Dean, a New Testament scholar, researcher, author, and political leader, takes readers on an utterly fascinating journey to meet the historical Jesus. He bolsters this theory with a wide array of perspectives—some based on the classical primary sources, others more modern, including the contemporary academic literature, new and exciting discoveries in areas of early manuscripts, science, New Testament studies, archaeology, and history—all with the intent to introduces readers to the authentic portrait of Jesus. Dean delves deeper into Jesus’s early life, covering his family, the last supper, his capture, ultimate death, and rebirth while exploring the simple yet significant questions of who Jesus was, what he did and what he taught. He argues that though the figure of Jesus remains obscure in the records, he was most certainly a living person. Dean doesn’t consider Jesus a divine person as there are examples of him making factual as well as theological mistakes. Recognizing Jesus as a teacher, Dean summarizes his teachings, such as to love all, to show compassion for all and help them, to share our light, and be sincere and not to be a hypocrite among others. Complete with footnotes and bibliography, Dean’s prose is accessible, empowering, and narrative sporadically meandering yet thoroughly engrossing. The accompanied classical and Renaissance art, photographs, maps, charts, and other visual aids add to the authenticity of the text. Not everyone will agree with Dean’s assertions, but the book offers a lively, concise, open-minded introduction to the historical Jesus of Nazareth.
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Categories: Non Fiction
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