New Testament Books

The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus

Lee Strobel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 640 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Failed to Address Any of My Questions 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

A good friend of mine, who is quite sincere in his belief, provided me with a copy of this book, believing it would quickly dispel my lifelong agnosticism. I read it in good faith, hoping that here at last might be a book that would address a lifetime's worth of questions. Unfortunately, I realized within the first few minutes of opening it that it would do no such thing. It glossed over the most fundamental objections I have within the first few pages and never looked back from there. Thus, to me, it was essentially worthless, though I labored on to finish the entire book out of respect for my friend. Thankfully, it was mercifully short, and the language made for an easy read. The content was of no value to me, but Strobel, at least, can write a coherent sentence and is a decent writer.

Christian believers should be aware of how weakly this book addresses genuine agnostic objections to the Jesus story, and how poorly it will prepare you to discuss and/or debate the matter with an informed unbeliever.

Quite simply, I have never believed the Jesus story, from the time I was a child. I don't believe in invisible things, be they ghosts, demons, leprechauns or the various and sundry gods of a thousand different religions. I have serious doubts that Jesus ever existed, though I can't rule out that the stories are not based on some bonafide rabbi who actually lived and breathed and preached for a time, even though he somehow missed the attention of Philo of Alexandria, a Jew who lived at exactly the same time and wrote extensively about the history of Palestine. I am puzzled by the existence of religion, which obviously has arisen in virtually every culture that has ever existed on this planet, but have accepted the reality that skeptics like myself are in the minority. Perhaps it is because I am a member of such a seemingly small minority that Strobel's book was not tailored to a mind like mine - but to me the fundamental flaw in his book is that he simply assumes from the very beginning that invisible and supernatural things do exist, that miracles happen, and that the stories told in the Gospels are true.

To me, it is obvious that all the biographical information we have about Jesus was first written by whoever developed the Gospel of Mark, and that little new or different regarding the actual life and biography of Jesus was added by the other three gospel writers. Thus we have what is essentially a point source regarding the life of Jesus, and I have yet to receive a compelling argument from anyone that counters my suspicion that maybe the entire story was a work of fiction invented by some literary genius now known to the world only as "Mark." Unfortunately, Strobel does not address this concern in the least. His only comment on this very serious objection is along the lines of: "these gospel writers seemed like good men, so why would they lie?"

Why indeed? The problem of course is that a devout Mormon will say the same thing about Joseph Smith, when to most outsiders it really does appear as if Smith made the entire Book of Mormon up virtually single handedly, and his motives for doing so: money, power, and even sex, are crystal clear to any outsider not caught up in the Mormon faith. The objection that no one person could have come up with the Jesus story is refuted not only by Joseph Smith, but by looking at the complex worlds created in fiction by people like Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, or J.K. Rowling. So of course one person could have come up with the Jesus story, especially since any simple course in comparative religion shows that most of the major premises of Christianity already were present in the Mediterranean basin at the time of St. Paul: whoever Mark was, living where he did, would have had access to the teachings and belief systems of Plato, Buddhism, Zoroaster/Mithras, Judaism, Heracles, and the ancient and well-developed Egyptian religion. From there, it would not be difficult to fuse and merge the best of each into a new amalgamation - the creation of such a hybrid religion would require creativity and ingenuity to be sure - but would not require the development of any new insights or philosophy - those were already there for the taking.

Strobel fails to address the fact that not a single contemporary Roman source mentions Jesus, and that references to Jesus from later writers like Tacitus and Josephus are not only scant but controversial. The oft repeated claim that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are "one of the most documented events in history" becomes ridiculous to anyone who has ever actually investigated the matter - but again - Strobel fails to address this.

Having thus blithely, and as I said earlier, in one sentence, dispensed with the most serious objection to Christianity - that the entire thing might have been invented, just like every other religion known to man, Strobel barrels along, treating each story in the gospel now as though it was actually witnessed by a sober and honest person.

I do not make these comments in an effort to stir up a debate, but in the event a Christian apologist happens to make a good faith effort to refute any of the concerns I've just expressed in the last few paragraphs in a "comment" to this review, I would observe that his or her efforts would be far superior and far more useful to me than anything in Strobel's book.

And THAT, more than anything else, drives home the point that Strobel's book is useless. If a stray Christian passerby can spend five minutes responding to me and come up with more compelling and direct arguments than Strobel did in the year or so he spent writing this book, that ought to tell you something about how useful Strobel's book really is as a refutation to agnosticism.

