heretical, meaning that we often never quite satisfactorily examine the things in our faith we struggle with. By Contrast, according to Dickson, no question is off-limits for Jews, and they embrace difficulties and questions concerning their faith. I believe more Christians should react like the latter. We should be willing to ask questions--the answers in our manual may be correct, but we should be willing to go and see.

One of the things that make this book so good is its ability to make you think-it encourages you to examine what you believe. You will find yourself pondering the things you read throughout the day. I cannot agree with everything that Dickson asserts in the book, and there are some areas in which I felt he could have elaborated and discussed more thoroughly. But the book DID make me think, and it did have an effect on what I think about a couple of issues. If you read this book, and consider the things discussed in it, there is a fair chance that your view on an issue or two will be tweaked in some way too.

The book is great. The book is easy to read, and enjoyable. While I still don't necessarily agree with everything Dickson says, those things are rather minute and mostly insignificant. People interested in the subject matter should definitely read the book. I am confident that you'll enjoy the book, and that you'll be glad you bought it.

Respecting the questions........2006-03-07

'The Gospel According to Moses: What my Jewish Friends Taught me About Jesus' is a unique and thoughtful auto-biographical journal of Athol Dickson's ongoing studies at a Reform Jewish temple's Chever Torah (Torah Group). The beauty of Dickson's study and reflection is not that he always reaches the most correct conclusion, sometimes I don't think that he does, but that his underlying attitude about recognizing and defining questions is exemplary. The author's attitude here is suggestive of that of Origen, the great early Christian thinker and student of the Torah (what Christians call the Pentateuch or 'Books of Moses') and the Tenach (what Christians call the Old Testament). More to be feared than a question without an easy answer is indifference to the question, or a smug delusion that all answers are well in hand. Dickson says, "God may answer my questions with silence because the answer is silence. In other words, sometimes my questions themselves are answer enough. . . When the Lord offers no clear answer to my questions, it may mean I will learn greater truths by continuing to ask the questions. Sometimes questions may have many possible answers, so God declines to point to a 'correct' one. The most common examples of this phenomenon are bound up in the many paradoxes of the Scriptures. . ."

Bumbling humans that we are, Christians and Jews too often misunderstand and misrepresent each other's views. Dickson tries to avoid the oversimplifications involved in these superficial dismissals, but without surrendering his essential Christian understanding. Many commentators on the Torah are cited; on the Christian side these include the New Testament writers, Augustine, and Kierkegaard, for example. But most of the expositors cited are the Talmudic rabbis (who, of course, were Pharisees, that group of Torah students whom Christians are typically anxious to simplistically vilify wholesale). Dickson says- "As has happened so often in my time with Chever Torah, the floor of my study is littered with fallen stereotypes." (p135)
". . . again it seems that Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity are far closer than I once thought. Christianity says if I love Jesus I will obey his teaching. Judaism says if I wish to follow I will be led along the road. In both cases, faith by the grace of God leads to obedience to God. . . I am free to choose the road I wish to follow and then I am led along it, either downward by my foolish pride or upward by the grace of God." (p142)

I read this book at the same time I was reading Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew." Both books are excellent and both speak to some of the weaknesses of the other. The one aspect of Dickson's study that I thought came up short was his arguments regarding the Trinity. It's a challenging subject and I have seen others approach it as Dickson has, citing Torah references to the God who is One with occasional language of plurality, but, of itself, it is a difficult argument. I believe our best understanding of the Trinity must include the insights of Augustine and Anselm. Any weaknesses aside, Dickson has written an excellent book about how one's attitudes, including cognition of one's own ignorance, are of central importance, whether attempting to resolve the mysteries and paradoxes of the Torah or the mysteries and paradoxes of the luminous Jewish rabbi, Jesus.

The Gospel is for Everyone!!.......2005-08-03

The gospel is not just good for the person that accepts it, it's good for that person's neigbors, friends, community, workplace or school. A christian reading this book may shudder in places but keep reading it will open ones mind and heart our Jewish brothers and sisters.

The Gospel of Jesus: According to the Jesus Seminar

Average customer rating:

Burden of Proof?
Wishful thinking, in the extreme..
Excellent
a short but useful synopsis of the work of the Jesus Seminar
mana in the wilderness

The Gospel of Jesus: According to the Jesus Seminar

Manufacturer: Polebridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

The Five Gospels: What Did Jesus Really Say? The Search for the AUTHENTIC Words of Jesus
The Parables of Jesus (Jesus Seminar Series)
The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholar's Version
The Jesus Seminar and Its Critics
The Acts of Jesus: What Did Jesus Really Do?

