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The Hinges of History #3
Desire of the Everlasting Hills: The World Before & After Jesus
"Cahill is insightful, wry, and highly entertaining as he explores the cultural influences, social expectations, and tricky politics of the day. He examines the New Testament in this light, yet remains respectful. His goal, he states early, is to ascertain whether Jesus made a difference. His conclusion is unequivocal."
-- Christian Science Monitor
In Desire of the Everlasting Hills , Thomas Cahill takes up his most daring and provocative subject Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Western civilization.
Introducing us first to "the people Jesus knew," Thomas Cahill describes the oppressive Roman political presence, the pervasive Greek cultural influence, and especially the widely varied social and religious context of the Judaism in which Jesus moved and flourished. These backgrounds, essential to a complete understanding of Jesus, lead to the author's stunningly original interpretation of the New Testament--much of it based on material from the ancient Greek brilliantly translated by the author himself--that will delight readers and surprise even biblical scholars.
Thomas Cahill's most unusual skill may lie in his ability to bring to life people of a faraway world whose concerns seem at first to be utterly removed from the present day. We see Jesus as a real person, sharp-witted and sharp-tongued, but kind, humorous, and affectionate, shadowed by the inevitable climax of crucifixion, the cruelest form of execution ever devised by humankind. Mary, while not quite the "perpetual virgin" of popular piety, is a vivid presence and forceful influence on her son. And the apostle Paul, the carrier of Jesus' message and most important figure in the early Jesus movement (which became Christianity), finds rehabilitation in Cahill's realistic, revealing portrait of him.
The third volume in the Hinges of History series, this unique presentation of Jesus and his times is for believers and nonbelievers alike (for Jews and Christians, it is intended by the author as an act of reconciliation). With the same lively narration and irresistible perceptions that characterize How the Irish Saved Civilization and The Gifts of the Jews , Thomas Cahill invites readers into an ancient world to commune with some of the most influential people who ever lived.
-- Christian Science Monitor
In Desire of the Everlasting Hills , Thomas Cahill takes up his most daring and provocative subject Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Western civilization.
Introducing us first to "the people Jesus knew," Thomas Cahill describes the oppressive Roman political presence, the pervasive Greek cultural influence, and especially the widely varied social and religious context of the Judaism in which Jesus moved and flourished. These backgrounds, essential to a complete understanding of Jesus, lead to the author's stunningly original interpretation of the New Testament--much of it based on material from the ancient Greek brilliantly translated by the author himself--that will delight readers and surprise even biblical scholars.
Thomas Cahill's most unusual skill may lie in his ability to bring to life people of a faraway world whose concerns seem at first to be utterly removed from the present day. We see Jesus as a real person, sharp-witted and sharp-tongued, but kind, humorous, and affectionate, shadowed by the inevitable climax of crucifixion, the cruelest form of execution ever devised by humankind. Mary, while not quite the "perpetual virgin" of popular piety, is a vivid presence and forceful influence on her son. And the apostle Paul, the carrier of Jesus' message and most important figure in the early Jesus movement (which became Christianity), finds rehabilitation in Cahill's realistic, revealing portrait of him.
The third volume in the Hinges of History series, this unique presentation of Jesus and his times is for believers and nonbelievers alike (for Jews and Christians, it is intended by the author as an act of reconciliation). With the same lively narration and irresistible perceptions that characterize How the Irish Saved Civilization and The Gifts of the Jews , Thomas Cahill invites readers into an ancient world to commune with some of the most influential people who ever lived.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2013
231 people are currently reading
2570 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Cahill
38 books585 followersBorn in New York City to Irish-American parents and raised in Queens and the Bronx, Cahill was educated by Jesuits and studied ancient Greek and Latin. He continued his study of Greek and Latin literature, as well as medieval philosophy, scripture and theology, at Fordham University, where he completed a B.A. in classical literature and philosophy in 1964, and a pontifical degree in philosophy in 1965. He went on to complete his M.F.A. in film and dramatic literature at Columbia University in 1968.
In anticipation of writing The Gifts of the Jews, Cahill studied scripture at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and spent two years as a Visiting Scholar at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he studied Hebrew and the Hebrew Bible. He also reads French and Italian. In 1999, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Alfred University in New York.
Cahill has taught at Queens College, Fordham University, and Seton Hall University, served as the North American education correspondent for The Times of London, and was for many years a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times Book Review. Prior to retiring to write full time, he was the Director of Religious Publishing at Doubleday for six years. He and his wife, Susan, also an author, divide their time between New York and Rome.
—Wikipedia
In anticipation of writing The Gifts of the Jews, Cahill studied scripture at Union Theological Seminary in New York, and spent two years as a Visiting Scholar at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he studied Hebrew and the Hebrew Bible. He also reads French and Italian. In 1999, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Alfred University in New York.
Cahill has taught at Queens College, Fordham University, and Seton Hall University, served as the North American education correspondent for The Times of London, and was for many years a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times Book Review. Prior to retiring to write full time, he was the Director of Religious Publishing at Doubleday for six years. He and his wife, Susan, also an author, divide their time between New York and Rome.
—Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
March 28, 2013
This book started out so well! It got me all excited to see how he was going to develop the way Jesus changed the landscape of western civilization, and then as soon as he started getting into the text of the Bible, it's all this liberal theology. It was pretty depressing.
The first 65 pages are the real strength of the book. Cahill's prose is easy to read and engaging at the same time. You really get a sense that the world before Jesus was a brutal place where might makes right. It leaves you longing for him to show how it is that Jesus's resurrection overthrew the tragic direction of history and turned it comic. It really was excellent. I'll read it again and use it.
The rest of the book had a few neat insights here and there. Here are two of them:
1. He emphasizes the grittiness of the language in the New Testament. Jesus didn't say that food is "expelled" or "eliminated" in Mark 7:19. He said that food "drops out into the s***hole."
2. His explanation of the book of Revelation has much to be commended in it. I think he's wrong to think John the apostle didn't write it, but his explanation is pretty good.
The rest of the book is garbage. I don't even know where to start, it's so bad. Here's an arbitrary list:
1. He assumes "Q" is a real document.
2. He assumes most of the books of the New Testament (with the possible exception of Paul's writings) were written after the destruction of the temple (70 ad).
