Killing Jesus

A History

By: Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Bill O'Reilly

Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Millions of people have thrilled to best-selling authors Bill O'Reilly and historian Martin Dugard's Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln, works of nonfiction that have changed the way we view history. Now the anchor of The O'Reilly Factor details the events leading up to the murder of the most influential man in history: Jesus of Nazareth. Nearly 2,000 years after this beloved and controversial young revolutionary was brutally killed by Roman soldiers, more than 2.2 billion human beings attempt to follow his teachings and believe he is God. Killing Jesus will take listeners inside Jesus' life, recounting the seismic political and historical events that made his death inevitable and changed the world forever.

©Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Awesome, loved it.... but.

This was my first "read" in the killing series. I love the story of Jesus and have been wanting to hear a more historical view point of his life story. I think Bill nailed it. Throughout the book, he has footnotes telling where that bit of info or text came from. I do have one issue though, its a sort of test I have for religious experts and Bill failed in my view. When he talked about the repentant prostitute washing jesus's feet with her hair, tears and expensive perfume. I waited, and then he said it, her name was Mary Magdalene. NOOOO, not true! That women is never mentioned by name in the bible. It was Pope Gregory The Great who surmised it was Mary. When I hear that repeated by someone who should know better, it makes me question all the other things they are talking about. However, Bill does say he wrote this book not solely based on the bible but also on historical writers and writings as well. I'll give him a pass.

Bill O'Reilly and the Context of Christ.

Would you consider the audio edition of Killing Jesus to be better than the print version?

Yes, O' Reilly continues to show his chops for narration.

What other book might you compare Killing Jesus to and why?

Killing Kennedy, Killing Lincoln. I thing the reasons are obvious.

What does Bill O'Reilly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

When I read I tend to miss a lot of verbal inflections and without those I tend to miss what is actually meant. O' Reilly makes everything clear with his words and his voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There is a moment at the very beginning of the book when O' Reilly says that Jesus came to save the world and not condemn it. This is John 3:17, spoken by Jesus to the Pharisee, Nicodemus, who Jesus had been calling hypocrites because they had forgotten to love. I think we forget to love too often. I think there are two kinds of Christians, those who know John 3:16, and those who know John 3:16 & 17.

Any additional comments?

The book doesn't contain the Sermon on the Mount, only a mention of it. For a book that attempts to explain who Jesus was, why He died and became famous leaving out His greatest teachings is terrible judgement.

Also, I understand why O' Reilly and Dugard never refer to Jesus as Jesus Christ. It is a big turn off for people who don't believe He was. The author's believe it's better read and buy the book without the Christ part than to not read it at all. As a practicing Christian I disagree. After all if Jesus wasn't the son of God than He was crazy because He told everyone He was and horrifically abused for it. To surrender the acknowledgement that Jesus was God so people learn His teachings is to surrender His teachings making them pointless.

kept me listening

Excellent story ,well done ,have to read some more of his work.his research is captivating.

Excellent

The writers took great historical care in writing this book. it is a great read, and I recommend to anyone interested in knowing more about Jesus.

Excellent

This has increased my belief in my Lord in Savior. Brought a vivid picture to life in times to the greatest event in human history.

good

its nice to find a story about jesus that tells fact and not clouded by different religious views

Amazing

Bill did a fantastic job! I learned things that I never knew before about Jesus. This book/audio is not just a book about Jesus, but it's also about history. I will listen to it again.

Good

I liked it. I'm new to the Bible so I can't give an opinion on accuracy. I will say that all the main points are things I have read in the bible. This book seems to fill in some gaps with colorful, descriptive, and accurate scenes. The Roman details running parallel to Jesus life was exceptionally interesting.

Great Historical Account of the life of Jesus!

Where does Killing Jesus rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranked 2nd among Bill O'Reilly's recent books. I thought "Killing Kennedy" was better.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Killing Jesus?

All parts were good, but enjoyed the history of the Romans and the unusual dynamic between the Jewish hierarchy and the Roman governors. Also, much of the story I had only heard through the bible, not the historical view. I took American History in college, but lacking on my world history knowledge. Bill's co-writer/researcher, Martin Duggard, does excellent work! I did like that this work was focused strictly on the historical aspect of Jesus' life, without the religious views. We all know what we believe, but are unfamiliar with what the political landscape was in that particular time.

What does Bill O'Reilly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Bill is an excellent reader..........when he reads his own writing, he puts emphasis on important points. I like that!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

Love audible books............I am addicted!

A Powerful History Book

Would you consider the audio edition of Killing Jesus to be better than the print version?

Both are excellent, but the audio seems to make the facts jump out at you for better retention.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Killing Jesus?

As a Christian, the facts describing Jesus' suffering were felt deeply by me. But knowing about the politics and specific locations of events absolutely blew my mind. It gave me a much greater perspective of the emotional and physical atmosphere of the day, and fed my curiosity like no other history book I can remember ever reading.

What does Bill O'Reilly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice inflections brought out significant emotions in me that surpassed those I felt when I was reading the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

This must surely be endorsed by all historical buffs of every age.

Any additional comments?

We are fortunate to have someone like Bill O'Reilly who has the means and research team available to bring such historical facts to us.