Book Description
Top Jesus scholars Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan join together to reveal a radical and little-known Jesus. As both authors reacted to and responded to questions about Mel Gibson's blockbuster The Passion of the Christ, they discovered that many Christians are unclear on the details of events during the week leading up to Jesus's crucifixion.
Using the gospel of Mark as their guide, Borg and Crossan present a day-by-day account of Jesus's final week of life. They begin their story on Palm Sunday with two triumphal entries into Jerusalem. The first entry, that of Roman governor Pontius Pilate leading Roman soldiers into the city, symbolized military strength. The second heralded a new kind of moral hero who was praised by the people as he rode in on a humble donkey. The Jesus introduced by Borg and Crossan is this new moral hero, a more dangerous Jesus than the one enshrined in the church's traditional teachings.
The Last Week depicts Jesus giving up his life to protest power without justice and to condemn the rich who lack concern for the poor. In this vein, at the end of the week Jesus marches up Calvary, offering himself as a model for others to do the same when they are confronted by similar issues. Informed, challenged, and inspired, we not only meet the historical Jesus, but meet a new Jesus who engages us and invites us to follow him.
Download Description
"
Top Jesus scholars Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan join together to reveal a radical and little-known Jesus. As both authors reacted to and responded to questions about Mel Gibson's blockbuster The Passion of the Christ, they discovered that many Christians are unclear on the details of events during the week leading up to Jesus's crucifixion.
Using the gospel of Mark as their guide, Borg and Crossan present a day-by-day account of Jesus's final week of life. They begin their story on Palm Sunday with two triumphal entries into Jerusalem. The first entry, that of Roman governor Pontius Pilate leading Roman soldiers into the city, symbolized military strength. The second heralded a new kind of moral hero who was praised by the people as he rode in on a humble donkey. The Jesus introduced by Borg and Crossan is this new moral hero, a more dangerous Jesus than the one enshrined in the church's traditional teachings.
The Last Week depicts Jesus giving up his life to protest power without justice and to condemn the rich who lack concern for the poor. In this vein, at the end of the week Jesus marches up Calvary, offering himself as a model for others to do the same when they are confronted by similar issues. Informed, challenged, and inspired, we not only meet the historical Jesus, but meet a new Jesus who engages us and invites us to follow him.
"
Customer Reviews:
Not be confused with the facts..........2007-05-28
My main objection: The authors first adopt an idea and then reconstruct their story to fit that idea. I am aware that we are dealing with a popular, NOT an academic book, but still I consider that unfair, since most of us are learning from such books.The authors made several contradictions, assumptions, false statements and omissions. They contradict themselves by writing in the preface that they will use Mark's Gospel only and they present good reasons for it. However, in the subtitle it is printed: "What the Gospels REALLY Teach About Jesus'...".This contradiction allows them to use other Gospels when the authors can support their objectives. What is worse, they omit the passages in Mark which do not support their objectives. Throughout the book Pilate is described as a sovereign ruler having the Jewish hierarchy under his control. However, even from the authors' quotes taken from the Mark's Gospel the Pilate's questions to Jesus are NOT what one would expect from a supreme commander. Furthermore if Pilate were convinced about Jesus' role as a leader of an actual political insurgency, he would have executed at least some of his disciples. Among the farfetched assumptions: :"Two processions entered Jerusalem on a spring day in the year 30". However, Mark's gospel says NOTHING about this coincidence or a planned thing. Moreover, there is NO support elsewhere that it happened the same day. Among the false statements I would classify the authors' conclusion that Jesus had to be executed since he was a revolutionary, although a non violent one. It is well established truth from the other reliable historical documents that the Romans were rather tolerant occupants with regards to the religious beliefs; they even accepted Greek gods. Therefore one can assume that only violent uprisings were recognized and considered dangerous for the Romans. The itinerant rabbis proclaiming nonviolent utopias were probably taken for "religious cranks" and posed no danger to the Romans.Indeed such a view was taken by Pilate at the beggining of the trial, as recorded by all four Gospels.
