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Jesus Through Pagan Eyes: Bridging Neopagan Perspectives with a Progressive Vision of Christ
For Pagans and Christians alike, Jesus Through Pagan Eyes offers a provocative portrait of Jesus--as a compassionate, life-affirming, nature-inspired spiritual teacher, freed from the limiting ideology of the Church. Rev. Mark Townsend sets the stage by exploring the historical evidence of who Jesus was as a human being before delving into the realm of metaphor and mythology, the notion of Christ, and the Church's conception of Jesus as Christ.
The heart of this unique book lies in the thoughtful and deeply moving collection of stories, essays, and interviews about Jesus from today's most respected Pagan, Wiccan, and Druidic leaders. Contributors such as Maxine Sanders, Christopher Penczak, Janet Farrar, Diana Paxson, Philip Carr-Gomm, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, John Michael Greer, Selena Fox, and Raven Grimassi explore the historical figure of Jesus in relation to Witchcraft, the tarot, goddess worship, and shamanism--while illustrating how this god of the Christian church blesses and inspires those who embrace non-traditional spiritual paths.
Whether you envision Jesus as an ascended master, a human teacher, or a mythic god-man, this remarkable book will introduce you to a Jesus who fits fully into the Pagan imagination.
Praise:
"Townsend uses Jesus to initiate dialogue, and he does so in way that is accepting and inclusive of many understandings and interpretations of Jesus, his purpose, and his relevance (or irrelevance) in the religious practices of contemporary Pagans." --Huffington Post
"This work admirably promotes understanding between belief systems that have a sometimes uneasy relationship."--Publishers Weekly
The heart of this unique book lies in the thoughtful and deeply moving collection of stories, essays, and interviews about Jesus from today's most respected Pagan, Wiccan, and Druidic leaders. Contributors such as Maxine Sanders, Christopher Penczak, Janet Farrar, Diana Paxson, Philip Carr-Gomm, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, John Michael Greer, Selena Fox, and Raven Grimassi explore the historical figure of Jesus in relation to Witchcraft, the tarot, goddess worship, and shamanism--while illustrating how this god of the Christian church blesses and inspires those who embrace non-traditional spiritual paths.
Whether you envision Jesus as an ascended master, a human teacher, or a mythic god-man, this remarkable book will introduce you to a Jesus who fits fully into the Pagan imagination.
Praise:
"Townsend uses Jesus to initiate dialogue, and he does so in way that is accepting and inclusive of many understandings and interpretations of Jesus, his purpose, and his relevance (or irrelevance) in the religious practices of contemporary Pagans." --Huffington Post
"This work admirably promotes understanding between belief systems that have a sometimes uneasy relationship."--Publishers Weekly
408 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
63 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 17, 2012
I have struggled with Jesus and Christianity my entire life, and this book has shown me a way to finally accept that Jesus isn't evil; however,the church that claims him often fails to live up to their namesake and even often contradicts his teachings. I am now able to say with confidence that Iam okay with Jesus, just not with Jesus as the Christian church has formed him.
January 8, 2014
This compares the viewpoint of Christiainity toward Jesus as well as those who still practice the old pagan ways.It is quite a deep exploration showing us the three fold Jesus, the one of history, the mythical one and the mystic one. The life of Jesus even leading up to his crucifixion follows quite closely the Egyptian religion, the pagan way of following the year. The book even argues the Christian religion became something Jesus never intended thanks to Constantine. Read this book and make up your own mind.
August 5, 2016
This book is worth it's weight in gold if for no other reason then the final section: stories and essays from Pagan elders. They contain fascinating insights and I highly recommend this book. The author's love for Jesus shines through on every page!
June 7, 2012
For Pagans who feel a pull towards Jesus and his teachings,but not towards institutionalized Christianity, Reverend Mark Townsend presents a new look at Jesus. By exploring the historical Jesus and the Cosmic Christ, Townsend presents a Jesus that would be just as much at home celebrating with Pagans as with the followers who took his name; maybe more at home with the Pagans.
An excellent book for those who didn't grow up Christian but are curious about Jesus. It's also a good starting point for those who are Christian but feel a pull towards Paganism and don't know how to reconcile their love for Jesus with practices that the hide bound churches condemn.
