“This book is . . . my personal search ‘for the face of the Lord.’” –Benedict XVI
In this bold, momentous work... read full description
In this bold, momentous work... read full description
reviews
Jun 17, 2008
Matt
rated it: 
This book is a facinating deeply personal insight into the mind of this Pope. The Pope writes with both fitting erudition and the deep earnest conviction one would hope to find in an office so many people look to for spiritual leadership.
The book is however quite dry and is of no use to anyone but an already committed believer. His exploration of the personhood of Jesus and his mission is very well grounded, but so deeply grounded that it bores with its repetition and constant pr More...
The book is however quite dry and is of no use to anyone but an already committed believer. His exploration of the personhood of Jesus and his mission is very well grounded, but so deeply grounded that it bores with its repetition and constant pr More...
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Sep 29, 2008
booklady
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Undoubtedly the most profound book I’ve read in 2008 and the best book on Jesus – outside of the Gospels – I’ve ever encountered. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI claims, “this book is . . . my personal search ‘for the face of the Lord.’” It can be yours too. It is alternately poetical, mystical, scholarly, exegetical and meditative. It is always erudite, challenging, thoughtful and catholic, i.e., universal. It is never preachy or pedantic.
Jesus of Nazareth is n More...
Jesus of Nazareth is n More...
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Jul 30, 2011
This is quite simply a fantastic book. It starts with the Baptism of Our Lord, and ends with the Transfiguration, thus covering Our Lord's public ministry up to the start of His passion.
And the wonder of this is reading about events one knows so well, and repeatedly finding new insights and understandings. Some are a blinding flash of the obvious - 'how had I not seen that before?' - but others are wholly new knowledge - 'well, I never knew that!'
One of the most memorable sections is the Holy More...
And the wonder of this is reading about events one knows so well, and repeatedly finding new insights and understandings. Some are a blinding flash of the obvious - 'how had I not seen that before?' - but others are wholly new knowledge - 'well, I never knew that!'
One of the most memorable sections is the Holy More...
Apr 07, 2011
Bojan
rated it:
I have been an avid reader of many books by Cardinal Ratzinger, now pope Benedict. His approach to theological, social, and cultural issues of today is very closely aligned with my own, and in his works I find a very insightful foundation for the intellectual exploration of those issues. However, compared to most other books that he authored, this one comes across very differently. This is a much more personal and accessible account of the person and life of Jesus of Nazareth. Scholarly understa
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Jun 27, 2010
Mike
rated it:
I'm not Catholic but it does take a little nerve to critique a book by the Pope. Here goes, however. Some of this book I really liked. It is part of a planned multi-volume work on the life of Jesus. Benedict takes several episodes from Christ's life (the Sermon on the Mount, the Transfiguration, several parables, etc.) and uses those to discuss the nature of Jesus and his mission. There are no particularly novel interpretations here. He focuses on Christ as both fully God and fully man. T
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Mar 14, 2011
Michael
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I read a lot of books about Jesus. I am utterly fascinated, as are many other billions of people. With that said, I tend to read a lot of very unorthodox books about Jesus: books by Shane Clairborne and Brian McClaren and Marcus Borg and Rob Bell, for instance. I don't read much 'conservative' theology because I simply don't believe in it. As my UCC friends say, "Never put a period where God put a comma." In other words, conservative theologians--including, in some sense, Pope Benedict
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May 04, 2011
Robert
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I really appreciate this work. Pope Benedict presents a sort of updated Christian theology. He references Old Testament and New Testament scripture, the data from the Qumran community, the dead sea scrolls, and the synthesis of the lives of the saints of the Church to present a very complete theology. For me, the most profound parts of his analysis pertain to the Chapters on the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes and the Chapter on Christian Prayer. In the information pertaining to the
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Aug 18, 2008
Abe
rated it:
You may hear about Jesus every Sunday and think you already know all there is to know about Him. But when you love someone, you can never spend too much time getting to know him better.
Benedict discusses familiar Gospel stories in a new light, and makes them relevant to modern theological discussions that are going on both within Christianity and with other world religions. It is deep material, so it takes a while to read, but it is worth it.
Benedict discusses familiar Gospel stories in a new light, and makes them relevant to modern theological discussions that are going on both within Christianity and with other world religions. It is deep material, so it takes a while to read, but it is worth it.
Jun 30, 2011
John
rated it: 
Benedict offers a number of helpful insights into the person of Jesus, with the chapters on the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer among the most incisive. And this is the best element of the book: it tackles the question of the identity of Jesus, pure and simple. Benedict displays a willingness to interact with modern research and findings, but even more so draws upon the deep and ancient tradition of Christian interpretation and on the Scriptures themselves for his primary insights. In
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Jul 26, 2008
Frank
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This book surprised me. It touches on biblical commentary with thoughts I have never heard before. I have been impressed with Ratsinger's writings but this one is really good. It explains things that I have never heard explained before and in a very easy to understand style. This is truly a good read and not just a text book approach.