In conclusion one can say that the authors by focusing on the Jewish high-priestly collaboration with Roman imperial control lead us to regard Jesus as an earthly revolutionary, although a non-violent one. This is in my view a dishonest simplification and selling Jesus short. It is well known that according to the MARXIST philosophy we were born into two certain antagonist social ranks, rich and poor and the history is progressing through this irreconcilable class struggle. However, Jesus gave us an example NOT to follow so called "history necessity", but to "die to ourselves", to be "born again" and that way to transcend that class awareness and to build the "Kingdom of God " regardless of the class, race, nationality AND religious differences.
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Useful for Bible teaching, preaching.......2007-05-13
A scholarly, but accessible treatment of the biblical account of Holy Week. Well worth it: either to read straight through, or to use it as a reference book.
A Loving account by non-believers.......2007-05-07
Two deep friends and New Testament scholars combine to review this last week of Jesus. Both have previously written extensive scholarly works clarifying their non-belief in the supernatural story of Jesus. In this work they are not challenging the main account in Mark, but adding simply written expansions of what happened. While denying the divinity of Jesus, they clearly love the man and are advocates for his intent to establish "The Kingdom" on earth--a wish for fairness and justice.
Interactive Christianity: transcendence through service and justice.......2007-04-08
"The Last Week" by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan address several problem areas in the traditional interpretations of the Passion of Jesus Christ and the events of Easter Week. Rather than seeing his teachings and purposeful orchestration of his last week as metaphor, most Christians have come to accept Jesus himself as metaphor. His suffering, death and resurrection have become a "passion" sacrifice or atonement for the failings of humankind. Crossan and Borg re-examine this metaphor. These authors describe the passion as an intensely and profoundly fundamental belief that the current, normal societal norm of political and economic dominance of government (legitimized by religious authority) be challenged and replaced. What Jesus offers in its place is human compassion and human service -- resulting in a transcendence of humanity itself. It is a solution that replaces man's kingdom and priorities with those of God and his kingdom, stressing that the work is not done by Jesus alone, but by Jesus as he inspires and transforms others to be him. As transformed, humans recognize "the dominant life of human normalcy versus the servant life of human transcendence." Focusing on Mark as the earliest and "cleanest" version (before the elaborations added by Matthew, Luke and John), Crossan and Borg stress a second theme: to quote St. Augustine, "We without God cannot, and God without us will not." The key to the mystery of Easter Week is identification of God as within humans and the acceptance of responsibility by humans to take on Jesus' role. No doubt, this is a radical interpretation and one that requires the most of our time and effort on this earth. The one drawback of the text (why it rates a four and not a five star standing) is that points made are often repeated. Perhaps, however, they need to be restated to bring full attention to them.
Jesus's last eight days.......2007-03-15
In this simple exposition written for a general audience, two leading New Testament scholars use the Gospel of Mark to explain what happened to Jesus during his final week. They use Mark because most scholars consider it the earliest of the four Gospels, the primary source for Matthew and Luke, and because when you read carefully you see that Mark details the last eight days of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. He even specifies "morning" and "evening" for three of these days:
Palm Sunday: "When they were approaching Jerusalem" (11:1)
Monday: "On the following day" (11:12)
Tuesday: "In the morning" (11:20)
Wednesday: "It was two days before the Passover" (14:1)
Maundy Thursday: "On the first day of Unleavened Bread" (14:12)
Good Friday: "As soon as it was morning" (15:1)
Holy Saturday: "The Sabbath" (15:42, 16:1)
Easter Sunday: "Very early on the first day of the week" (16:2).
Mark even describes what happened at five three-hour intervals on Good Friday (pp. ix-x). The book, then, consists of eight chapters, one for each day of Holy Week.
For Borg and Crossan the gospels are not records of straightforward historical facts remembered by the author, but stylized interpretations of the believing community. There's an element of truth in this, of course; you could say the same about nearly all written history. But I'm sometimes dubious about historical reconstructions two millennia after the events that claim to know more and to know better than the first witnesses, or that do not give compelling explanations about how and why the first recorders got things so badly wrong and yet attracted the allegiance of so many converts (who must have known they were "wrong" about the literal facts).
Borg and Crossan do a wonderful job of illuminating the religious background of first century Judaism and especially the centrality of the temple, and the cultural and political background of the Roman empire, showing how the Biblical texts and these two contexts interact. If you've read any of Borg's many books, it will come as no surprise that the authors understand the "passion" of Jesus not as a sacrifice or substitution (as it has been understood by much if not most of Christendom), but as an incarnation of God's justice which subverts the status quo of political oppression, economic exploitation, and religious legitimation. The 2007 edition of this book has the sensational sub-title What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem.
Average customer rating:
- Good Background Information
- A Christian history teacher's review
- Surprisingly historical
- A Must read.
- Interesting, non-biased work by a scholar of ancient history
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In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church
Paul L. Maier
Manufacturer: Kregel Publications
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ASIN: 0825433290 |
Book Description
This engaging and beautifully written narrative sheds a brilliant new light on the life of Jesus and the courageous men and women who carried His message throughout a hostile empire. Full-color photos and illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Good Background Information.......2007-10-01
Maier does a good job putting Christmas and Easter into their appropriate historical contexts. Lots of good information that helps to place both into perspective.
The third part of the book, on the early church, is not as well done. There is less historical and archaelogical information brought into play. It was still pretty good, just not as good as the first two sections.
Still, I would recommend this book as one to help build a foundation.
A Christian history teacher's review.......2007-05-14
Paul Maier is a truly gifted lecturer. I've had the pleasure of watching two of his videos and if I lived anywhere near Western Michigan University, I'd sneak into the back of his classroom (he is a member of the history faculty there) on a regular basis - he has a gift for making the First Century A.D. accessible.
"In the Fullness of Time" continues this tradition. Maier has basically consolidated 3 other books into one larger volume (with a few changes) and he discusses the first Christmas, the first Easter and the ministries of the early Apostles, especially Paul and Peter.
Maier does a great job of bringing actual documentation that supports the stories of Christmas, Easter and the Book of Acts. He includes the works of Roman and Jewish historians, explains Roman and Jewish religious and political practices and deals with alternate theories that have been proposed. While this could be dry reading, Maier makes it lively and this volume reads more like a novel than a textbook.
So, who is this book for? If you are a well-read Christian who has looked into many of the facts that back the New Testament as it is written on your own, you won't find much new ground covered in this book. The internet has lots of this information scattered about. However, you are unlikely to find sources as concise and as well-written as this one. Plus, if you are interested in further research, it is well-documented with tons of footnotes.
If you are a new Christian or are newly interested in the history behind Christianity, this is a powerful introduction.
I give this one a grade of "A"
Surprisingly historical .......2006-07-30
Maybe it's because I enjoy reading historical literature... or maybe I am facinated by the notion the Gospel accounts are historical in nature. Paul Maier has done a wonderful job combining backround historical context, archeological artifacts, and a clear logical approach into a credible and refreshing look at what is was like to: experience the first Christmas, the first Easter, and what it was like for the early Christians after the resurrection. This is surprisingly enjoyable read.
A Must read........2005-05-20
Pail Maier, a expert in ancient history, has written a great book. from my understanding is that, this book was three different books now put into one. If you are a new Christian, you need this book. If you read this book as a new believer, you will have a better grasp of the background of the NT in reading this book, than going to a expositional preaching church for two years. It will lay a great foundation for your walk with the living Christ. If you a long time believer, and have not read this book, you should, for it will open your eyes, to the NT. Dr. Maier goes into the Christmas story, Easter Sunday and the early church. Great book.
Interesting, non-biased work by a scholar of ancient history.......2002-03-14
When I saw Paul Maier interviewed in a documentary on the life of Jesus, I searched for titles by this author, and when this book was listed, I immediately ordered it. I wasn't dissappointed.
Maier is a professor of ancient history at Western Michigan, and brings credibility and scholarship to a subject that is frequently approached with bias, often from polar perspectives. Professor Maier is one of the leading scholars on the writings of first century Jewish historian Josephus, and this book includes appropriate and informative references to this ancient source. As a student of history and an attorney, I found the book stimulating and thought provoking. However, the book most certainly does not read like a history text, and is interesting to both the historian and the person simply looking for some information on the historical context of the birth of Christ, his crucification and the biblical account of his resurrection. The book also examines the early church and the spread of Christianity. Anyone with an interest in these topics should read this work.
I very much recommend this book, and look forward to reading other works by Paul Maier.
Book Description
Denying that Christ suffered and died is like denying the Holocaust. For some it is simply too horrific to affirm. Others suspect it is an elaborate religious conspiracy to coerce sympathy. Those who deny either event live in a historical dreamworld. Jesus suffered unspeakably and died.
The Passion of Jesus Christ shows that the gore of Christ's suffering is turned to glory by the enormity and diversity of what his death achieved. To do this, John Piper uncovers fifty accomplishments of Christ's suffering. He shuns embellishment and shows from the Bible key evidence for each outcome of Christ's death.
When it is all said and done, the most crucial question is: Why? Why did Christ suffer and die? The answer has everything to do with you.
Customer Reviews:
Good witnessing tool, good for Christians too.......2007-08-03
Whether you're a new Christian, an old Christian, a "seeker," or just curious about Christianity, this is a good book to read. In particular, if you saw Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ," this book is a good companion. As other reviewers have mentioned, the movie shows THAT Jesus suffered, this book explains WHY He suffered and what it accomplished. Too often Jesus is viewed as a good moral teacher but little else; this book shows that Jesus is much more significant than that.
This book is great for witnessing. I have personally used it in evangelism and would recommend giving it to your non-Christian friends. It's great for you too; even if you think you already know why Jesus died, it'll still be beneficial. It will give you reasons for Jesus' death that you never thought of and it will help you stay focused on what Jesus did for you. This is a great book to read around Good Friday (or any other time, for that matter).
What Christ accomplished for us is obviously critically important for the Christian, and this book will help you understand that better. Dr. Piper job avoids getting bogged down in jargon or technicalities and writes in a way that laymen, including those with little theological training and non-Christians, can easily understand. It is also very concise, so you can read it fairly quickly. It is also structured such that each point is exactly 2 pages, which makes it good for devotional reading. I highly recommend this book.
Good for those still "Searching".......2007-06-24
Having just finished this book, I quite enjoyed it, though I believe it is most suited to those who have yet to find the Lord and are intellectually curious. I say "intellectually" because this book is not one to be read lightly or breezed through in quick little jaunts. Mr. Piper gives 50 different reasons why Jesus was crucified ("why" as in the "purpose" and "meaning" of His death). Each reason is short and well explained and supported by many references from the Bible. But sometimes the logic is difficult, especially for those not already steeped into the life and death of our Savior. However, it is great for newer Christians to help them more clearly see the glory of the Lord and would also be suitable for the more intellectually-minded deep-thinkers who have yet to give their lives to God.
Adding My 5 Star Review to the Pile.......2007-03-12
Here we have an excellent book! John Piper's "The Passion of Jesus Christ" is amazing because it is simple. So simple that we often skip over the "basic" reasons that Christ came to earth. Not only does this book explain the plan of salvation to non-believers and new saints, it also is exquisite for long time Christians who are rooted in their faith. It is an excellent reminder of the top fifty reasons that Jesus Christ died for us because He loves us. Each chapter is short, sweet and to the point. The book seems to coincide exactly with scripture, not straying away with personal or "interpreted" passages from the Bible. Piper uses many cross references from scripture in his work to ensure that what he states is true and accurate. Highly recommended!
Christian Fobian, Author of Why Christ?
Excellent Devotional.......2005-10-06
"The Passion of the Christ" contains fifty chapters that are two pages long. The doctrine in this book is thought provoking and is great for starting a discussion; making it a great devotional for a group, family worship, or an individual. Enjoy!
Simple yet profound.......2005-07-31
In this age Simplicity usually means watered down. Not with this book. Piper simply yet powerfully examines the Cross of Christ. Looks at the reasoning. Joins his argument with the scriptures.
Excellent book for a young Christian or young at heart.
Average customer rating:
- Through the eyes of a humble donkey
- Magnificent illustrations!
- Simply the BEST version of the Easter story for children.