An excellent book for those who didn't grow up Christian but are curious about Jesus. It's also a good starting point for those who are Christian but feel a pull towards Paganism and don't know how to reconcile their love for Jesus with practices that the hide bound churches condemn.
December 9, 2016
Jesus is just all right with them.
Well, more than all right, in most cases. Townsend's musings on Jesus of Nazareth as man, myth, and magician make this a neat read for folks who want to have their cakes and ale, but take communion too.
Part One could be called "How non-Christians approach Jesus 101," an overview of the scholarship around the historicity of Jesus interwoven with the author's own experiences and musings. This actually might lend itself better to audio, as the narrative twists around and goes off on tangents that then loop around later: kind of like listening to your lovable relative go on and on about his model train collection. Townsend's endnotes refer curious readers to the sources they'll need if they want to really study Jesus as a historical figure, the origins of the gospels, etc., so you're not getting flim-flammed: you're just taking the scenic route.
Parts Two and Three consist of, respectively, essays from a variety of neo-pagan personalities and interviews with Craft elders. It's neat to see such an eclectic group of folks offering their take on Jesus, his relationship (if any) to paganism, and whether or not it's possible to follow Christ and, say, Cerridwen, at the same time. Most of the essays and interviews paint Jesus as a hoopty frood who knows where his towel is, and to some he's even an important figure in their devotions. Only one interviewee expressed polite disdain for Christ, and considering what some so-called "Christians" did to him, I can't say as I blame him much. On the whole, the neo-pagans believe they can learn a lot from Jesus; by the same token, however, they almost to a person point out that many people who call themselves Christians don't actually follow Jesus's example.
This is an optional purchase for most collections, but a good add for a large library where Wicca/neo-paganism/etc. circulates well. Given how much true seekers love to read, if you're on the fence about buying it, pick it up and see what happens. Worst case scenario, it goes out on ILL a few times. Neat/interesting/recommended.
Well, more than all right, in most cases. Townsend's musings on Jesus of Nazareth as man, myth, and magician make this a neat read for folks who want to have their cakes and ale, but take communion too.
Part One could be called "How non-Christians approach Jesus 101," an overview of the scholarship around the historicity of Jesus interwoven with the author's own experiences and musings. This actually might lend itself better to audio, as the narrative twists around and goes off on tangents that then loop around later: kind of like listening to your lovable relative go on and on about his model train collection. Townsend's endnotes refer curious readers to the sources they'll need if they want to really study Jesus as a historical figure, the origins of the gospels, etc., so you're not getting flim-flammed: you're just taking the scenic route.
Parts Two and Three consist of, respectively, essays from a variety of neo-pagan personalities and interviews with Craft elders. It's neat to see such an eclectic group of folks offering their take on Jesus, his relationship (if any) to paganism, and whether or not it's possible to follow Christ and, say, Cerridwen, at the same time. Most of the essays and interviews paint Jesus as a hoopty frood who knows where his towel is, and to some he's even an important figure in their devotions. Only one interviewee expressed polite disdain for Christ, and considering what some so-called "Christians" did to him, I can't say as I blame him much. On the whole, the neo-pagans believe they can learn a lot from Jesus; by the same token, however, they almost to a person point out that many people who call themselves Christians don't actually follow Jesus's example.
This is an optional purchase for most collections, but a good add for a large library where Wicca/neo-paganism/etc. circulates well. Given how much true seekers love to read, if you're on the fence about buying it, pick it up and see what happens. Worst case scenario, it goes out on ILL a few times. Neat/interesting/recommended.
June 18, 2012
I posted my reflections and review on Huffington Post Religion -- "Every Conceivable Jesus: A Review of "Jesus Through Pagan Eyes"-- check it out!
October 4, 2024
This was an enjoyable, quick read. There were a handful of debunked claims asserted about both the Bible and Pagan holidays. Townsend also limited his Pagan contributors and interviewees to those who are Wicca- and/or Druidry-aligned. I would have liked to hear from the voices of many other Paganisms.
