Customer Reviews

The Greatest Story Ever Told

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am usually a critic of "Life of Christ" stories. It's easy for me to mount my soap box and say, "If one wants to learn of the life of Jesus, read the gospels." However, this book was different. Oursler remains faithful to the biblical accounts of the life of Jesus, weaving the material from the four evangelists together to produce a truly great narrative. For those thirsty for some reading on the life of the Lord, I would certainly still point them first (and always) to the Scripture; however, I must admit that, regarding Oursler's narrative, there is some value to be gained from the stirring of the heart this story produces. Highly recommended for all -- both young and old.

Read this book out loud to your family and use it for discussions about the life of Jesus Christ. I have a 13 year old son who knew very little about Jesus, and now has a simple but deep grasp of the story. It has lead to talk about Jesus' miracles, His inspirational teaching of morality, and His resurrection. This book is accurate in every particular to the gospel of Mark. Oursler does a good job of describing the facts of the gospel in novel form so that the people come alive again. The language is challenging and specific, though not complicated. Oursler knows the definitive meanings of words and uses them well, but puts them in understandable context. One small remark that might be construed as a complaint: the physical descriptions of Jesus are true to the classical western paintings of a brown haired man with light eyes. Small quibble, not important. Oursler captures the spirit of the man and the glory of God in Him. If you need to "read" the Bible story before beginning your study of the Word, this book will give you a clear picture of the life and teachings of the Master. Enjoy!

This book is great. It really brings the story to life. It fills in details and emotions that many people wonder about when reading the Bible. It's also very inspirational, and an awesome story. It's one of those books that everyone should read and reread.

The Greatest Story Ever Told is one of the most compelling books on the life of Christ I have ever read. Above that, Edward Herrmann's reading is artful and compelling. It's an excellent introduction to your friends who don't know Jesus, and for yourself if you want to grow in your understanding of the greatest man that ever lived.

Fascinating take on the life of Christ written with factual events from the gospels mixed with the author's vast imagination of what 1st Century Israel may have looked like. From the introduction of Barabbas to Pilate's court, it's a very good book to read and contemplate. Every character is brought into vivid detail and makes you kind of know and care about them from the poor and oppressed who meet Christ to those who are his greatest enemies. Fabulous book and something you'll always treasure!

An inspirational read, very full, I think it could have gone on another few hundred pages but it is long enough.

While the author Oursler covers some aspects of Christ's life very well, from the Annunciation to Jesus being found in the Temple, he seems to cover a few other events scantly. "The Passion of the Christ" had not been made into film yet and I don't think the whole episode of Christ's Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane is covered enough, for as important as that episode is to the Gospels. I think it is signficant that during the arrest of Jesus, the Pharisees arresting him were indeed all were fallen down by the whole episode and not by physical means, before Jesus the Lamb of God submitted to their arrest. I do enjoy however, the trial of Jesus by the Sanhedrin in court. I do find this to be a very viable visualization of how such a trial may have taken place.

The Nativity narrative may well take some from the Apocrypha, Protovangelium, Infant Gospel of James, whereas, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne accompany Joseph and Mary during the birth of the Christ-child. I do find the first part of the book thoroughly enjoying in relating those incidences we know best from the Gospel of Luke and some from the Gospel of Matthew. I do understand that Herod probably did have some Arabic blood in him, in part if not totally, but I am not sure if an apt description for Herod is calling him an Arab King as he does two or three times in the book. Still, this is a minor detail.


All in all, I am not sure if this is the inspiration for the movie of the same nameThe Greatest Story Ever Told (Movie Only Edition), but the years of Christ's ministry and the parables and the miracles he worked with are well covered here as well, considering this book was written shortly after World War II. It also has made me want to read other biographical type books on Jesus. This book is very much worthy of reading and to then relate one's own knowledge of the Gospels back to it.

It is an excellent book to visualize every detail of Jesus' life.

When will "The Greatest Story Ever Told " be released on Kindle ebook? It is available on the nook but the scanning is atrocious. There are many words not spelled correctly. Come on Amazon .This is a book easly understood by people of all ages. It brings the bible to life

This book is a narrative of the life of Christ. The author fills in the parts of the story that are left out of the Biblical record of the life of Christ. The account starts with Joseph and Mary and ends with a discussion about Christ's resurrection.

Let me first say that I do not enjoy reading fiction and that is what this book is. I prefer reading books that are factual or tell me something, not just a story for entertainment. That being said, the author had some interesting and creative ideas about the unknown parts of Christ's life.

I can't say I agreed with how the author portrayed some of the characters. For example, the author seems to make Judas Iscariot look like he was almost tricked into giving up Jesus. Even the end where Annas and Caiphas are sitting around talking, wondering if they had made a mistake seemed a little strange. But it is possible.

Overall, I can't say I would recommend this book for everyone to read. I think it serves a good purpose to broaden the traditional thinking of mature Christians. On the other hand, I can see how it might confuse those that are new to the faith.

But I can also see the value of this book if it gets someone interested enough to study the life of Christ more closely and deeply with Scripture.

That is just my opinion. Billy Graham wrote an introduction in this edition and J. Edger Hoover also wrote a brief statement about the book as well. They seemed to think it is a good book. So I guess you'll have to just read it yourself and come to your own conclusion.

A wonderfully-written insight into the life of Jesus from the time of the Annunciation through the death of this Son of God. I recommend it to anyone who would like to become a better person through understanding why Jesus became man and came to teach us the meaning of "love your neighbor". To know and to practice this lesson actually will bring real "peace on earth".