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Jesus: A Theography

by Leonard Sweet, Frank Viola (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 68 ratings · 24 reviews

Jesus says, "All Scripture points to me" (John 5:39). But what does that mean exactly?

The twenty-seven books of the New Testament are largely a commentary on the Old Testament, and each part of the Bible is a signpost to Jesus. Once this is properly understood, everything changes, including our own identities.

In this work you will discover a Jesus who is larger, more glori...more Jesus says, "All Scripture points to me" (John 5:39). But what does that mean exactly?

The twenty-seven books of the New Testament are largely a commentary on the Old Testament, and each part of the Bible is a signpost to Jesus. Once this is properly understood, everything changes, including our own identities.

In this work you will discover a Jesus who is larger, more glorious, and more challenging than most of us have ever imagined.

Biographies of Jesus generally have been written by those trying to investigate the historical Jesus with little attention given to the grand narrative of Scripture. On the flip side, those interested in tracing the theology of Scripture are typically disinterested in historical Jesus studies. These two approaches have yet to converge . . . until now.

Written for the average reader as well as for scholars, Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola (authors of "Jesus Manifesto") rehearse the greatest story ever told in a fresh and invigorating way. Whether you are a seasoned Christian, a new believer, or someone who is intrigued by Jesus, this book unveils the discoveries of a lifetime, transforming the tired and familiar way we have read the Bible into an electrifying journey of rediscovering Christ.

"Introducing a new kind of Jesus biography."

In this magisterial work, authors Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola reclaim the entire Bible as a gripping narrative about Jesus Christ.

Virtually every other "Jesus biography" begins with the nativity account in Bethlehem. In this groundbreaking book, Sweet and Viola begin before time, in the Triune God, and tell the complete interconnected story of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.

"Jesus: A Theography" is the first book ever written to combine historical Jesus studies with biblical theology, crafting together one breathtaking saga that tells the Jesus story in both Old and New Testaments. This flagship book demonstrates clearly that every bit of Scripture is part of the same stunning drama, what the authors refer to collectively as the "theography" of Jesus Christ.(less)

Hardcover, 419 pages

Published October 2nd 2012 by Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Feb 14, 2013 Paul Waibel rated it 3 of 5 stars

The first thing one must acknowledge about JESUS: A THEOGRAPHY by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola (Thomas Nelson, 2012) is that it is written for the layperson who is already a believing Christian what is commonly referred to as an evangelical. It is not scholarly book meant for the seminary student, although I do not want imply that a seminarian would not profit from reading it. It is written in a popular style and does not assume a very sophisticated reader.

The central theme of the book is that...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this Advanced Reader's Copy of Jesus: A Theography from Present Testimony Ministry as a part of Frank Viola's Book Launch Team.

For the first time in a long time, I picked up a book to read on a topic of which I was very unaware: the presence of Jesus throughout the entire Bible. Over the years, I had heard about the idea of the pre-incarnate Jesus (which usually was just a checklist of "here's where Jesus appeared), but had not paid it much mind. Until now.

The back cover of the book s...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

We like putting things into compartments.

Neatly.

Whether they be ideas, people, or things. And when someone takes them out, it causes a bit of a panic. You know, a rocking-the-boat kind of feeling. No one likes to have their boats rocked, because thinking outside the box brings a certain amount of discomfort. But it also causes growth.

The same is true with Jesus. He fits neatly into the four walls of the Gospels. After all, these are the books that speak of his life!

But, what if there is more to...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Jimmy Reagan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Would you like a juicy biography of Jesus Christ? How about one that brought the entire sweep of the Bible to bear on the subject? Then, you have what you are looking forward to in “Jesus: A Theography” by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola and recently published by Thomas Nelson.

Unlike other volumes on the life of Christ, the authors here take us back to eternity past. They vividly paint the scene in Heaven as Jesus leaves to come to Earth for us too. You probably won’t find that between the covers...more Would you like a juicy biography of Jesus Christ? How about one that brought the entire sweep of the Bible to bear on the subject? Then, you have what you are looking forward to in “Jesus: A Theography” by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola and recently published by Thomas Nelson.

Unlike other volumes on the life of Christ, the authors here take us back to eternity past. They vividly paint the scene in Heaven as Jesus leaves to come to Earth for us too. You probably won’t find that between the covers of others books on your shelves.

When the authors discussed Christ in both macro and micro version, they were providing great insights. Throughout the book they met a real need in giving a larger view. That is where many such volumes fail. They are able to wade through a sea of details to pull out the key ones that fill the canvass of the composite picture of God’s Revelation. Remember, it is the synthesized view that most leads to understanding.