June 19, 2019
This is a well written book, but sadly it was not for me. I have not come from a Christian background, so I cannot really relate. It will be an excellent book for those Pagans that want to revisit the concept of adding Jesus back into their pantheon. I am glad that Mr. Townsend wrote this book and it is needed for the community.
July 26, 2022
Rather than read this simplistic synthesis of what other great minds have said, I would recommend Cynthia Bourgeault, Maggie Ross, and Margaret Barker. While I’m not a fan, even Richard Rohr would be a better choice. I give up. Shelved but not finished.
February 6, 2023
This read was a game-changer! Answering questions that have lived in my heart for a long time, and providing direction on where to go from here.
I very well might be a Jesus-loving Pagan.
the more you know.
I very well might be a Jesus-loving Pagan.
the more you know.
June 30, 2019
Outstanding! I never knew so many people have the same thoughts as myself and have the same beliefs that came to me naturally.
February 2, 2020
To Mr. Townsend and all of the other contributors involved in this work, I can only say a profound thank you for a thoughtful and deeply inspiring effort. This is truly a great book.
July 27, 2022
I love this book and have recommended it to many Pagans and Christians.
June 20, 2012
Where this book was good it was very good, but overall I felt it was uneven. Townsend's contribution is a nice introduction for people who have only been exposed to a narrow and orthodox chistology, but for those more widely read in these areas, the contribution is lackluster. I was expecting really hard-hitting stuff. Alternative theologies on the outskirts of mainstream christianity, like black liberation theology and anarchist readings of the new testament, have a way of commanding attention in a way that these essays don't. I don't think think that a christian reading these essays would have their view of Jesus and their faith fundamentally shaken. At the same time, I don't think that a pagan would know what to do with the Jesus that emerges from these essays. While many of the authors make the Jesus-Magician connection, none tackle the fundamental questions which are that if Jesus was a magician, (i) what did he think about his art, (ii) how does it relate to modern magical practice, (iii) and how does Jesus's magical practice (re)shape our understanding of orthodox christian theology? For instance, could I go practice the kind of magic Jesus did? What would it look like if I did? Would I be a Christian? Townsend mentions in passing the idea that Jesus saw himself as a chasid practicing a pre-Kabalistic Jewish mysticism, but then maddeningly let's it drop away. This is what the book should have been about. It's an aspect of Jesus that church has forgotten (Jesus practiced vanilla miracles with no rhyme or reason to them), but which modern pagans have a unique authority over.
February 2, 2013
The Rev. Mark Townsend's JESUS THROUGH PAGAN EYES: Bridging Neopagan Perspectives with a Progressive Vision of Christ (Llewellyn, 2012) reads pretty much as one would expect. It's a mishmosh of alternative views of Jesus Christ and traditional Christianity that relies heavily on the usual Gnostic texts and cross-cultural mythology studies.
The Rev. Mr. Townsend, a former priest of the Church of England and a self-described Druid, makes a very big deal of conclusions by cutting-edge scholars/critics of the New Testament and the early church that will come as no surprise to well-informed Christian believers. The Rev. Mr. Townsend reports this information as if it were !BIG NEWS!
The book includes interviews with some of the leading Neopagan practitioners and scholars that are, indeed, sometimes very interesting. John Michael Greer's essay "The God from the House of Bread" is alone worth the book's purchase. Mr. Greer, "currently (head of) the Ancient Order of Druids in America," is a particularly compelling spokesman for the Neopagan revival and nature-based spirituality.
The book opens with a long and provocative Foreword by, who else, Matthew Fox.
The book is studded with exclamation marks, the sure sign of an amateur writer.
The take-away: Re-read THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS and explore Dion Fortune's MYSTICAL MEDITATIONS ON THE COLLECTS.
The Rev. Mr. Townsend, a former priest of the Church of England and a self-described Druid, makes a very big deal of conclusions by cutting-edge scholars/critics of the New Testament and the early church that will come as no surprise to well-informed Christian believers. The Rev. Mr. Townsend reports this information as if it were !BIG NEWS!
The book includes interviews with some of the leading Neopagan practitioners and scholars that are, indeed, sometimes very interesting. John Michael Greer's essay "The God from the House of Bread" is alone worth the book's purchase. Mr. Greer, "currently (head of) the Ancient Order of Druids in America," is a particularly compelling spokesman for the Neopagan revival and nature-based spirituality.