3. He doesn't think Paul wrote Ephesians. He thinks it was a woman who wrote it.
4. He thinks there were multiple Isaiahs.
5. He holds to the "moral influence" theory of the atonement.
6. He is very non-commital on the resurrection.
Okay, I'll leave it at six for the symbolism. In case anybody reads this and wonders if there is an alternative, I suggest Peter Leithart's Deep Comedy. He accomplishes what Cahill is trying to do, but takes the Bible seriously, unlike Cahill.
The first 65 pages are the real strength of the book. Cahill's prose is easy to read and engaging at the same time. You really get a sense that the world before Jesus was a brutal place where might makes right. It leaves you longing for him to show how it is that Jesus's resurrection overthrew the tragic direction of history and turned it comic. It really was excellent. I'll read it again and use it.
The rest of the book had a few neat insights here and there. Here are two of them:
1. He emphasizes the grittiness of the language in the New Testament. Jesus didn't say that food is "expelled" or "eliminated" in Mark 7:19. He said that food "drops out into the s***hole."
2. His explanation of the book of Revelation has much to be commended in it. I think he's wrong to think John the apostle didn't write it, but his explanation is pretty good.
The rest of the book is garbage. I don't even know where to start, it's so bad. Here's an arbitrary list:
1. He assumes "Q" is a real document.
2. He assumes most of the books of the New Testament (with the possible exception of Paul's writings) were written after the destruction of the temple (70 ad).
3. He doesn't think Paul wrote Ephesians. He thinks it was a woman who wrote it.
4. He thinks there were multiple Isaiahs.
5. He holds to the "moral influence" theory of the atonement.
6. He is very non-commital on the resurrection.
Okay, I'll leave it at six for the symbolism. In case anybody reads this and wonders if there is an alternative, I suggest Peter Leithart's Deep Comedy. He accomplishes what Cahill is trying to do, but takes the Bible seriously, unlike Cahill.
November 19, 2009
It's a pleasure to read Cahill's books. Firstly he writes on transitional histories, subjects about which he's both passionate and knowledgeable. Secondly he brings those eras to life with new (to me) information and brilliant texture for the settings and the subjects.
In Desire of the Everlasting Hills he brings the transitional event of Jesus of Nazareth to new light. In exploring the essential Jewishness of the place and of the people he shows that this man's teachings were a new doctrine and that he was quite the popular figure among the poor and outcast while being a threat to the establishment Jews of the day. He weaves together all the elements of life in the region and shows how those elements combined with Roman rule could have contributed to the life and death of an inspirational rabbi. Then he shows how the gospels and the new testament came to be written - all the while a new church was growing, changing, and solidifying as a world power.
I learned quite a bit from this book and while I won't begin to tell you all of it, I will recommend it.
In Desire of the Everlasting Hills he brings the transitional event of Jesus of Nazareth to new light. In exploring the essential Jewishness of the place and of the people he shows that this man's teachings were a new doctrine and that he was quite the popular figure among the poor and outcast while being a threat to the establishment Jews of the day. He weaves together all the elements of life in the region and shows how those elements combined with Roman rule could have contributed to the life and death of an inspirational rabbi. Then he shows how the gospels and the new testament came to be written - all the while a new church was growing, changing, and solidifying as a world power.
I learned quite a bit from this book and while I won't begin to tell you all of it, I will recommend it.
November 18, 2019
Although I can't say I agree with all the author's conclusions, this book is definitely thought-provoking and the style is simply beautiful.
April 7, 2016
Review: Cahill, Thomas. How the Irish Saved Civilization, The Gifts of the Jews, Sailing the Wine Dark Sea, Desire of the Everlasting Hills, Heretics and Heroes
The Hinges of History is a series including the above books plus Mysteries of the Middle Ages and a volume yet to be published. I am treating them together because, as one might expect, they share many strengths and weaknesses of the author, Thomas Cahill.
Heretics and Heroes was the first book I read, it being a gift, and, therefore, required reading. It covers the period including the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, a period with which I had nodding acquaintance. I was overwhelmed at the apparent scholarship of the author. I especially appreciated the discussions of art, a subject with which I am fairly ignorant. The writing is superb: it reads like a novel. Inspired by it, I read a couple of books on the period and its persons, especially Erasmus, all to my benefit, but not necessarily to the benefit of Thomas Cahill. However, I enjoyed Heroes so much that I determined to read the others in the series.
Next I read How the Irish Saved Civilization, a decidedly less engaging work. Having some knowledge of the subject, I found this slender work very enjoyable—Cahill writes very well—but unconvincing. The copious quotations recalled to mind the copious quotations in Heroes. He did not prove his point to me, nor did he make a plausible case for salvific Irish.
The Gifts of the Jews continued the bravura elegance and style of Cahill, but, having substantial knowledge of Jewish history, religion, and customs, I found the work lacking. Much of the work comprises quotations from the Hebrew Bible, with extrapolations of the text into possible meanings, but without meaningful comment on the validity of the quoted text: where did it come from? how was it developed? when was it written? by whom? what were its sources? Further, apparent contradictions in extrapolated meanings were not discussed.
Sailing the Wine Dark Sea had a distinct advantage over How the Irish Saved Civilization and The Gifts of the Jews: the now-expected extensive quotations reflected elegant Greek writers who had something to say. Again, Cahill’s filler flashed the style and brilliance I had come to expect from him. He, correctly, let them speak.
The Desire of the Everlasting Hills disappointed me in the extreme, probably because I know this subject very well. I kept making marginal notes as to the unfounded conclusions of the author based upon a text not validated by common sense historical standards, all the time admiring his use of very extensive quotations and brilliant style as superb technique. (After all, I read five of his works.) The deficiency of this work will be apparent to anyone who has read the New Testament seriously enough to consult scholarly opinion which may differ from personally held beliefs.
I cannot recommend Cahill’s books highly enough for elegance, style, and entrepreneurship. Cahill is a storyteller par excellence. Storytellers, however, long ago evolved into historians, a breed which developed a formal discipline rigorous enough to characterize it as a science. This may be a loss to literature, but not to science. Read Cahill as a storyteller. You will very likely enjoy his writing.
Mr. Graziano is the author of From the Cross to the Church: the Emergence of the Church from the Chaos of the Crucifixion.
The Hinges of History is a series including the above books plus Mysteries of the Middle Ages and a volume yet to be published. I am treating them together because, as one might expect, they share many strengths and weaknesses of the author, Thomas Cahill.
