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Killing Jesus: The Hidden Drama Behind the World's Most Famous Execution
It is the most famous execution in history. Its symbol is worn by hundreds of millions worldwide. Its spiritual meaning is recalled daily in time-honored rituals. It is the most passionately debated murder of all time. In Killing Jesus: The Hidden Drama Behind the World's Most Famous Execution, New York Times best-selling author Stephen Mansfield tells the gripping story of the conspiracy to assassinate Jesus Christ and the graphic details of his torturous death. Approaching the tale at its most human level an approach often neglected by worshippers of Christ and the unbelieving alike Mansfield uses both secular sources and the biblical accounts to bring fresh perspective and fire to this familiar saga. Rooted in scholarship but told simply and with vivid detail this thrilling, page-turning account of the death of Jesus will fascinate and stir readers whatever their beliefs might be.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2013
75 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mansfield
96 books158 followersStephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author and a popular speaker who is becoming one of the nation’s most respected voices on religion and American culture. He is also an activist in a variety of social causes.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 26, 2013
Even though I am still reading, I have read enough to recommend that this book be read by both believer and unbeliever. The proclamation spoken by Christians today that Jesus suffered and died for their sins has lost its potency. The detailed description of the torture and death of The Son of God will set your hearts on fire for your Lord and Savior. After you read this book, which presents with accuracy the plot to crucify the Lamb of God, you will understand what was written in the Bible that Jesus “was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter” (Jeremiah 11:19). I will continue my review when I am finished. FINISHED
Like the story of Christmas, this book should be read every year around Easter time. Never let what Jesus did for you at Calvary become old and routine. The memory of Jesus' life, death and resurrection must be kept alive in our hearts and minds. Mansfield's book will provide the mental images of Jesus' suffering so that your gratitude and love will burn with a fury commensurate with an act of love that defies human logic.
Like the story of Christmas, this book should be read every year around Easter time. Never let what Jesus did for you at Calvary become old and routine. The memory of Jesus' life, death and resurrection must be kept alive in our hearts and minds. Mansfield's book will provide the mental images of Jesus' suffering so that your gratitude and love will burn with a fury commensurate with an act of love that defies human logic.
May 5, 2013
As the title shows, the subject of this book is the crucifixion of Jesus. The premise of the book is to take us through the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and resurrection.
The book is graphic and does not sugar coat. That is a plus. The crucifixion was violent. I understand why Mel Gibson's movie was rated "R". This book is in the same category. It is not light reading.
Mansfield starts by telling us that he did not write this book in a comfortable office. He wanted to write it in the same sort of places Jesus experienced. He tells of the dozens of places he wrote, with noise, distraction, hustle and bustle.
The book was very good. It will bring tears to your eyes to see the things that Jesus went through to redeem us. It is very graphic and detailed.
This is not a theological book. There is very little, if any, mention of the theology of why Jesus died. It is more a telling of the events in a novel-like form.
The only disappointment was the Epilogue. Mansfield shows that he does not believe in total biblical inerrancy when he says the four Gospels contradict each other about the resurrection. It is a shame that he wrote a very good representation of the death of Jesus, only to end it with an Epilogue stating that the apostles disagree about the resurrection.
The epilogue is sprinkled with phrases like, "But there are four gospel writers, and the other three don’t agree with John.", "Matthew’s account doesn’t match either of these.", "even decades later Jesus’ men cannot seem to agree about what happened.", "they can’t even agree about what happened the day they all say he came back to life", "They never did get their stories straight about that Sunday."
I was happy to see that in the next section Mansfield defends the historicity of the crucifixion through extra biblical sources. I just wished he would have given the same evidence for the resurrection. Paul said if Jesus was not raised we are still in our sins!
Even with the short falls, this was an excellent read.
I recommend this book, but with a caution concerning the resurrection section, and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book free of charge from Worthy Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is graphic and does not sugar coat. That is a plus. The crucifixion was violent. I understand why Mel Gibson's movie was rated "R". This book is in the same category. It is not light reading.