ASIN: 0944344747

Book Description

What would a truly original gospel look like—a gospel cleared of the interpretation and embellishment of the evangelists, a gospel that contained only the words and deeds of the historical Jesus? The Gospel of Jesus is that gospel.

Since its founding in 1985, the Jesus Seminar has been a pioneer in bringing historical Jesus scholarship to the general public, making vital but often complex studies accessible, understandable and relevant. In The Gospel of Jesus, Robert Funk and the Jesus Seminar take the work of popularizing historical Jesus studies in a new and exciting direction. This single composite gospel is created out of the stories told about and words ascribed to Jesus in the ancient gospels.

Customer Reviews:

Burden of Proof?.......2007-03-26

If the criteria applied by the Jesus Seminar were applied to all ancient writing we would have no history, only a phantasm based on political ambitions and an extremely skeptical view of human nature. There is certainly a more objective and postitive view when applying a hermenutic. The inconsitencies of the gospels pointed out by textual and contextual criticism only go to validate the authenticity of the message and the humanity of its transmission. If biblical facts and grammar aligned to the degree of the criteria set forth by the Jesus Seminar "scholars", I would conjecture the argument would be the same but with the opposite criteria! No, the Jesus seminar is not applying a science, but an inductive argument with claims based on evidence with an agenda that provides no real warrant for the inference. How about spending our mental energy on applying ethics to government?

Wishful thinking, in the extreme.. .......2006-01-22

The conclusions reached by the author(s) are very narrowly biased in that they begin their research from the point of view that miracles (supernatural events) are not possible and Jesus was never God or the Son of God to begin with. Well, they actually say that he never said or even implied those things, or that he was the only way to salvation.
It's blind denial beyond comprehension to disbelieve in the possibiity of supernatural events (events that take place through a means outside the natural universe and its laws) taking place. After all, the universe exists. What other than a supernatural event could have possibly caused that to happen?
To say that this work does not force a particular viewpoint is ludicrous. The authors, many of whom do not represent the bulk of biblical scholarship, cite highly controversial sources in order to stack the deck in favor of a completely secular Christ.
For a solidly compelling rebuttle to the conclusions reached by the "Jesus Seminar", and so frequently repeated by businesses that profit from controversial headlines, read the introduction to "Jesus Under Fire" by Michael Wilkins and J.P. Moreland. For a devastating blow to the Seminar's message, read the rest. :-)

Excellent.......2005-11-29

I believe that THE GOSPEL OF JESUS is best used as an adjunct to the New Testament Gospels. It also helps if the reader is familiar with some of the early Christian scriptures which are not included in the New Testament canon.

Reading this book was a thoroughly positive experience for me, resulting in the emergence of a more credible Jesus. The explanatory material contained in the introduction and appendices was especially useful.

I recommend THE GOSPEL OF JESUS without reservation to anyone who wishes to add spice and understanding to their bible reading.

a short but useful synopsis of the work of the Jesus Seminar.......2004-10-12

If you have time for only one book by the Jesus Seminar, this is the book you should consider as it contains a short but useful synopsis of much of their work.

Features:

1- The book reads like a New Testament gospel, so you can read it straight through if you just want the straight scoop. But if/when you want additional information, there are notes on the left side of each page showing the source(s) of each grouping of verses, including chapter and verse, to enable comparisons. There are also more extensive notes on each chapter at the end of the book, including comments about why such and such an event or parable was included and what the consensus of the JS was on the various events.

2- An index in the back of the book gives a short description of each of the ancient gospels from which Funk and his colleagues drew the facts and inspiration for their own gospel. Unfortunately, they have neglected a couple of the gospels mentioned in the book, among them Pseudo Mark which, as far as I can tell, refers to a short section of Mark Chapter 16. (see the notes for the Epilogue on page 105)

3- Another short appendix gives a description of the Jesus Seminar: who they are and some details about their Biblical research. This section is very informative and would be useful to those who know little or nothing about the group. I want to give the book to my father as a gift as I think the contains a wealth of information about both the Jesus Seminar and their scholarship in suitable form for those who know little or nothing about them.