Heretics and Heroes was the first book I read, it being a gift, and, therefore, required reading. It covers the period including the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, a period with which I had nodding acquaintance. I was overwhelmed at the apparent scholarship of the author. I especially appreciated the discussions of art, a subject with which I am fairly ignorant. The writing is superb: it reads like a novel. Inspired by it, I read a couple of books on the period and its persons, especially Erasmus, all to my benefit, but not necessarily to the benefit of Thomas Cahill. However, I enjoyed Heroes so much that I determined to read the others in the series.
Next I read How the Irish Saved Civilization, a decidedly less engaging work. Having some knowledge of the subject, I found this slender work very enjoyable—Cahill writes very well—but unconvincing. The copious quotations recalled to mind the copious quotations in Heroes. He did not prove his point to me, nor did he make a plausible case for salvific Irish.
The Gifts of the Jews continued the bravura elegance and style of Cahill, but, having substantial knowledge of Jewish history, religion, and customs, I found the work lacking. Much of the work comprises quotations from the Hebrew Bible, with extrapolations of the text into possible meanings, but without meaningful comment on the validity of the quoted text: where did it come from? how was it developed? when was it written? by whom? what were its sources? Further, apparent contradictions in extrapolated meanings were not discussed.
Sailing the Wine Dark Sea had a distinct advantage over How the Irish Saved Civilization and The Gifts of the Jews: the now-expected extensive quotations reflected elegant Greek writers who had something to say. Again, Cahill’s filler flashed the style and brilliance I had come to expect from him. He, correctly, let them speak.
The Desire of the Everlasting Hills disappointed me in the extreme, probably because I know this subject very well. I kept making marginal notes as to the unfounded conclusions of the author based upon a text not validated by common sense historical standards, all the time admiring his use of very extensive quotations and brilliant style as superb technique. (After all, I read five of his works.) The deficiency of this work will be apparent to anyone who has read the New Testament seriously enough to consult scholarly opinion which may differ from personally held beliefs.
I cannot recommend Cahill’s books highly enough for elegance, style, and entrepreneurship. Cahill is a storyteller par excellence. Storytellers, however, long ago evolved into historians, a breed which developed a formal discipline rigorous enough to characterize it as a science. This may be a loss to literature, but not to science. Read Cahill as a storyteller. You will very likely enjoy his writing.
Mr. Graziano is the author of From the Cross to the Church: the Emergence of the Church from the Chaos of the Crucifixion.
July 22, 2019
This is the 3rd in Thomas Cahill's Hinges of History series. Like its predecessors, this book is well written and researched. He examines the impact of the teachings of Jesus on Western culture, through an in-depth analysis of the writings of Peter, Paul, Luke, and John. It is an interesting and insightful book,
November 12, 2011
I'm definitely a Thomas Cahill fan. He describes Jesus Christ and his teachings into the historical setting just prior to his birth and following his death. Gave me a better understanding of the scriptures and the early days of the first believers. Details the research on the authors of the Gospels and the impact Paul had on interpreting Christ to the early followers of the "Jesus Movement". Made me want to study more carefully the teachings of Paul.
I need to remember: "...those of us who have 'died with Christ,' who have allowed themselves--at least vicariously--to experience all the depth of human suffering, can never stoop to gaining advantage over another, eve if the other is clearly in the wrong." pg 134.
I need to remember: "...those of us who have 'died with Christ,' who have allowed themselves--at least vicariously--to experience all the depth of human suffering, can never stoop to gaining advantage over another, eve if the other is clearly in the wrong." pg 134.
February 8, 2017
The hinge in history that has been the central pillar of Western civilization is not a cultural change nor a particular people but one man, Jesus of Nazareth. Thomas Cahill explores the developments of thought before and after Jesus in Desire of the Everlasting Hills through the lens of Greco-Roman and Jewish cultures, his mother Mary, Paul, Luke, Early Christians, and John to reveal how one life both continued and changed the progression of Western thought.
Over the course of 320 pages, Thomas Cahill focused on Jesus of Nazareth as the central figure in the West. However from the outset Cahill makes it clear that the role of Jesus is how others perceived him both during his life and after his time on Earth. While following Jesus during his ministry, Cahill highlighted the essential Jewishness of Jesus’ message and how some considered his message unrealistic while others found hope. After Jesus’ time on Earth, a phrase I must use since Cahill does not state one way or another on the event of the Resurrection save mentioning it, the essence of his divinity was shaped by Paul’s Jewish perspective, Luke’s gentile perspective, and John the Evangelist’s intimate perspective. Cahill’s conclusion is that while Jesus is central to the West, the West as a whole has essentially ignored his teachings but a small few due resulting in the slow but development of the ideas that define Western civilization.
While Cahill’s analysis and themes are a thought provoking read, I did have some serious issues. The first is the same as in his previous book, The Gift of the Jews, which is in some of Cahill’s interpretation and subsequent logical construction of his evidence whether through scripture or an analysis of non-Biblical sources to weave his thesis. The second is partially related and that is Cahill tries to weave a middle course between Jesus as man and Jesus as divine without really take a stand either way. While objectivity can be commended, the book read as a Christian trying too hard to look discuss Jesus from a secular point of view.
Regardless of one’s view of Jesus of Nazareth, no one can deny that he is the central figure of West. Thomas Cahill attempts to bring forth Jesus through the view of those around him and how they interpreted his life and teachings. While Desire of the Everlasting Hills is not a perfect book, it is thought-provoking in viewing Jesus of Nazareth back in the first century AD and into today’s increasing secular society.
Over the course of 320 pages, Thomas Cahill focused on Jesus of Nazareth as the central figure in the West. However from the outset Cahill makes it clear that the role of Jesus is how others perceived him both during his life and after his time on Earth. While following Jesus during his ministry, Cahill highlighted the essential Jewishness of Jesus’ message and how some considered his message unrealistic while others found hope. After Jesus’ time on Earth, a phrase I must use since Cahill does not state one way or another on the event of the Resurrection save mentioning it, the essence of his divinity was shaped by Paul’s Jewish perspective, Luke’s gentile perspective, and John the Evangelist’s intimate perspective. Cahill’s conclusion is that while Jesus is central to the West, the West as a whole has essentially ignored his teachings but a small few due resulting in the slow but development of the ideas that define Western civilization.
