More than a purely historical account, thank God

I was reluctant at first to read this, but I've often found that I've got a lot out of the books that I don't want to read and this again turned out much better than I expected. A few standouts for me: the foreword on his take on historical methodology was amazing and I think excellent; the narrator was also excellent (I hope he is working on the next volume); I was happy to hear the Pope quote from the ancient scrolls found in Nag Hammadi (don't know if I spelled that right) and the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas; and I really like and agree with his insistence that something truly amazing occurred with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, something that had a real tangible impact on people's lives and gave enough strength and impetus to found the church.

I'm a newcomer to Christianity but I've been reading quite widely for much of my life. This is quite dense in parts, which is sometimes good, although on the second listen it occasionally seemed unnecessary and a bit repetitive. Also on the second listen I realised that the Pope was maybe rather cheeky on a few occasions when he says that he can't engage with the extensive literature on a given point, but then proceeds to summarise his view of the main arguments and then say what the true interpretation is, although I suppose that this is the role of a Pope, and it does agree with his methodological approach which goes beyond the limitations of the critical historical approach, taking the bible as a whole as a true description of a series of events that cannot be described or explained in simple human terms.

As a newcomer, I learnt many practical things about some of the basic practices and beliefs of the Catholic church, which was an added and unexpected benefit.

There are many, many good things in this book, which of course needs to be read in the context of other texts. Not even the Popes are able to have the last word on the eternal mysteries of the Christian faith, but my minor misgivings should not deter anyone from reading and re-reading, learning and growing in faith and community from this marvellous book.

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Wow!!! What’s a faith and intellect!!!

This is one of the deepest and wonderful theological books! I love intellectual honesty and criticism of the author! Fantastic work!!!

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Excellent

This book was very listenable and deepened my knowledge, and dare I say faith. Sometimes I come across books that are good for my soul, but seldom by theologians. Benedict XVI was more than just an excellent theologian. In few places I regretted that I only have an audiobook version because I would want to re-read some sections to ‘chew’ on them. Excellent overall.

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Fascinating and inspiring

The book brings a lifetime of study into a coherent and convincing account of who Jesus Christ is. Many hidden depths of the gospel accounts are revealed, based on the awareness of the culture of the time and the pre-Christian writings and expectations which are fulfilled in Jesus. Well worth reading for any Christian and even for those who want to understand why the life of Christ is so important and what his followers believe.

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Excellent book about Jesus Christ

I have heard of many positive things said about the theological brilliance of Pope Benedict XVI emeritus and I can testify this scholarly book does not disappoint at all. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it

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Nice

Thoroughly enjoyed the whole book well written and I got something out of most of it.The narrator voice was good.

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Inspirational

In clear concise language the meaning of Jesus is explained, So much to ponder and pray about. It is well read by the narrator.

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Thank you Benedict

Thank you Benedict XVI for your articulate love of Christ and your enormouse gift of intellect which you have given selflessly for the spreading of the Good New

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Every bit as good as could be expected

Pope Benedict xvi was a fabulous theologian and this book demonstrates his authoritative grasp of scholarly literature and of the gospel in this classic monograph.

It's surprisingly readable for an academic tome and balances scholarship with pastoral duties exceptionally well. It's also hard to put down.

The main thing I am really getting from this work is how almost every page contains a new insight I've never before considered about the life of Christ and I've read the gospels many times.

Bravo! Pope Benedict xvi, you have a fan right here.

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Unbeatable

If you are looking for the definitive exploration of the life of Jesus Christ, written by the foremost Catholic theologian of the age, then only this book will do. I doubt if it will ever be bettered. Catholics will be looking back on this book decades from now and citing it as THE authorative work.

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4 people found this helpful