The New Testament Cliffs Notes [Paperback]

Charles H. Patterson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0822008807 | ISBN-13: 978-0822008804 | Publication Date: November 22, 1965 | Edition: 1

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background.

In CliffsNotes on The New Testament, you follow along what's often called "The Greatest Story Ever Told" as it recounts the teachings of the prophet Jesus of Nazareth, who lived 2,000 years ago. It is a rich source of poetry and knowledge and is the rock upon which Christianity stands.

This study guide carries you along on Jesus' incredible journey by providing summaries and commentaries on The New Testament of the Bible. Other features that help you study include

• An introduction to the New Testament
• The historical background of Christianity
• An outline of the life of Jesus
• A selected bibliography that leads you to more great resources

Classic literature or modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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Product Details

• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes; 1 edition (November 22, 1965)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822008807
• ISBN-13: 978-0822008804
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Reference > Criticism & Interpretation
  • #50 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Study Guides
  • #55 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Encyclopedias > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great historical background, February 18, 2005

By 

Jane James "homeschoolmum" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Testament Cliffs Notes (Paperback)

I never thought I'd review Cliff Notes! However, I really like this one.

This book gives great historical and cultural information, which has really helped my understanding of the New Testament. I realized, when reading this, that there is a lot more to understanding the New Testament than I had gotten from just reading the Bible. Without the historical background, some things just didn't make so much sense. And the entire story was sort of flat for me before.

I really appreciated the comparative look at the books of the New Testament, and the perspective given on the authors and the intended audience.

Of course this in no way replaces the Bible. But it gave me an understanding I NEVER could have gotten by studying the Bible alone!

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good secular summary. Great launching point., August 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The New Testament Cliffs Notes (Paperback)

Sadly, most self-professed CHRISTIANS I've met have only heard bits and pieces of the NT - and mostly reruns. (Old Testament? Do old movies count?) NON-CHRISTIANS would like to get some Christian basics on short notice: new Christian friends, mid-life crisis, etc. Giving even a well-indexed Bible is counter-productive. If you're looking to help them discover Christianity, you failed.

WHAT THIS BOOK DOES: Summaries and commentaries - yeah, yeah - CF's bread and butter. Additionally, Patterson tells you why each letter/book was written, for whom it was intended and the world-situation in which it was written. Stop. Think about it. That's huge. Want to know about the life of Jesus and only want to read (the summaries and) one gospel, which one and what are the rammifications? What does it means to live a Christian life, which book tells you? Don't care about 1st century circumcision, which books can you skip?

POTENTIAL SHORTCOMINGS: 1) All Cliff's Notes come with their generic disclaimer: "If you really want to know, read it, not these notes." Really want to know about Jesus? Read all four Gospels, followed by the best commentaries (plural!), read the Gospels again, then beat on your mind. 2) Patterson manages to be secular (non-religious) in the extreme. Personally, I was amazed someone could review the NT in such secular terms. If you have Christian faith, you may find this angle of observation downright painful but the historic context will (probably) still be new. I'm a Catholic-raised Agnostic, so I didn't experience the pain. 3) It's really old: 1965. Granted, Christianity isn't Computer Technology but the presentation isn't exactly Gen-X and several Bible versions have undergone major revisions since this baby was written.

I liked it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Provides Historical Background, September 9, 2010

By 

Georgia (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Testament Cliffs Notes (Paperback)

For those who seek a secular understanding of the New Testament, this book provides the background to understand how and why Jesus became the leader of a new religion. It sets the stage to read the New Testament with understanding and perception.