While Cahill’s analysis and themes are a thought provoking read, I did have some serious issues. The first is the same as in his previous book, The Gift of the Jews, which is in some of Cahill’s interpretation and subsequent logical construction of his evidence whether through scripture or an analysis of non-Biblical sources to weave his thesis. The second is partially related and that is Cahill tries to weave a middle course between Jesus as man and Jesus as divine without really take a stand either way. While objectivity can be commended, the book read as a Christian trying too hard to look discuss Jesus from a secular point of view.
Regardless of one’s view of Jesus of Nazareth, no one can deny that he is the central figure of West. Thomas Cahill attempts to bring forth Jesus through the view of those around him and how they interpreted his life and teachings. While Desire of the Everlasting Hills is not a perfect book, it is thought-provoking in viewing Jesus of Nazareth back in the first century AD and into today’s increasing secular society.
August 2, 2011
[T]his book is part of a series on cultural impact. And the great question about Jesus must always be: Did he make a difference? Is our world--in the century that began with the Turkish genocide against the Armenians, reached its nadir with the "scientific" holocaust of six million Jews (and five million others), not to speak of the slaughter by their own governments of Russians and Chinese in the scores of millions, and now comes to its end with genocides in central Africa and "ethnic cleansings" in the Balkans that are still, horribly enough "in progress"--is our world any better than the one inhabited by the Celts and Romans of twenty-four centuries ago? Did the values preached by Jesus influence the Anglican Queen Elizabeth or her opponent the Catholic Earl O'Neill? Did she ever shudder at the carnage of her battlefields? Did he, even once, as he surveyed the hacked limbs, the gouged eyes, the grisly dying, ever wonder if there was another way? Do Christian values have any influence on the actions of Christians who on both sides of the English/Irish divide have continued to "fight the old fight again"? Did the life and death of Jesus make any difference to the denizens of first-century TransTiberim? Does he make any difference to the residents of today's Trastevere?
These are hard questions; some will no doubt label them unfair. But they must be posed at the outset. For if this Jesus, this figure professedly central to our whole culture, has had no effect, he has no place in a history of cultural effects. (8-9)
As we now stand at the entrance to the third millennium since Jesus, we can look back over the horrors of Christian history, never doubting for an instant that if Christians had put kindness ahead of devotion to good order, theological correctness, and our own justifications--if we had followed in the humble footsteps of a heretical Samaritan who was willing to wash someone else's wounds, rather than in the self-regarding steps of the priest and the immaculate steps of the levite--the world we inhabit would be a very different one. (185)
May 31, 2009
I actually started taking notes while I was reading this book for 2 reasons. 1 - this wasn't my book and 2 - I wanted to remember some key points. There are so many points to cover - where do I start?
Desire of the Everlasting Hills isn't about The Fate of Human Societies like I originally thought, that book will appear later on my list, it's about Judism and Christianity. More importantly, it's about discrepancies among the disciples. What one disciple heard in a crowd of people, no one else heard. Or better yet, an act that Jesus did that authors didn't know where it belonged. Did it belong with Luke, where it was originally, or does it belong with John, where it was later moved? But that wasn't all it was about.
Censorship. ...for only the best reasons, of course.
The act I'm referring to above, is when Jesus came upon a woman who committed adultery and men were about to stone her and Jesus said, "He among you who is sinless, let him cast the first stone." After all the men left without throwing one stone, Jesus told the woman to leave and avoid this sin. It was infact, excised from Luke, after which if floated arond the Christian churches, till some scribe squeezed it into the manuscript of John, where they thought it might best belong. The early church did not forgive adultery. This excision is the first recorded instance of ecclesiastical censorship.
The Great Church quickly became far more interested in discipline & order than Jesus had ever shown himself to be.
Censorship.
Luke's account of Jesus is based on what he believes Jesus should be. He is stoic, so all his accounts of Jesus depict that behavoir. Whereas, Peter accounts Jesus of being more emotional, more human.
Pictures of Jesus nailed to the cross show nails going threw his palms, when in reality it is not possible, he was nailed in the wrists. Also, pictures of Jesus on the cross show him wearing a loin cloth when in reality he was naked.
Censorship. ...for only the best reasons of course.
The image of the crucified holds us and will not let go. In the end, it has little to do with whether we believe Jesus to have been Messiah or Son of God. Even if it explains nothing of heaven (or even of Earth), it embodies the depths of human pain.
I took a lot from this book. But couple this book with Nietzsche's the Anti-Christ and I just shake my head.
Desire of the Everlasting Hills isn't about The Fate of Human Societies like I originally thought, that book will appear later on my list, it's about Judism and Christianity. More importantly, it's about discrepancies among the disciples. What one disciple heard in a crowd of people, no one else heard. Or better yet, an act that Jesus did that authors didn't know where it belonged. Did it belong with Luke, where it was originally, or does it belong with John, where it was later moved? But that wasn't all it was about.
Censorship. ...for only the best reasons, of course.
The act I'm referring to above, is when Jesus came upon a woman who committed adultery and men were about to stone her and Jesus said, "He among you who is sinless, let him cast the first stone." After all the men left without throwing one stone, Jesus told the woman to leave and avoid this sin. It was infact, excised from Luke, after which if floated arond the Christian churches, till some scribe squeezed it into the manuscript of John, where they thought it might best belong. The early church did not forgive adultery. This excision is the first recorded instance of ecclesiastical censorship.
The Great Church quickly became far more interested in discipline & order than Jesus had ever shown himself to be.
Censorship.
Luke's account of Jesus is based on what he believes Jesus should be. He is stoic, so all his accounts of Jesus depict that behavoir. Whereas, Peter accounts Jesus of being more emotional, more human.
Pictures of Jesus nailed to the cross show nails going threw his palms, when in reality it is not possible, he was nailed in the wrists. Also, pictures of Jesus on the cross show him wearing a loin cloth when in reality he was naked.
Censorship. ...for only the best reasons of course.
The image of the crucified holds us and will not let go. In the end, it has little to do with whether we believe Jesus to have been Messiah or Son of God. Even if it explains nothing of heaven (or even of Earth), it embodies the depths of human pain.
I took a lot from this book. But couple this book with Nietzsche's the Anti-Christ and I just shake my head.