4- Yet another appendix gives detailed notes for each chapter of the gospel. These sometimes include quotes from sources like The Gospel of Thomas which can't readily be located by someone who only has a conventional New Testament.

Suggestions:

1- I hope a future edition will contain a small glossary to explain terms like Purity Party which are unfamiliar to folks like me who are not formally educated in Biblical studies. (I'm guessing this might refer to the Pharisees in the way that the Saducees are often referred to as scribes.) Perhaps such a glossary could cover minor gospels like Pseudo Mark (see above) that aren't deemed comprehensive enough to be discussed in the Ancient Gospels appendix.

2- I would like a better explanation of how the color-based voting works. They describe it as a weighted system, but I would be interested in knowing exactly what this means. If I were doing it, I might assign red beads two points, pink one, grey negative one and black negative two. But I don't know if this would be the best way or, more importantly, how it is, in fact, being done by the JS.

Some comments about specific parts of the text appear below:

The book contains a prologue, twenty-one chapters and an epilogue. The prologue discusses the circumstances surrounding Jesus's birth and childhood. Oddly, the narration here jumps from his birth to various people's comments and opinions about him as a prophet with no warning, and the bulk of the chapter is taken up by these statements.

Even strangeer is the quote from Paul which appears in verse 13 discussing a visit he made to Jerusalem after Jesus's death. I puzzled over this for some time and finally came to the conclusion that Funk and the Jesus Seminar want to remind us that the first writings about Jesus appeared long after his death, and that some were written by people who never even met Jesus.

Another minor criticism I have is that the authors can't seem to decide if they want a modern-day translation or something closer to King James English. In several chapters, they mix tenses in that annoying way that many New Testament passages do. Yet in others, they use very modern colloquial expressions. (It would be interesting to see a foreign-language translation of this book to see how some of these expressions have been handled in other languages.)

It was interesting to see which parables the Jesus Seminar saw fit to include in their gospel. I wish they would have provided more information in their notes as to why they chose the ones they did and not others. They do provide good information about the miracles and their ideas about the circumstances surrounding each. A similar discussion of the parables would be useful, too.

One reason I love this book is that it presents Jesus' parables in a new context which makes them fresh to my ears. As a result, I'm able to think about them in new ways, freed from the baggage of so many years of Sunday School explanations. I'm willing to disagree and formulate arguments against the points the parables make yet, in the end, I always have to admit that there are just as many arguments in favor of them. This is a testament to the fact that Jesus' parables have just as much value as teaching devices today as they did 2,000 years ago.

mana in the wilderness.......2001-08-26

A lot of people have attacked the Jesus Seminar and its credibility. For those who have doubts read "The Jesus Seminar and its Critics." Though I don't agree with everything they believe (i.e. their view on miracles) they have done some respectable things that can only help in our search for the truth, such as this book. This book should not replace the canonized gospels but shouldn't be discarded either.

Rappin' With Jesus: The Good News According to the Four Brothers (The Black Bible Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

Its a great fun read.
Well...
Great read.
Don't knock it if it works!
By any means necessary

Rappin' With Jesus: The Good News According to the Four Brothers (The Black Bible Chronicles)
P. K. McCary
Manufacturer: African American Family Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1569770050

Book Description

Volume two of this acclaimed series covers the four Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Customer Reviews:

Its a great fun read........2006-10-03

This is a great book. I do not suggest it as a replacement for a translation like NIV, NASB, KJV, etc. But if accepted as just the gospel in a different light, its a great laugh.

I don't think the book is really meant to used a "scripture" but as a comic relief. It only contains the four gospels, so it diffently cannot be a Bible replacement.

I really liked this book and its great to read aloud in a gathering of young adults. I take no offense to the language as I am black, and have said some of the same phrases before in my life.

Well..........2004-07-19

If the target audience is inner-city black children who have unwittingly picked up Southern California surfer lingo, then this book succeeds on all accounts. That most likely NOT being the case, however, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when faced with this work.

The heart is in the right place, but either the language needs some updating, or we need to change the title to The Gospel According to Jeff Spicoli.

Three stars for an honest effort. Keep up the the ministering.

