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The Genius of Jesus: The Man Who Changed Everything
A groundbreaking manifesto on the countless ways Jesus of Nazareth transformed our world, and continues to transform us today--from the bestselling author of
The Last Arrow
and
The Way of the Warrior.
In every realm of our existence--art, technology, mathematics--we are captivated by stories of genius. Geniuses violate the status quo, destabilize old ways of thinking, and ultimately disrupt history by making us see the world differently. We see this effect when we consider the canon of history's great geniuses, from Leonardo da Vinci to Steve Jobs. But when we look for the genius who left the most lasting impact on human life--our search for truth; our desire to know who we are; our notion that happiness is about more than seeking to serve ourselves--we inevitably encounter Jesus.
Despite having lived in obscurity for most his life, Jesus of Nazareth is undeniably one of the most influential people to have ever walked the face of the earth. In The Genius of Jesus, Erwin Raphael McManus what would happen if we studied and emulated Jesus, not only through the lens of his divinity, but as a genius who showed us what it means to live fully human? Drawing on scripture, history, and stories from his own ministry, McManus dives into the nuances of Jesus's words and actions, showing how they can not only inspire us, but transform how we think about humility, freedom, and the purpose that makes our lives worth living.
For Christians who want to better know and understand their faith, or for readers who want to create their most powerful future, The Genius of Jesus is a thought-provoking study of the most important person who ever lived.
In every realm of our existence--art, technology, mathematics--we are captivated by stories of genius. Geniuses violate the status quo, destabilize old ways of thinking, and ultimately disrupt history by making us see the world differently. We see this effect when we consider the canon of history's great geniuses, from Leonardo da Vinci to Steve Jobs. But when we look for the genius who left the most lasting impact on human life--our search for truth; our desire to know who we are; our notion that happiness is about more than seeking to serve ourselves--we inevitably encounter Jesus.
Despite having lived in obscurity for most his life, Jesus of Nazareth is undeniably one of the most influential people to have ever walked the face of the earth. In The Genius of Jesus, Erwin Raphael McManus what would happen if we studied and emulated Jesus, not only through the lens of his divinity, but as a genius who showed us what it means to live fully human? Drawing on scripture, history, and stories from his own ministry, McManus dives into the nuances of Jesus's words and actions, showing how they can not only inspire us, but transform how we think about humility, freedom, and the purpose that makes our lives worth living.
For Christians who want to better know and understand their faith, or for readers who want to create their most powerful future, The Genius of Jesus is a thought-provoking study of the most important person who ever lived.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
176 people are currently reading
1999 people want to read
About the author
Erwin Raphael McManus
52 books506 followersErwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast known as a cultural pioneer for his integration of creativity and spirituality. He is an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural thought leader who is also the founder of MOSAIC, a community of faith in Los Angeles California. Known for their innovation, creativity, and artistry, MOSAIC has been named one of the most influential and innovative churches in America.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 8, 2022
Why I chose to read this book:
1. I was so intrigued by a Goodreads friend's review that I purchased a copy of this book; and,
2. May is my "Nonfiction Month".
Positives:
1. while author Erwin Raphael McManus was exploring as to what makes a genius, he skillfully shows us how Jesus, who didn't create or invent anything, was the greatest genius of all time through His unique way of inspiring us through empathy, power, grace, goodness, truth and beauty in order to save humanity from itself;
2. my favorite chapter is "The Genius of Empathy". McManus explains the differences between pity, sympathy, compassion and empathy. I was quite moved by several thought-provoking quotes; and,
3. this wasn't a book to rush through. I would often stop to reread and savor various messages. McManus statement "I wasn't searching for God in hopes of an afterlife. I was searching for God in hopes that there was more to this life than simply existing" was personally meaningful.
Overall, McManus's quote "I am always perplexed when I consider how my life has been completely changed by one person who lived over two thousand years ago" pretty well sums up my feelings for this book. No matter what you believe, you have to admit that the subtitle that Jesus was The Man Who Changed Everything holds a lot of truth.
1. I was so intrigued by a Goodreads friend's review that I purchased a copy of this book; and,
2. May is my "Nonfiction Month".
Positives:
1. while author Erwin Raphael McManus was exploring as to what makes a genius, he skillfully shows us how Jesus, who didn't create or invent anything, was the greatest genius of all time through His unique way of inspiring us through empathy, power, grace, goodness, truth and beauty in order to save humanity from itself;
2. my favorite chapter is "The Genius of Empathy". McManus explains the differences between pity, sympathy, compassion and empathy. I was quite moved by several thought-provoking quotes; and,
3. this wasn't a book to rush through. I would often stop to reread and savor various messages. McManus statement "I wasn't searching for God in hopes of an afterlife. I was searching for God in hopes that there was more to this life than simply existing" was personally meaningful.
Overall, McManus's quote "I am always perplexed when I consider how my life has been completely changed by one person who lived over two thousand years ago" pretty well sums up my feelings for this book. No matter what you believe, you have to admit that the subtitle that Jesus was The Man Who Changed Everything holds a lot of truth.
July 19, 2021
What is the purpose of your life? How can your life matter? There is more to life than simple existing. How do you find your purpose in life?
To better understand it, many study the works of geniuses. There are many of them in different disciplines, including science, arts, and philosophy. I always thought that the greatest of them was Leonardo da Vinci, but the author reasons it was Jesus. The one that never gets to be mentioned as genius and who left the most lasting impact. And there is a big difference between other geniuses and the one of Jesus. The others saw new ways in their fields; Jesus saw a new way to be human. His genius is reverse from the others. Not everyone is born a prodigy, but everyone has ability to transform into better.
Jesus’ genius was “how he engaged people from every walk of life, and how he dealt with controversy, conflict, and opposition.” The little interactions we experience every day matter and how we handle them.