Editorial Review:

The Case for Christ records Lee Strobel's attempt to "determine if there's credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God." The book consists primarily of interviews between Strobel (a former legal editor at the Chicago Tribune) and biblical scholars such as Bruce Metzger. Each interview is based on a simple question, concerning historical evidence (for example, "Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?"), scientific evidence, ("Does Archaeology Confirm or Contradict Jesus' Biographies?"), and "psychiatric evidence" ("Was Jesus Crazy When He Claimed to Be the Son of God?"). Together, these interviews compose a case brief defending Jesus' divinity, and urging readers to reach a verdict of their own.

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels

Kenneth E. Bailey

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Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Beginning with Jesus' birth, Ken Bailey leads you on a kaleidoscopic study of Jesus throughout the four Gospels. Bailey examines the life and ministry of Jesus with attention to the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, Jesus' relationship to women and especially Jesus' parables.

Through it all, Bailey employs his trademark expertise as a master of Middle Eastern culture to lead you into a deeper understanding of the person and significance of Jesus within his own cultural context. With a sure but gentle hand, Bailey lifts away the obscuring layers of modern Western interpretation to reveal Jesus in the light of his actual historical and cultural setting.

This entirely new material from the pen of Ken Bailey is a must-have for any student of the New Testament. If you have benefited from Bailey's work over the years, this book will be a welcome and indispensable addition to your library. If you are unfamiliar with Bailey's work, this book will introduce you to a very old, yet entirely new way of understanding Jesus.

Market/Audience

• Fans of the author
• Missionaries
• Students and professors of biblical studies

Features and Benefits

• Offers insight into the Gospels from a Middle Eastern perspective
• Counteracts modern and western impositions upon the Bible
• Highlights the key events and teachings in the earthly ministry of Jesus
• Features a wealth of cultural information related to ancient Middle Eastern peasant society
• Provides an excellent resource for New Testament students interested in the Gospels

The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ

Lee Strobel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 71 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Disingenuous 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is the second Lee Strobel book I have read. It is clear, as many people have pointed out, that even though Lee presents himself as a seeker who is earnestly trying to find the truth, this is a facade.

As a thinking Christian, I have been troubled by many of the issues Lee brings up in his books. I have yet found no simple answers. Yes, research has shown that Mithras was basically an A.D. Religion. But other mystery religions are not so easily dismissed.

The fact that Lee interviews one side, and declares them the winner, is disingenuous to me. A true investigative journalist would interview both sides, and then decide. It is even clear from his "thoughts", as he is interviewing people, that he already has decided the outcome.

One specific example that irritates me: Was Isaiah 7:14 a messianic prophecy? "A young woman(virgin) will conceive and bring forth a son...". Anyone who has studied the context of this prophesy knows that this was specifically intended for the IMMEDIATE future. Not for Jesus born 700 years later. There's no way around this(unless you believe in dual prophecy). Michael Brown responds to the challenge by saying "No one knows what this prophecy exactly meant". Yet Lee Strobel accepts this explanation!!!! HUH?!! How in the world could you accept this explanation, if you were truly undecided. The only way is, you already have your mind made up.

Bottom line is, you can be for or against something. But please be upfront, and don't pretend to undecided, when in fact, you are not.

Editorial Review:

From college classrooms to bestselling books to the Internet, the historic picture of Jesus is under an intellectual onslaught. This fierce attack on the traditional portrait of Christ has confused spiritual seekers and created doubt among many Christians – but can these radical new claims and revisionist theories stand up to sober scrutiny?

More Than a Carpenter

Josh McDowell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 169 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Since its release, More Than a Carpenter has been challenging readers to ask the question, "Who is Jesus?" Author and renowned speaker Josh McDowell acknowledges that while the topic of God is widely accepted, the name of Jesus often causes irritation. "Why don't the names of Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius offend people? The reason is that these others didn't claim to be God, but Jesus did." By addressing questions about scientific and historical evidence, the validity of the Bible, and proofs of the resurrection, McDowell helps the reader come to an informed and intelligent decision about whether Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. This short, 128-page gem does not employ fancy theological words, forsaking the layman, but reads more like an intimate research document laying out the facts with veracious accuracy, from reliable sources ranging from secular scientists to conservative seminarians. A skeptic himself for many years, McDowell always believed that Christians were "out of their minds" but now insists that "never has an individual been called upon to commit intellectual suicide in trusting Christ as Savior and Lord." McDowell adeptly articulates fundamental answers to poignant questions that cause the skeptic to consider whether Jesus was a liar causing countless martyrs to die in his wake, a lunatic deserving death, or actually the Lord of the universe. --Jill Heatherly

Two From Galilee: The Story Of Mary And Joseph

Marjorie Holmes

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Beautiful love story 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

While of course this is a work of fiction and should not be taken as Gospel, it challenges the reader to see a side of Mary and Joseph beyond the Christmas images so often portrayed in nativity scenes. I think it is refreshing to see such a human, down to earth potrayal of the boy and girl who would become the mother and foster father of Jesus Christ.