Great read........2002-12-18

I sure hope the reader who talked about the "real Bible" has been reading it in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bible deserves to be translated into whatever language is appropriate for its audience, whether they speak Greek, Latin, English, or BEV (Black English Vernacular, which is a dialect of English whose grammar apparently looks "bad" to the aforementioned other reader.) Implying that blacks are "too dumb" to read the regular Bible is like saying that Americans are "too dumb" to read the Bible in Latin. Intelligence has nothing to do with it; the crucial thing is to read the Word of God in the vernacular that will most allow you to get the Word into your heart. Peace Out.

Don't knock it if it works!.......2002-12-18

This book is a really great way to share the gospel with those (especially our youth of today) who might be intimidated by, or resistant to "religious" materials. It is meant to be used as an evangelical tool to lead others deeper into their studies of the bible, and it does!

It's a great intro for someone who thinks of all bibles as KJV and hard to read, or that the bible is not applicable to our world today. This book never pretends to be a study bible with word for word accuracy, but instead reaches out to those for whom this vernacular is familiar, to present the basics in a fun and non-threatening way. This is clearly a seeker's/beginner's guide. If the author's style of writing isn't for you, just pick a more popular translation. This book does exactly what it set out to do, which is to bring the gospel message to the people in a language they can understand. It also makes them feel as if someone really understands where they are coming from and therefore makes for an easier witness! :)

By any means necessary.......2001-11-13

I can appreciate and I am thankful for additional forms of expressing the message. Someone has to do it and like it or not, we live in a society in which this book could be a useful tool. Not to be confused with our "sacred scriptures", but can be used as an additional method. I have utilized the Black Bible Chronicles many times, and I was anxious to see this author's next work. Anyway, I recommend it. It is very easy reading and I appreciate the author's desire to bring more clarity to people who need it. By the way, who says only black kids communicate this way?

Average customer rating:

Uncharacteristic Characterization of Christ
Imaginative and Provocative
An interesting take on the Jesus story
Practically Unreadable
Breathtaking work of literary genius and theological inquiry

The Gospel According to Jesus Christ
Jose Saramago
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Portuguese | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Biblical | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0156001411

Book Description

This is a skeptic’s journey into the meaning of God and of human existence. At once an ironic rendering of the life of Christ and a beautiful novel, Saramago’s tale has sparked intense discussion about the meaning of Christianity and the Church as an institution. Translated by Giovanni Pontiero.

Customer Reviews:

Uncharacteristic Characterization of Christ.......2007-04-28

I believe this novel will be especially compelling for those of whom it may not have been intended, namely ardent believers. Those of us who memorized passages, acted out scenes, and were often rebuked with parables. As a thought experiment on the psychology of Jesus it is most compelling, most notably for the style in which the narrative dialogue is constructed. Conversation is organic, it flows right along with the scene, and it is inferred within the context of the ongoing mental movie derived from the text. There is no punctuation, or demarcation of any kind to differentiate dialogue from description, omniscient narration, or internal ruminations. Admittedly, it takes some getting used to and requires a little to determine who is speaking at times, but the experience is well worth the effort and the fact that Jose pulls it off is a testament to his mastery. The story, in general, follows the account in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke); however, key scenes have a different spin on them reveal the humanity that most certainly must exist within the Son of Man/Son of God. The Bible's account all too often deigns to the deity within Christ and treats his humanity as if it doesn't exist. I don't want to ruin the surprise which will accompany those episodes where these revelations of character emerge. All in all it was a provocative account, poetically envisioned, of an all too familiar story.

Imaginative and Provocative.......2007-02-06

This is a wonderful work of fiction that is creatively devised and unique. It is certainly, as has previously been forewarned by others, not for the devout reader who will take offense when faced with a work of fiction that does not accurately depict Jesus and those closest to him as is told by the canonical Gospels and orthodox scholarship. Saramago takes the Gospels and distills them into a remnant not unlike a skeleton upon which he casts his own flesh of fiction. What is perhaps the most impressive aspect of this work is that one has to constantly remind her/himself that this is indeed a fictional tale and not a fifth Gospel. Saramago's use of traditional parables and events in the life of Jesus Christ helps to create and atmosphere that the reader can become confused in. It is very well done.

The one note of criticism I will make is one that has been made several times in reviews prior. Saramago does not use punctuation aside from periods and is apparently allergic to the `tab' key that would permit him to start a new paragraph every so often. It is a text that is very compact with little to distinguish dialogue (capital letters denote a new speaker) and can be very frustrating if you are a slow reader. If you are one who reads at a faster pace, the dialogue may come naturally as the story is read. I only mention this because it was at first frustrating to me, but I quickly adapted to the style and found no problem finishing it.