You also had to love how they unlocked Jesus from some of the ridiculous stereotypes that have been around at least as long as Hollywood has been making movies about Him. They made Him so alive. You see Him as He surely was–always without sin yet righteously angry, laughing, talking, loving, even being funny. They showed Him with emotion–properly controlled of course–but with emotion nonetheless.

You might not agree with every conclusion they make but His death, burial, and resurrection is given its rightful place and they have a strong Christology. To make it all even better they can both turn a phrase and separate the important from the not so important. I never heard of a theography before this book, but am now convinced that it is exactly what we need.

They make it clear that Christianity is Christ. This book is important and flat-out good. I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .(less)

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Oct 05, 2012 Frank Noob' rated it 2 of 5 stars

“Jesus: A Theography” (ISBN 9780849947025) by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola starts with words (ideas, actually) of one of my all-time heroes, Einstein.

“According to Einstein’s physics, time doesn’t exist without mass and matter. Time, therefore, begins with creation.”

The book’s sort of a biography although stated not as such but rather as a theography, in which the missing parts of the Christ story are completed with assumptions coming from interpretation of the Scriptures. The book emphasizes t...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Henk-Jan van der Klis rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Jesus says, “All Scripture points to me” (John 5:39, what does that mean exactly? Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola, both authors of Jesus Manifesto, return with their answer: Jesus, a Theography. They show that the 27 books of the second Testament (aka New Testament) are largely a commentary on the first Testament (aka Old Testament). Where written biographies of Jesus try to shine a light on the historical Jesus, these books give little attention given to the grand storyline of the Bible. M...more When Jesus says, “All Scripture points to me” (John 5:39, what does that mean exactly? Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola, both authors of Jesus Manifesto, return with their answer: Jesus, a Theography. They show that the 27 books of the second Testament (aka New Testament) are largely a commentary on the first Testament (aka Old Testament). Where written biographies of Jesus try to shine a light on the historical Jesus, these books give little attention given to the grand storyline of the Bible. Many theologist on the other side aren’t interested in historical Jesus studies. Though advertized as meant to both seasoned Christians, new believers or fellows only intrigued by Jesus, this Theography requires a lot of its reader. Greek and Hebrew words, while their meanings are explained, are thrown in. Lots of Bible verses and passages, with most exact locations in the Scripture hidden through end-notes. Furthermore, Sweet & Viola, use a lot of allegories, connecting dots in several ways, that only longtime Christians can recognize and position easily.
The Grand Story of Jesus Christ doesn’t start at Christmas Eve, in Bethlehem, not even in Genesis 1, but before time, in the Triune God. From there a non-linear, mainly thematic journey with Christ unfolds: before time, in creation, birth and boyhood, missing years between age 12 and 30 and his preparation for ministry. You follow Him while He’s baptized by his nephew John and tempted afterwards by the devil. Jesus’ disciples, mission, healing and miracles, teachings and sermons, but also his human side (where did He live, what emotions did he show?) are digged. Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion, with explorations of the atonement and the harrowing of Hell, resurrection, ascension to heaven and Pentecoast. Finally, the authors share some thoughts on the return of the King.
Of you’re familiar with The Jesus Manifesto and From Eternity to Here, you’ll recognize the ageless purpose of God and the crucial role of His Son, Jesus Christ in that mission. The allegorical treatment of facts, colours, figures and names distracted me at first, but the main message kept me reading along and enjoying this new work from Sweet & Viola. Be prepared to adjust your beliefs, knowledge and appreciation of God’s work.(less)

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Jan 22, 2013 Jon Stephens rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jesus: A Theography by Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola, is a very unique approach to looking at the person of Jesus. The study of Jesus is done through a mix of both theology and biography.

The book is definitely an interesting read and I really enjoyed reading about Jesus not starting with the Gospels, but rather with Genesis. I think this direction is an incredible help especially for those who may be new to scripture, and don’t see the Bible as one flowing narrative. The other thing I apprecia...more

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Oct 30, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jesus:A Theography is a difficult book to review. The book begins, at the very beginning,,,literally. Before the Earth was created. Before Genesis. The very first chapter is titled "Christ Before Time", preincarnate Christ is the description used by the authors. I am not a theology student, just someone searching for the truth. I found this book to be interesting, but I now have more questions than answers.

I was impressed by the knowledge and writing style of the authors. I did enjoy reading ab...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

A New Touchstone

I read this book in just a few days and it left me overwhelmed. I predict it will be the new touchstone for books about Jesus in the Bible. I've studied the Bible for many years but on almost every page of this book I was having "aha" moments and thinking to myself "I never saw that connection before. I never knew that about Jesus or his disciples. I never knew what those Old Testament stories were really about."

I look forward to reading my Bible from beginning to end now because...more

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Nov 25, 2012 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bible, theology

Christianity often looks like a lot of things. Many people call themselves Christians and “Christian” as an adjective is slapped onto all sorts of ideologies. I have met people who think the term is so watered down that it has little meaning anymore. What is “Christianity”?

A simple answer – if it looks like Jesus, it is Christian. Christianity, ultimately, is about Jesus Christ.

Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola did a great service in reminding us of the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ in th...more Christianity often looks like a lot of things. Many people call themselves Christians and “Christian” as an adjective is slapped onto all sorts of ideologies. I have met people who think the term is so watered down that it has little meaning anymore. What is “Christianity”?

A simple answer – if it looks like Jesus, it is Christian. Christianity, ultimately, is about Jesus Christ.

Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola did a great service in reminding us of the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ in their previous book, The Jesus Manifesto. That book diagnosed problems and issues in the contemporary church and offered a renewed look at Jesus as the solution. Their new book, Jesus: A Theography is a sort of next step. Sweet and Viola seek to tell the story of Jesus as the thread that holds all of scripture together. Thus their story begins long before the birth of Jesus, examining the role Jesus Christ played in creation. That is one of many aspects of the book that make it worth a read and much more than just another book about Jesus.

This book is unlike any other book I’ve read about Jesus. It reads almost like a treatise from the early church fathers filled with allegorical interpretation. This is not a bad thing! Their interpretation of scripture, the way they find traces of Jesus on every page of the Bible, is creative and inspiring. But t is not your typical historical-critical analysis. They are not interested in what the original author of Genesis or Isaiah or Leviticus meant, though they do find value in such scholarship. Sweet and Viola are clear in their bias, they come to scripture looking at it through the lens of Jesus. The stories, laws and prophecies of the Bible find their fulfillment, their real meaning, in Jesus Christ.

I found this book engaging and inspiring. Sweet and Viola make it clear early on that their book is not for academics, it is for the general Christian population. I believe that any Christian who picks this up will find it to be a rewarding read. As a sidenote, if the 424 pages appear intimidating, know that about 1/3 of the book is end-notes. So while the book is for the general population, academics or others interested can find a wealth of footnotes if they desire.

This is no light and fluffy “Christian living” book. Such book are quickly read and just as quickly forgotten. If those books are junk food, this book is a feast. Once completing it, the Bible will be understood in a whole new light. Perhaps it sounds cliched, but you could almost say that after reading this book, you’ll never read the Bible the same way again! Highly recommended!

(less)

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Jan 09, 2013 Peter rated it 5 of 5 stars

For the full review and other book reviews please visit my blog. Thanks!

Jesus Christ is a somewhat controversial figure. Everyone has or is looking for an answer to the question, "Who is (or was) Jesus Christ?" There is very little denying that Jesus was a real person who really walked the earth in the first century AD, but one you get past that there are many divergent answers. The most popular scholarly thing to do in 21st century American culture is to join the quest for the "Historical Jesus...more For the full review and other book reviews please visit my blog. Thanks!

Jesus Christ is a somewhat controversial figure. Everyone has or is looking for an answer to the question, "Who is (or was) Jesus Christ?" There is very little denying that Jesus was a real person who really walked the earth in the first century AD, but one you get past that there are many divergent answers. The most popular scholarly thing to do in 21st century American culture is to join the quest for the "Historical Jesus." This view examines Jesus through a historical lens and sometimes discounts scripture as a valid source for understanding Jesus. Apart from discounting scripture, I think that it is valid and helpful to see Jesus through the lens of first century Jewish (and Roman) culture. Where this can fall short, however, is looking at the bigger picture of who Jesus is beyond his life on earth. This is why Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola have written Jesus: A Theography. It is their belief, that while these historical pictures of Jesus are helpful, they are lacking the life of Christ before and after incarnation. The ultimate goal of their book Jesus is to give a picture of Christ in light of the entirety of scripture and not just within the Gospels.

I highly recommend this book. It's not a short read, but it is time well spent. Even in the sections where some might disagree with their interpretation, Sweet and Viola do a fantastic job of digging into the life of Jesus Christ. This is a book that almost anyone can read. They do a great job of showing their research and giving good explanatory notes. While it may not be deemed as scholarly as some works, they have certainly shown their work and anyone studying Jesus would benefit from reading this book. If you are looking for a great biography to read, I suggest Jesus: A Theography. It would an appropriate read for the Christmas season or to start the new year.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.(less)

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Nov 16, 2012 Frank Peters rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jesus: A Theography by Frank Viola is an outstanding book. Viola seeks to combine a biography with a theology book (which makes complete sense when writing about Jesus) and does an excellent job in completing both elements. Perhaps unexpectedly, the biographical part of Jesus life does not start at Bethlehem but rather before the foundations of the world. These early chapters, relating to Jesus, through whom all things were made, was both interesting and valuable. I do not believe I have ever re...more

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Mar 20, 2013 Sandy Cook rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book does contain insightful commentary about the life and character of Jesus. I did find the author took a few too many liberties in speculation of what Jesus was thinking or doing, and the book is somewhat tedious to read in some areas. Overall, though I did learn some factual information from the book, and having a different perspective is beneficial if you are able to clearly remember some of the content is made up.

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Mar 22, 2013 Darrell Jolley rated it 5 of 5 stars

actually, listened thru the end of the audiobook (12 hours)... Outstanding study! I need to now go thru it again ready to take notes, be a Berean "examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so," and add to my overall understanding. The authors have painstakingly evaluated the entirety of the "First and Second Testaments of Jesus," noting and explaining dozens and hundreds of correlations between Old and New, much as like Jesus Himself did with the early disciples after He rose, "a...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Stephen Smith rated it 2 of 5 stars

I expected so much more than what I read. No mention of what Jesus thought or intended the church to be or become. I wanted that discussion. It's not weighty enough to be a reference and is too folksy written to be referred to. I'm not sure what these two prolific and celebrated authors had in mind with this book, but I missed it.

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Apr 03, 2013 Tim Ogle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Viola continues thought provoking and well footnoted challenges for seeing Jesus through the Old and New Testament.

There isn't an attempt to "decode" here; Viola points us to see the living Christ from an eternal perspective.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

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Jan 19, 2013 Candace Novakowski rated it 5 of 5 stars

get it. read it. great great book. gonna go through it again. and again. so much great stuff in there!

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Nov 07, 2012 Yanays rated it 5 of 5 stars

i think this book was amazing i learnd a lot from this book...

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Oct 07, 2012 James is currently reading it

Just getting started. Stay tuned...

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Jan 22, 2013 Dan Krah rated it 2 of 5 stars

Disappointing.

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Nov 13, 2012 Tom rated it 4 of 5 stars

I finished this a few weeks ago and I thought it was outstanding. It weaves the Jesus story from eternity past to eternity forward. Like the church fathers of old Sweet and Viola look through the words of scripture to Jesus. They deliver on the dual tasks of showing us Jesus in all and how we can see the scripture anew through the Jesus looking glass. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

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Mar 10, 2013 Jason White rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

This is the best Christian text that I've read on Jesus. It's added a new dimension to his life for me. Part biography, part philosophy, part historical context. I have notes an underlining on most pages. It is not an easy or casual read, but I worked on it as part of my devotional time.

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Feb 04, 2013 Jerry Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

love this book, will read again. some chapters were a little on the boring side or they were a bit over my head! ninty five percent of this book is excellent. if you're not afraid to step out of your box you will enjoy what the authors have written.

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Nov 23, 2012 Norbert rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the best books I've read on how the stories in scripture are a whole and there is an overarching meta-narrative that orientates and invites participation

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Mar 13, 2013 Cindy Munoz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent read. Understood more of the Bible and Jesus; knowing the context was very helpful. Lots of helpful footnotes, which I also used.

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Feb 11, 2013 Jonathan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Terrific read. Highly recommend to all lovers of Jesus.

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May 23, 2013 Rachel Pavalok marked it as to-read

May 22, 2013 Edward Mcgourn added it

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About Leonard Sweet

Leonard I. Sweet is an author, preacher, scholar, and ordained United Methodist clergyman currently serving as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School, in Madison, New Jersey; and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon.

More about Leonard Sweet...

Books by Leonard Sweet

The Gospel According to Starbucks: Living with a Grande Passion

Soultsunami: Sink or Swim in New Millennium Culture

Postmodern Pilgrims: First Century Passion for the 21st Century Church

I Am a Follower: The Way, Truth, and Life of Following Jesus

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