The author interestingly illuminates different kinds of geniuses with concise examples; how we see it in modern time and how they were approached by Jesus and what a difference his methodology made. I enjoyed how he recaptures what, for example, empathy or ethics mean. My favorite was the genius of grace and how he profoundly learned that lesson that shapes his life to this day. He reminds us that in those most strenuous situations in life it might be hard to keep that grace, but those are the lives’ lessons worth noting and learning from. It’s not always easy to rise above the fray, but “grace gives us room to grow, to change, to mature.” The past doesn’t define our future.
McManus is a gifted wisdom-teller, who was an average student and an introvert. While studying genius in college and searching for his purpose in life, he ran into Jesus of Nazareth and that put him on his extraordinary journey, defying those who didn’t see him achieving much in life. He rose to achieve Doctorate degree and to be an advisor to the CEOs and others among many other achievements. He is a true testament to what he preaches about.
P.S. There was a time when I was reading book after book in spirituality to a point when everything started sounding the same. After taking a few-year break, I came across The Way of the Warrior by this author, followed by reading The Last Arrow. His writing is like a fresh air we need to breathe, a fresh perspective, something I highly recommend.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
To better understand it, many study the works of geniuses. There are many of them in different disciplines, including science, arts, and philosophy. I always thought that the greatest of them was Leonardo da Vinci, but the author reasons it was Jesus. The one that never gets to be mentioned as genius and who left the most lasting impact. And there is a big difference between other geniuses and the one of Jesus. The others saw new ways in their fields; Jesus saw a new way to be human. His genius is reverse from the others. Not everyone is born a prodigy, but everyone has ability to transform into better.
Jesus’ genius was “how he engaged people from every walk of life, and how he dealt with controversy, conflict, and opposition.” The little interactions we experience every day matter and how we handle them.
The author interestingly illuminates different kinds of geniuses with concise examples; how we see it in modern time and how they were approached by Jesus and what a difference his methodology made. I enjoyed how he recaptures what, for example, empathy or ethics mean. My favorite was the genius of grace and how he profoundly learned that lesson that shapes his life to this day. He reminds us that in those most strenuous situations in life it might be hard to keep that grace, but those are the lives’ lessons worth noting and learning from. It’s not always easy to rise above the fray, but “grace gives us room to grow, to change, to mature.” The past doesn’t define our future.
McManus is a gifted wisdom-teller, who was an average student and an introvert. While studying genius in college and searching for his purpose in life, he ran into Jesus of Nazareth and that put him on his extraordinary journey, defying those who didn’t see him achieving much in life. He rose to achieve Doctorate degree and to be an advisor to the CEOs and others among many other achievements. He is a true testament to what he preaches about.
P.S. There was a time when I was reading book after book in spirituality to a point when everything started sounding the same. After taking a few-year break, I came across The Way of the Warrior by this author, followed by reading The Last Arrow. His writing is like a fresh air we need to breathe, a fresh perspective, something I highly recommend.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2022
Full of comprehensive one-liners, unique analogies, and relatable stories. Very quick read and perfect book to read in the morning.
July 8, 2021
Bottom line up front: overall, this was a great read. I learned a lot and truly loved the perspective, the content and discussions. It clearly has a Biblical basis during its discussion about Jesus, his actions, his purpose, and the "genius" nature of everything he did! Furthermore, the author does a great job showing how all of our lives, from the past to the future, are interwoven, how Jesus makes scars beautiful, taking the “everything happens for a reason” mentality often used to a more global, yet practical perspective.
I highly recommend to all considering reading it. You won't be disappointed! The author does a great job of keeping the content applicable for all readers to be able to connect and relate with
I highly recommend to all considering reading it. You won't be disappointed! The author does a great job of keeping the content applicable for all readers to be able to connect and relate with
July 1, 2021
Erwin McManus is a gifted writer, and his unique take on the life of Jesus is both refreshing and thought-provoking. Genius is a blend of human potential and faith. McManus briefly includes details of famous geniuses in many categories of creativity and academia. Before reading, I was not aware that da Vinci only completed fifteen works of art during his lifetime, yet he is known as one of history's most talented painters. Of course, he was the original Renaissance man who created achievements in many areas.
Some difficult passages in the gospel are better understood when examined by the intentional genius of Jesus' focus, words, actions and reactions. He is the ultimate example of genius for humans to follow. McManus examines Jesus' genius in five categories: empathy, power, grace, good, true and beautiful. Thoughtful, intelligent and informative, The Genius of Jesus is a worthwhile read.
A favorite quote of the book: "grace is only needed when it is undeserved."
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Some difficult passages in the gospel are better understood when examined by the intentional genius of Jesus' focus, words, actions and reactions. He is the ultimate example of genius for humans to follow. McManus examines Jesus' genius in five categories: empathy, power, grace, good, true and beautiful. Thoughtful, intelligent and informative, The Genius of Jesus is a worthwhile read.
A favorite quote of the book: "grace is only needed when it is undeserved."
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
August 8, 2021
Thanks for the advanced copy.
I finished this and then have spent time going back over certain aspects of it. I will be purchasing a copy of this for definite.
Erwin is a real talent, the writing, the structure and the overall feel of this ensured I went back and looked over certain aspects.
As a Catholic, I do not believe that you need to believe in order to read this.
I have learned a lot from this and it has a lot of takeaways and really relatable content which can be applied in everyday life.
I finished this and then have spent time going back over certain aspects of it. I will be purchasing a copy of this for definite.
Erwin is a real talent, the writing, the structure and the overall feel of this ensured I went back and looked over certain aspects.
As a Catholic, I do not believe that you need to believe in order to read this.
I have learned a lot from this and it has a lot of takeaways and really relatable content which can be applied in everyday life.
October 29, 2021
Truly life changing book!
August 4, 2021
This short book from Erwin McManus, shares about the genius of Jesus. In spite of being a short read, it is jam packed with goodies. Erwin says a genius is, “heretical in that they violate the status quo and challenge our most deeply held beliefs and values. They are original in that they see the world from a perspective that has never existed before. They are transformative in that their lives become a marker of before and after. They are extremists in that they are consumed in their pursuit of the creative act and convinced of the singular importance of their passion.”