There are twists that are revealed along the lines of "Last Temptation of Christ," but with a new take. I suggest that it be read by anyone who likes creative and innovative fiction with a taste for the provocative or controversial - but please remember that this is fiction!

An interesting take on the Jesus story.......2006-10-05

Of all the Saramago books I've read so far "Blindness" had the most impact and, for me, was unputdownable - 100% recommend that book. I would say that this book comes second "most enjoyable".
I'm not a christian, probably closer to agnostic/buddhist than anything so it was with some tredpidation that I bought this one. Was Saramago going to ram the JC story down my throat? Was he going to ridicule it? Neither.
His interpretation of the story is most enjoyable. Obviously God plays a role and bestows various miracles but for the most part Saramago presents some very interesting and plausible ideas for Jesus' actions. Various miracles are portrayed as commonplace events and it's only through the annals of history and the interpretation by various self-serving denominations that they've been turned in to miracles.
The story flows well, and yes Saramago foregoes the use of speech marks etc. but I have to say that the story is none the worse for it - I found it refreshing for someone to break some of the rules of grammar. After all who the heck said that we have to use punctuation anyway? You may have to engage brain to determine who is saying what...so? 100% recommended even for those folks that aren't of a religious mindset. Very enjoyable.

Practically Unreadable.......2006-08-21

I am agog at the praise heaped upon this piece of unpunctuated garbage. I was assigned this for my book club and I truly hate books where the author refuses (or maybe doesn't know how to) use punctuation. For me, it is confusing to read a conversation between many people where no punctuation is used. (I also hated Plainsong for this reason~~but at least in that book new paragraphs happened along once in a while) I wanted to love this book, but I could not. Finally, around page 150 I grew so weary of trying to understand who was speaking to who that I gave up. I turned to another book, then finally finished this long, tedious mess. I got muddy and bloody in the process of trying to enjoy it. Maybe it reads better in Portuguese.

Breathtaking work of literary genius and theological inquiry.......2006-06-19

In this novel Saramago has created a masterpiece, both in terms of style and content.

The prose is musical, poetically evocative of the streams of consciousness and conversation that fill our lives. While Saramago's paragraphs often run several pages in length, and his idiosyncratic use of punctuation (e.g., his refusal to use quotation marks to delimit speech and his insistence on ending all sentences--including questions--with a period) can seem daunting, the fluid, melodic language makes reading the story a true pleasure.

In terms of content, Saramago has mastered the art of faithfully retelling a story while simultaneously subverting the text through interesting asides, editorial comments, notes to the reader, etc. He also subverts the normal relationship between humanity and God in Christian tradition, wherein humanity is in need of God's forgiveness. In Saramago's retelling, it is the inhumanity of God that is need of humanity's forgiveness. I have often wondered at the needless brutality that lies at the core of mainstream Christian theology (i.e., God needing to have his only child brutally murdered in order to forgive me for being the imperfect being I was created to be), and finally, in Saramago, I have found an author willing to take God to task while not dismissing the sorrowful beauty of the life of Jesus.

The Missions of Jesus and the Disciples According to the Fourth Gospel: With Implications for the Fourth Gospel's Purpose and the Mission of the Contemporary Church

Average customer rating:

excellent

The Missions of Jesus and the Disciples According to the Fourth Gospel: With Implications for the Fourth Gospel's Purpose and the Mission of the Contemporary Church
Andreas J. Kostenberger
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission (New Studies in Biblical Theology)

ASIN: 0802842550

Customer Reviews:

excellent.......2006-07-06

This re-worked dissertation was done under D.A. Carson at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In this study, Kostenberger asks the question "how are the missions of Jesus and the disciples related?" (pg 3). He then relates this issue to practical theology vis-à-vis the debate between incarnational ecclesiology and representational ecclesiology. He seeks to argue that the incarnational model diminishes the unique work of Jesus because he is the only life giver (pg 4). Thus, he argues that the missions of Jesus and the disciples should not be unduly equated.

Chapter two is especially helpful as he discusses methodology for doing word studies for biblical theology. This can be applied to any biblical issue.

There are, unfortunately, some un-translated German quotations but most readers will be able to understand his thesis and data. He also interacts heavily with Greek in chapter 2 and in various places throughout the book. The reader must keep in mind that this was a dissertation.

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