Jesus before Christianity
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Jesus Before Christianity ('76, '01) by Albert Nolan, O.P. is a book which removes the lens of Christianity from looking at the historical Jesus & provides the context for the times in which Jesus lived & taught his people. Interestingly, Nolan minimizes Jesus' supernatural acts & even his divinity, but in a way that more greatly emphasizes the radicalness of the Way he taught. Thus our faith in Jesus as son of God is increased by knowing him as a human being. Nolan points how that Jesus never proclaimed his authority nor stated that he was divine & did not even defend himself in his trial, all of which teach us something important about his nature.
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Nolan pictures Jesus as a prophet for a coming of calamity (Roman conquest that would come around 70 CE), who wanted not to lead a military revolt but to protect Israel by having people change themselves. He showed care for the poor & oppressed at a time when they were thought to be beyond saving, & taught healing & forgiveness. The "Kingdom" (a word that in the original Greek refers to both a domain & to the quality of royal power & isn't gender specific) of God is discussed thoroughly over several chapters, outlining a very real vision Jesus had for his people. Nolan also dissects the confrontation that he had with the Jewish & Roman leaders that led to his execution.—Liam (edited)
Liked Jesus before Christianity? Here’s where I’d start.
These suit anyone who liked Jesus before Christianity. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.
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The Meaning of Jesus Shares theology, religion, jesus -
Man Is Not Alone: A Philosophy of Religion Shares religion, theology, nonfiction -
The Real Jesus: The Misguided Quest for the Historical Jesus & the Truth of the Traditional Gospels Shares theology, religion, jesus -
An Introduction to the New Testament Shares religion, theology, nonfiction
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Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power - And How They Can Be Restored
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The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims
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Tao of Islam: A Sourcebook on Gender Relationships in Islamic Thought