- Beautiful perspective on the Easter story
- Beautiful depiction of Holy Week
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The Easter Story
Brian Wildsmith
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0679847278
Release Date: 1994-02-01 |
Amazon.com
Brian Wildsmith, well-known illustrator of more than 30 picture books (including Brian Wildsmith's ABC, for which he won the venerable Kate Greenaway Medal), has this to say about the traditional Easter legend: "It is the world's greatest story, burning with history, passion, and tragedy."
Wildsmith's own passion for the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection is unmistakable in his glorious, metallic-gold-hued illustrations, which tell the story more vividly than words ever could. In fact, to his credit, Wildsmith adapts the story of Jesus's last days in as simple and straightforward a manner as possible, allowing young readers to glean the substance from the paintings, symbolism, and, most likely, discussion with grownups who may be reading along. The donkey's-eye-view of the events allows a slightly different perspective from the standard, without being overly intrusive as a literary device. Lush jewel tones capture the richness of the narrative, and mesh in a strangely beautiful way with the simple paintings of Jesus, the angels, Mary Magdalene, and others in the biblical cast of characters. The Easter Story will make a gorgeous addition to any Easter basket. (Ages 5 and older)
Book Description
Once, a long time ago, a little donkey was brought to Jesus. The little donkey had never been ridden before, but Jesus spoke gently to him, and soon he stopped being afraid. Jesus climbed onto the donkey's back, and they set off for Jerusalem…
In clear, reverent language and shining gold-toned paintings, award-winning author/illustrator Brian Wildsmith creates this companion book to his earlier A Christmas Story. With an enchantingly simple perspective that will engage even the very youngest child, Wildsmith offers a splendid new version of the greatest story ever told.
Customer Reviews:
Through the eyes of a humble donkey.......2006-04-15
I was very impressed by the beauty and pathos of this slim volume. Although the story is of Christ's passion, resurrection, and ascension, the story is really through the eyes of the humble donkey which Christ chooses to carry him into Jerusalem. It strikes me that children will be able to connect with the donkey's innocence and faithfulness, as a reflection of the person of Jesus Christ. Of course, it all makes for very interesting theological reflection. If anything, as other readers have mentioned, read it for its simplicity and the beautiful illustrations.
Magnificent illustrations!.......2005-03-24
My almost 6 year old son was asking a lot of questions about Easter from what he has learned in Sunday School. I was looking for an Easter book which explained Easter, and the events leading up to Easter, in a simple, yet Biblical way. The book is not too simplistic, nor too complex and wordy. Also, the illustrations are magnificent, and are worth the price of the book alone.
Simply the BEST version of the Easter story for children........2004-04-06
I originally checked this book out from the library for my son last Easter. My husband and I were so impressed we bought it this year for him as a gift. The illustrations positively glow. And, the story line is captivating and easy to follow, unlike other children's versions I've read. It's a beautiful book that my two year-old will continue to enjoy for many Easters to come.
Beautiful perspective on the Easter story.......2002-04-25
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and make you think differently about the Easter story. I had never really thought about there being so many people there watching it all happen. It's a beautiful family book, for everyone to gather around and read.
Beautiful depiction of Holy Week.......2001-03-20
We use this book in our church school classes, mostly because of the way it depicts the events of Holy Week. The illustrations often take a panoramic perspective, giving the sense of the crowds in Jerusalem during the Passover. The story is told from the point of view of the little donkey that Jesus rode into the city on. This is somewhat distracting but the wonderful illustrations make this much more of a discussion than a read story. There are some illustrations that are not quite true to Jerusalem at the time of Jesus - the trial before Pilot is held in a strange amphitheater setting, but the view of the Last Supper is right on target. The best part about the book is the way the angels (in all their glory) watch over the events. For young children the ideas of the crucifixtion are particularly alarming. Here the sky is filled with angels that remind us that Jesus was never abandon during this horrible time. The scene at the Tomb gives an interesting interpretation of all the gospel versions with angels sitting atop the tombstone, hovering aloft and waiting inside. This book does a wonderful job of supporting discussion and deepening mediation.
Book Description
In this compelling quest for the Messiah, best-selling author Max Lucado invites readers to meet the blue-collar Jew whose claim altered a world and whose promise has never been equaled. Readers will come to know Jesus the Christ in a brand new way as Lucado brings them full circle to the foot of the cross and the man who sacrificed His life on it.
