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The Mystical Life of Jesus: An Uncommon Perspective on the Life of Christ
Responding to the extraordinary number of questions raised by recent cultural phenomena such as The Gospel of Judas and The Da Vinci Code, New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Browne brings readers the full story of the life of Jesus
New discoveries in archaeology and recent bestsellers and movies such as The Da Vinci Code and The Passion of the Christ have sparked a renaissance of the many controversies that have remained unanswered in Christianity and other religions. At the heart of these controversies is Jesus. With a unique perspective only Sylvia Browne could bring, The Mystical Life of Jesus is filled with the details of Jesus’ inspiring life.
Including his birth, childhood, travels, ministry, miracles, crucifixion, death, and resurrection, she addresses all of the major controversies:
• Was there a virgin birth?
• Was there a Star of Bethlehem?
• What did he do for the first thirty years of his life?
• Was he married?
• Was he divine?
• Was it a miracle at Cana (and who was getting married)?
• Is there a Jesus lineage?
Using her unique relationship with her spirit guide and her years studying the controversial Gnostic texts, Sylvia answers all of these questions with a confidence and authority only someone who has visited the afterlife can have.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2006
62 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Browne
237 books598 followersSylvia Browne was an American author and self-proclaimed psychic who built a lucrative career through books, television appearances, and psychic readings. Known for her frequent guest spots on The Montel Williams Show and Larry King Live, she claimed to communicate with angels, spirit guides, and the deceased, and said she had psychic visions from the age of three. In 1986, she founded the Society of Novus Spiritus, a Gnostic Christian church, and ran a variety of businesses, reportedly earning millions annually.
Browne wrote over 40 books, many of which were bestsellers, and maintained a dedicated fanbase throughout her life. However, her career was marked by controversy. She made numerous high-profile predictions about missing persons and criminal cases that were later proven false—errors that drew widespread criticism and scrutiny from skeptics and media outlets. A 2010 study by the Skeptical Inquirer concluded she had not been accurate in any verifiable case. Her reputation suffered further after her 1992 conviction for securities fraud.
Despite criticism from figures like James Randi and John Oliver, Browne retained a devoted following. Her vague prediction about a “pneumonia-like illness” spreading around 2020 drew renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remained a polarizing figure—revered by some, discredited by others—until her death in 2013 at the age of 77.
Browne wrote over 40 books, many of which were bestsellers, and maintained a dedicated fanbase throughout her life. However, her career was marked by controversy. She made numerous high-profile predictions about missing persons and criminal cases that were later proven false—errors that drew widespread criticism and scrutiny from skeptics and media outlets. A 2010 study by the Skeptical Inquirer concluded she had not been accurate in any verifiable case. Her reputation suffered further after her 1992 conviction for securities fraud.
Despite criticism from figures like James Randi and John Oliver, Browne retained a devoted following. Her vague prediction about a “pneumonia-like illness” spreading around 2020 drew renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remained a polarizing figure—revered by some, discredited by others—until her death in 2013 at the age of 77.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 5, 2017
Wow! Five stars like no book has achieved! I have learned, reaffirmed, found new ways to express things again, and like always; am inspired anew. "The Mystical Life Of Jesus" does not diminish the teacher and healer we worship and love, nor doubt His divinity. It merely explains how the most common religion of the world omitted and even altered information about how Jesus' life went. How is it possible in 2000 years? Take a religion run by guilt and fear of exclusion from the spiritual realm. We get even modern, intelligent societies not daring to inform ourselves, not daring to question a religion's sole source.
That such basics were angled a certain way, to my surprise is fact; not a theory! It makes me glad I am not one who refused to believe anything "not found in those pages". I govern my life with the moral compass God gave me. If someone fights about religion; unapproachable, unpleasant to be around.... that is no enlightened soul. If we are caring, respectful, helpful, do things out of love.... how can involvement with a religion matter? You know you have the right idea by your heart. We never offend our Lord for seeking truth.
I was stunned to find clear, substantiated explanations about how testimonies from family and friends of Jesus were omitted by the politically-ambitious in 325AD; especially gospels penned by women dear to Him. See which books are missing compared to the Torah; the Jewish copy of the old testament. The Dead Sea Scrolls are another source and even other gospel printings. King James deleted more. The new testaments themselves report differing details on major things. Sylvia's 2007 book is about being unafraid to inform ourselves and end fear-mongering. Our souls' natural Afterlife is for all; not a few. Enjoy Christmas and Easter with new eyes: freed from a muddled summary we were coaxed to believe.
