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Jesus Christ
Book by J. R PROFESSOR PORTER
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
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72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 19, 2011
I have no idea how this book slipped through the cracks. I never heard of it until one day it appeared on the discount rack at Borders. With lots of colorful pictures and insightful sidebars, does it not look scholarly enough? Would that explain its obscurity?
This is more than a beautiful book; it’s carefully researched and fun to read. Oh, that’s another sin, isn’t it? Scholarly books are supposed to be boring, reserved for the studious.
Here’s the deal: If you’ve ever wondered about all the hoopla surrounding the Historical Jesus, this is a highly recommended first book, taking you deep into the world of first-century Palestine. It’s respectful but not evangelical; the typical Christian will find it enlightening while the fundamentalist may not. In a simple example, Matthew and Luke provide long genealogies of Christ, that unfortunately contradict one another. Porter points out that such genealogical compilations were common, and were for political or religious reasons, never intended as a straightforward historical record. They are, in the biblical instance, artificial constructions with a theological aim, needing no harmonizing, and the contradiction between the two should not disturb Christians.
Let’s take another example. When Porter discusses the Massacre of the Innocents (King Herod’s slaughter of children when Jesus was born), he discusses how the story in Matthew is woven from various biblical themes, probably influenced by Jewish embellishments of the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis. Many scholars hold the view that Matthew has manufactured the entire story. But Porter doesn’t downplay the possibility that such a massacre did occur at the hands of Herod; it may be authentic, its victims simply not numerous enough to draw the attention of contemporary historians. Such brutal acts were not unheard of for the time.
This constant determination to present all sides of a discussion—in particular, his portrayal of both the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith—is not being wishy-washy. It’s merely good scholarship, and it makes you think.
Beautiful, quite readable, highly recommended.
This is more than a beautiful book; it’s carefully researched and fun to read. Oh, that’s another sin, isn’t it? Scholarly books are supposed to be boring, reserved for the studious.
Here’s the deal: If you’ve ever wondered about all the hoopla surrounding the Historical Jesus, this is a highly recommended first book, taking you deep into the world of first-century Palestine. It’s respectful but not evangelical; the typical Christian will find it enlightening while the fundamentalist may not. In a simple example, Matthew and Luke provide long genealogies of Christ, that unfortunately contradict one another. Porter points out that such genealogical compilations were common, and were for political or religious reasons, never intended as a straightforward historical record. They are, in the biblical instance, artificial constructions with a theological aim, needing no harmonizing, and the contradiction between the two should not disturb Christians.
Let’s take another example. When Porter discusses the Massacre of the Innocents (King Herod’s slaughter of children when Jesus was born), he discusses how the story in Matthew is woven from various biblical themes, probably influenced by Jewish embellishments of the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis. Many scholars hold the view that Matthew has manufactured the entire story. But Porter doesn’t downplay the possibility that such a massacre did occur at the hands of Herod; it may be authentic, its victims simply not numerous enough to draw the attention of contemporary historians. Such brutal acts were not unheard of for the time.
This constant determination to present all sides of a discussion—in particular, his portrayal of both the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith—is not being wishy-washy. It’s merely good scholarship, and it makes you think.
Beautiful, quite readable, highly recommended.
March 11, 2025
No books are 100% perfect, but there is so much to like about this book it's difficult not to give it 5/5.
Well structured, the book is split into 5 sections: THE SETTING, THE LIFE, THE TEACHINGS, INTERPRETATIONS, JESUS IN ART.
There is a clear breakdown of topics within these sections making it very easy to read and never too overwhelming. Each topic covers 2-4 pages maximum, making it very reader friendly for those with busy schedules.
The author is very honest throughout the book, you neither feel he is a skeptic nor a devout Christian. He honestly points out areas of flawed theology and philosophy, and also speaks out against theories with no substance. It is an honest breakdown to the bible, the Christian religion and the person of Jesus Christ.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can see myself going back to it in the not too distant future.
Well structured, the book is split into 5 sections: THE SETTING, THE LIFE, THE TEACHINGS, INTERPRETATIONS, JESUS IN ART.
There is a clear breakdown of topics within these sections making it very easy to read and never too overwhelming. Each topic covers 2-4 pages maximum, making it very reader friendly for those with busy schedules.
The author is very honest throughout the book, you neither feel he is a skeptic nor a devout Christian. He honestly points out areas of flawed theology and philosophy, and also speaks out against theories with no substance. It is an honest breakdown to the bible, the Christian religion and the person of Jesus Christ.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can see myself going back to it in the not too distant future.
February 7, 2021
As A Catholic, I saw this book(Hardcover) at A Local Barnes&Noble, and I couldn't pass on it. It presents alot of sides, (so Far that I am aware) some need verification,others don't. Also has some Controversial methods,
But book overall is good and Doesn't dare question Jesus' Existence as GOD,Jesus Christ, The son and the holy spirit,trinity. I am not sure What J.R. Porter's Background(Religious wise) Is, whether he is a Protestant or not but it is a Good book.
But book overall is good and Doesn't dare question Jesus' Existence as GOD,Jesus Christ, The son and the holy spirit,trinity. I am not sure What J.R. Porter's Background(Religious wise) Is, whether he is a Protestant or not but it is a Good book.
March 12, 2010
Great reference tool with well researched and easy-to-read entries. You don't need to be a religious studies major to use this reference guide. It is written from an objective viewpoint on theological arguments in respect to what really did and didn't happen during Jesus' life.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews