Customer Reviews

Jesus Christ: The Jesus of History, the Christ of Faith

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

 

 

This is a beautifully produced volume, and could be a very good `first book', because it is comprehensive, reliable and clearly presented. It seeks to highlight some of the factors that have inspired the continuing quest to discover the historical Jesus of Nazareth. It begins by placing Jesus in his first-century setting against the religious, social and political conditions of the world of his day. Then Jesus' own life is considered. The relevant sources are reviewed and analysed, followed by discussions of the birth, infancy and youth, call to ministry in Galilee, the approach of the passion, condemnation and crucifixion and the aftermath. His teachings are outlined, with particular attention to how he taught and his ethical message. Finally, the work turns to interpretations of Jesus, how he saw himself and the different ways in which he has been understood in various religions and societies and schools of thought through the centuries, Thus the book covers a great deal of ground but each topic is treated separately, though with numerous cross-references, so that any particular theme can be easily grasped and assimilated. Porter's approach is throughout objective, even-handed and sensible. There is a full index, an extensive bibliography for further study and a 25-page splendidly illustrated treatment of Jesus in art.

This book is designed in short segments (approx 3 pages each) rather than long chapters. This makes reading this book cover-to-cover something doable in many short time intervals or fewer long ones...so if fits around your life in the same way that Reader's Digest does. I would read a segment or two each night just before bed, but the writing is so readable that you don't want to put it down. The balance of text and art is excellent and can easily be a coffee-table book. The historical information presented is interesting and eye-opening if you haven't read much about Christian history. It reveals what we have and what we don't have in terms of historical evidence, and it increased my interest in reading more about the historical documents not included in our Bible's canon. Putting Jesus' life into the context of history and the social and political environment of Palestine, this book is very helpful in understanding many parts of His ministry and its impact upon the people of his time.

Porter's book is one of those rare books in which the ample illustrations actually enhance the text. Many books simply throw in a bunch of illustrations without regard for extending the text. Porter's choices are excellent, making this book not only readable, but highly informative. In that regard, the book is one of the most thorough looks at the historical Jesus. Quite frankly, I don't personally subscribe to some of Porter's interpretations, but he has organized the book in a meaningful way and presented his material thoughtfully. Moreover, he covers a great deal of territory, beyond the straight forward events surrounding Jesus. My major criticism of the book is that it is not well documented, but I suppose that was an editorial choice to make this a more readable book (which it certainly is). Because of this, one has to wonder where Porter comes up with some of the things he says (e.g., a Nazirite is "a person dedicated to God by special vows", "any heavenly supernatural being could be considered a 'Son of God'"). That being said, he offers the most comprehensive review of Jesus' entire life span and discusses many of the controversial topics which are so popular today.

PS - The rating system allows only 4 or 5 stars. I would give this a 4+ if I were able.

I have no idea how this book slipped through the cracks. I never heard of it until one day it appeared on the discount rack at Borders. With lots of colorful pictures and insightful sidebars, does it not look scholarly enough? Would that explain its obscurity?

This is more than a beautiful book; it's carefully researched and fun to read. Oh, that's another sin, isn't it? Scholarly books are supposed to be boring, reserved for the studious.

Here's the deal: If you've ever wondered about all the hoopla surrounding the Historical Jesus, this is a highly recommended first book, taking you deep into the world of first-century Palestine. It's respectful but not evangelical; the typical Christian will find it enlightening while the fundamentalist may not. In a simple example, Matthew and Luke provide long genealogies of Christ, that unfortunately contradict one another. Porter points out that such genealogical compilations were common, and were for political or religious reasons, never intended as a straightforward historical record. They are, in the biblical instance, artificial constructions with a theological aim, needing no harmonizing, and the contradiction between the two should not disturb Christians.

Let's take another example. When Porter discusses the Massacre of the Innocents (King Herod's slaughter of children when Jesus was born), he discusses how the story in Matthew is woven from various biblical themes, probably influenced by Jewish embellishments of the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis. Many scholars hold the view that Matthew has manufactured the entire story. But Porter doesn't downplay the possibility that such a massacre did occur at the hands of Herod; it may be authentic, its victims simply not numerous enough to draw the attention of contemporary historians. Such brutal acts were not unheard of for the time.

This constant determination to present all sides of a discussion--in particular, his portrayal of both the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith--is not being wishy-washy. It's merely good scholarship, and it makes you think.

Beautiful, quite readable, highly recommended.

As A Catholic, I saw this book(Hardcover) at A Local Barnes&Noble, and I couldn't pass on it. It presents alot of sides, (so Far that I am aware) some need verification,others don't. Also has some Controversial methods,
But book overall is good and Doesn't dare question Jesus' Existence as GOD,Jesus Christ, The son and the holy spirit,trinity. I am not sure What J.R. Porter's Background(Religious wise) Is, whether he is a Protestant or not but it is a Good book.

I am very happy with the book I received. I also received it in excellent shape and in a short period of time. The print is small, but alot of information contained in the book.

I think this book is really good for people who belive in Jesus Christ our Savior. It would not be good for people under the age of 16. Parents this is so your kid doeesno't get any ideas. ;)