That such basics were angled a certain way, to my surprise is fact; not a theory! It makes me glad I am not one who refused to believe anything "not found in those pages". I govern my life with the moral compass God gave me. If someone fights about religion; unapproachable, unpleasant to be around.... that is no enlightened soul. If we are caring, respectful, helpful, do things out of love.... how can involvement with a religion matter? You know you have the right idea by your heart. We never offend our Lord for seeking truth.
I was stunned to find clear, substantiated explanations about how testimonies from family and friends of Jesus were omitted by the politically-ambitious in 325AD; especially gospels penned by women dear to Him. See which books are missing compared to the Torah; the Jewish copy of the old testament. The Dead Sea Scrolls are another source and even other gospel printings. King James deleted more. The new testaments themselves report differing details on major things. Sylvia's 2007 book is about being unafraid to inform ourselves and end fear-mongering. Our souls' natural Afterlife is for all; not a few. Enjoy Christmas and Easter with new eyes: freed from a muddled summary we were coaxed to believe.
October 26, 2012
WOW ... this book changed my life. I was raised Roman Catholic, now a Pagan. As a child I always felt like the Bible and the Church got it wrong about Jesus. This book opened up my eyes. And as I was reading I would often say "Wow that makes sense". I highly recommend everyone of all faiths to read the book.
August 13, 2018
It was a beautiful and fresh perspective on such a prominent figure. I loved the book.
January 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this perspective on the life of Jesus. Being raised in a Christian household and always doubting the validity and source of the Bible particularly, I have been seeking many different perspectives on his life and teachings. I love that Sylvia points out all the "editing" of the early church and the sheer fact that the Bible is in no way a verified source of historical information. Of course as a skeptic in general, I do not validate the notion that her spirit guide Francine is a valid source of information either. The important thing about this book is that it poses the question that if we can't verify the source of the information and it contradicts even itself, is it dependable?
She describes the story of Jesus healing a blind man by washing out his eyes with water that had a high alkaline content; a practice that took the crusts off his eyes formed by flies. However, this was not known to others as a cure, so it was seen as a miracle. She offers "isn't it miraculous to learn that he knew exactly what would cure the problem?" Although she alludes to the fact that he could've learned some of his healing abilities from his travels to other lands, she also points out that he was guided by a direct connection to God. "That is what all true messengers lived by...their knowledge, their visions and their acts." I see this as an interesting perspective on the idea of modern medicine as it relates to religion. Who has given the doctors and researchers this gift of aptitude and possibly even some of their ideas directly planted in their heads other than a God-force at work? There are many now known medical facts that disprove his "miracles", however aren't all medical practices curing the ill miracles of some sort?
She points out that there have been prophets and seers of the future throughout the old testament who were respected and whose prophecies were believed to be carried out...so why has the church created a false war in God's name against those who claim to have a connection with the spirit world and can possibly foretell future events? Perhaps I believe these people really do reveal the truth and perhaps I don't, but it's certainly a valid point to bring up to anyone doubting the validity of her writing. After all, aren't anyone's opinions, thoughts and ideas worthy of respect (whether supposedly delivered through a spirit guide or through dreams or a direct connection to God)?
She describes the story of Jesus healing a blind man by washing out his eyes with water that had a high alkaline content; a practice that took the crusts off his eyes formed by flies. However, this was not known to others as a cure, so it was seen as a miracle. She offers "isn't it miraculous to learn that he knew exactly what would cure the problem?" Although she alludes to the fact that he could've learned some of his healing abilities from his travels to other lands, she also points out that he was guided by a direct connection to God. "That is what all true messengers lived by...their knowledge, their visions and their acts." I see this as an interesting perspective on the idea of modern medicine as it relates to religion. Who has given the doctors and researchers this gift of aptitude and possibly even some of their ideas directly planted in their heads other than a God-force at work? There are many now known medical facts that disprove his "miracles", however aren't all medical practices curing the ill miracles of some sort?
She points out that there have been prophets and seers of the future throughout the old testament who were respected and whose prophecies were believed to be carried out...so why has the church created a false war in God's name against those who claim to have a connection with the spirit world and can possibly foretell future events? Perhaps I believe these people really do reveal the truth and perhaps I don't, but it's certainly a valid point to bring up to anyone doubting the validity of her writing. After all, aren't anyone's opinions, thoughts and ideas worthy of respect (whether supposedly delivered through a spirit guide or through dreams or a direct connection to God)?