Jesus was definitely one who violated the status quo. Erwin explains the various ways Jesus did this, through empathy, power, and grace and being good, true, and beautiful. Jesus sought to teach a different way of thinking, a kingdom way. Obviously, some were open to learning from him and others were not. Following are some quotes and key points related to these topics that impacted me.
EMPATHY
“We all want the mind of God, but what we need is the heart of God.”“Empathy is how love communicates.“
“When Jesus healed, it always had a deeper intention. He was never showing off. He was trying to change the way we see reality. When he healed the blind person, he spoke of our blindness and insisted that he came to give us sight. It was a metaphor wrapped in the miraculous - a way of getting our attention so we would know there was more going on than met the eye.”
When people flocked to Jesus to hear his teaching and were hungry, “Jesus was moved by compassion, while his disciples were motivated by convenience. Compassion moves you to embrace responsibility, accept challenges, make sacrifices, and take action to serve the good of others.” Jesus wanted to feed the people and satisfy their need.
POWER
“He framed power as servanthood.”
“The power that is unseen is always greater than the power that needs to be seen.”
“Jesus understood that all power and authority have been given to him. Having known that, he then tied a towel around his waist, grabbed a water basin, and took a knee. As uncomfortable as it made his disciples, Jesus began to wash their feet. This is what Jesus did with power. He took the posture of a servant.“
GRACE
“Condemning is easy. It’s also ugly and inelegant. Grace makes both the giver and the recipient more beautiful. Grace gives us room to grow, to change, to mature, to repent for a past you are resolved will not define your future.“
GOOD
“Jesus teaches us to choose between the right and the good. It may seem counterintuitive, but the greatest enemy to doing the most good is living your life always trying to be right.“
“Even if you will obey every law, it doesn’t always mean you’ve done any good…Being right is all about you. Doing good is about others.”
“Too often, though, these rules and regulations become legalisms of our lives and do our thinking for us…Dogmatism and fundamentalism develop when we adhere to principles as incontrovertibly true, without considering conflicting evidence or the opinions of others.”
“The spiritual leaders in the days of Jesus would have spent their entire lives keeping the Sabbath holy. This commitment, though born of noble intention, kept them from seeing that the most sacred thing they could do on that day was to help someone find healing.“
TRUE
This particular section was my favorite of the entire book. It’s worth reading this whole book, just for this one chapter. I particularly enjoyed learning the difference between being true and truthful and seeing why asking questions gets to the heart of our intentions.
“We need to see the subtle difference between the truth and the true. Truth is about accuracy, while being true is about intention.”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Jesus it’s this: often, the best answer is the right question.”
“ I rarely told my kids what to do. Instead, I spent most of their lives teaching them to think. I have always been convinced that telling people what to do makes them weaker. I feel the same way about giving people answers rather than guiding them with questions. Answers are like an aqueduct designed to carry your thoughts to a particular destination. The best questions function like a well. The right questions dig deeper and deeper into our own assumptions, values, and motives. Answers are the tools of doctors, while questions are the tools of surgeons.“
Jesus, “used questions as a way of cutting straight into the heart of the matter.“
“Questions posed to Jesus often came loaded with dark intentions and forced choices. In these conversations, the religious leaders were afraid to reveal their actual motives. Their singular intent was to discredit Jesus and prove he was not the Messiah, and they thought they could trap him by asking questions they knew would discredit him. With Jesus, the issue was never the question. The temple authorities would ask whether it was right to heal on the Sabbath, but the real issue was that Jesus was winning the hearts of the people. If his message of God‘s unconditional love and acceptance was embraced by the masses, those who controlled the temple in the synagogues would lose their power over the people. More often than not, their strategy would backfire. Jesus would expose their faith and self righteousness for what it was - a hardness of heart. They could not heal because God was not with them; they could not heal because they were not with God. The best way to avoid the real conversation is to control the narrative, but Jesus never allowed his rivals or adversaries to do that. He always somehow knew the question behind the question. Jesus had an unrivaled ability to get to the truth. His questions always worked to reveal, to expose, to expel darkness with his light.”
When Jesus was talking to Pilot, he asked, “What is truth?“ “Pilot asked his famous question not because he was searching for the truth, but because he was running from it. He was caught up in the politics of his day, and the implication of who Jesus was had a direct bearing on his own position and power. He didn’t want to know if Jesus was innocent. He wanted to wash his hands of all responsibility.”
“The person who genuinely searches for truth will always have an open mind and an open heart.”
And my favorite quote of the entire book is a challenge to be open to let God change us, to fashion us into His likeness, “The only truth that really matters is the truth that changes us. If the truth doesn’t make you true, then it’s a lie. This thought should be sobering to those of us who are Christians. If we have been transformed by a loving God, shouldn’t we become more loving? If we’ve experienced forgiveness, shouldn’t we become more forgiving? If we have come to know the source of hope, shouldn’t we become more hopeful? If we have been re-created by the creator who is the source of all creativity, shouldn’t we become more creative?”
If we do not let truth change us, we are not moving toward freedom. What an amazing book. You will find much to ponder and much to challenge you on your journey to becoming more like Jesus.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Jesus was definitely one who violated the status quo. Erwin explains the various ways Jesus did this, through empathy, power, and grace and being good, true, and beautiful. Jesus sought to teach a different way of thinking, a kingdom way. Obviously, some were open to learning from him and others were not. Following are some quotes and key points related to these topics that impacted me.
EMPATHY
“We all want the mind of God, but what we need is the heart of God.”“Empathy is how love communicates.“
“When Jesus healed, it always had a deeper intention. He was never showing off. He was trying to change the way we see reality. When he healed the blind person, he spoke of our blindness and insisted that he came to give us sight. It was a metaphor wrapped in the miraculous - a way of getting our attention so we would know there was more going on than met the eye.”
When people flocked to Jesus to hear his teaching and were hungry, “Jesus was moved by compassion, while his disciples were motivated by convenience. Compassion moves you to embrace responsibility, accept challenges, make sacrifices, and take action to serve the good of others.” Jesus wanted to feed the people and satisfy their need.
POWER
“He framed power as servanthood.”
“The power that is unseen is always greater than the power that needs to be seen.”
“Jesus understood that all power and authority have been given to him. Having known that, he then tied a towel around his waist, grabbed a water basin, and took a knee. As uncomfortable as it made his disciples, Jesus began to wash their feet. This is what Jesus did with power. He took the posture of a servant.“
GRACE
“Condemning is easy. It’s also ugly and inelegant. Grace makes both the giver and the recipient more beautiful. Grace gives us room to grow, to change, to mature, to repent for a past you are resolved will not define your future.“
GOOD
“Jesus teaches us to choose between the right and the good. It may seem counterintuitive, but the greatest enemy to doing the most good is living your life always trying to be right.“
“Even if you will obey every law, it doesn’t always mean you’ve done any good…Being right is all about you. Doing good is about others.”
“Too often, though, these rules and regulations become legalisms of our lives and do our thinking for us…Dogmatism and fundamentalism develop when we adhere to principles as incontrovertibly true, without considering conflicting evidence or the opinions of others.”
“The spiritual leaders in the days of Jesus would have spent their entire lives keeping the Sabbath holy. This commitment, though born of noble intention, kept them from seeing that the most sacred thing they could do on that day was to help someone find healing.“
TRUE
This particular section was my favorite of the entire book. It’s worth reading this whole book, just for this one chapter. I particularly enjoyed learning the difference between being true and truthful and seeing why asking questions gets to the heart of our intentions.
“We need to see the subtle difference between the truth and the true. Truth is about accuracy, while being true is about intention.”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Jesus it’s this: often, the best answer is the right question.”
“ I rarely told my kids what to do. Instead, I spent most of their lives teaching them to think. I have always been convinced that telling people what to do makes them weaker. I feel the same way about giving people answers rather than guiding them with questions. Answers are like an aqueduct designed to carry your thoughts to a particular destination. The best questions function like a well. The right questions dig deeper and deeper into our own assumptions, values, and motives. Answers are the tools of doctors, while questions are the tools of surgeons.“
Jesus, “used questions as a way of cutting straight into the heart of the matter.“
“Questions posed to Jesus often came loaded with dark intentions and forced choices. In these conversations, the religious leaders were afraid to reveal their actual motives. Their singular intent was to discredit Jesus and prove he was not the Messiah, and they thought they could trap him by asking questions they knew would discredit him. With Jesus, the issue was never the question. The temple authorities would ask whether it was right to heal on the Sabbath, but the real issue was that Jesus was winning the hearts of the people. If his message of God‘s unconditional love and acceptance was embraced by the masses, those who controlled the temple in the synagogues would lose their power over the people. More often than not, their strategy would backfire. Jesus would expose their faith and self righteousness for what it was - a hardness of heart. They could not heal because God was not with them; they could not heal because they were not with God. The best way to avoid the real conversation is to control the narrative, but Jesus never allowed his rivals or adversaries to do that. He always somehow knew the question behind the question. Jesus had an unrivaled ability to get to the truth. His questions always worked to reveal, to expose, to expel darkness with his light.”
When Jesus was talking to Pilot, he asked, “What is truth?“ “Pilot asked his famous question not because he was searching for the truth, but because he was running from it. He was caught up in the politics of his day, and the implication of who Jesus was had a direct bearing on his own position and power. He didn’t want to know if Jesus was innocent. He wanted to wash his hands of all responsibility.”
“The person who genuinely searches for truth will always have an open mind and an open heart.”
And my favorite quote of the entire book is a challenge to be open to let God change us, to fashion us into His likeness, “The only truth that really matters is the truth that changes us. If the truth doesn’t make you true, then it’s a lie. This thought should be sobering to those of us who are Christians. If we have been transformed by a loving God, shouldn’t we become more loving? If we’ve experienced forgiveness, shouldn’t we become more forgiving? If we have come to know the source of hope, shouldn’t we become more hopeful? If we have been re-created by the creator who is the source of all creativity, shouldn’t we become more creative?”
If we do not let truth change us, we are not moving toward freedom. What an amazing book. You will find much to ponder and much to challenge you on your journey to becoming more like Jesus.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 28, 2023
A 3.5 star book. Like many Erwin books, the highs are extraordinary and beautiful while some of the rest feels a little like filler. But still a worthwhile and easy read that focuses on Jesus’ genius in establishing an upside-down kingdom.
May 19, 2022
I loved this book. It is one I will continue to reflect on. I listened to it on audible, but will be buying a hard copy so that I can go through and highlight the many parts that stood out.
did-not-finish
May 6, 2025Lost me when he said Mark and Luke traveled with Jesus.
May 10, 2022
Easily the best book I've read in the last year. Each chapter is better than the last and Erwin does an amazing job of showing how Jesus lived and what he is calling us into as followers of him.
November 20, 2023
This book was good to start with and kept on getting better! Some insightful wisdom that not only helped me but got me excited about how good God is. #grateful. Plus it’s not 500 pages long!!
Read
October 12, 2024Ok so full disclosure: I really just don’t find Erwin McManus to be very intelligent nor a good writer
I think he loves talking about how profound he is and how much of a unique thinker he is but at the end of the day I’ve never heard anything in the way he speaks, communicates, or teaches that really has any profundity to it
I think he’s a good businessman, a solid networker, and has a fair sense of art direction but really I don’t think he’s all that
So this book is good in a lot of ways. But he’s just not a good writer so it doesn’t really amount to much. The intro takes you so high thinking you were gonna dive into the nuances of genius but realistically by the end of the book it feels like a wannabe hipster pastor ranting about how different he is because he supports blm on some mid podcast
Like his chapter on truth was a genuine tough read. So facetious it’s unreal. But there’s a lot to like I guess in some of how he talks about genius but man a lot of it falls really flat
Dude loves himself and it’s painfully clear seeing that throughout this book so it makes it hard to respect anything he’s saying when what he’s saying isn’t that great in the first place
Sorry Erwin! Read it in 3 days though so it’s not a big deal
I think he loves talking about how profound he is and how much of a unique thinker he is but at the end of the day I’ve never heard anything in the way he speaks, communicates, or teaches that really has any profundity to it
I think he’s a good businessman, a solid networker, and has a fair sense of art direction but really I don’t think he’s all that
So this book is good in a lot of ways. But he’s just not a good writer so it doesn’t really amount to much. The intro takes you so high thinking you were gonna dive into the nuances of genius but realistically by the end of the book it feels like a wannabe hipster pastor ranting about how different he is because he supports blm on some mid podcast
Like his chapter on truth was a genuine tough read. So facetious it’s unreal. But there’s a lot to like I guess in some of how he talks about genius but man a lot of it falls really flat
Dude loves himself and it’s painfully clear seeing that throughout this book so it makes it hard to respect anything he’s saying when what he’s saying isn’t that great in the first place
Sorry Erwin! Read it in 3 days though so it’s not a big deal
Read
December 17, 2021Didn't finish this book. I really like some of the other titles from Erwin (The Artisan Soul, The Last Arrow) but as much as I wanted to get into this one, I found myself very disinterested as I read. It could be the stage of life I am in or the genres I've been reading recently but I couldn't get into this one. I plan to return to it at some point.
November 27, 2025
The book felt like it was forcing to fit with the title. He would have to re-write it significantly to give it another title, but I was never sold on the necesssity or new paradigm it should have given me to consider Jesus a genius.
McManus did convince me to consider Jesus a genius is not diminishing his divinity. Still, Jesus as a genius didn’t serve me, wasn’t as useful, as I think the author was going for. Even still, there were quite a few new thoughts he raised in considering the humanity of Jesus, a few I’ve quoted below.
Not a necessary read but time well spent. I recommend reading one chapter per sitting. Rather than cover to cover or paragraph breaks as a morning devotional.
“But the longer you live, the more you begin to realize the disparate narratives in your life were actually always interwoven.”
"How we are loved as children influences our capacity to believe in God in our adulthood. If we are raised to be open-minded, curious, and inquisitive, we will have less fear and be less resistant to mystery, uncertainty, and the transcendent. But when our experiences as children convince us that people cannot be trusted, we should not be surprised to find ourselves resistant to ever trusting a God we cannot see and do not know. If we find ourselves the victims of deep pain, disappointment, and disillusionment when we are young, these, too, become significant contributors to our spiritual development."
“If Picasso offered to serve as your mentor with the promise that one day you could paint like him, would you do it?
“If Bobby Fischer offered to take you under his wing to transform you into the greatest chess player in the world, but told you it would the full span of your life, would you accept?
“If Mozart convinced you that if you gave him the next forty years, you could hear the sounds that only he hears in his imagination, and then be able to translate them into music, would it be worth your life?
“In Jesus, we have been given this exact kind of invitation. The genius of Jesus is completely transferable. His genius can become yours.”
“When we think of God bring all knowing, we instinctively place this characteristic in the realm of intellect. God is the infinite database of information. But the knowledge of God goes deeper than information. It goes to the depth of empathy. God not only knows everything, he feels wverything. It is not beneath God to feel. It is not beneath God to care. It is not beneath God to weep.”
“We must never be so certain of our rightness that we cannot be shown we are wrong.”
“It may seem counterintuitive, but the greatest enemy to doing the most good is living your life always trying to be right.”
“You would think the truth would make you more dogmatic, but in fact, the opposite is true. The person who genuinely searches for truth will always have an open mind and an open heart.”
“Thomas, it seems, could only see the beauty through the scars. Which raises an interesting question: How do you improve on perfection? Sara. Scars that remain in eternity. Why else would Jesus choose to bear his wounds instead of taking care of that during his resurrection? If you can conquer death, surely you could manage a little plastic surgery. Maybe his scars are eternal because they were made by love, and love is eternal. Like Thomas, we will recognize Jesus by his scars. I am grateful he kept them. They’re a reminder that he did not simply bring beauty out of our tragedy; he brought beauty into our greatest. Tragedy no longer has to define us, destroy us, or consume us.”
McManus did convince me to consider Jesus a genius is not diminishing his divinity. Still, Jesus as a genius didn’t serve me, wasn’t as useful, as I think the author was going for. Even still, there were quite a few new thoughts he raised in considering the humanity of Jesus, a few I’ve quoted below.
Not a necessary read but time well spent. I recommend reading one chapter per sitting. Rather than cover to cover or paragraph breaks as a morning devotional.
“But the longer you live, the more you begin to realize the disparate narratives in your life were actually always interwoven.”
"How we are loved as children influences our capacity to believe in God in our adulthood. If we are raised to be open-minded, curious, and inquisitive, we will have less fear and be less resistant to mystery, uncertainty, and the transcendent. But when our experiences as children convince us that people cannot be trusted, we should not be surprised to find ourselves resistant to ever trusting a God we cannot see and do not know. If we find ourselves the victims of deep pain, disappointment, and disillusionment when we are young, these, too, become significant contributors to our spiritual development."
“If Picasso offered to serve as your mentor with the promise that one day you could paint like him, would you do it?
“If Bobby Fischer offered to take you under his wing to transform you into the greatest chess player in the world, but told you it would the full span of your life, would you accept?
“If Mozart convinced you that if you gave him the next forty years, you could hear the sounds that only he hears in his imagination, and then be able to translate them into music, would it be worth your life?
“In Jesus, we have been given this exact kind of invitation. The genius of Jesus is completely transferable. His genius can become yours.”
“When we think of God bring all knowing, we instinctively place this characteristic in the realm of intellect. God is the infinite database of information. But the knowledge of God goes deeper than information. It goes to the depth of empathy. God not only knows everything, he feels wverything. It is not beneath God to feel. It is not beneath God to care. It is not beneath God to weep.”
“We must never be so certain of our rightness that we cannot be shown we are wrong.”
“It may seem counterintuitive, but the greatest enemy to doing the most good is living your life always trying to be right.”
“You would think the truth would make you more dogmatic, but in fact, the opposite is true. The person who genuinely searches for truth will always have an open mind and an open heart.”
