Jesus of Nazareth

The Infancy Narratives

By: Pope Benedict XVI

Narrated by: Dan Woren

Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

The momentous third and final volume in the Pope’s international best-selling Jesus of Nazareth series, detailing how the stories of Jesus’ infancy and childhood are as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago.

In 2007, Joseph Ratzinger published his first book as Pope Benedict XVI in order “to make known the figure and message of Jesus”. Now, the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. This is a story of longing and seeking, as demonstrated by the Magi searching for the redemption offered by the birth of a new king. It is a story of sacrifice and trusting completely in the wisdom of God as seen in the faith of Simeon, the just and devout man of Jerusalem, when he is in the presence of the Christ child. Ultimately, Jesus’ life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy.

Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, born in 1927 in Germany, has been head of the Roman Catholic Church since April 2005. A prolific author, theologian, and university professor, Ratzinger served as an “expert” at the Second Vatican Council, and was appointed in 1977 by Pope Paul VI to lead the German Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to head the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he served until his papal election.

©2012 Pope Benedict XVI (P)2012 Random House Audio

An Insightful Book from a Great Theologian

I truly enjoyed the audio book by Pope Benedict XVI which is nicely narrated by Dan Woren. The Holy Father's intelligence shines through but in a most understandable way that is not above the head of the average reader (like me). The media has misrepresented some passages of the book by accusing the Pope of attacking certain aspects of Christmas as if what he reveals is a shocking revelation. The Holy Father is simply recording what appears in the Gospels and what does not (that perhaps angels spoke rather than sang and that no specific animals are recorded in the Gospels as actually being present at Jesus' birth), none of which makes a difference to Church Teaching, but are possibly just traditions we have come to believe although they are not recorded in the Gospels. The Pope is not speaking from a Magisterial perspective but is writing down, as he says, what he has discovered in his own personal search for the Face of the Lord. We are certainly not bound to believe them if we don't want to. At the very least he gives us good food for thought and much to meditate on. It is always enjoyable hearing what an intelligent mind has to say, particularly a theologian of Pope Benedict's caliber.

Well worth it

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is the first book in a very long time that I listened to again immediately after the first listen. Rich in theology and a good performance. I would recommend this to anyone

Heavenly Inspired Exceptionally Written!!

What did you love best about Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives?

Pope Benedict does an excellent job in explaining all the hidden but not obvious events that bring salvation to us in the first days leading up to the birth of our Saviour.

What other book might you compare Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives to and why?

Strongly Recommend anything written by Pope Benedict. Never knew how an excellent theologian he was. Also anything written by Scott Hahn, Tim Gray, Peter Kreeft, and Patrick Madrid.These authors have excellent knowledge of the fullness of the faith.Will definitely help you understand everything there is to know about the Bible and our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

No I haven't. But I did love the way he read. Very impressed with pronunciation and excitement. Will definitely look for more of his narratition.

Theologically sound

Loved it! This examination into the infancy of Jesus was insightful as well as illuminating. This work has helped me to further my understanding of the entire plan of God in salvation through Jesus Christ. Bravo!

Pope Benedict XVI at his usual best

Any additional comments?

I've listened to this wonderful book several times now and each time I get new insights into my ever developing relationship with Our Lord

deep analysis

accessible, but very deep and scholarly. an enjoyable read for Advent. much shorter and easier to work through than the other Jesus of Nazareth on his life and ministry

Easy listening

Thoughtful insights. Compare to Brant Pitre's book on Mary for a more in depth historical look at some aspects of Jewish antiquity regarding marriage and vows of chastity

Jesus of Nazareth

excellent wise exquisite content. this book must be read and listened.
I enjoyed it very much and the narrator was outstanding.

excellent read

very easy to understand and very revealing, I recommend it to everyone who wants to understand the word of God

Phenomenal

What an incredible theologian - thanks be to God for the life, leadership and writings of Pope Benedict XVI