June 16, 2008
I'm sure this book could really offend some people, and it was a little too complicated for me as I don't know the Bible well at all, but I really liked her views on Jesus as a spiritual being connected with a higher power (God) and how so many people have forgotten what Jesus was trying to teach as they fight religious wars. So frustrating to think about.....
October 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sylvia Browne will always be my favorite metaphysical authors, for lack of a better term. Everyone who worships the Bible word for word should read this. It makes you think instead of just assuming it’s not a work of fiction. It can help a great many people, but at the end of the day it’s mythology. Should we worship The Iliad too? Think for yourself. Jesus never wrote a single word in that book and researchers don’t even know who did or how many. Every version is different and inconsistent. Which is right? Maybe none because the ONLY thing we actually need to learn here is LOVE. All our judging and persecution of others in the name of this book takes away what Jesus’s true message was. Love each other. And if you never pick up a Bible in your life, guess what? It doesn’t mean you’ll go to hell! Imagine that.
Sylvia Browne will always be my favorite metaphysical authors, for lack of a better term. Everyone who worships the Bible word for word should read this. It makes you think instead of just assuming it’s not a work of fiction. It can help a great many people, but at the end of the day it’s mythology. Should we worship The Iliad too? Think for yourself. Jesus never wrote a single word in that book and researchers don’t even know who did or how many. Every version is different and inconsistent. Which is right? Maybe none because the ONLY thing we actually need to learn here is LOVE. All our judging and persecution of others in the name of this book takes away what Jesus’s true message was. Love each other. And if you never pick up a Bible in your life, guess what? It doesn’t mean you’ll go to hell! Imagine that.
September 2, 2010
When I selected this as a to read, I had forgotten that the author is a self-proclaimed psychic with a "spiritual guide" named Francine. I must be honest and say that I am a skeptic with regard to psychics, having never really met any. But having said this, I have approached the book with an open mind.
If it weren't for the psychic spiritual guide content, I would say the book was rather insightful and it would appear she has facts to back up what she says about the early church and related content. I did enjoy the way the book was organized.
Being that the book holds some controversial content (some seemingly factual and others speculative), I held myself to not be attached to my learned traditional Christian knowledge nor my opinions of Jesus. I attempted to be non-resistant as I listened. Although, I did feel my defenses rev up from time to time. Not so much around the parts about the early church having an agenda and messing with the New Testament and the included gospels. I am in agreement there already, aligning with Tolle, Chopra and probably gnosticism to a good degree. But some of the views on Jesus is where I found myself needing to concentrate on being open.
If it weren't for the psychic spiritual guide content, I would say the book was rather insightful and it would appear she has facts to back up what she says about the early church and related content. I did enjoy the way the book was organized.
Being that the book holds some controversial content (some seemingly factual and others speculative), I held myself to not be attached to my learned traditional Christian knowledge nor my opinions of Jesus. I attempted to be non-resistant as I listened. Although, I did feel my defenses rev up from time to time. Not so much around the parts about the early church having an agenda and messing with the New Testament and the included gospels. I am in agreement there already, aligning with Tolle, Chopra and probably gnosticism to a good degree. But some of the views on Jesus is where I found myself needing to concentrate on being open.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this book like I did Sylvia's Two Marys. I'm not sure about Jesus surviving the crucifixion, but I do believe in a loving and kind God like Sylvia describes and I believe that we have one rule like she says only I put it even more simply, we just need to be nice. It's refreshing to read something placing Jesus in a more human role because he's much easier to identify with this way. I also like seeing someone use other writings than just what the Catholic Church has proscribed. Now I just need to find some original translations of the gospels.
August 18, 2012
An interesting montage of ideas, thoughts, possibilities, and likely truths about the historical character known of as Jesus Christ, and the eternal spiritual entity Christ. I found nothing about this material that was either surprising or offputting. "Uncommon"...maybe. Controversial...not so much.
September 9, 2016
Nothing to fear
This book is a reminder that we are not here to just accept whatever we are told. We are meant to ask questions and know when we hear the truth it will resonate in our whole being. Sylvia Browne was my first mentor into my truth. I am forever grateful to her & God for bringing her into my Life.
This book is a reminder that we are not here to just accept whatever we are told. We are meant to ask questions and know when we hear the truth it will resonate in our whole being. Sylvia Browne was my first mentor into my truth. I am forever grateful to her & God for bringing her into my Life.