Mansfield starts by telling us that he did not write this book in a comfortable office. He wanted to write it in the same sort of places Jesus experienced. He tells of the dozens of places he wrote, with noise, distraction, hustle and bustle.
The book was very good. It will bring tears to your eyes to see the things that Jesus went through to redeem us. It is very graphic and detailed.
This is not a theological book. There is very little, if any, mention of the theology of why Jesus died. It is more a telling of the events in a novel-like form.
The only disappointment was the Epilogue. Mansfield shows that he does not believe in total biblical inerrancy when he says the four Gospels contradict each other about the resurrection. It is a shame that he wrote a very good representation of the death of Jesus, only to end it with an Epilogue stating that the apostles disagree about the resurrection.
The epilogue is sprinkled with phrases like, "But there are four gospel writers, and the other three don’t agree with John.", "Matthew’s account doesn’t match either of these.", "even decades later Jesus’ men cannot seem to agree about what happened.", "they can’t even agree about what happened the day they all say he came back to life", "They never did get their stories straight about that Sunday."
I was happy to see that in the next section Mansfield defends the historicity of the crucifixion through extra biblical sources. I just wished he would have given the same evidence for the resurrection. Paul said if Jesus was not raised we are still in our sins!
Even with the short falls, this was an excellent read.
I recommend this book, but with a caution concerning the resurrection section, and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book free of charge from Worthy Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2013
"The story of Jesus' death is simple enough to capture the heart of a child and yet vast enough to consume a scholar's life. It is like an epic poem that movingly written yet emerges from a genuine history. The art, of course, is to tell the tale in all its simplicity and force, while satisfying the demands of the facts."
Stephen Mansfield's book, Killing Jesus: The Hidden Drama Behind the World's Most Famous Execution is not a lengthy tome, but it is packed with enough insight to bring the story of Jesus' death into stark clarity. It can be a violent book at times, so the reader is forewarned. The narrative jumps around a little bit in order to bring the reader up to speed with all of the different narrative threads, but overall the story is well written and engagingly told.
"In approximately 30 AD by the Gregorian calendar, 784 by the Roman calendar, and 3790 by the Hebrew calendar, Jesus was brutally killed. Only a few holdouts dispute this. Yet what that death meant, if anything, will be disputed until the end of time."
Anyone who wants to read about the death of Jesus need only to pick up a Bible; Mansfield's book aims to flesh in the story, and to give readers a more complete and nuanced picture of what truly happens. In this, Killing Jesus: The Hidden Drama Behind the World's Most Famous Execution truly meets its goal. The narrative rolls along quickly through seamless storytelling, which is made more taut by Mansfield's decision to do away with footnotes and instead have all of the attribution for academic work together in a section at the end of the book.
There are some exceptionally violent scenes described (this is a book about a violent death, after all), and Mansfield urges discretion at the beginning of the book. The section on the scouring of Jesus is very graphic, but it works to shine an uncomfortable light on the suffering of Jesus before his ultimate crucifixion.
The book ends at the burial and resurrection of Jesus. And even here, Mansfield eloquently notes: "It is the most important morning of their lives, but even decades later, Jesus' men cannot seem to agree about what happened. What they do agree about is that it was not their finest hour." The disciples cannot seem to get their story straight, but in the disparate versions there was a notion stunning enough for which the followers of Jesus were willing to endure persecution and death.
Overall, a good book. I would have rated it at 3.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't allow that, so I bumped it up.
Stephen Mansfield's book, Killing Jesus: The Hidden Drama Behind the World's Most Famous Execution is not a lengthy tome, but it is packed with enough insight to bring the story of Jesus' death into stark clarity. It can be a violent book at times, so the reader is forewarned. The narrative jumps around a little bit in order to bring the reader up to speed with all of the different narrative threads, but overall the story is well written and engagingly told.