September 21, 2010
Really more like 3.5 stars. This was a good book overall, definitely learned something. I really had a tough time with some of the historical research methods of identifying writing and style. It was good because it helped me think about my preconceived notions that were based on no knowledge, but I was disappointed by ideas like the assertion that certain books attributed to Paul within the text itself could not have been written by him simply because of the academic consensus was that the ideas in one book seem to be somewhat at odds with his other writings. I guess there was not quite enough rigor presented with these arguments for my taste. But, perhaps he is asserting something that has been rigorously examined within the appropriate academic theological literature and simply summarizing rather than arguing; if so, I missed it. Also, while his description of (the majority of) Paul's writings and the Synoptic gospels resonated with my own personal understandings of the teachings, his depiction of the Gospel of John seemed borderline outrageous relative to my experience in reading it. As someone who has only read John in it's entirety (meaning as a single, whole item rather than a chapter here and there) maybe 3 times, its possible I'm just being obtuse, but to me it seemed dangerously close to the very thing he was pointing out John's Gospel was not, which is a Gnostic Gospel. It seemed that he is asserting a much more man-created gospel sewn together of the most pious elements of the Synoptics and polished with over-wrought language. I have never, ever thought anything even remotely like that before.
All that said, this book does an excellent job of describing the simplicity of Jesus' views on justice and love, and calls for (and presents) greater understanding of Jesus by those who claim to follow him, which is all extremely relevant to me and to my generation.
All that said, this book does an excellent job of describing the simplicity of Jesus' views on justice and love, and calls for (and presents) greater understanding of Jesus by those who claim to follow him, which is all extremely relevant to me and to my generation.
October 22, 2013
The third Cahill book I read this summer. And like the previous book, the Gifts of the Jews, this ought to be required reading in high schools and colleges. For similar reasons as the previous book. Those these books have religion as an important component of the works, requiring them does not mean requiring belief in religion. However, our educational system falls short in ignoring the importance of religion, its importance, and what ideas that spring forth of it that sets the West apart from other regions in the world. It is too readily dismissive of religion, quickly seizing on its faults and failures. We forget to discuss that those faults and failures are do to the human nature of religion; those who guide and direct it. Those who dismiss religion for its human faults, then want to turn around and enlarge the power and sphere of government, as if it is not plagued by those same problems and concerns.
As in the previous book, Cahill puts forth criticism of Christianity, in how it develops and how it is practiced. However, he examines the story of Christ, lays out the distinctions between the four Gospels - their histories and interpretations, as well the importance of Paul in the early church. He explores some modern issues around the interpretation of Jesus, as both religion and history. With some disdain he recounts how a group in California, made up of some people of faith, some scholars, and even some movie people discuss and debate the current attempts of interpretation. He realizes there is something much stronger going on to be left to a self-selected group of elites.
A great book, one well worth the reading. I know there is the fourth Cahill book in the series (The Hinges of History) on the imporatance of the Greeks which I have to read. He is also coming out with a new book on the Reformation and the Renaissance. Something else to look forward to reading.
As in the previous book, Cahill puts forth criticism of Christianity, in how it develops and how it is practiced. However, he examines the story of Christ, lays out the distinctions between the four Gospels - their histories and interpretations, as well the importance of Paul in the early church. He explores some modern issues around the interpretation of Jesus, as both religion and history. With some disdain he recounts how a group in California, made up of some people of faith, some scholars, and even some movie people discuss and debate the current attempts of interpretation. He realizes there is something much stronger going on to be left to a self-selected group of elites.
A great book, one well worth the reading. I know there is the fourth Cahill book in the series (The Hinges of History) on the imporatance of the Greeks which I have to read. He is also coming out with a new book on the Reformation and the Renaissance. Something else to look forward to reading.
March 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It provided a lot of insight into the context of Jesus and the birth of Christianity. The most amazing parts of the book are the translations of the Gospel from the original language. I've never seen translations like this, they are so fresh and alive. Also, the authors ability to really dive into the difficulties of translating a meaning or idea from one language to another was fascinating.
Overall I thought it provided a great deal of historical context which is what I was looking for. However, the last quarter of the book dragged for me. I'm not sure if it was a pacing issue, a lot of time is spent on the Apostle Paul and the Gospel of Luke while the Gospel of Matthew gets very little coverage for example, or if it was the shift away from a historical point of view and toward a theological point of view that did it. Whatever the case, the end of the book, while still interesting, lacks the punch of the early parts of the book.
Overall I thought it provided a great deal of historical context which is what I was looking for. However, the last quarter of the book dragged for me. I'm not sure if it was a pacing issue, a lot of time is spent on the Apostle Paul and the Gospel of Luke while the Gospel of Matthew gets very little coverage for example, or if it was the shift away from a historical point of view and toward a theological point of view that did it. Whatever the case, the end of the book, while still interesting, lacks the punch of the early parts of the book.
March 9, 2018
Definitely recommend this to anyone who has studied the New Testament. While I might not agree with some things he observes, I so think this is a book for a thinking Christian. It will help tweak the depth of your understanding and Faith journey. I believe I now have read all the books in this series. Very gifted series which every well educated person should read to have a better perspective on our culture, civilization and Faith journeys.
March 4, 2014
Cahill's book is a wonderful historical reflection on the far-reaching effects of the life of a "remote rabbi" in the Meridian of Time that not only changed the world but ushered in the Christian world and values we now enjoy. This is another incredible book in the "Hinges of History" series.
November 10, 2013
A disappointing book -- very engagingly written, but in the end it is merely another attempt by a modern writer to recreate Christianity in his own image and likeness.
December 27, 2021
I found very little redeeming about this book and finally abandoned it about 2/3 through.
The author has a very secular understanding of the Bible and Jewish history. He misses half the point, the whole point, and all of the beauty most of the time. His chapters on the life of Jesus were full of mocking untruths and misunderstandings. I get the overall impression that this author calls himself a "Christian" but I'd love to read something like this from an actual whole Bible believer.
Even taking into consideration his odd sense of humor (at one point I wrote in my notes: "it takes a bit to get his humor. I think I’m probably more sensitive than I should be with some of his points.") his very skewed interpretation of the impact of Jesus and the Bible makes this book extremely disappointing. In fact, looking over his biography, this is the perfect example of someone who hears the word, studies the word, (paid good, good money to learn the Hebrew Bible even), but completely misses the message.