Customer Reviews:
A must read for everyone..........2007-05-22
This is one of the most beautiful books ever written and is necessary in everyone library. I have bought this book many times because I'm always finding perfect times to pass it along to others. It is a treasure and a must read, simply beautiful. Magnificent Messengers favorite chapter...
Book Description
The Passion is a visual portrayal of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus. Gripping photos taken on the set of Mel Gibson's new film, The Passion of Christ, together with the biblical narratives in the New Living Translation, present the story in vivid detail. A sweeping presentation of the Passion story in powerful images that will enhance the movie experience!
"This is a movie about love, hope, faith, and forgiveness. He [Jesus] died for all mankind, suffered for all of us. It's time to get back to that basic message. The world has gone nuts. We could all use a little more love, faith, hope, and forgiveness." --Mel Gibson, Icon Productions
Customer Reviews:
Nice Book, but More Useful BEFORE the DVD Release!.......2007-02-27
THE PASSION: PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE MOVIE is a nice souvenir book, but now that the DVD is available, you don't really need this book.
When THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST was still in theaters in its original run, I bought several copies of this book, to give to family members. At that time it was very helpful and people were very curious to look through the book, due to all of the news and publicity, whether or not they had seen the film.
Since then, now that THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST has been out on DVD, this book is more for the biggest fans of the film only, since you might as well watch the DVD, instead of look at most of these photos.
Most of the photos do NOT seem to show too much that isn't already in the film. Most of the pages have one small color photo and very minimal text, usually Bible verse quotes. Most photos could use further explanation if someone was not familiar with the Bible story, or had not yet seen the film. There is a VERY SHORT section of SMALL b/w photos at the end of the book that show some production shots that you won't see in the film. Most of the color photos throughout the book look pretty much like what you see onscreen during the movie.
It's a very nice book, but it was a lot more unique BEFORE the DVD came out.
Instead of this book, I would recommend that you first buy the DVD version of the film, especially THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST: DEFINITIVE EDITION, which has both the original full length film and the RECUT version from a year later (5 minutes shorter). (Don't be confused by its poor DVD back cover description which only mentions the RECUT version! The DEFINITIVE EDITION has BOTH versions!) The DEFINITIVE EDITION also has about 140 minutes of Making Of, documentary footage, and 3 different commentary tracks (2 with Mel Gibson), so THE DEFINITIVE EDITION on DVD is the way to go, for about the same price as this book!
A Collection of Torture Photos?.......2005-04-10
Mel Gibson's pornographic depiction of violence, blood, and torn flesh is not for me. It's disgusting and disturbed. There are more respectable and watchable movies made about Jesus and the Bible. The Passion is sheer torture from a gore-obsessed mind.
Wonderfully done!.......2005-02-13
Wonderfully done, like the movie! The pictures are just as touching as the film. The book touches on the most important scenes, the relationship between Jesus and Mary and the suffering He went through in the end. It doesn't fail to point out that Jesus rose from the dead also. This book clearly communicates the purpose of Jesus dying for us and that He is God. It has brought me closer to the Lord and I'm sure has had the same effect on other people. It's also a great way to introduce Mel Gibson's film to friends.
Spectacular Imagery .......2005-02-02
This book captures some of the breathtaking images from the movie "The Passion." Combined with relevant scriptures, both from the gospel and Old Testament prophecies of Christ, the images allow one to really meditate on the suffering of Christ, each step of the way.
The pictures follow his ordeal that began in the garden, as he prays to the Father. Each step is captured in a stunning picture or two. That ends with his death on the cross and then a visual image indicating his resurrection. This is akin to a visual tool to follow the stations of the cross and allow their significance to sink in. In that way, this book becomes interactive as a prayer and devotional tool.
There are also some pictures of the filming of the movie that provide a glimpse of Mel Gibson and the actors setting the stage for the movie.
I think this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciated the movie The Passion or for anyone who is a Christian but was not willing to endure watching the suffering of Christ in the movie. Although I strongly recommend the movie and the book, the book offers a more bearable way to see what he endured and to appreciate his sacrifice for those who avoided the movie.
