Jesus of Nazareth

From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration

By: Pope Benedict XVI

Narrated by: Don Leslie

Length: 13 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

In this bold, momentous work, the pope, in his first book written as Benedict XVI, seeks to salvage the person of Jesus from recent "popular" depictions and to restore Jesus' true identity as discovered in the Gospels. Through his brilliance as a theologian and his personal conviction as a believer, the pope shares a rich, compelling, flesh-and-blood portrait of Jesus and incites us to encounter, face-to-face, the central figure of the Christian faith.

From Jesus of Nazareth: "The great question that will be with us throughout this entire book: But what has Jesus really brought, then, if he has not brought world peace, universal prosperity, and a better world? What has he brought? The answer is very simple: God. He has brought God! He has brought the God who once gradually unveiled his countenance first to Abraham, then to Moses and the prophets, and then in the wisdom literature: the God who showed his face only in Israel, even though he was also honored among the pagans in various shadowy guises. It is this God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the true God, whom he has brought to the peoples of the earth. He has brought God, and now we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world. Jesus has brought God and with God the truth about where we are going and where we come from: faith, hope, and love."

©2007 Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Citta del Vaticano and RCS Libri S.p.A., Milan. English translation 2007 Doubleday. Translated from the German by Adrian J. Walker (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Mind & Soul expanding

So much more than I was expecting. I feel humbled by how much depth I overlooked in the gospels. I’m left in constant reflection on the newfound clarity and hungry to learn more. Truly a theological masterpiece.
You will not be disappointed.
The narration is amongst the best as well.
Thank you and peace be with you
🙏🏼

Inspired, trustworthy theology

Benedict XVI was a holy person, there is no question. He is one of the few theologians you can read and be completely certain you are getting the truth. This puts your mind in a place where you can truly connect with the material. You will come back to this title over and over again. It is simply wonderful theology.

a must read for Protestans and Catholics!

As a non-Catholic but a Bible believing Christian I found this scholarly but understandable work one of the finest works of Biblical explanations of Christ Our Savior. I sincerely request all non-Catholic readers to look into this book. It will open insights to the scriptures you never knew existed.

For non-Christians, especially our Jewish Brethren, The Pope goes through over 100 pages of the Torah and discusses what the Historical Jesus has to say towards the Jewish People. An Amazing Chapter!

Two THUMBS WAY UP!!!!!

Great Content Beautifully Narrated

This book brought Jesus to life in a compelling new way for me. It is a book that is more comprehendable in listening to it aloud -- I had the feeling that I was sitting at a wonderful teacher's feet in much the same way that Jesus' disciples did 2000 years ago. The reader in the audioversion did a remarkable job of capturing Benedict's gentle persona. I have since ordered the printed copy of Jesus of Nazareth to be able to reread in further depth.

A previous reviewer's comment (gentle warning) about the dry and academic character of the introduction is very helpful. I almost didn't get through it thinking it was going to be well beyond me but am very glad I did. The book came more alive with fresh insight on each new page.

Highly recommended!

Simply Awesome

This powerful work refocuses the Church on her central mission -- preaching Christ. Make the purchase!

a CHALLENGE to Follow

The Book is written by a premier Theologian, meant for educated and versed individuals. I am guessing it is not meant to be a quick read. I am great full to spend the time with such a trained Theologian, interpreting The God Who Became Man Remaining God.

Most in depth. Very much enjoyed. Great narration.

Couple this with Romano Guardini's The Lord and you have an understanding of scripture and Jesus like none other.

Awesome

I love this book so much, he manages to be scholarly and deeply spiritual. This was assigned reading for a theology class I'm taking so I had to speed through it, but I could spend all year reading little bits at a time just so I can pause and reflect on all the amazing insights. The narrator's voice is pleasant, too.

Great Insights

This book offers great insights into familiar Gospel accounts and concepts. The book should be of interest to anyone (Catholic and non-Catholic alike) who wants to learn more about Jesus as he is found in the Sacred Scriptures.

It may be helpful to know that the Foreward and Introduction are somewhat academic and some listeners may find them a little dry. Once you get into the first chapter of the book, however, it becomes very interesting and easier to follow.

Ratzinger Brilliant!

Pope Benedict the XVI is the most brilliant theologian in the past 500 years. He did not disappoint with taking on the life of Christ. I enjoyed the audible version because it kept me moving along; you see, I tend to "chew" on the written version since there is so much depth and beauty to his writing. He really knows how to pack a lot into one simple phrase.