July 9, 2009
Wow! So many questions going clear back to my childhood were addressed in this book. So much of it just felt "right" - and made complete sense. Love her or hate her - Sylvia Browne is a remarkable woman. Love her down-to-earth style and honesty.
September 14, 2009
Facinating reading! If you are a traditional "church go-er" you will not like this book, but if you have an open mind ... and are willing to consider the possibilities, this book will give you much to ponder ... I'd love to discuss it with others who have read it.
January 24, 2010
Loved this interesting take on the life of Jesus! Couln't put it down. I loved reading about how the journey for him didn't end with the great sacrifice he made. And the more realistic portrayals of Mary and Magdalene was a nice, fresh perspective.
May 25, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this. It's made me ponder Ms. Browne's point of view.I like the way she presents God and Jesus to the reader. Over all it's a good read, and I would recommend it to those that have any doubts about the origin of Christianity.
June 10, 2008
Great book, i recommend it to anyone interested in learning about the "true" life of Jesus.
May 2, 2009
The book answers the questions whether Jesus is married or is there a Jesus lineage and many other conflicting accounts in the Bible. It's easy to read and very very interesting!!!
September 23, 2012
Know I don't know if jesus lived on after his crusived on the cross, but it'll be nice if he did. Fell in Love, had a family. Like any human being
February 15, 2017
gives one new prospective on the life of Jesus
July 27, 2013
Deep. I'm EXTREMELY open minded religiously and this still was a lot to swallow. Fascinating
March 7, 2020
Everyone with an interest in religious / spiritual matters would benefit from reading this book. It is an eyeopener and a liberation. Thank you, Sylvia Browne, for your courage in bringing it forth.
March 26, 2020
This book has as many inconsistencies and inaccuracies as the Bible -- which it claims to refute. It also bases its claims that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and survived the crucifixion on flimsy or non-existent evidence. Although I like the idea of these things happening, and I really wanted to believe it, this book wasn't very convincing.
Here's a partial list of everything wrong with this book.
1/ Sylvia Brown claims that when Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding that he was the groom, because according to her, at ancient Jewish weddings the groom supplied the wine. Not so. The groom's family was responsible for this, so the groom was more likely one of his brothers.
2/ She also says anyone addressed as "rabbi" has to be married. In the time of Jesus this term just meant "teacher" or "master" and not someone who was trained in spiritual matters. This term was only later used to describe a formally trained Jewish spiritual leader.
3/ Brown writes that according to the Gnostic Gospel of Philip, some of the other apostles were jealous that Jesus showed Mary Magdalene favoritism by kissing her on the mouth. However, in the only surviving copy of this gospel, there is a hole in it where it was written what part of the body he kissed her on. According to the customs of the day, it could have been the "feet," which would have showed great respect, the "hand," or the "forehead." Maybe they were just annoyed because they were as misogynistic as most of the other men of the day.
4/ She claims that leprosy was common in the days of Jesus because of contaminated water. Leprosy isn't caused by this but by close physical contact to people who have it.
5/ On page 18 Brown says Jesus and Mary Magdalene were childhood sweethearts, and on page 20 she says he traveled to Asia at the age of 14/15. Yet, later in the book, on page 184, she shows that Jesus was supposedly 12 years older than Mary. How could they possibly have been childhood sweethearts Mary was only 2 or 3 years old when the teenaged supposedly left to go travelling?
If you enjoy researching/studying ancient history/biblical knowledge it might be fun to read this book to discover all of its inaccuracies. Otherwise, it's a total waste of time.
Here's a partial list of everything wrong with this book.
1/ Sylvia Brown claims that when Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding that he was the groom, because according to her, at ancient Jewish weddings the groom supplied the wine. Not so. The groom's family was responsible for this, so the groom was more likely one of his brothers.
2/ She also says anyone addressed as "rabbi" has to be married. In the time of Jesus this term just meant "teacher" or "master" and not someone who was trained in spiritual matters. This term was only later used to describe a formally trained Jewish spiritual leader.
3/ Brown writes that according to the Gnostic Gospel of Philip, some of the other apostles were jealous that Jesus showed Mary Magdalene favoritism by kissing her on the mouth. However, in the only surviving copy of this gospel, there is a hole in it where it was written what part of the body he kissed her on. According to the customs of the day, it could have been the "feet," which would have showed great respect, the "hand," or the "forehead." Maybe they were just annoyed because they were as misogynistic as most of the other men of the day.
