Jesus Christ
Published on 8. April 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-0-19-532543-0 (ISBN)
Description
Illuminating the life of Jesus--his historical context, his religious teachings, and the changing perceptions of him over the centuries--this lavishly illustrated volume offers one of the most comprehensive and authoritative accounts available of this great and charismatic man. Featuring some 180 illustrations (including 20 full-color maps) and numerous boxed and sidebar features that shed light on interesting facets of the story, Jesus Christ
paints a vivid portrait of Christ's life from the Nativity to the Ascension. Drawing on the Gospels and other evidence, J. R. Porter disentangles many of the mysteries and confusions surrounding the life of the historical Jesus--such as the role of women in his career and the political issues surrounding his
trial--and paints a detailed background portrait of all aspects of society in first-century Palestine, from the fishing communities of Lake Galilee to life under Roman rule. Porter also explores the teachings of Christ, looking at his use of parable, his view of Hebrew Scriptures, his attitude toward the law, and his thinking about the Kingdom of God. The book assesses the many interpretations of Christ through the ages, from his immediate impact on the early Church, to the changing image of
Jesus in art and illustration, to his perceived role as apocalyptic preacher, revolutionary, mystic, and prophet. A marvelous gift at Easter time or for a child's confirmation, this attractive, informative volume gives us an inspiring portrait of one of the most complex figures in world
history.
paints a vivid portrait of Christ's life from the Nativity to the Ascension. Drawing on the Gospels and other evidence, J. R. Porter disentangles many of the mysteries and confusions surrounding the life of the historical Jesus--such as the role of women in his career and the political issues surrounding his
trial--and paints a detailed background portrait of all aspects of society in first-century Palestine, from the fishing communities of Lake Galilee to life under Roman rule. Porter also explores the teachings of Christ, looking at his use of parable, his view of Hebrew Scriptures, his attitude toward the law, and his thinking about the Kingdom of God. The book assesses the many interpretations of Christ through the ages, from his immediate impact on the early Church, to the changing image of
Jesus in art and illustration, to his perceived role as apocalyptic preacher, revolutionary, mystic, and prophet. A marvelous gift at Easter time or for a child's confirmation, this attractive, informative volume gives us an inspiring portrait of one of the most complex figures in world
history.
Reviews / Votes
"An exquisite book that does two things very well. First, it summarizes in clear, interesting, nontechnical writing many of the results of scholarly research on the historical Jesus. Second, it offers a feast for the eyes and mind through lavish reproductions of art work, primarily paintings, illustrating events from Jesus' life.... A glossary index, list of abbreviations, and wonderful, on-target bibliography make the book even more useful. Highly recommendedas the perfect introduction for lay readers to scholarship on the historical Jesus."--Library Journal
"Marvelously involving.... Crossreferencing is virtually constant, so one can begin reading anywhere and be drawn in deeper and deeper. An absolutely first-class production."--Booklist
"Next to the bible, this book may be the best introduction to Jesus Christ that most of us will ever read.... A striking history of what life was like in the days of Jesus.... This is a wonderful book, one any educated person, Christian or not, might want to have in his home as a convenient reference to one of the central figures of world history."--Wisconsin State Journal
"A handsome, valuable, and thoroughly accessible new book....The quality of some of the images, especially the mosaics, is good enough to spark a pilgrimage to see the originals.... The whole is masterly in its clarity, concision, and comprehensiveness. Porter's familiarity with scripture is profound, and he commands the knowledge gained from a long and distinguished career in biblical history and scholarship."--Linda L. Giedl, Christian Science
Monitor
"Porter provides a fine presentation on the Jesus of history and couples it with superb full-color illustrations and art reproductions. His text gives succinct and accurate summaries of what we know of the social and political context of Palestine in Jesus' day, and equally informed and well-balanced assessments of what we know of the circumstances of Jesus' life and the content of his teaching....This book would make a beautiful gift, a feast for the eyes and
the mind."--The Bible Today
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Illustrations
Weight
776 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-532543-0 (9780195325430)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
J.R. Porter is Professor Emeritus of Theology at the University of Exeter and a former Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. A renowned scholar, he has served for twenty years as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England and has held many other prominent posts throughout his distinguished career. He lives in the United Kingdom.
Content
Introduction
THE SETTING
The Geographical Background
The Political Background
The Religious Background
Society and Economy -
THE LIFE
Sources
The Birth of Jesus
Infancy and Youth
The Call to Ministry
The ministry of Galilee
The Approach of the Passion
Condemnation and Crucifixion
The Aftermath
THE TEACHINGS
How Jesus Taught
The Ethics of Jesus
INTERPRETATIONS
How Jesus Saw Himself
The Man and the Message
JESUS IN ART
Glossary
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index
Picture Credits
THE SETTING
The Geographical Background
The Political Background
The Religious Background
Society and Economy -
THE LIFE
Sources
The Birth of Jesus
Infancy and Youth
The Call to Ministry
The ministry of Galilee
The Approach of the Passion
Condemnation and Crucifixion
The Aftermath
THE TEACHINGS
How Jesus Taught
The Ethics of Jesus
INTERPRETATIONS
How Jesus Saw Himself
The Man and the Message
JESUS IN ART
Glossary
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index
Picture Credits