Jesus: A very brief history

by Helen K. Bond

Part The History (What do we know?)This brief historical introduction to Jesus assesses his impact on the world as it was at the time and outlines the key ideas and values connected with him. It explores the social, political and religious factors that formed the context of his life and teaching, and considers how those factors affected the way he was initially received.Part The Legacy (Why does it matter?)This second part surveys the intellectual and cultural ‘afterlife’ of Jesus, exploring the ways in which his impact has lasted. Why does he continue to be so influential, and what aspects of his legacy are likely to endure beyond today and into the future? The book has a brief chronology at the front plus a glossary of key terms and a list of further reading at the Part 1: Jesus of NazarethDid Jesus Exist?The Political Dreams, Prophets and MessiahsJesus’ MessageJesus as Miracle Worker – Healings and ExorcismsFriends, Family – and a Wife?Jerusalem, Betrayal and ExecutionPart 2: Jesus’ LegacyResurrection - and the Earliest Portrayals of JesusJesus the God and the Centre of TimeJesus in the Middle Art, Relics and Passion PlaysJesus in Contemporary ReligionJesus TodayGlossary

92 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2017

Reviews

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a (very) brief history of Jesus, this book is for you. Dr. Helen Bond presents a factual overview of what we know of Jesus from Josephus, the Bible and others. She states what we can know historically and occasionally points out that what we think is in a text, isn't; reminding us that we often read into texts traditional information.

If you are looking for an impassioned defense of Jesus, this book is not for you. The information is presented briefly and factually with honest assessment of what is available for us to know.

The book moves from a brief historical background (the Maccabees) through modern artist presentations of Jesus and the Jesus story. All in a matter of a 78 pages. Easy to read and a concise statement that will be a helpful summary.