James E. Talmage's Jesus the Christ Study Guide

by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Thomas A. Wayment

Jesus the Christ, by Elder James E. Talmage, has for decades drawn readers closer to the Savior. Now, this unique study guide, commemorating the centennial anniversary of that beloved gospel classic, helps readers gain even more insight into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Following the organization of Elder Talmage's book chapter by chapter, authors Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and Thomas A. Wayment share archaeological and textual discoveries that have been made during the past century, offer additional insights, suggest study questions, and provide a glossary of unfamiliar words.

Jesus the Christ Study Guide will help readers unlock additional insights as they study the life of the Savior through Elder Talmage's timeless words.

Genres: Religion, Church, Lds, Nonfiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Dr. Richard Holzapfel is a Professor of Church History in the Religious Education Department at BYU. He attended BYU, Hebrew Union College, and the University of California, Irvine (B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.) emphasizing in Middle Eastern Studies, Jewish History, Ancient History. Dr. Holzapfel began teaching at Brigham Young University in 1993, and has taught in the Church History, Ancient Scripture, and History departments. He is currently the Managing Director of Religious Studies Center Publications and the Editor-in-Chief of the center’s periodical The Religious Educator. In addition, he serves as an Editorial Board Member for BYU Studies. Dr. Holzapfel has received various awards and honors for his teaching, including Continuing Education Faculty Teaching Award in 2006. In 2008 he was named the BYU Honors Professor of the Year. Along with his teaching and university appointments, Dr. Holzapfel remains one of the most rigorous and widely published writers on campus.

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of the best reasons to use this study guide:

1. Introduction to Jesus the Christ and This Study Guide

2. In each chapter, the section, Since 1915. Important insights, discoveries and advances in New Testament studies, and modern revelation since Jesus the Christ was published in 1915 are highlighted. [For example, President Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead was three years after Jesus the Christ was published.]

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide gives you an outline of what is extensively covered by Elder Talmadge in Jesus The Christ. I enjoyed the insight's given here.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful added info. I read alongside the original. Would recommend.

[Wesley Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find this book to be particularly helpful, but that doesn't mean it won't be good for someone else. Each chapter is very short, and I would have liked more depth on each of these sections.

First, the authors summarize the chapter. Since I've just read it (and the corresponding NT chapters), this felt quite redundant.

Second, they discuss insights since 1915. With the historical context, I didn't feel that there was a lot that Elder Talmage got wrong, other than the fact that the trial of Jesus was not as obscenely illegal as scholars as the time supposed. It was crazy to realize that Doctrine & Covenants 138 came after this book, and that is some interesting context. But everything else they added in this book was fairly standard Biblical commentary that I think you could get from any study resource.

Last, there are examples of Joseph Smith's Teachings & Translation of the Bible, which James E. Talmage did not have full access to. While this was interesting, I'd rather study a book that focuses more on this, rather than just briefly mentions it.

So, this might be a nice reference if you only want one study book for the New Testament. But if you want to dive deeper, this will not be enough.

[Megan Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The journey of Nicodemus represents the journey of believers from darkness into light, where they can comprehend the full scope of Jesus's mission."

"Contrasting the Samaritan woman with the people of Nazareth proves a powerful reality: faith is something that is not easily bestowed because it requires something from the listener."

"Jesus used parables to convey truth in simple terms that may be overlooked by those without 'ears to hear.'"

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book. i didn't think it added that much to the book Jesus the christ but it was an excellent way to summerize the chapters so you could remember what you read in the fuller edition of jesus the christ.

[Ryan Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read alongside "Jesus the Christ" By James Talmage

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A companion to Jesus the Christ that adds some interesting questions and some good info on what has come to light since 1915. It is helpful if you are reading Jesus the Christ on your own, but not as much when you are studying with a group.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected a more in-depth review of the chapters rather than a very brief summary. I did appreciate the "Updates since 1915". It was good having the voice of more recent prophets adding their testimonies and the scientific findings to help understand the doctrines.

[Claudine Cable · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a study guide and as such it was very interesting. It taught me things I did not know before.

[Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

With a few small exceptions, I found the guide to be of minimal assistance in better understanding Talmage's wonderful work.