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This is not light reading, but it is insightful, scholarly, and deeply spiritual. The Pope's understanding of Scripture in light of the traditions and liturgy of the Church, lead the reader to new and more intimate understandings of the mysteries hidden in the texts. These are not "inventions of Scripture" or private interpretations, but rather open gates to a deeper and broader understanding of the infinite love nature of God through Jesus, and His plan for the redemption of humankind. I can't wait for the second volume of Benedict's work to be completed.
Almost immediately, I was impressed by the Pope's writing style and in depth analysis of Jesus of Nazareth. The Pope's image of Jesus is one compatible with objective historical analysis and Christian faith.He walks readers through the major events and themes of the early parts of Jesus' life and ministry. I did not know what to expect when delving into Pope Benedict's writing on Jesus. These views he conveys thoughtfully in simple language and style that offers insights and depth for the scholarly readers and plain teachings for lay readers and those learning about Jesus for the first time.His introduction sets the scene of the landscape in which he writes about a topic that has been the most fully scrutinized in history. His teaching is conguent with what I have learned as a Protestant and at an Anglican seminary. This is truly a book for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation or background. He shares with readers a faith-inspired Jesus who he believes is also the Jesus of history.
To many western readers, the Pope will introduce a different perspective from the East, Europe and the early church. Although growing up as a Roman Catholic, I have been Protestant for 20 years. He shares considerable insights based on his own faith and analysis, as well as drawing from scholars of all ages including the early Fathers. The Pope writes about Jesus with the knowledge and consideration of a theologian and Bible scholar who has read with interest the plethora of scholarship available and has formed his own reasoned and faithful views. He has considered the critics, the facts, the obvious, the subjective and objective views on Jesus. I especially appreciated his writing on the Sermon on the Mount, The Lord's Prayer, the images of John's gospel and the identify of Jesus. I encourage you to read this book.
when I commented that it might easier for me if I had a PhD in Philosophy, he just said that I'll have to read it more than once, that he's already read it twice. Since it was obviously translated to English from German, several terms are not household words, so have your dictionary and the Glossary in hand.
Since I have not finished the book, I can give only preliminary impressions of the content. Pope Benedict has created an authoritarian study of the meanings of Jesus' teachings.
It is thoroughly thought provoking, an extremely scholarly documentation, based on the Popes extensive research. But so far, the Pope's text relies on extensive research and explanations from the authors of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John).
And he also establishes the divinity of Jesus by comparing many of His actions to the prophets, recalled from the 1st Testament; and how He was perceived by the Jewish hierarchy during that period. My good friend who initially introduced the work to me has read the book in it's entirety.
and he is a PhD in Educational Technology.
Further the book is described as "my personal search 'for the face of the Lord'". Based upon the style and the vocabulary used in the book it is best suited for people with a background in theology or biblical studies. The book is unintelligible to the average reader. I found nothing "personal" in the book at all. To me if a book is supposed to be about a "personal search" it should be written in first person and it was not.
THIS WAS TRULY A GREAT BOOK111 VERY WELL WRITTEN AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND. I HAVE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF READING IT.
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