I often wondered, "is he actually a respected historian?" (He describes martyrdom as a genre of mythology.) I couldn't get past the screwy interpretations that Paul and the first century church were not encouraging their followers to follow Torah. The author misunderstands, misinterprets, and misrepresents Torah throughout. It takes more than big words and reputation to make a scholar. This one can’t get his own theology straight, saying on one page that 2 Timothy couldn’t possibly have been written by Paul but on the next page encouraging us to imagine Paul “thinking, as he wrote in Second Timothy…”. Ok then.
He relegates Revelation to a silly fun mystery story written by a bored John in exile. He cracks the 666 code for us (oh thank you, wise scholar!) and explains (with a "big duh!!! mentality) that it merely refers to Nero. News flash: 666 using gematria also works for several phrases including the name Barak Obama, Prince Arthur, Thomas Cruise, and "This is a Hoax". When whoever this person is is actually revealed, this passage will be made clear, just as the ones about the delivery of the mark of the beast or the fact that the whole world will look on the dead witnesses were made more understandable once technology caught up and revealed possible scenarios.
The nonsense probably didn't stop there, but that's where I stopped. I can't stomach this "scholarly" misrepresented garbage. I'd encourage potential readers to save time and do their own research. Much of what he talks about is common knowledge of history---this book was more about furthering the enemy's secular agenda disguised as modern day Christianity.
The author has a very secular understanding of the Bible and Jewish history. He misses half the point, the whole point, and all of the beauty most of the time. His chapters on the life of Jesus were full of mocking untruths and misunderstandings. I get the overall impression that this author calls himself a "Christian" but I'd love to read something like this from an actual whole Bible believer.
Even taking into consideration his odd sense of humor (at one point I wrote in my notes: "it takes a bit to get his humor. I think I’m probably more sensitive than I should be with some of his points.") his very skewed interpretation of the impact of Jesus and the Bible makes this book extremely disappointing. In fact, looking over his biography, this is the perfect example of someone who hears the word, studies the word, (paid good, good money to learn the Hebrew Bible even), but completely misses the message.
I often wondered, "is he actually a respected historian?" (He describes martyrdom as a genre of mythology.) I couldn't get past the screwy interpretations that Paul and the first century church were not encouraging their followers to follow Torah. The author misunderstands, misinterprets, and misrepresents Torah throughout. It takes more than big words and reputation to make a scholar. This one can’t get his own theology straight, saying on one page that 2 Timothy couldn’t possibly have been written by Paul but on the next page encouraging us to imagine Paul “thinking, as he wrote in Second Timothy…”. Ok then.
He relegates Revelation to a silly fun mystery story written by a bored John in exile. He cracks the 666 code for us (oh thank you, wise scholar!) and explains (with a "big duh!!! mentality) that it merely refers to Nero. News flash: 666 using gematria also works for several phrases including the name Barak Obama, Prince Arthur, Thomas Cruise, and "This is a Hoax". When whoever this person is is actually revealed, this passage will be made clear, just as the ones about the delivery of the mark of the beast or the fact that the whole world will look on the dead witnesses were made more understandable once technology caught up and revealed possible scenarios.
The nonsense probably didn't stop there, but that's where I stopped. I can't stomach this "scholarly" misrepresented garbage. I'd encourage potential readers to save time and do their own research. Much of what he talks about is common knowledge of history---this book was more about furthering the enemy's secular agenda disguised as modern day Christianity.
December 5, 2021
Between 1995 and 2013, Thomas Cahill released a series of books called The Hinges of History, about, as one might guess, critical turning points the history of western civilization. This book, the third in the series, is about the impact Jesus, his teachings, and his followers had on history.
Cahill presents the Mediterranean world before the birth of Jesus, what we know about his life--and yes, historians that have studied his time agree he existed--and how his teachings and his followers changed the prevalent worldview after him. He examines not just what the New Testament tells us directly, but what textual analysis tells us about the New Testament. This includes when the Gospels were written, the clear evidence that different Gospels were written at different times, closer to or further from the death of Jesus, that some parts of the New Testament were apparently based on an earlier source document closer to Jesus' own lifetime, etc. And of course, Mathew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul all show different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, reflected in how they tell Jesus' story, including what incidents they tell or omit, or emphasize or de-emphasize.
Interwoven with all this is the broader history of the region and era, how this affected the Jesus movement as well as broader Jewish culture--because for much of this period, the Jesus movement was simply one of many Jewish splinter belief groups. Of the many Jewish denominations of the time, only two, the Pharisees and the Christians, survived the end of the ancient world. Unfortunately, they became fratricidal enemies, with the Christians, in the long run, doing overwhelmingly most of the damage.
Cahill is at all times both careful and respectful, valuing every culture's contributions. The previous volume in this series was The Gifts of the Jews, while the next one was Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter. This is a serious look at an important piece of our history, not an evangelical work. It's well-written, thoughtful, and in the case of this audiobook edition, I liked the job the narrator did.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
Cahill presents the Mediterranean world before the birth of Jesus, what we know about his life--and yes, historians that have studied his time agree he existed--and how his teachings and his followers changed the prevalent worldview after him. He examines not just what the New Testament tells us directly, but what textual analysis tells us about the New Testament. This includes when the Gospels were written, the clear evidence that different Gospels were written at different times, closer to or further from the death of Jesus, that some parts of the New Testament were apparently based on an earlier source document closer to Jesus' own lifetime, etc. And of course, Mathew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul all show different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, reflected in how they tell Jesus' story, including what incidents they tell or omit, or emphasize or de-emphasize.
Interwoven with all this is the broader history of the region and era, how this affected the Jesus movement as well as broader Jewish culture--because for much of this period, the Jesus movement was simply one of many Jewish splinter belief groups. Of the many Jewish denominations of the time, only two, the Pharisees and the Christians, survived the end of the ancient world. Unfortunately, they became fratricidal enemies, with the Christians, in the long run, doing overwhelmingly most of the damage.
Cahill is at all times both careful and respectful, valuing every culture's contributions. The previous volume in this series was The Gifts of the Jews, while the next one was Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter. This is a serious look at an important piece of our history, not an evangelical work. It's well-written, thoughtful, and in the case of this audiobook edition, I liked the job the narrator did.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
Read
September 16, 2018I've see-sawed time and time again with the religions of the world. Too bad they are mostly of the world and not-so-much of the spirit governed by a group of people who co-opt the name and leave all the caring concepts - love, gentleness, inclusivity, non-judgement - entirely out of the picture.
I believe in honor, justice, compassion. These are disappeared by corrupt, power-hungry forces exerting crushing influence on the lives of ordinary people. Major religions are what my father said in concert with Voltaire - an opiate for the people. People are conditioned from birth to subsume the evidence of their own eyes and ears for the doctrinal line. Disgusting. I know there are some people who are enmeshed in organized religion who do their best to offer comfort, but the rest are pressured to toe the line. The world is in a sorry mess right now.
I believe in honor, justice, compassion. These are disappeared by corrupt, power-hungry forces exerting crushing influence on the lives of ordinary people. Major religions are what my father said in concert with Voltaire - an opiate for the people. People are conditioned from birth to subsume the evidence of their own eyes and ears for the doctrinal line. Disgusting. I know there are some people who are enmeshed in organized religion who do their best to offer comfort, but the rest are pressured to toe the line. The world is in a sorry mess right now.
February 8, 2022
I liked this book, a lot. Some things I would, personally, look into more or word differently, but overall, I learned a lot and feel this is an amazing book (as so far I've enjoyed all Cahill's books in this series).
Examples of things you'll find:
1) A reference to Reynold Price's translation of Mary the Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses on Easter Sunday:
I love that phrase: "they were shuddering and wild". What a great way to phrase someone who's just experienced a Resurrection.
2) Cahill points out that when Jesus called Paul twice: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?", he was in unique company: "Only a few men had heaven ever addressed by name--and always with their name spoken twice: 'Abraham, Abraham';'Moses, Moses.' God himself was telling his child that his road was a mistaken one and giving him a new direction." (113) -- I found that fact quite interesting.
3) P213 has this summarizing quote: "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, no explanation is possible". Again, interesting.
4) Cahill gets C.S. Lewisian in his prose on p247:
Ironic. Perverse. Strong words. And sobering.
5)Finishing this brief review, the book also contains a quote from the following Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, (and I offer no commentary here), which I'll quote in full:
Examples of things you'll find:
1) A reference to Reynold Price's translation of Mary the Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses on Easter Sunday:
Entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right dressed in a white robe and they were much stunned.(p110)
But he said to them "Don't be stunned. Are you looking for Jesus the crucified Nazarene? He was raised. He isn't here. Look, the place where they laid him. But go tell his disciples and Peter 'He's going ahead of you to Galilee. There you'll see him as he told you.' "
Going out they fled the tomb--they were shuddering and wild--and they told no one nothing for they were afraid.
I love that phrase: "they were shuddering and wild". What a great way to phrase someone who's just experienced a Resurrection.
2) Cahill points out that when Jesus called Paul twice: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?", he was in unique company: "Only a few men had heaven ever addressed by name--and always with their name spoken twice: 'Abraham, Abraham';'Moses, Moses.' God himself was telling his child that his road was a mistaken one and giving him a new direction." (113) -- I found that fact quite interesting.
3) P213 has this summarizing quote: "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, no explanation is possible". Again, interesting.
4) Cahill gets C.S. Lewisian in his prose on p247:
It is ironic that some Christians make such a fuss about the elements of the Eucharist--bowing before them, kneeling in adoration, because Christ is present in them--but have never bothered to heed these solemn words about the presence of Christ in every individual who is in need. Jesus told us only once (at the Last Supper) that he would be present in the Bread and Wine, but he tells us repeatedly in the gospels that he is always present in the Poor and Afflicted--to whom we should all bow and kneel. It is perverse that some Christians make such a fuss about the bound text of God's Word, carrying it processionally, holding it with reverence, never allowing it to touch the ground, but have never considered seriously the text of Matthew 25, in the light of which we would always catch God's Needy before they hit the ground.
Ironic. Perverse. Strong words. And sobering.
5)Finishing this brief review, the book also contains a quote from the following Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, (and I offer no commentary here), which I'll quote in full:
As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies dráw fláme;
As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell’s
Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves—goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying Whát I do is me: for that I came.
Í say móre: the just man justices;
Kéeps gráce: thát keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is—
Chríst—for Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men’s faces.
June 30, 2019
4.7 -- History meets theology and religion visits with sociology in this well-crafted book. Cahill writes with a flair for bringing the ancient past within walking distance, with an unusual confidence in the way things were, but with a profound hope in turning the lessons we learn from our predecessors into relevant, reformed thought and action today. He takes time to unearth the necessary context surrounding Jesus's birth and ascension into ministry that few care to take. Many authors and historians, particularly Christ-believing ones, usually launch right into His life and miracles and teachings and death and resurrection; but Cahill here truly explores what was going on around this God-man, paying close attention to the ones who would have heard His words and seen His acts.
He has a terrific grasp of culture and the makings of both Roman/Greek/pagan beliefs as well as Jewish/Christian worldviews, and he delivers them in a finely tuned, detailed way without being exhaustively meticulous and, more impressively, without sacrificing the important holistic approach to understanding how each group or sect or nation got to where it was in the 1st century. There's a humility about Cahill's writing, a less-than-biased, almost objective viewpoint that doesn't need to make all of his findings somehow trace down through the centuries to center around him and how they affect his daily life. I really appreciate that. And he brings other countries and societies into it quite beautifully as well, noting rightly that Christ's existence somehow changed everything yet still honors and celebrates the various ways that folks experience, worship, and emulate Him.
I'm so happy I read Desire of the Everlasting Hills. There was a special, almost poetic, emotional quality about the book, even though it was largely heady and oftentimes informational. I'm not quite sure I can put my finger on it nor describe it eloquently enough in a Goodreads review-- I suppose I'll just have to let it settle. 🙂
Maybe I'll come back later...
He has a terrific grasp of culture and the makings of both Roman/Greek/pagan beliefs as well as Jewish/Christian worldviews, and he delivers them in a finely tuned, detailed way without being exhaustively meticulous and, more impressively, without sacrificing the important holistic approach to understanding how each group or sect or nation got to where it was in the 1st century. There's a humility about Cahill's writing, a less-than-biased, almost objective viewpoint that doesn't need to make all of his findings somehow trace down through the centuries to center around him and how they affect his daily life. I really appreciate that. And he brings other countries and societies into it quite beautifully as well, noting rightly that Christ's existence somehow changed everything yet still honors and celebrates the various ways that folks experience, worship, and emulate Him.
