Life of Jesus

Who He Is and Why He Matters

What really happened back in the first century, in Jerusalem and around the Sea of Galilee, that changed the shape of world history? Who is this figure that emerges from history to have a profound impact on culture, ethics, politics, and philosophy? Join historian John Dickson on this journey through the life of Jesus. This book, which features a self-contained discussion guide for use with Life of Jesus DVD, will help you and your friends dig deeper into what is known about Jesus’ life and why it matters. “John Dickson has done a marvelous job of presenting the story of Jesus, and the full meaning of that story, in a way that is both deeply faithful to the biblical sources and refreshingly relevant to tomorrow's world and church. I strongly recommend this study to anyone who wants to re-examine the deep historical roots of Christian faith and to find them as life-giving as they ever were.”—Tom Wright

Jesus? so what

historical context and evidence for who Jesus thought he was, who others thought he was and what that might mean 2000 years later

Thoughtful

I'm not a believer, but I remain interested in and sympathetic toward Christianity. John Dickson's thoughtful analysis - a "biography from a believer," to use a phrase associated with another recent biography of Jesus - didn't change my mind about theological matters. But he does write gently and persuasively on the subject and is obviously well-versed in current research on the history of first-century Palestine. If someone WERE able to change my mind, it would be someone like him.

This is, in short, an excellent review of the historical Jesus from a frankly Christian perspective. Committed Christians who have been wary of stepping into these waters should give the book a try: they will come away with a stronger sense of the historical and theological underpinnings of their faith. Those who are outside the fold, like me, should give the book a listen as well, if only to see that it's possible to have a calm and reasoned discussion of the issues.

I was partly interested because Simon Vance is the narrator, and he always does a superb job with this kind of book. His voice is clear, steady, well-paced, and consistently interesting.

ok

What did you like best about Life of Jesus? What did you like least?

just was hoping for a bit more interesting listen. But not sure what I was expecting for a book like this. Some very interesting parts.