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Mar 30, 2010
Aubrey
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This is another book I listened to during the drive to and from work. I think because every sentence was so jam packed with meaning, I would have better absorbed its spiritual nuggets via traditional reading. There were times where I was wowed by the Pope's insights, but there were other times where I just drifted in and out of attentiveness... I think it warrants another listen at some point. Ha! I just noticed the option t
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Sep 11, 2009
Emilia
rated it:
Hey Mr. Pope Man,
I like what you've got to say. I like the structure of your book - roughly chronological to the events of the adult Jesus' life. I like that you talked about connections both to Pre-Christian earth religions and Judaism in ways I hadn't thought of, and about how cool it is that Jesus transcends earthly political and social power, so important! You give a lot of surprising shout-outs to non-Catholic philosophical and religious stuff (Marx comes to mind)...and an apocr More...
I like what you've got to say. I like the structure of your book - roughly chronological to the events of the adult Jesus' life. I like that you talked about connections both to Pre-Christian earth religions and Judaism in ways I hadn't thought of, and about how cool it is that Jesus transcends earthly political and social power, so important! You give a lot of surprising shout-outs to non-Catholic philosophical and religious stuff (Marx comes to mind)...and an apocr More...
May 15, 2008
Actually this one I have on audiobook. It is so dense that I find this is the best way to work through it.
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Jul 23, 2011
Susan
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Excellent..I am reading this very slowly - especially the 3 temptations and how they tempt each of us. Some of the writing is very um, theological, but its clarity shines a light on how to find the face of Jesus in the modern world. Ok, surprise! the Pope's a catholic. I'm a confused one most of the time, but for the first time I saw Jesus in the light of the Torah, and what a beautiful light that is to see the Word of the Lord.
This is book One - From the Baptism in the Jordan to the More...
This is book One - From the Baptism in the Jordan to the More...
Jul 19, 2009
Ben
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I gleaned many good insights from this book, even though I am Protestant. Benedict has a good exegetical methodology, drawing chiefly upon canonical critcism through the eyes of faith (defending the unified integrity of the canon) and only drawing upon historical criticism where it does not do violence to that canon.
He cites the limits of historical criticism, saying that the historical method forces us to keep the Biblical word in the past.
Benedict has done some excelle More...
He cites the limits of historical criticism, saying that the historical method forces us to keep the Biblical word in the past.
Benedict has done some excelle More...
May 19, 2011
Ashley
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Jesus of Nazareth supplies readers with a truly insightful look into Jesus' depiction in the Gospels. I was initially inspired to read this because it was written by Joseph Ratzinger, who is not only the current Pope Benedict XVI but also an intelligent and well-versed theologian. In this text, the Pope explores modern issues surrounding the historical and spiritual Jesus. I especially admired the Pope's discourse on the importance of prayer. "Praying actualizes and deepens our communion w
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Mar 12, 2011
Jeff
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When I received Pope Benedict XVI's Jesus of Nazareth I had previously written that in reviewing such a book "I am not worthy." Exactly how do you go about reviewing a book by a scripture scholar and theologian of the magnitude of the Holy Father? Well the task is easier than I thought it would be. For one this isn't a book addressed to a limited audience of scripture scholars and exegetes, but one that everybody can benefit from. I have read several of his books and I found this one t
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Apr 29, 2010
Joseph
rated it:
Yes, it took me about a year to read this book. But it wasn't because it wasn't amazing. After reading through more than half of it, I put it down to read other things. It was mere coincidence that I picked this book back up just as the part deux of the Catholic sex scandal was hitting the press. Reading this book made me feel two things: first, the current Pope is one who knows the Bible. I'm not talking, knows the Bible like Evangelical Bible-bashers think they know the Bible, I mean like old-
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Jun 03, 2008
Ryan
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This is in fact only the first volume of this multi-volume book that the current Pope is working on “in every free moment” of his papal schedule. In this volume, Ratzinger analyzes literature and theory about the life of Jesus from the baptism to the Transfiguration. Part 2 of the book will include the stories of birth and childhood, and, using Ratzinger’s style, perhaps it can be inferred that there will also potentially be chapters or even another full volume on the Passion and Resurrection of
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Jun 26, 2008
Seth
rated it:
Who is Jesus? The innumerable searches for the "historical Jesus" all seem to wind up with a character strangely in concord with the religious or political enthusiasms of those who launch the various expeditions.
Benedict XVI makes a strong case that history and logic suggest we can do no better than the magnetic figure already presented by the Gospels and adumbrated in the Old Testament.
B16 was a college professor, but thanks be to God, he does not write like a More...
Benedict XVI makes a strong case that history and logic suggest we can do no better than the magnetic figure already presented by the Gospels and adumbrated in the Old Testament.
B16 was a college professor, but thanks be to God, he does not write like a More...
Mar 22, 2008
Nick
rated it:
My bishop sent me a copy of this book, and so I felt obliged to read it, though I didn't need much encouragement in the first place. It is a hefty piece of theological reflection that seeks to incorporate but also tMy bishop sent me a copy of this book and so I felt obliged to read it, though I didn't need much encouragement in the first place. It is a hefty piece of theological reflection that seeks to incorporate but also to reach beyond the insights of contemporary biblical criticism, insig
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Feb 25, 2011
Frjim
rated it:
Benedict shows himself to be the true teacher he is!
Thank God he continues to write, now don't get your panties in a bunch thinking this is some kind of papal document. It is the insights of a teacher who is now the great teacher of the faith.
Not ever pope has been a teacher. This one packed the assembly halls as the "professor". His insights here are beautiful & inspiring. Can't wait for vol. 2 expected next month & the final small segment after that. God grant him len More...
Thank God he continues to write, now don't get your panties in a bunch thinking this is some kind of papal document. It is the insights of a teacher who is now the great teacher of the faith.
Not ever pope has been a teacher. This one packed the assembly halls as the "professor". His insights here are beautiful & inspiring. Can't wait for vol. 2 expected next month & the final small segment after that. God grant him len More...
Oct 19, 2011
Pat
rated it:
I forced myself through this book. The book was not written for the person in the pew. The Pope does lower his intellect in his writing of this book but not low enough to make it an enjoyable read. It was very choppy in its presentation by citing to many different sources. Would have been better to read by using footnotes for the reader to go back and read the sources if they desired. It was to much like a college text rather than something to inform readers about the subject matter.
Aug 30, 2009
Mark
rated it:
This is one of the "must be read books" not only for Christians but also for those seekers of truth who wish to know Jesús not as the Christ but as Jesús of Nazaret. Although Cardinal Ratzinger, (the Pope, Benedict XVI) insists that, in order to understand the life of Jesus, one must understand his intimate communion with God, the Father, there are much histrorical elements that the Pope tackles which somehow could help the reader to understand the "flesh-and-blood" historic
Aug 09, 2011
Chadia
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Le Pape Benoit 16 ecrit dans l'Avant-Propos:"Ce livre est le resultat d'une longue approche interieure.Je me suis resolu a publier comme premiere partie les dix premiers chapitres allant du bapteme dans le Jourdain a la confession de Pierre et a la Transfiguration.Il me semblait surtout urgent de presenter la figure et le message de Jesus durant son activite publique dans le but de favoriser pour le lecteur la croissance d'un rapport vivant avec Jesus".
Nov 26, 2010
Isairon
rated it:
Un libro dotto, di difficile lettura specialmente per me che non ho letto la Bibbia (cosa che spero di rimediare il prima possibile).
Punto fondamentale è la concezione di Gesù come figlio di Dio ma nello stesso tempo è Dio stesso.
Si sofferma più volte nella spiegazione della differenza tra la figura del messia Mosé e Gesù.
Altro punto cardine dell’intero libro è la concezione della morte intesa come transito (nascita, morte, resurrezione).
Molto bello il capitolo dove ci spiega la preghiera “Padre More...
Punto fondamentale è la concezione di Gesù come figlio di Dio ma nello stesso tempo è Dio stesso.
Si sofferma più volte nella spiegazione della differenza tra la figura del messia Mosé e Gesù.
Altro punto cardine dell’intero libro è la concezione della morte intesa come transito (nascita, morte, resurrezione).
Molto bello il capitolo dove ci spiega la preghiera “Padre More...
Jan 27, 2012
Les
rated it:
Scholarly, inspiring. Not exactly 'light' reading. Well...not light at all. You have to think...remember that? Lots of compelling information and insights.
I loved the book when I first read it, and still dip into it occasionally, while telling myself I need to study it more systematically and thoroughly. I could hardly wait for his next book ie Vol 2, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week: from the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
I loved the book when I first read it, and still dip into it occasionally, while telling myself I need to study it more systematically and thoroughly. I could hardly wait for his next book ie Vol 2, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week: from the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
Jan 19, 2008
Nate
rated it:
Joseph Ratzinger knows what he's talking about!
They didn't make him Pope for nothing!
This book reads like a collection of sermons and expositions about what Jesus is all about. Lots of insights about the Kingdom of God, Jesus' fulfillment of the law and Old Testament prophecies, the meaning of the Beatitudes, Parables, and Jesus' symbolic actions. Such a rich book.
I'd heard a lot of negative press about Ratzinger as Pope. He's a top-class theologian and More...
They didn't make him Pope for nothing!
This book reads like a collection of sermons and expositions about what Jesus is all about. Lots of insights about the Kingdom of God, Jesus' fulfillment of the law and Old Testament prophecies, the meaning of the Beatitudes, Parables, and Jesus' symbolic actions. Such a rich book.
I'd heard a lot of negative press about Ratzinger as Pope. He's a top-class theologian and More...
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Mar 23, 2009
Catherine
rated it:
I entirelly appreciate Pope Benedict XVI and I'm sure this is great book but I found it hard to digest. It's heavy. I think I read it too quick aswell. Some passages are great others I feel he's focused on dialoging with theologians, which is fine. It helps anyone who reads it but take it bit by bit otherwise you will question your own intellectual capacity after 50 pages.
Jul 18, 2011
William
rated it:
An excellent, rich, yet easy to read exploration of the gospels. Almost a detective novel that uncovers historical settings and influences. The author is careful to avoid any "our side/their side" propagandizing, and thus offers a wonderful outline of who Jesus is, and why He occupies such a profound place in world history and human thought. A trove and highly recommended.
