• 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
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (703 ratings)

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Jesus of Nazareth

By: Pope Benedict XVI
Narrated by: Don Leslie
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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.

What listeners say about Jesus of Nazareth

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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!!!!!

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24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A View That Everybody Should See

I found this book to be read by a master. He knows his subject well and the telling of the person of Jesus is made crystal clear.
The author, using references from the old and new testaments as well as from Fathers of the Church and prominent scholars takes the reader back to the time of Jesus. The reader is at times awe-struck by the newness of the person of Jesus. Old beliefs that have been accepted with no passion now come alive. The voices ofthe prophets and saints who point to the truth of Jesus are loud and clear.
This book is not only interesting but intriguing as well. A book that I will ponder for many years. Don't miss it.

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24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

To know the man.

Pope Benedict has written a book that clearly teaches the Catholic Church's beliefs about Jesus of Nazarath. He presents the churches orthodox teaching about the True God-True Man - Jesus of Nararath. He provides an historical context for this teaching, both within the larger Judio-Christian traditions, but also within the historical framework needed to understand the person of Jesus.

Furthermore, he has written in a language and style that doesn't require a PhD in Theology. His book not only accurately and clearly teaches the churches doctrine and belief in Jesus as True God and True Man, he has, as I believe, he has in all his books written a spiritual treasure, that will bring the faithful not only to a deeper understanding of their faith, but brings us to a personal encounter with Jesus.

Highly recommended.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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!

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A poor sinner

Pope Benedict XVI is a genius, this book is 100,000 miles deep yet understandable by this poor half witted sinner.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Well Done

I've read (listened) to over 100 audible books over the years and this particular one is hands down the ablsolute best. The narration is excellent and the content is incredible. Pope Benedict XVI is very approachable in his writing style. His insights are absolute gems. I've studied the scripture quite a bit however he brings a "newness" to my understanding. I am really looking forward to Audible's release of the 2nd part of this book.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Simply Awesome

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

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

self justifying apologetics

First let me say that I am a faithful Catholic. I eagerly downloaded this when it first appeared, trying to give the then new Pope a chance, despite the conservative reputation that preceded him to the papal "throne." It took me two years (and many grinded teeth) to finish the listen.

Second, remember that Ratzinger states that he offers this book as a theologian, not as Pope.

He lost me at the first mention of woman (why they can't be priests, for example).

Know that this is not the only Christology offered by Catholic theolgians.

The smugly sounding narrator matches the tone of the text.

Do yourself a favour and download the bio of Pope John XXIII available on this site or any of Garry Wills' books, if you want a bit of Catholic theology. Even better (if you don't mind dull narrators), download respected theologian Father Hans Kung's history of the Catholic Church. That's five star content that will remain in print long after this apology for misogyny and other forms of traditional short sightedness.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

EXCELLENT listen!!

Would you listen to Jesus of Nazareth again? Why?

EXCELLENT listen!! The 16 hours of listening to this book was like being in a hillside discussion with the former Pope as he unpacked the Scriptures. I loved the way he poses questions and then explores all the possible answers showing that the question is much more important than the answer.

If I had a criticism, after finishing this book I am left to wonder if the only exegetes worth reading are German.

Have you listened to any of Don Leslie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Don Leslie is excellent as the narrator, in particular in his pronunciations as Benedict references many German authors.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend this to anyone who want to go deeper in understanding Jesus. Benedict does not talk over heads too much but he does use common theological terms like exegesis without explaining them. The fruit you will gain from this is well worth the effort.

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3 people found this helpful