Editorial Review:

Here from Marjorie Holines, one of the most  beloved authors of our day, is the extraordinary  bestselling novel that tells the story of Mary and  Joseph as it has never been told before--the greatest  love story of all.



This is the  story of two real people whose lives were touched by  God: two people chosen by God to provide an earthly  home for His Son. Here are Mary and Joseph-a  teenage girl and a young carpenter-alone, frightened,  in love, faced with family conflict, a hostile  world and an awesome responsibility. It is a story  for young and old alike; for everyone who finds the  Christmas tale a source of timeless beauty and  wonder, a compassionate, emotional novel of divine  love

Meeting St. Paul Today: Understanding the Man, His Mission, and His Message

Daniel J. Harrington

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Fascinating insight into St. Paul 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a wonderful approach to St. Paul - Daniel Harrington, S.J. makes Paul and the communities to which he ministered come alive. He places Paul's writings in an understandable context. A very timely study for Pope Benedict's declared Year of St. Paul. Highly recommended for both personal and group study.

Great Lives: Jesus: The Greatest Life of All (Great Lives from Godæs Word)

Charles R. Swindoll

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Amazing insight! 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.

The insight into the life of Jesus in this book is amazing. You can tell that Mr. Swindoll was writing with the blessing of God. I highly reccommend it and can't wait to read others in the series.

Editorial Review:

This next release in the Great Lives series unveils the life of Jesus and inspires readers with insight, teaching, and historical information.

In Great Lives: Jesus, pastor and Bible teacher Charles R. Swindoll dives into the life of the Savior. The book's message presents theologically rich content and a straightforward, honest, and chronological journey that appeals to readers' hearts as well as their minds. Along the way, Dr. Swindoll's trademark warmth and insight offer up life application for the reader drawn straight from the words and works of Jesus. As Dr. Swindoll writes, "The power of His resurrection is a quiet, transforming force that results in the steady growth of hope and life within the believer." Encountering the great life of Jesus is all a believer needs to truly experience that power.

A Study Guide for Joseph Ratzinger's Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration

Mark Brumley, Matthew Levering, Laura Dittus, Tom Harmon

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Editorial Review:

This easy-to-use companion study guide helps the readers who approach Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict's Jesus of Nazareth without the benefit of extensive theological or biblical training. The goal is not to replace Benedict's book but to make it more accessible, more fruitful for the average reader--whether lay, religious, priest or deacon.

Designed for individual study or for group/parish discussion, this guide has the following features for each section and chapter of Jesus of Nazareth:

a reader-friendly summary

an outline

a list of key terms

questions for understanding, reflection, application and discussion

a section for readers to include their personal reflections on the reading

The guide also includes an ample introduction explaining the background for understanding Pope Benedict's approach and how to use this guide as an easy-to-use glossary that defines important terms and identifies key people discussed in Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus: A Portrait

Gerald O'Collins

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Jesus: A Portrait 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.

What a delightful presentation on Jesus by someone who not only knows him well but knows him personally in his life.

Life of Christ

Fulton J. Sheen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A String of Pearls... 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Maybe you are of an age that you remember when the Venerable Bishop Sheen was on the television? I am not one of those people. Maybe you know about Bishop Sheen being an "old" preacher, and maybe that concerns you? It concerned me. But under the guidance of someone I trust I purchased this book 3 years ago and read it.

It is a string of perfect pearls!

Each chapter deals with one section of the life of Jesus Christ and is filled with not just biblical references but with insights from Sheen that could only come from a deep, DEEP love for Christ. A deep understanding of history, and deep understanding of scripture.

When you look for a good book to read on the life of Christ, don't let your reservation (or prejudice) about the authors location in history bother you. My prejudice was, Bishop Sheen was a man of the 50's and couldn't speak to me on a level I could be engaged. I was wrong. I am a woman of the 90's and I do not have a college degree, but I have a solid high school education. Sheen is a man of "letters" and that also frightened me. I promise you, don't let it frighten you.

His method of dealing with his subject is so clear and enlightening, it feels like having the cobwebs and dust removed from an abandoned building. Sheen turns on the light!

One of my favourite parts of this book is when he deals with the "Woman at the well." There is just so much there that after you read this chapter, you'll be as excited as the woman was when she ran back into town shouting to anyone who would listen "Come and see a man who told me everything about myself.."

Bishop Sheen loves Christ, if you are looking for help in meditating on scripture. You will find that help here. I challenge you to learn about the "Life of Christ"

Editorial Review:

Filled with compassion and brilliant scholarship, Fulton Sheen's recounting of the Birth, Life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ is as dramatic and moving as the subject Himself.