Customer Reviews

Jesus The Sorcerer

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This book consists mainly of comparisons between known magical practices of the time and, using sources both biblical and pagan, draws striking similarities to suggest that Jesus was a practitioner of sorcery. Well, you could probably tell that from the title, right? Anyway, the author gives the subject a highly academic treatment, often delving into the etymology of the words which described Jesus and the cultural context they appeared in while making use of new sources that have been swept under the rug by the church. There is also a fascinating discussion of homoerotic elements to early Christianity and Jesus's relationship with Lazarus. The author makes it clear that he is not writing to Christians and takes many things for granted about his audience... which is perhaps just as well since most Christians would hate what this book says about their messiah. It mostly draws from an earlier text "Jesus the Magician" by Mortan Smith, but due to the obscurity and limited availability of this work, this new study may make a valuable substitution. Otherwise, this book is well researched, brutally honest, and says what needs to be said!