"In approximately 30 AD by the Gregorian calendar, 784 by the Roman calendar, and 3790 by the Hebrew calendar, Jesus was brutally killed. Only a few holdouts dispute this. Yet what that death meant, if anything, will be disputed until the end of time."
Anyone who wants to read about the death of Jesus need only to pick up a Bible; Mansfield's book aims to flesh in the story, and to give readers a more complete and nuanced picture of what truly happens. In this, Killing Jesus: The Hidden Drama Behind the World's Most Famous Execution truly meets its goal. The narrative rolls along quickly through seamless storytelling, which is made more taut by Mansfield's decision to do away with footnotes and instead have all of the attribution for academic work together in a section at the end of the book.
There are some exceptionally violent scenes described (this is a book about a violent death, after all), and Mansfield urges discretion at the beginning of the book. The section on the scouring of Jesus is very graphic, but it works to shine an uncomfortable light on the suffering of Jesus before his ultimate crucifixion.
The book ends at the burial and resurrection of Jesus. And even here, Mansfield eloquently notes: "It is the most important morning of their lives, but even decades later, Jesus' men cannot seem to agree about what happened. What they do agree about is that it was not their finest hour." The disciples cannot seem to get their story straight, but in the disparate versions there was a notion stunning enough for which the followers of Jesus were willing to endure persecution and death.
Overall, a good book. I would have rated it at 3.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't allow that, so I bumped it up.
April 19, 2017
This book was powerfully well written; emotional but not hysterical. The writing style is simple, direct and straight forward, but the individual sentences are often extremely beautiful. It often evokes the tender love that Jesus expressed for Jerusalem, while still presenting the flowing gore of Christ's torment and death on the cross. This is not for the tender of tummy or the faint of heart.
Mansfield makes clear the Jesus knew there were plots against him and that Caiphas and Annas sought his death. The author describes a sort of deadly ballet that took place in Jerusalem in the days before Christ's death. Each move was choreographed by the Sanhedrin to achieve their morbid goal. They had attempted to move against Jesus before, as described in the gospels, but had failed in their aim. This time, they did not aim to fail.
One great strength of this narrative is that Mansfield provides simple explanations of both Jewish and Roman law and custom to explain the Gospel stories which often seem confusing to modern readers. I was brought up in a Christian family and attended Catholic schools, but I was still very grateful for the clarity that Mansfield brought to this very famous story. All too frequently we allow the familiarity of this tale to flow over and around us, but not really penetrate our hearts and minds.
I would recommend this book to both believers and non-believers. It is not out trolling for converts or denouncing disbelief: it is telling a most compelling story as if for the first time. It never lost my interest, and I believe it will continue to influence my thinking for a long time.
Mansfield makes clear the Jesus knew there were plots against him and that Caiphas and Annas sought his death. The author describes a sort of deadly ballet that took place in Jerusalem in the days before Christ's death. Each move was choreographed by the Sanhedrin to achieve their morbid goal. They had attempted to move against Jesus before, as described in the gospels, but had failed in their aim. This time, they did not aim to fail.
One great strength of this narrative is that Mansfield provides simple explanations of both Jewish and Roman law and custom to explain the Gospel stories which often seem confusing to modern readers. I was brought up in a Christian family and attended Catholic schools, but I was still very grateful for the clarity that Mansfield brought to this very famous story. All too frequently we allow the familiarity of this tale to flow over and around us, but not really penetrate our hearts and minds.
I would recommend this book to both believers and non-believers. It is not out trolling for converts or denouncing disbelief: it is telling a most compelling story as if for the first time. It never lost my interest, and I believe it will continue to influence my thinking for a long time.
March 20, 2013
“Killing Jesus” by Stephen Mansfield is a powerfully written, amazing book to read. Never before have I read such a compelling account of the details of the crucifixion of Jesus. The story of the life and death of Jesus has always been an integral element of Christianity, but “Killing Jesus” enables us to understand the event in such an amazing way. Stephen Mansfield has managed to create a ‘must read’ of Jesus’ life and crucifixion. Even if you are not religious, Mansfield’s “Killing Jesus” is a fabulous book to read - hard to set down. Released in 2013, “Killing Jesus” should be on everyone’s ’must read’ list!
I received this book for free to review. Dbettenson on goodreads, netgalley, librarything, amazon and facebook.
I received this book for free to review. Dbettenson on goodreads, netgalley, librarything, amazon and facebook.
September 1, 2013
To anyone closely familiar with the four Gospels there won't be much here in this book that you didn't already know, but the few tidbits of historical background and incidental details provide a richness and depth to the story of Christ's crucifixion that make this book a worthwhile read - for believers and skeptics alike.
Mansfield's writing reads like a good history should: more engaging narrative and less academic tedium. He writes with a hurried and choppy style, (I believe the Prologue provides a sufficient explanation for that) but it's not distracting.
This is a good book. Every Christian should take an afternoon (maybe two) and read it.
Mansfield's writing reads like a good history should: more engaging narrative and less academic tedium. He writes with a hurried and choppy style, (I believe the Prologue provides a sufficient explanation for that) but it's not distracting.
This is a good book. Every Christian should take an afternoon (maybe two) and read it.
May 11, 2013
I thought this was a good book. The author takes the events of the crucifixion from the point of view of the major character groups involved. I suspect due to a couple of points that the author is Protestant rather than Catholic due to his understanding of Sacred Scripture. In any case, I enjoyed the book.
September 5, 2013
For subject matter that has been studied, written about, and translated into film exhaustively, there isn't much more to add. The author puts in interpretive fictional spin here and there and some occasional brief yet interesting history. It is extremely easy to read, maybe a little too easy to read. The "unknown conspiracy" as mentioned in the subtitle is quite misleading and ultimately sensational. If you've studied or follow(ed) the bible even a moderate amount, the religious and political catalysts of Jesus' crucifixion isn't very unknown.
Mansfield applies Roman and Jewish law in an attempt to envision the tipping point that eventually led to the death of Jesus. The most fascinating thing he did elaborate on was how Roman's classist society unwittingly intersected to collude on the demise of Jesus. Bravo on that, sir.
The Day Christ Died was a better read, in my opinion. It came off as far less of a book report than Killing Jesus did.
3Stars
Mansfield applies Roman and Jewish law in an attempt to envision the tipping point that eventually led to the death of Jesus. The most fascinating thing he did elaborate on was how Roman's classist society unwittingly intersected to collude on the demise of Jesus. Bravo on that, sir.
The Day Christ Died was a better read, in my opinion. It came off as far less of a book report than Killing Jesus did.
3Stars
February 1, 2021
Go with this one instead of the Bill O'Reilly book of the same title. This is the much better one that doesn't have other agendas hidden in the pages.
This mainly gives a dramatic presentation of the last week of Jesus' life on earth, though starting with his birth and Herod and his fear and sickly attempt to destroy this new king. The author brings out the history surrounding the times, using both Biblical and contemporary secular resources to tell the story.
There were things brought out in the story that I ended up asking my pastor about because they were things I hadn't heard about before, but my pastor assured me that while they might not have been mentioned from the pulpit or broadly within the Bible, they were true. This deepened my awareness of both Jesus and the world he lived in.
This mainly gives a dramatic presentation of the last week of Jesus' life on earth, though starting with his birth and Herod and his fear and sickly attempt to destroy this new king. The author brings out the history surrounding the times, using both Biblical and contemporary secular resources to tell the story.
There were things brought out in the story that I ended up asking my pastor about because they were things I hadn't heard about before, but my pastor assured me that while they might not have been mentioned from the pulpit or broadly within the Bible, they were true. This deepened my awareness of both Jesus and the world he lived in.
October 12, 2013
If you are looking for a book that is well researched yet written simply and like a captivating novel, try this little puppy. The author painstakingly describes the corruption within the religious system of the day, the strategic purposes behind Jesus' acts during his final week, and the grotesque science of Roman crucifixion.
You will likely put the book down in sections, wincing at the images of such barbaric treatment of our Savior. But, you will also emerge with a new sense of awe in him. The book gives a sweeping picture of what he knew he was running towards on your behalf.
This is a must read.
You will likely put the book down in sections, wincing at the images of such barbaric treatment of our Savior. But, you will also emerge with a new sense of awe in him. The book gives a sweeping picture of what he knew he was running towards on your behalf.
This is a must read.
June 10, 2013
Very interestingly written from the perspective of others who might have been and were present during the tragic events of Jesus' last days. Ion an historical note, it is sometimes nice to reference a footnote, however the author chose to not disturb his storytelling by inserting references in the body of the text. Although I've heard the story many times and studied it historically, I've not ever read such an entertaining account. Bravo!
September 12, 2016
This was an okay book...not what I was really expecting when I picked it up. I was expecting that it would be written from more of a legal and historical standpoint due to to the subtitle of the book. It seemed to me to be more of a historical synopsis of the crucifixion account. It was an okay book, just not what I expected.
February 5, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book, very much. It was written from more of a historical perspective than a biblical perspective. I enjoyed reading it and learning the historical significance of the crucifixion of Jesus. It was an easy read
June 20, 2019
As a pastor/teacher/preacher I have been telling the story of Jesus' death and resurrection for decades. Frankly, while I did not dread "holy week," I often wondered what "fresh insight" could I bring, what words could I say to point folks to the reality of Jesus or awaken my sometimes haggard heart.
Deep down I know this dilemma shouldn't be. How can such a compelling drama of sacrificial love and divine redemption become tired?
Despite what I know I should feel, I wasn't feeling it! That is until I read Stephen Mansfield! Killing Jesus: The Unknown Conspiracy Behind The World's Most Famous Execution. Mansfield's work is a fresh picture of the crucifixion and a reminder of how to read the Word of God.
Mansfield writes:
Read this book on Good Friday, but not just on Good Friday. Read it in the middle of the year. Read it when your faith is strong and especially when it's running low. Mansfield will not let the crucifixion of Jesus become an asterisk denoting a date in history or a season on the church calendar. This is not sterile reporting. It is the glowing reality of Christ against the dusty background of history.
That said, history comes to life in Killing Jesus. Herod, Pilate, the Centurion guard, Caiaphas, Mary, even the young man in the garden who ran off naked appear vigorous, dusty, and full of broiling emotions. You'll put down this book with a better understanding Rome, Jerusalem, crucifixion, the religious leaders, and mostly Jesus Christ. is the living, loving authority sacrifice of Jesus on full display.
I highly recommend it!
Deep down I know this dilemma shouldn't be. How can such a compelling drama of sacrificial love and divine redemption become tired?
Despite what I know I should feel, I wasn't feeling it! That is until I read Stephen Mansfield! Killing Jesus: The Unknown Conspiracy Behind The World's Most Famous Execution. Mansfield's work is a fresh picture of the crucifixion and a reminder of how to read the Word of God.
Mansfield writes:
The Bible reveals sacred truth but it does so through a less sacred-seeming drama—an often earthy, troubling, lewd, starkly human drama. We are meant to know the story against the storm age in which it happened—with all the grimy details fully in view—and to accept it as part of the way God speaks. Blood, spit, wine, semen, sweat, and the offscouring of generations spill out not the page. No apologies are offered. This is the thrashing human drama of God, not some dainty pious tale. This is the Bible. This is why the conspiracy to torture Jesus to death should not be read in too much of a hurry, with too much eagerness to get the body into the tomb--or beyond.Killing Jesus is anything but sanitary or the musings of a man who dwells in the ivory tower.
Read this book on Good Friday, but not just on Good Friday. Read it in the middle of the year. Read it when your faith is strong and especially when it's running low. Mansfield will not let the crucifixion of Jesus become an asterisk denoting a date in history or a season on the church calendar. This is not sterile reporting. It is the glowing reality of Christ against the dusty background of history.
That said, history comes to life in Killing Jesus. Herod, Pilate, the Centurion guard, Caiaphas, Mary, even the young man in the garden who ran off naked appear vigorous, dusty, and full of broiling emotions. You'll put down this book with a better understanding Rome, Jerusalem, crucifixion, the religious leaders, and mostly Jesus Christ. is the living, loving authority sacrifice of Jesus on full display.
I highly recommend it!
October 12, 2017
"The execution of Jesus was a crime born of the streets, the barracks, the enclaves of the privileged, and the smoke-filled back rooms of religious and political power brokers. Its meaning lives in these places still", writes Stephen Mansfield in the introduction to his new book amplifying its intensity and gritty realism. How true! The book is a gripping story with explicit and vivid details of the torturous death of Jesus!
Birthed from painstaking years of inquiry and study, along with extensive international travel, New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield's latest book, Killing Jesus: The Unknown Conspiracy Behind the World's Most Famous Execution, published by Worthy Publishing, is a shocking account of the last few hours in the life of Jesus.
Or is it just a figment of a creative writer's fertile imagination or is it based on irrefutable historical proofs - both secular sources and the well-known biblical accounts? There seems to be no easy answer. Killing Jesus is a hard-hitting book in the mold of his earlier work "Where has Oprah Taken Us? The Religious Influence of the World's Most Famous Women." Unlike his Oprah subject where research has its limits, Killing Jesus offers a plethora of avenues for unlimited research.
Incredibly mesmerizing and passionate beyond words, Killing Jesus is both scandalous and powerful, revealing disturbing plot, political maneuvering and religious venality of the time that reads more like today's newspaper headlines. The book will offer new perspective for Christians, and is also most likely to fascinate secular scholars as Mansfield explores the death of Jesus from a non-religious perspective:
-Conspiracy: Why corrupt religious and political leaders colluded to manipulate the system and crucify a rabbi
-Brutality: Why Mel Gibson didn't go far enough; the brutality of Roman torture and execution
-Sellout: How religious leaders sold out to Rome and left true Judaism
-Outrage: Why Jesus' public defense of immigrants and gentiles ignited the wrath of corrupt religious leaders
-Collision: How Jesus' final entrance into the gates of Jerusalem precipitated the collision of two kingdoms
Killing Jesus offers rich historical, cultural and political insight into the death of the most influential figure in history.
Birthed from painstaking years of inquiry and study, along with extensive international travel, New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield's latest book, Killing Jesus: The Unknown Conspiracy Behind the World's Most Famous Execution, published by Worthy Publishing, is a shocking account of the last few hours in the life of Jesus.
Or is it just a figment of a creative writer's fertile imagination or is it based on irrefutable historical proofs - both secular sources and the well-known biblical accounts? There seems to be no easy answer. Killing Jesus is a hard-hitting book in the mold of his earlier work "Where has Oprah Taken Us? The Religious Influence of the World's Most Famous Women." Unlike his Oprah subject where research has its limits, Killing Jesus offers a plethora of avenues for unlimited research.
Incredibly mesmerizing and passionate beyond words, Killing Jesus is both scandalous and powerful, revealing disturbing plot, political maneuvering and religious venality of the time that reads more like today's newspaper headlines. The book will offer new perspective for Christians, and is also most likely to fascinate secular scholars as Mansfield explores the death of Jesus from a non-religious perspective:
-Conspiracy: Why corrupt religious and political leaders colluded to manipulate the system and crucify a rabbi
-Brutality: Why Mel Gibson didn't go far enough; the brutality of Roman torture and execution
-Sellout: How religious leaders sold out to Rome and left true Judaism
-Outrage: Why Jesus' public defense of immigrants and gentiles ignited the wrath of corrupt religious leaders
-Collision: How Jesus' final entrance into the gates of Jerusalem precipitated the collision of two kingdoms
Killing Jesus offers rich historical, cultural and political insight into the death of the most influential figure in history.
May 13, 2018
Seriously, before I even begin, I have to tell you this is perhaps the best book I have ever read.
Mansfield is an artist. Truly. His capability of telling a story and projecting you into the scene brought the last days of Christ and the crucifixion to life. I was there! I really was!
I have never been so brutally moved in my 58 years on this earth! And I have read, and studied the crucifixion many times. I thought Mel Gibson's The Passion, was about as close as I would ever come.. But Mansfield is an extraordinarily talented and gifted writer! And he is very humbling. I went to his Facebook page and mentioned how much the book touched me. He was kind enough to personally respond. Do you know how few people actually do that?
He walks us through the Sanhedrin demanding the crucifixion of our Savior. The brutality of the beating he was given. And the scourging. I wept and wept, and can still, days later, weep from it. The piercing pain as the large nails were driven through Christ's wrists and feet. His literal suffocation. Seeing His mother in the crowd watching Him. His gasping for final breaths. His great last effort as He yells "It is finished!".
There is oh so much more here. The hidden agenda behind the crucifixion, which we are only now beginning to understand. The cruelty of those who would rather see a murderer freed than Jesus.
Pilate's lack of desire to do anything but keep the populace happy, and out of his hair, and his symbolic washing of his hands.
You will see, hear, feel, taste, and smell it all. And your heart will break as you see for the first time what it must have been like to have witnessed the horror.
I get more from a really good story teller than I do from a visual. I was overwhelmed with the Passion. But my life has been forever changed by Killing Jesus. And I think that's exactly what Mansfield intended. Lives will be changed by this book.
I strongly recommend you read Killing Jesus by Stephen Mansfield.
Mansfield is an artist. Truly. His capability of telling a story and projecting you into the scene brought the last days of Christ and the crucifixion to life. I was there! I really was!
I have never been so brutally moved in my 58 years on this earth! And I have read, and studied the crucifixion many times. I thought Mel Gibson's The Passion, was about as close as I would ever come.. But Mansfield is an extraordinarily talented and gifted writer! And he is very humbling. I went to his Facebook page and mentioned how much the book touched me. He was kind enough to personally respond. Do you know how few people actually do that?
He walks us through the Sanhedrin demanding the crucifixion of our Savior. The brutality of the beating he was given. And the scourging. I wept and wept, and can still, days later, weep from it. The piercing pain as the large nails were driven through Christ's wrists and feet. His literal suffocation. Seeing His mother in the crowd watching Him. His gasping for final breaths. His great last effort as He yells "It is finished!".
There is oh so much more here. The hidden agenda behind the crucifixion, which we are only now beginning to understand. The cruelty of those who would rather see a murderer freed than Jesus.
Pilate's lack of desire to do anything but keep the populace happy, and out of his hair, and his symbolic washing of his hands.
You will see, hear, feel, taste, and smell it all. And your heart will break as you see for the first time what it must have been like to have witnessed the horror.
I get more from a really good story teller than I do from a visual. I was overwhelmed with the Passion. But my life has been forever changed by Killing Jesus. And I think that's exactly what Mansfield intended. Lives will be changed by this book.
I strongly recommend you read Killing Jesus by Stephen Mansfield.
March 29, 2022
Deeply moving journey through the Passion from completely new perspectives. You are looking through the eyes of Pilate, Herod, Caiaphas, or a legionnaire at this mysterious man the call "Yeshua son of Yusuf". Who is this peculiar rabble rousing itinerate rabbi from the backwaters of Galilee, and why was he causing such a stir?