Where are the memorable images?.......2005-01-07
OK. If you're going to create a pictorial accompaniment to a controversial movie, AT LEAST PUT IN THE BEST PICTURES!!!
"The Passion of the Christ" intersperses stills from the movie with snippets from the passion section of the gospels. But whatever its value as a devotional or meditative aid, it is missing nearly all of the over-the-top images from the movie. There's no snake in Gethsemane; no clear image of Satan; no Jesus hanging off the bridge; no demon children hounding Judas; none of the nastiest scourging scenes; no long stairway to ascend with the cross; no shroud image on Veronica's cloth; no flipping Jesus on his face; no shoulder dislocation; no eye-piercing crow.
Virtually none of the images that stayed with me from the movie are included. I wonder why not? Were these scenes too gruesome when transferred to the printed page? Or were they rendered silly when they could be studied at leisure? I can't figure out Mel Gibson for adding these gruesome scenes to the film. I understand less why he left them out of the book. Weird.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent edition .......2007-08-09
I am well pleased with this wonderful edition of an old "classic". Thanks, so much !
Fascinating!.......2004-02-25
I was interested to read how close this book came to the classic description of the Crucifixion in THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JESUS CHRIST as told to Neil Elliott. Both books are fascinating from first to last.
i never knew.......2003-08-30
I've read the Bible and of course I've recited the Apostle's Creed but until I read this book I never fully understood what crucifixion was. Dr. Barbet described in forensic detail what the body of a condemned man went through. He explains from history what the Romans commonly did to prisoners. For example, scourging wasn't just a beating.
Crucified victims died slowly, in agony from suffocation. I expected the book to be dry, it wasn't. I expected it to be interesting, it was fascinating. I read it once a year, usually during Lent and I am deeply moved by it each time.
As doctors go he's a pretty good Catholic.......2002-08-20
Dr. Barbet was the first person in modern times to simulate the Crucifixion, and he did so using corpses to examine what was and was not practical and feasible. This makes for a fascinating, if gruesome read, as Dr. Barbet uses these experiments and the evidence of the Turin Shroud to present an account of what crucifixion actually entailed for the victim.
The book overall is regrettably marred by the fact that many of Barbet's observations about the Turin Shroud, and thus his conclusions from it, are seriously questionable.
He claims to be able to discern the shape and number of scourge marks, for instance, on the Turin Shroud. In fact this isn't feasible, given the faint and pixellated image on it; so that the Shroud is throughout a Rorschach test of his faith and hence an index to the objectivity of the book. It scores rather low on that count.
Dr. Barbet argues, for instance, that the bifurcation of the blood flow from one wrist wound evidences a suffocating man writhing as he tried to breathe. A nailed wrist would have been immobile. He argues that the thumbs are invisible because the median nerve was damaged during crucifixion, but elsewhere maintains that the nails were driven through Destot's space, which is on the wrong side of the wrist entirely for this to happen. He also argues that the cause of death was suffocation, which Zugibe's subsequent experiments have shown was not the case.
This isn't a book about the authenticity of the Shroud, though; it's about the process of crucifixion. Whenever or however it was produced, it certainly appears to show a detailed image of a man who had been crucified. A mediaeval artist may have forged it, but if so, then he did so with an actual crucified man as his reference or model. This book tells you exactly what that felt like, and you may want to ask yourself if you really want to know.
A thorough, yet painful reminder of Christ's death..........2001-12-16
"I should no more expect anatomical precision from a theologian or a paleographer than I should ask a doctor for a dogmatic definition or for an explanation of some exegetical or historical point. To speak the truth, it seems to me essential that we should collaborate, and that each one should tell what he knows." (pg. 150).
Dr. Barbet gives us a heart-rending account of the pain and suffering that Christ undertook on our behalf. In the book, Dr. Barbet begins with the Shroud (Chapter 1), speaks on crucifixion and what was know about this practice (Chapter 2 and 3) and ten launches into the sufferings of Christ based on what history tells us about the practice of crucifixion (Chapters 4 through 7). He then explains what archaeology and the Gospels tells us about the removal from the cross and the burial (Chapters 8 and 9). The last couple of chapters ten touch on a scientifically accurate crucifix (Chapter 10) and Dr. Barbets final thoughts (Chapter 11) followed by a meditation on the Passion of our Lord, Jesus Christ (Chapter 12).