“Thomas, it seems, could only see the beauty through the scars. Which raises an interesting question: How do you improve on perfection? Sara. Scars that remain in eternity. Why else would Jesus choose to bear his wounds instead of taking care of that during his resurrection? If you can conquer death, surely you could manage a little plastic surgery. Maybe his scars are eternal because they were made by love, and love is eternal. Like Thomas, we will recognize Jesus by his scars. I am grateful he kept them. They’re a reminder that he did not simply bring beauty out of our tragedy; he brought beauty into our greatest. Tragedy no longer has to define us, destroy us, or consume us.”
December 24, 2024
Erwin McManus’s The Genius of Jesus offers an intriguing exploration into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, presented through the lens of genius. McManus, known for his thought-provoking works on faith and culture, takes a unique approach by reframing Jesus not just as a divine figure, but as a profoundly innovative and transformative human being. This perspective breathes new life into the well-worn narratives of the Gospels, inviting readers to see Christ as a visionary whose wisdom and influence have shaped the course of human history.
The book is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. McManus delves into the profound aspects of Christ’s character and teachings, examining his radical compassion, unmatched creativity, and unwavering moral clarity. His focus on Jesus as a revolutionary thinker pushes readers to consider how we, too, can embody these qualities in our own lives. The exploration of Christ as a genius in the truest sense—able to challenge societal norms, provoke deep reflection, and inspire transformation—was both inspiring and enlightening.
McManus’s writing is accessible, yet rich with depth, making complex theological and philosophical concepts understandable without diluting their significance. The themes of innovation, authenticity, and self-awareness are interwoven with biblical insights that offer both spiritual and practical takeaways. This is a book that encourages not only reflection on the nature of Jesus but also on how we can better emulate his example in our own lives.
That said, while I found the overall message of the book compelling, there were moments where McManus subtly incorporated political undertones that felt out of place. These elements, though not overtly divisive, occasionally detracted from the central focus on Christ’s genius. At times, the narrative seemed to stray from its core message, shifting into areas of cultural critique that, while relevant, did not always feel entirely necessary to the broader argument. For readers who prefer a more straightforward spiritual exploration without such undertones, this could be a minor distraction.
Despite this, The Genius of Jesus remains a powerful read. McManus’s ability to blend theological reflection with cultural commentary is a testament to his unique voice in the world of contemporary Christian thought. This book offers a fresh perspective on the life of Christ, reminding us that Jesus was not just a figure of faith, but a revolutionary genius whose influence continues to shape and challenge us today.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the profound genius of Jesus. It will inspire you to look at His life not just through the lens of faith, but also through the lens of transformative human potential. While some may find the political asides unnecessary, the overarching message of the book is one that will resonate with anyone eager to be challenged and inspired by the life of Christ.
The book is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. McManus delves into the profound aspects of Christ’s character and teachings, examining his radical compassion, unmatched creativity, and unwavering moral clarity. His focus on Jesus as a revolutionary thinker pushes readers to consider how we, too, can embody these qualities in our own lives. The exploration of Christ as a genius in the truest sense—able to challenge societal norms, provoke deep reflection, and inspire transformation—was both inspiring and enlightening.
McManus’s writing is accessible, yet rich with depth, making complex theological and philosophical concepts understandable without diluting their significance. The themes of innovation, authenticity, and self-awareness are interwoven with biblical insights that offer both spiritual and practical takeaways. This is a book that encourages not only reflection on the nature of Jesus but also on how we can better emulate his example in our own lives.
That said, while I found the overall message of the book compelling, there were moments where McManus subtly incorporated political undertones that felt out of place. These elements, though not overtly divisive, occasionally detracted from the central focus on Christ’s genius. At times, the narrative seemed to stray from its core message, shifting into areas of cultural critique that, while relevant, did not always feel entirely necessary to the broader argument. For readers who prefer a more straightforward spiritual exploration without such undertones, this could be a minor distraction.
Despite this, The Genius of Jesus remains a powerful read. McManus’s ability to blend theological reflection with cultural commentary is a testament to his unique voice in the world of contemporary Christian thought. This book offers a fresh perspective on the life of Christ, reminding us that Jesus was not just a figure of faith, but a revolutionary genius whose influence continues to shape and challenge us today.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the profound genius of Jesus. It will inspire you to look at His life not just through the lens of faith, but also through the lens of transformative human potential. While some may find the political asides unnecessary, the overarching message of the book is one that will resonate with anyone eager to be challenged and inspired by the life of Christ.
July 10, 2022
This was a very uplifting gem of a book.
It is a very interesting premise. The Author is someone who has always been fascinated about what a “genius” is. He spent a lot of time studying the lives and works of the iconic people that he believed fit this title (Davinci, Mozart, Einstein, etc). He came to a working definition of a genius:
“The genius does not always have the highest IQ, the best education, or even the most comprehensive knowledge of their field. But their combination of originality, imagination, creativity, perspective, passion and intelligence merge together to help them see the world differently.”
Alongside the Author’s studying of “geniuses” he was also searching to know God. “As I studied genius in college, hoping to unlock my own fleeting sense of purpose, I ran into Jesus of Nazareth. Unexpectedly, my purpose of genius and my search for God converged in one person: the most transformative human being who ever lived.”
Better yet, the book states that the difference between Jesus and other geniuses is that His genius can be transferred.
The book then goes through and argues the case for how Jesus was a “genius” in the following areas of empathy, power, grace, good, truth, and beauty.
I’m a person of faith and am familiar with the stories and accounts of Jesus’ life, but I learned a lot viewing them through the lenses of these categories and the thesis of Jesus being a genius (a way I usually don’t hear him described).
I didn’t agree with everything the Author says, and some categories spoke to more more than others, but I highlighted a good amount and have “wow” written in multiple places in the margins. I love a book that can make me rethink something I already “knew.”
This was a great read and one that compliments my knowledge of my faith and desire to learn more.
It is a very interesting premise. The Author is someone who has always been fascinated about what a “genius” is. He spent a lot of time studying the lives and works of the iconic people that he believed fit this title (Davinci, Mozart, Einstein, etc). He came to a working definition of a genius:
“The genius does not always have the highest IQ, the best education, or even the most comprehensive knowledge of their field. But their combination of originality, imagination, creativity, perspective, passion and intelligence merge together to help them see the world differently.”
Alongside the Author’s studying of “geniuses” he was also searching to know God. “As I studied genius in college, hoping to unlock my own fleeting sense of purpose, I ran into Jesus of Nazareth. Unexpectedly, my purpose of genius and my search for God converged in one person: the most transformative human being who ever lived.”
Better yet, the book states that the difference between Jesus and other geniuses is that His genius can be transferred.
The book then goes through and argues the case for how Jesus was a “genius” in the following areas of empathy, power, grace, good, truth, and beauty.
I’m a person of faith and am familiar with the stories and accounts of Jesus’ life, but I learned a lot viewing them through the lenses of these categories and the thesis of Jesus being a genius (a way I usually don’t hear him described).
I didn’t agree with everything the Author says, and some categories spoke to more more than others, but I highlighted a good amount and have “wow” written in multiple places in the margins. I love a book that can make me rethink something I already “knew.”
This was a great read and one that compliments my knowledge of my faith and desire to learn more.
September 13, 2021
We often turn to geniuses for solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. Turning to Jesus, McManus found his life changed. He shares insights on living life he has gained from knowing Jesus. Unlike other geniuses, in knowing Jesus a transformation takes place. There is a transformation of genius – not necessarily in understanding physics but in becoming aware of the wonder around us, to becoming a conduit for good, to being fully alive.
McManus explores the lessons he has learned from intimacy with God. He shares insights into engaging with people and dealing with controversy, conflict and opposition. The lesson from Jesus that most impacted me was on empathy. Jesus reveals that “empathy is the highest form of intelligence,” McManus writes. (533/1869) And this empathy is not just so we can care deeply and care well for others. It is also so we would know that God truly understands us.
I appreciate this study on the character and actions of Jesus and how they are to be an example and encouragement for our lives. Those who look to Jesus for clues to increase productivity may be surprised by this book. McManus highlights Jesus showing us power is servanthood, for example, not control. He writes about how Jesus helps us see the beauty in the world, not how we can manipulate it. This is a good book for readers who want to know how knowing Jesus is how we know to truly live.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
McManus explores the lessons he has learned from intimacy with God. He shares insights into engaging with people and dealing with controversy, conflict and opposition. The lesson from Jesus that most impacted me was on empathy. Jesus reveals that “empathy is the highest form of intelligence,” McManus writes. (533/1869) And this empathy is not just so we can care deeply and care well for others. It is also so we would know that God truly understands us.
I appreciate this study on the character and actions of Jesus and how they are to be an example and encouragement for our lives. Those who look to Jesus for clues to increase productivity may be surprised by this book. McManus highlights Jesus showing us power is servanthood, for example, not control. He writes about how Jesus helps us see the beauty in the world, not how we can manipulate it. This is a good book for readers who want to know how knowing Jesus is how we know to truly live.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 29, 2022
I appreciate much about McManus. "The Genius of Jesus" is typical McManus. From his artistic perspective, McManus considers in what ways Jesus stands out in history as a genius.
There were some good gems along the way, but I struggled with McManus's premise throughout. Maybe I was projecting, but I felt like McManus struggled with it as well. The first reason I struggled with the premise is that the idea of "genius" is a fairly obsolete notion. Like history which focuses on great men and women, most understand our notion of genius to be archaic. Individuals who hit the scene of history with lightning bolts of genius don't really exist when one looks more closely: they are those who built on the work of others, who had exceptional grit, and who developed strong teams.
Now, that isn't to say Jesus wasn't actually a genius. One could argue that the term only rightly applies to him. On this score, I agree with McManus. I appreciate how McManus approaches Jesus' genius: empathy, power, grace, good, true, and beautiful. To the end that McManus allows the reader to take a fresh glimpse at each of these through Jesus' eyes, I was grateful.
I would suggest Jonathan Pennington's book, "Jesus the Great Philosopher" instead. While a bit headier, I think it's a stronger case.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
There were some good gems along the way, but I struggled with McManus's premise throughout. Maybe I was projecting, but I felt like McManus struggled with it as well. The first reason I struggled with the premise is that the idea of "genius" is a fairly obsolete notion. Like history which focuses on great men and women, most understand our notion of genius to be archaic. Individuals who hit the scene of history with lightning bolts of genius don't really exist when one looks more closely: they are those who built on the work of others, who had exceptional grit, and who developed strong teams.
Now, that isn't to say Jesus wasn't actually a genius. One could argue that the term only rightly applies to him. On this score, I agree with McManus. I appreciate how McManus approaches Jesus' genius: empathy, power, grace, good, true, and beautiful. To the end that McManus allows the reader to take a fresh glimpse at each of these through Jesus' eyes, I was grateful.
I would suggest Jonathan Pennington's book, "Jesus the Great Philosopher" instead. While a bit headier, I think it's a stronger case.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
September 20, 2025
I love how some books find you right when they are meant to. In 2021, (or before) this book was written during a life lived in a pandemic. These were trying and uncertain times, and I’m sure this book was just as cathartic as it was transformational.
Whether you are a person of faith or not, you can’t read this book knowing that what is in it didn’t change the very soul of the man who wrote it and has lived it. I would recommend people of all faiths read this, even if it’s just a great book written out of personal testimony and a lifelong search for Truth. (Capital T - very intentional) Maybe, just maybe it will help you on your search too.
The chapter on truth alone is worth the whole book…but the world’s search for the good, true, and beautiful might just be found in these pages…which is The Genius of Jesus.
Thank you for the gift that this book was for me at just the right time…4 years later, after wading through some of these same concepts and searches, and to be able to put words to feelings for the ways I process my own walk of faith.