Mansfield offers a third-dimension to what is often viewed as a two-dimensional narrative. Experience Jesus aversively and walk away with deeper understanding of Christ.
Mansfield offers a third-dimension to what is often viewed as a two-dimensional narrative. Experience Jesus aversively and walk away with deeper understanding of Christ.
April 14, 2023
I really liked this book and was really engrossed in it until the end. Even though I've read Bill O'Reilly's Killing Jesus and watched different videos and documentaries on the topic, Mansfield really helps bring the story to life and makes you realize how extraordinary an individual Jesus is. Whether you are a Christian or not. I am a Christian but I still found this book really try to remain neutral on the topic without getting preachy, which I respect since it allows other people who are curious to be open to learning as well. Great read and really would recommend to people.
December 11, 2018
At the outset, I was very skeptical about this tome. Had I opened it in the store and noted the wide line-spacing, I’d face dismissed it out of hand. What earned the 3-star rating for me was the dorky stuff.
I’m a sucker for maps and the info in the Notes at the back was intriguing. I may give the author’s work another gander, as I’m a sucker for well-researched historical fiction, or even nob-fiction narratives.
I’m a sucker for maps and the info in the Notes at the back was intriguing. I may give the author’s work another gander, as I’m a sucker for well-researched historical fiction, or even nob-fiction narratives.
March 3, 2018
Details
While the Bible covers Jesus crucification, it does not go into the more intricate details of the customs of those times. This book helped me to better understand some of the nuisances of life in Jesus time. It also helped me to better appreciate how painful crucifixion was.
While the Bible covers Jesus crucification, it does not go into the more intricate details of the customs of those times. This book helped me to better understand some of the nuisances of life in Jesus time. It also helped me to better appreciate how painful crucifixion was.
January 6, 2022
It's been a long time since Sunday School, but enter Stephen Mansfield to prepare a refresher. The brutal description of Jesus' torture wasn't part of my Sunday curriculum, of course, but little else was new. I certainly didn't come away feeling a previously unknown conspiracy had been unearthed.
A little blah, but not horrible.
A little blah, but not horrible.
April 5, 2019
Simply Wow
Very well written. This book provides some great insights to the other side of the Crucifixion of Christ. Seldom do we hear about the reasoning of the Jews for pursuing this course of action. Very good book.
Very well written. This book provides some great insights to the other side of the Crucifixion of Christ. Seldom do we hear about the reasoning of the Jews for pursuing this course of action. Very good book.
August 26, 2018
A must read for anyone who wants the whole story delivered to them honestly and historically. And quickly. This is a very to the point book. I really appreciate that this book exists. Thank you
January 2, 2019
Louisville, Ky
Great book with great insight to Historical Context and content that marry things from scripture and make sense of a lot of details we overlook
Great book with great insight to Historical Context and content that marry things from scripture and make sense of a lot of details we overlook
May 9, 2019
Real, raw, compelling and powerful. Thank you Jesus for enduring the cross for me!
Read
September 3, 2019Very much the same as O'Reilly's book. Never checked which came first.
March 16, 2022
Easy to read, very informative, perfect reading for Lent.
April 5, 2022
As the name implies, this was a very graphic & violent account. Learned details that I was clueless about, but a tough read for sure.
August 12, 2024
I've read this book twice so far and will continue to go back to read it again and again. The horror Jesus suffered is heartbreaking this book reminds you of what he went through for us. Such a well written book. If you believe in Jesus, this book will humble you and envoke emotions.
March 9, 2017
As a whole, I really liked this book. It gave me a new perspective on the conspiracies behind why Jesus was killed. It took a dive into the religious, political, and business context and why Jesus was a threat to those institutions. It also goes into some pretty graphic detail on the actual killing itself. Not for the faint of heart but it definitely helps color and fill in the context around Jesus' final days. I feel like I have a much better feeling for the characters in the story and their motivations now.
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