Complete Idiot's Guide to the Life of Christ [Paperback]

William R. Grimbol (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: October 20, 2000

Christian adults who want to re-learn what they were taught as children, or adults who simply are intrigued by the life and teachings of the man many believe to have been the Messiah, will find the information they are looking for in this book. It looks at who Jesus was, at the world in which he grew up, at what he taught, and at the miracles he performed. The book also examines the controversy surrounding the Shroud of Turin.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Christian adults who want to re-learn what they were taught as children, or adults who simply are intrigued by the life and teachings of the man many believe to have been the Messiah, will find the information they are looking for in this book. It looks at who Jesus was, at the world in which he grew up, at what he taught, and at the miracles he performed. The book also examines the controversy surrounding the Shroud of Turin.

About the Author

The author has not been pinpointed yet; however, I am in touch with Fordham University, a Jesuit institution in New York, to find an author who can give us a combination of a theological and intellectual approach to the subject.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (October 20, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028638468
• ISBN-13: 978-0028638461
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #761,713 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can Anything Good Come out of a "Complete Idiot" Book?, March 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to the Life of Christ (Paperback)

Yes, something good can come from Nazareth, and here we have something good about the same thing, coming out of Complete Idiot-land. It's a little hard to get used to, since it's not really a Sunday school paper, but not quite a copy of the New Testament, either.

Includes sections on how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and a section analyzing the Book of Revelation. Doing this explores the context of Christ's life, and this format ends up producing a refreshing new look.

The radical nature of Christ's message comes out clearly, as the author here boils it down: don't worry about anything; disregard hypocrites; love your neighbor.

The anaylsis of the four gospel books is pretty standard. For a guy who, according to the back cover, is on a teaching gig at St. John the Divine cathedral in NYC (home of ultra-liberals like William Sloane Coffin), the author is remarkably Orthodox in his approach. Althouth he's a Presbyterian, he's in touch with urban ministries and younger people, all of which comes out here.

The anti-scholastic tone achieved by the cover and packaging may also be more authentically Christ-like than most people would think. The author leaves room in his writing for doubts about who Jesus was, or is, which is also appropriate for this medium.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice overview of Christ, June 17, 2001

By 

"mtribit" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to the Life of Christ (Paperback)

I found this book to be quite excellent.It is written simply, like most Idiot's guides. The information to my knowledge is quite accurate. I was actually surprised at the quality of this book. From the culture surrounding Jesus, to his birth, life, and death, this book covers it all. The book is packed with interesting facts. It is not overly complex, and won't try to "convert" anyone. It simply gives an overview of Christ. But even non-Christians will admire Jesus Christ after reading about his truly awesome life on this earth.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Small Treasure, March 19, 2002

By 

"charism_x" (Rialto, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to the Life of Christ (Paperback)

Unlike other books of this sort, "Life of Christ" actually manages to teach you something! Not only does it focus on the existence of Jesus, the greatest teacher and thinker of all time, but it also includes details about the patriarchs, the prophets, the related history -- all the information you need to fully appreciate the tragically inspirational story of Jesus Christ. The author is truly gifted and talented; his own attitude and writing style are something to marvel at! This is a definite must read for all who are curious about the world's most passionate teacher and savior!