A Spectator's Guide to Jesus: An Introduction to the Man from Nazareth

Spectator's Guides

by John Dickson

Designed for readers with little to no knowledge on the subject, this accessible and honest survey introduces the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Using only the most reliable historical sources, this study clears away the myth and reveals a man who challenged the contemporary norms of society and religion, associated with social outcasts, demanded compassion toward the needy, and subverted imperialism. Insight is also offered into Jesus’ teachings and parables in an effort to uncover their true meanings. The role and impact of Jesus in his own time, throughout history, and in today's world is also provided.

Genres: Theology, New Testament

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

John focuses on the big ideas that have shaped our world.

His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.

With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .

John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.

His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).

Reviews

[Dan Walker]

What I appreciated about this book was learning about the many extra-biblical references to Jesus. Most by pagan historians or commentators who nevertheless agreed that he existed, that it was claimed he had extraordinary powers, that he was executed, but his followers claimed he was resurrected. Point being that non-Christian historians, men who opposed the new sect, confirm the basic outline of the Gospels. There was a historical Jesus, and the Gospels are the primary source material for any historian, secular or Christian, to study him.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since studying History at uni I looked for a Christian book that adopted an historically rigorous method of looking at Jesus. John Dickson hits the nail on the head. He is quite disciplined in making his observations from an academically acceptable view point (although the book is not at all academic in style). And it adds weight to his account of Jesus, which remains the orthodox Christian viewpoint. Great book - I read it in a few days only.

[William]

This is a great book. It give historical context to a very important subject