Who Is This Man?

The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus

By: John Ortberg

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author John Ortberg shares how Jesus' influence has swept over history and how his vision of life continues to impact humanity today.

Jesus' impact on our world is highly unlikely, widely inescapable, largely unknown, and decidedly double-edged. It is unlikely in light of the severe limitations of his earthly life; it is inescapable because of the range of impact; it is unknown because history doesn't connect dots; and it is doubled-edged because his followers have wreaked so much havoc, often in his name.

He is history's most familiar figure, yet he is the man no one knows. His impact on the world is immense and non-accidental. From the Dark Ages to Post-Modernity he is the man who won't go away.

And yet...you can miss him in historical lists for many reasons, maybe the most obvious being the way he lived his life. He did not loudly and demonstrably defend his movement in the spirit of a rising political or military leader. He did not lay out a case that history would judge his brand of belief superior in all future books.

His life and teaching simply drew people to follow him. He made history by starting in a humble place, in a spirit of love and acceptance, and allowing each person space to respond.

His vision of life continues to haunt and challenge humanity. His influence has swept over history bringing inspiration to what has happened in art, science, government, medicine, and education; he has taught humans about dignity, compassion, forgiveness, and hope.

Video study and study guide also available, as well as a Spanish edition.

©2012 John Ortberg (P)2012 Zondervan

NOT narrated by John Ortberg, sadly

Would you try another book from John Ortberg and/or Arthur Morey?

I had the opportunity to hear the author, John Ortberg, teach from this book at the Willow Creek Association Global Leadership summit in August 2012. John was so excited about the lesson that he got the entire audience excited about learning more about the impact Jesus had on our society.

The day after John spoke at the conference, I purchased this audio book and began listening to it with excitement. Well...not only was the person reading not John Ortberg, the narrator was not at all excited about the subject. What's ironic is that John Ortberg said he wrote this book so that people would get excited about who Jesus is and the narrator is NOT excited. LOL

I really wish I had read the description before I purchased this audio book. I recommend downloading video or audio of the author teaching from this book or just reading it instead.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Who Is This Man??

Jesus' impact on social justice in society

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator did not seem excited about the subject matter. One of the reasons I purchased this audio book was the author's enthusiasm for the subject. The standard for non-fiction audio books seems to be a very bland, monotone delivery and in this case it detracted from the book.

Could you see Who Is This Man? being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No. A documentary might work.

Any additional comments?

Re-narrate this book with John Ortberg.

Being read vs. being performed

If you could sum up Who Is This Man? in three words, what would they be?

Lifechanging exploration of Jesus

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Unfortunate choice of narrator. It is hard to concentrate when feeling like you are being read to without proper emphasis on the content. It is just being "read."

Any additional comments?

I would almost ask for a refund or credit. I hope that the audio will be re-done to do this book justice.

Learned so much

John Ortberg is such a great author and I have enjoyed his books so much. This caught me off guard in a good way. I was not only inspired, but learned so much.

Got to listen twice

It was so nice I am listening twice. Love people love God, the only way.

Powerful lessons

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

Like others, I wish the author had read the book. He is more engaging. However the ideas presented in the book will make you think. I've never considered the impact Jesus made on our world with the depth and written by John Ortberg. Great work and well worth the listen.

Eye-Opening Book

John Ortberg delivers a fascinating story about the influence of Christ on our world. You will be amazed on how this man's influence touched things you've never thought about.
Regardless of your belief or lack of belief, check this out.

The BEST BOOK On Jesus Of The Year

Art, architecture, philosophy, language, government, influence, the elevation of children and women. Jesus life changed the world in EVERY way. The only thing I wish could be different would be if John Ortberg would read it himself. However, the person selected to read it was as close to JO as could be possible. Listen to this and it will change your view of the one who changed the world forever.

Excellent

Any additional comments?

Not a wasted word or a fluffy story, every word is powerful, every aspect is compelling - he is a great thinker and has given the human race a gift in this book. Well researched, profound! I found myself repeatedly thinking, AMEN, wow, that is fresh, wow, thank you Jesus!

Mind blowing!

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

Yes, I don't have the words to explain how good this book it. AWESOME is an understatement.

What did you like best about this story?

It was easy to listen to and It was very informative. The truth told about Jesus days and how that truth affects today is incredible. I sat in Awe (goose bumps, sometime tears) at every end of each chapter. The author is anointed by God. That is the only way he could have written this.

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

Yes, I had to buy the book as well. Listening and reading, made it even harder for me to spread it out over 2 weeks, so I can study the book after listening to the chapter. I listened/read a chapter a day took a few days breaks on those days of breaks I thought about the book.

Any additional comments?

I can't even begin to tell anyone how awesome it is... They will just have to listen/read it for themselves. For those that don't believe in God/Jesus this is a great book to read. It may not make them 100% believers but it might just make them have more questions.

Excellent read

This book is simple and profound at the same time Really gives an excellent overview of what happened because of Jesus

Disappointing in the extreme

Sadly, I cannot rate this book highly. I feel that rather than exalting Christ Jesus it overall left me thinking when is the author going to raise Jesus up to whom He truly is....the only begotten Son of God. The author yes lifted Him to being a different teacher having different impact but little more. Indeed whilst there were some thoughtful points especially about Jesus treatment of women, it fell way short. I profess I could not finish this book, I asked myself the question " does this work elevate and extol Jesus Christ, does this work enrich my understanding, will this work pass into history as a work that should be kept and reread? Unequivocally it does not. Maybe further in the author lifts Christ to be beyond a great teacher I hope he did, for without the absolute identity of whom Jesus is and why He came incarnate Son of God to redeem the whole of creation then it is of little use to anyone for it denigrates Christ Jesus. Alarm bells rang from the beginning " forget about the divinity of Jesus"...this one sentence should to discerning ears tell you everything you need to know.

An eye opener!

This book should be on the reading list for schools. It is brilliantly presented, an easy read and yet it takes you through the most important and challenging facts about Jesus.

A great book

Where does Who Is This Man? rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the most informative christian books i have listened to.

Any additional comments?

A must for all interested in christianity