The Historical Jesus For Dummies

by Catherine M. Murphy

Was Jesus of Nazareth a real person? Did all of the events described in the gospels really happen? How was the world Jesus lived in different from our own? In The Historical Jesus For Dummies, you'll discover the answers to these questions and hundreds more. This accessible, plain-English guide to the life and times of Jesus paints a vibrant picture of his world, examining records in the New Testament and Roman history as well as recent archeological finds that shed new light on his life. You'll find informative explanations of Jesus's birth, infancy, and childhood; meet his followers and enemies; learn about his teachings and miracles, and discover how modern scholars and historians have arrived at these conclusions. This fascinating primer to the real-life Jesus explores:

Genres: Religion, History, Nonfiction, Christianity

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2007

Reviews

[Xerodog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overall explanation of the what is known of Jesus. This includes a useful introduction to the cultural factors that make the issue of Jesus as a person in history important; a clear explanation of many of the controversies regarding Christian belief and how it has developed; and how it is shaped by and reflects human concerns. The text is well organized and would serve as a very useful basic reference source for many aspects of the Christian religion. The author make no claims about the "truth" or authenticity of Christianity, but does succeed in making its claims comprehensible to an ordinary reader. I infer from my reading that she is a believer, but not an intrusive or evangelizing one.

[Berni Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good for the sort of thing it is. I had a class with the author (Old Testament, back in 2002) so knew she knew her stuff. This was recommended by a master catechist and it was a nice review written in the short chunks of the "dummies" series. I particularly liked the chapter in which she discussed Jesus in artwork as I have an interest in religious art.

[Craig Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not buy this book. I read it for research and its hours I can't get back. Poor doctrine, negative comments throughout and not something worth reading at all. Hugely disappointed

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has some important, factual information, but it seemed to get boring and was hard to get through. I only read part.

[Craig Bolton]

The Historical Jesus For Dummies (For Dummies (Religion & Spirituality)) by Catherine M. Murphy PhD (2007)

[Antonio Matta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice reference about the most wonderful Jesus.