I'm so happy I read Desire of the Everlasting Hills. There was a special, almost poetic, emotional quality about the book, even though it was largely heady and oftentimes informational. I'm not quite sure I can put my finger on it nor describe it eloquently enough in a Goodreads review-- I suppose I'll just have to let it settle. 🙂
Maybe I'll come back later...
May 23, 2018
Incredibly engaging. I flew through this book and found it as un-put-down-able as a novel. Cahill makes the figures and texts of the New Testament come alive as nothing I’ve ever read has done. I think this is because he approaches the Bible as, first and foremost, a human document. This enables him to tease out the very human quirks and foibles of the text without sacrificing its centrality as a piece of religious literature.
I think Cahill does a nice job of remaining objective, and this is a book that would be interesting to Christians and non-Christians alike. While he does bring up issues like miracles, he usually dives into the historical and textual evidence behind them but ends with an ‘it’s impossible to know for sure.’
That being said, I can see how hardcore conservative Christians would find this book off-putting. Cahill treats the Bible as a historical document rather than a sacred, inerrant, untouchable text, interpreting daringly and playfully. However, if this is no problem, I think it’s a wonderful, fascinating, and emotionally provocative book.
I think Cahill does a nice job of remaining objective, and this is a book that would be interesting to Christians and non-Christians alike. While he does bring up issues like miracles, he usually dives into the historical and textual evidence behind them but ends with an ‘it’s impossible to know for sure.’
That being said, I can see how hardcore conservative Christians would find this book off-putting. Cahill treats the Bible as a historical document rather than a sacred, inerrant, untouchable text, interpreting daringly and playfully. However, if this is no problem, I think it’s a wonderful, fascinating, and emotionally provocative book.
May 9, 2024
Thomas Cahill set out to answer the question of the actual significance of Christ on Western Civilization. He also wished to acquaint readers with the Jewishness of Jesus as well as the Jewishness of the synoptic gospels, an often significant oversight by anyone who wishes to understand the development of what is known today as Christianity. The subject matter (a mere two thousand years of history) is complex and its scope is truly epic. Thomas is to be commended for making it very accessible to the non-theolgian and non-historian alike. He draws on rich sources for his history of the Christian Age, and the age preceding and following it, and he explains why he favored one work over another where the perspectives on such issues as the claims for Christ's messianic title or authorship of the synoptic gospels (to name two) differ widely. His passion for his subject matter shines through his work as well as his deep love for humanity, our struggle for understanding and transcendence.
April 22, 2019
I have enjoyed all of Cahill’s books immensely, and this one is no exception (in fact, it may be my favorite so far). Whether you hold any Judeo-Christian beliefs or not, Cahill makes a compelling case for their influence on the modern Western world. He is a fabulous storyteller who is insightful and just.
I noted that many “conservative” or “fundamentalist” Christian reviewers took exception to his presentation of some interpretations of the “facts” as they know them in the Bible. I found his presentations to be fair, and he very clearly presents his opinions and interpretations as being just that, without claiming undue authority or the privilege of being exclusively correct. If the fact that he disagrees with some of your long-held opinions or beliefs makes you less inclined to read this book, I would say that this is precisely why you should read it. We have nothing to fear when we abandon the need to be right and instead open our minds and hearts to what is possible.
I noted that many “conservative” or “fundamentalist” Christian reviewers took exception to his presentation of some interpretations of the “facts” as they know them in the Bible. I found his presentations to be fair, and he very clearly presents his opinions and interpretations as being just that, without claiming undue authority or the privilege of being exclusively correct. If the fact that he disagrees with some of your long-held opinions or beliefs makes you less inclined to read this book, I would say that this is precisely why you should read it. We have nothing to fear when we abandon the need to be right and instead open our minds and hearts to what is possible.
April 27, 2016
So this one would’ve been good, had I not been a Christian. I guess. There was a lot of liberal theology in here and a lot of trying to say that parts of the Bible were written later than they claim to be. This always bothers me since we actually have a lot of very early manuscripts.
Overall not worth it. I already knew everything except this one thing: before Jesus there was no rooting for the underdog. Those who were weak like women, children, slaves, the poor, and defeated nations, these were all losers unworthy of pity or help in the eyes of most people in society at the time. You wanted to root for the winner and watch him kill the loser in the arena. Jesus' life and teachings reversed this.
Overall not worth it. I already knew everything except this one thing: before Jesus there was no rooting for the underdog. Those who were weak like women, children, slaves, the poor, and defeated nations, these were all losers unworthy of pity or help in the eyes of most people in society at the time. You wanted to root for the winner and watch him kill the loser in the arena. Jesus' life and teachings reversed this.
January 18, 2019
A highly accessible text that reawakens one’s understanding of Jesus
This is my third Cahill text and there is a clear rhythm to them. He brings us to a world before these pivotal figures and people and then proceeds to string cords across time and people that connect the subject’s influence. As a longtime Christian who has read the Christian Bible several times and continues to, Cahill has left me much to ponder and I appreciate that.
This is my third Cahill text and there is a clear rhythm to them. He brings us to a world before these pivotal figures and people and then proceeds to string cords across time and people that connect the subject’s influence. As a longtime Christian who has read the Christian Bible several times and continues to, Cahill has left me much to ponder and I appreciate that.
July 19, 2011
Cahill's work is as much a bold historic narrative as it is a theological commentary. Using a scholarly yet approachable style, his pithy explanations of some of the more labyrinthine mysteries of the early Christian church help to bring this foundational period closer to us. It is also a joy to read, Cahill is a good writer and his prose is easy and illustrative.
January 31, 2016
Cahill describes humans beings in this book, real people dealing with real issues. In bringing the apostles, and Jesus, down to earth, he makes the Gospels and the rest of New Testament much more relateable, at least for me. His interpretation of the Book of Revelations was particularly interesting and made a lot of sense.
June 18, 2008
Cahill's drive to explain miracles somewhat dampens the beauty and the brilliance of this book. Also, at times he seems to believe that the church has little to do with Jesus. Never fear, soldier on to the end and I think you will find it was worth it.
January 2, 2016
The book does a good job of: gaining a better understanding of St Paul; explaining how Christian philosophy permeates modern democratic principles and finally creates an argument for the relevance of Christianity in a modern culture.
May 15, 2014
Cahill explains history like Mr. Peabody.
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