The book opens with a long and provocative Foreword by, who else, Matthew Fox.
The book is studded with exclamation marks, the sure sign of an amateur writer.
The take-away: Re-read THE GOSPEL OF THOMAS and explore Dion Fortune's MYSTICAL MEDITATIONS ON THE COLLECTS.
June 28, 2012
This book was most useful for its essays by various Pagans, and secondarily for the interviews... I can't speak to the history - I'm not widely read on Christian theology and most of what I read in the first third of the book took me by surprise. I've never read into the Gospel of Thomas or into the gnostic/esoteric side of Christianity, so most everything was new to me. The last third, the interviews, was largely repetitive, but this is possibly because I come from a Pagan background and could anticipate most of these Big Names' responses to the series of questions. I found the middle third to be the strongest portion, if only because it presents the experiences of a variety of people and their encounters with Jesus in ways that might otherwise be lost in a more traditional discourse.
January 6, 2013
Very smart. In part one, Townsend manages to present a number of complex subjects — scholarship on the historical Jesus, major strains of heterodox understandings of Christology — in a way that invites further learning while still presenting a coherent whole. Readers who aren't already familiar with major branches of neopagamism, especially Wicca, may find themselves needing to catch up, but only a bit.
The essays and interviews by/with prominent pagan thinkers are a little hit and miss, but the useful/interesting ones are completely worth it, and the less-useful ones can be easily skimmed or skipped. (Bearing in mind that everyone won't agree on which camp a particular entry lies in!)
The essays and interviews by/with prominent pagan thinkers are a little hit and miss, but the useful/interesting ones are completely worth it, and the less-useful ones can be easily skimmed or skipped. (Bearing in mind that everyone won't agree on which camp a particular entry lies in!)
March 4, 2016
This was pretty interesting! I liked the distinction the author made between the historical Jesus and the mythological figure of Christ. The chapters on trying to trace the historical roots of Jesus from the Gospels were particularly interesting.
I didn't finish this; mostly because I got bored of mythology/religion again and had to give it back to the library. I'd like to finish it at some point, though - the latter half of the book is essays by and interviews with well-known Pagan leaders about their relationship with/thoughts about Jesus.
I didn't finish this; mostly because I got bored of mythology/religion again and had to give it back to the library. I'd like to finish it at some point, though - the latter half of the book is essays by and interviews with well-known Pagan leaders about their relationship with/thoughts about Jesus.
February 25, 2013
Even though I am not religious, I've always enjoyed learning about different religions. This book has three parts, and while I think the first part is necessary as it explains a lot to the reader, the second and third parts (stories and interviews from various established Pagans) are what made it worth reading. Still, it was not what I was expecting. Perhaps if I were more knowledgable in Paganism I would have enjoyed it more.
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November 11, 2015Meh. I was pretty excited about the first 1/3 of the book. Trying to strip away the church corrupted Jesus and find what He was before is exactly what I was looking for. Turned out I was completely uninterested in the book when it stopped talking about that and became personal essays of other people's opinions on him. At this point, it's a dnf for me. Bummer.
February 6, 2016
Pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. I don't have much to say about it. It's well written and the author sort fades in and out. He talks about how the concepts he explores affected him personally, but he doesn't talk about himself so much that the book is completely uninteresting and never gets around to the point. If the title sounds good, you will probably like it.
May 11, 2016
Interesting read. I found the first two sections informative and enlightening. The third section was a bit repetitive given many of those interviewed gave very similar answers to the questions. Overall, a worthwhile read to gain new perspectives on Jesus, Paganism, and divinity in general.
September 6, 2012
I thought when I read about this book it would be intetesting but I did not enjoy it. It brought back memories of why broke from what I was taught as a kid.
December 4, 2012
An interesting read that provoked some new ideas and reinforced some that I have had for quite a while now. Maybe I am more of a pagan than I know.
August 18, 2016
Excellent and enlightening book. I very highly recommend this for a fresh perspective of the man who the Church has reworked into something he wasn't.
February 21, 2023
An eye-opening, life-altering book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews