Hero of Heroes: Seeing Christ in the Beatitudes

by Iain M. Duguid

In this fresh look at the Beatitudes, lain M. Duguid shows how Jesus turns our concept of a hero upside down. The Beatitudes hold out to us a higher form of heroism -- the character and attitudes found in the Hero of heroes.

Genres: Theology

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

married to Barbara R. Duguid

Reviews

[Sean Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fine introduction to the beatitudes. The biggest strengths of this book were 1) he clearly explains the meaning of the text and how it can apply to our lives and 2) he ties them in with the whole teaching of scripture and the gospel itself. It's biggest weakness is that often the contrasts he sets up with how "the world" thinks about things are not complex enough to really resonate with what our experience is (they often feel like a "straw man" example).

This book could be a helpful springboard for discussion with a new believer or teenager. Or it could be helpful for a quick overview of the basics of the sermon on the mount before a more in-depth study.

[Tony Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific and easy to read book pointing one to Jesus' worldview. Duguid does an amazing job breaking down the beatitudes in a manner that speaks right into our society today with the truth of the Gospel. This definitely countercultural approach that Jesus taught is broght to life in a manner with anyone could use in a small group or Bible Study. Each beatitude has a series of discussion questions at the end. Let's take a glance at Mercy. Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy. We all love and need mercy but how do we rate when we give mercy. "Those who know the depth of this(God's mercy to us) mercy, will show similar mercy to others, helping the undeserving and unforgiving without limit." I love this quote by Duguid it really gives us a glimpse into the depth of Jesus teaching as Jesus disciples those who have chosen to follow him.

[Michael Thiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across Ian DuGuid from discussions with my wife Emily about her seminary classes and one of her professors. I have thoroughly appreciated his teaching. This book on the Beatitudes is rich and solid and very helpful. Although I read it by myself, with the books discussion questions at the end of each chapter, it could be a great resource for a small group discussion. I highly recommend Mr. DuGuid.

[Ross H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, accessible, and insightful exposition of the Beatitudes.

[Abram Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book that ponders the beatitudes.

[S Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for helping us see that it is Christ Who saves and not how good we are.

[Maggie Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been doing an intensive study of the Beatitudes thanks to Chapter 10 of Jesus: A Pilgrimage by James Martin. In that book the beatitudes are looked at in exactly the way I have often seen them looked at - as platitudes, a sort of vague guide to right living.

Unsatisfied with that, I began reading several other books specifically on the subject of the sermon on the mount. This was probably one of the best guides to a deeper look. The focus is very centered on God, our relationship with Him and how that impacts our relationship with others. The language is clear and concise, stern without being overly judgmental. I found it very helpful in opening my eyes to a lot of things I hadn't known before about this piece of scripture.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beatitudes are my favorite teaching and in my opinion the heart of the Christian. The teaching reveals the heart of God and the attitude of man. Their are 8 chapters for each beatitude. Describing the heart of each one and the blessing that is received. It also describes what it is not. How the world may look at each beatitude. There is a progression that each one builds on the other. For example, until we know how poor in spirit we are, we will never be able to mourn for sin. This is the heart of the Gospel

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for a simple evaluation of the beatitudes. Thought provoking for the general public but not necessarily deep enough for a complete or thorough study of the beatitudes. I am rating it highly because it is perfect for the general reader and I appreciated many statements throughout. Overall it was an easy and enjoyable read.

[Graham Heslop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and challenging exposition of the beatitude. Essentially, Duguid takes each in turn and (1) shows how the attitude Christ calls us to is unlike what our world practices, (2) he then shows how Christ modeled it for us, and (3) finally he unpacks it practically for the Christian life