Whether you are a person of faith or not, you can’t read this book knowing that what is in it didn’t change the very soul of the man who wrote it and has lived it. I would recommend people of all faiths read this, even if it’s just a great book written out of personal testimony and a lifelong search for Truth. (Capital T - very intentional) Maybe, just maybe it will help you on your search too.
The chapter on truth alone is worth the whole book…but the world’s search for the good, true, and beautiful might just be found in these pages…which is The Genius of Jesus.
Thank you for the gift that this book was for me at just the right time…4 years later, after wading through some of these same concepts and searches, and to be able to put words to feelings for the ways I process my own walk of faith.
December 26, 2021
I felt as though this book could serve as a fair introduction to the person of Jesus to someone who is unfamiliar with Jesus or to someone who needs to have their eyes re-opened to who Jesus came to be and what Jesus came to do. McManus works through 6 aspects of how Jesus shows us a new way to be human. Each of these 6 aspects could even be framed a contrast in which Jesus shows us something different than what we often assume: it's better to be good than right; truth is intimate more than it is objective; etc. I want to come back to the book to capture the things that stood out as there are several points that McManus makes that are work incorporating into my regular speech around who Jesus is and what Jesus can teach us.
January 18, 2025
I love how Erwin McManus expresses himself. In this book McManus explores genius by looking at people who we might consider geniuses and then poses a question. Why isn't Jesus Christ considered humanity's greatest genius? Is it His divinity? Is it disbelief, or is it something else? McManus then looks at stories from the Scriptures as well as stories from McManus' own life, that illustrate the genius of Jesus in six areas, empathy, power grace, good, truth and beauty. The chapters are convicting and challenging, while still managing to remain hopeful and inspirational. I didn't see eye to eye on every word, but this is a book I am really glad I read and will reference it often. Check it out.
May 8, 2025
I devoured this book in one sitting. Very short but very thought-provoking exploration of the “genius” of Jesus. Long story short, the brilliance of Jesus is that his genius is transferable, that through faith in Him you too could gain access to the endless reservoir of empathy, power, grace, truth and beauty that He has at His disposal. Unlike normal human geniuses, whose intelligence seems unattainable, Jesus makes His brilliance accessible to all.
I left the book convinced that true genius is not measured by achievement but by character. Moreso, the book helped me reinforce my tacit belief that intelligence is a direct gift from God, that acts of brilliance mark where the veil is thinnest, where divinity spills over into our world
I left the book convinced that true genius is not measured by achievement but by character. Moreso, the book helped me reinforce my tacit belief that intelligence is a direct gift from God, that acts of brilliance mark where the veil is thinnest, where divinity spills over into our world
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
Was looking for a book to inspire and shake me out of occasional dull days, even with faith that God is an intimate part of my life, and Erwin Raphael McManus did that. I read from the front cover to the last page with joy. The examples that ERM highlights from Jesus' life that make Him a genius are clear and obvious and beautiful. Every moment we can pause and make a choice to help the one in front of us. I like that! Thank you! (I'll be looking at other books by this author, but I bought this one, after reading a sample online, because I was looking for a spark of the Divine. And found it!)
August 2, 2023
This book does an interesting take on Jesus, similar to psychology/ business books that analyze geniuses and innovators. He analyzes Jesus' impact on the history of humanity. Even the colloquial terms 'Before Christ' and 'After Death' denotes that Jesus was a genius, revolutionizing and elevating what it means to be a person and what it means to live — and transferring that genius to everyone. He raised people from the dead; but even more, he integrated holiness with humanitarianism; he defied racist, sexist, and classist structures that impact modern culture today. Jesus is the definition of a genius — helping people see the world differently and creating a different world altogether.
August 28, 2021
The thing that made the most impact with me was the total focus on the New Testament message of love. That is a refreshing look at religion...moving away from the stern, punishing god of the Old Testament.
The author discusses the murder of George Floyd, the killing of Breonna Taylor as well as the book 'Black Like Me' and the philosophy of Servant Leadership. He also addresses the suffering of those less fortunate. How have we gotten so far away from 'love they neighbor as thyself?'
Definitely food for thought.
The author discusses the murder of George Floyd, the killing of Breonna Taylor as well as the book 'Black Like Me' and the philosophy of Servant Leadership. He also addresses the suffering of those less fortunate. How have we gotten so far away from 'love they neighbor as thyself?'
Definitely food for thought.
January 7, 2023
Erwin is an unbelievable storyteller. I’ve heard so many of these stories my entire life but many on the teachings of Jesus failed to resonate. Possibly due to my age, or my perceptions about the imperfect church, I missed the point of the messages Jesus himself taught. Because of this book I plan to refine my question asking skills, an underrated part of the story of Jesus. He returned questions when faced with “tests,” often cutting directly to the deepest spiritual lesson with one sentence. That my friends was the Genius of Jesus in my eyes. Thanks Erwin for sharing these ideas with us.
May 11, 2023
This book contains lessons that help to lift the weight off of anyone who may feel burdened.
It is great to read, important to remember, difficult but rewarding to put into practice.
If someone tries to force you to walk a mile, offer to walk two miles to help reclaim your power.
Try to find beauty in the chaos.
Forgive those who have wronged you.
It's more important to do the right thing than try to "be right"
Ultimately, there is genius and freedom in being a contrarian , being different from the crowds.
It is great to read, important to remember, difficult but rewarding to put into practice.
If someone tries to force you to walk a mile, offer to walk two miles to help reclaim your power.
Try to find beauty in the chaos.
Forgive those who have wronged you.
It's more important to do the right thing than try to "be right"
Ultimately, there is genius and freedom in being a contrarian , being different from the crowds.
October 9, 2023
A lot of my church experience has looked at what we learn about Jesus through his deity. In this book, Erwin Raphael McManus asks us what we can learn from Jesus’ humanity. If you can look past McManus’ self-congratulations, you’ll be impressed by the subversive, counter-cultural example of Jesus—the modeling that speaks of God’s heart and wisdom. The Genius of Jesus offers philosophical challenge and practical application. If anything, it’ll assure you that your humanity is a beautiful aspect of who you are.
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