Though the book was written in the 1940's, the science is good and widely accepted. Dr. Barbet does a good job of putting things in a layman's context so everyone (not just those with an understanding of human anatomy/physiology) can understand what had taken place. The book s written very formally, but that is really a product of the time and does not detract from the message this book conveys.
After reading this book, I have come to a deeper appreciation of the sufferings of Christ, and I imagine that most people who do read this book will come to a similar conclusion. For anyone wanting to come to a deeper appreciation of the Passion, I would highly recommend this book, and it would handsomely complement any Bible study of the Passion narratives, especially during the Lenten season.
Book Description
As Jesus entered His final days and faced Golgotha, He acted with loving purpose and deliberate intent. Each step was calculated. Every act premeditated.
And the Angels Were Silent allows you to enter and observe a revealing and intimate view of our Savior's last week.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing!.......2007-01-08
This book was very moving and had great stories to tell. I really enjoyed reading it and I was moved to tears several times!
A Great Book.......2006-12-13
I have read this book now for the second time. This is very well written. Max Lucado really did a wonderful job when he wrote this book. I have looked back throught it and plan to read it again one day. You will enjoy it, so do not delay buying it, go ahead and get it. You will not be sorry for this purchase.
Customer Reviews:
paradigm changing.......2007-05-07
As the thought of von Balthasar starts to be absorbed now by the attentive public (like me), we will see that here is something nothing less than thrilling. We can see theology actually developing in the most radical and foundational way, in utter and profound faithfulness.
Brilliant.......2005-09-07
This is a brilliant piece of scholarship drawing from the deepest wells of Biblical interpretation, traditional theology, and rigorous philosophical thinking. Balthasar confirms for me that the most sophisticated and original thinking is done 'on route' of tradition rather than in wandering away from it. Thinkers and believers of all sorts, especially Protestant Christians (which I am) will find serious intellectual protein in this masterpiece.
The Paschal Mystery.......2005-02-19
This is quite a brilliant and intriuging book. Von Balthasar, is in my opinion the most important Catholic theologian of the 20th century. His work is always quite engaging and profound. In this theological treatment of three-day narrative of the Cross (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Day), Balthasar offers up some amazing reflections on the importance of the crucifixion of Christ, his burial and resurrection.
His first two chapters are somewhat preliminary, but no less fascinating as he explores the idea that the "death of God" is the source of all Christian life and Theology. He then moves into three chapters, on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Day. All of these are quite engaging as Balthasar frames a nuanced Kenotic and Trinitarian reading of the narrative of the cross and grave. His discussion of Holy Saturday is particularly helpful. He explores at length the idea of God's "solidarity with the dead" and all its implications for our doctrine of God and practical theology.
This book makes for fascinating Lenten reading and preparation to experience the drama of Holy Week. It also serves as a helpful contribution to the various 'theologies of the cross' that have multiplied in the last century. I highly recommend this book.
Customer Reviews:
what a book!.......2004-03-07
i read this book 24 years ago, the truths in it will blow your mind. i had the oppertunity to be around and involved with Dr wierwille, i have never found anyone that taught rightly divided word of god as he did. these kind of believers dont come around that often, buy the book and make it your own, mick
QUITE SIMPLY, ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER WRITTEN.......2004-01-05
Action and detail-packed account of the last days of Jesus Christ, ACCURATELY described and analyzed, with no opinions or guess work. Will blow anyone's mind, what Jesus Christ accomplished in such a short time, how he accomplished it, and the significance of the dates of the Hebrew calendar.
An incredible work.......1999-04-20
Is it possible that the subject of Christ's last few days of life could be set forth in a clear concise, understandable manner? Yes, this book does set forth, the accuracy of the bible, and Jesus Christs last days, as no other work has done.It should be a "must" read for all who are students and teachers of the bible.
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