4/ She claims that leprosy was common in the days of Jesus because of contaminated water. Leprosy isn't caused by this but by close physical contact to people who have it.
5/ On page 18 Brown says Jesus and Mary Magdalene were childhood sweethearts, and on page 20 she says he traveled to Asia at the age of 14/15. Yet, later in the book, on page 184, she shows that Jesus was supposedly 12 years older than Mary. How could they possibly have been childhood sweethearts Mary was only 2 or 3 years old when the teenaged supposedly left to go travelling?
If you enjoy researching/studying ancient history/biblical knowledge it might be fun to read this book to discover all of its inaccuracies. Otherwise, it's a total waste of time.
February 25, 2013
I gave this one star: but in reality I could have given it 4 - because it was HILARIOUS! ;D
I'm amazed how many people get spiritual and academic advise from a Fortune Teller and her spirit guide (Francine?!). Yes she claims to do it out of the overflowing love of her heart. How many of you have checked her history and exactly how much she CHARGES for that overflowing advice? Anyone? Bothered to check? I didn't think so. NO surprise - those with no discernment generally don't research things for their lack of truth. Hey, whatever makes you feel good.
Most of what Sylvia teaches and claims is very common teachings from other gnostic spiritual wannabe's. But the fun difference is: She has Francine (her demon spirit guide) to help her keep the truth clear. Of course Francine claims there are NO SUCH THING as demons...just wonderful guiding spirits to enlighten the chosen few to help them make a few extra bucks off the gullible. Hey, would a demon lie about such an important issue? "Naaaah!"
The truth is Sylvia and Francine really hate conservative fundamental Christianity and its Biblical teachings. Yet she claims to love Jesus. How interesting - so do Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and numerous other cults and spiritual wacko's. And they all hate the truth of the Bible and historical Christian theology.
The solution: Do exactly the opposite of everything Sylvia and Francine say and teach. Then you should be okay!
I'm amazed how many people get spiritual and academic advise from a Fortune Teller and her spirit guide (Francine?!). Yes she claims to do it out of the overflowing love of her heart. How many of you have checked her history and exactly how much she CHARGES for that overflowing advice? Anyone? Bothered to check? I didn't think so. NO surprise - those with no discernment generally don't research things for their lack of truth. Hey, whatever makes you feel good.
Most of what Sylvia teaches and claims is very common teachings from other gnostic spiritual wannabe's. But the fun difference is: She has Francine (her demon spirit guide) to help her keep the truth clear. Of course Francine claims there are NO SUCH THING as demons...just wonderful guiding spirits to enlighten the chosen few to help them make a few extra bucks off the gullible. Hey, would a demon lie about such an important issue? "Naaaah!"
The truth is Sylvia and Francine really hate conservative fundamental Christianity and its Biblical teachings. Yet she claims to love Jesus. How interesting - so do Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and numerous other cults and spiritual wacko's. And they all hate the truth of the Bible and historical Christian theology.
The solution: Do exactly the opposite of everything Sylvia and Francine say and teach. Then you should be okay!
May 2, 2019
Well-known psychic and best-selling author, Sylvia Brown, uses the help of her spirit guides and her years of experience studying gnostic texts to present her information describing the life of Jesus. She covers from the time of his birth, his childhood, travels, ministries, miracles, crucifixion, death, and ressurection including major controversies. She refers to the origins of and the texts from the Bible and offers explanations for things that she claims may be generally misunderstood. I don't know that I agree 100% with what she presents but I did find it an interesting and fascinating discussion about the central figure in the religion of Christianity. At least it gives me some things to ponder over to explain or better understand some of the more questionable writings in the Bible. Unlike some religions where you are not allowed to question anything, we still have open minds to explore and learn new things. If you are open to studying some alternative explanations for the stories of the Bible, this book may be for you.
January 14, 2018
Very much recommend! I think I came to this with a bit of an advantage being that I wasn't raised with any kind of religious teachings - I had an open mind and genuine curiosity, wanting to learn about who Jesus actually was and what his life was like. (I'm sure people coming from a strict religious Christian background will find a lot of it hard to swallow!) This was a great read. And very easy to read as Sylvia's style is very down to earth and conversational. Definitely a book to check out if you are any kind of spiritual seeker and/or lover of love and truth.
June 19, 2009
This is a very controversial book and has really challenged my Christian faith. How reliable though is the soure from her "friend from the other side?" Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading about the missing gaps of Jesus's life. Some of it made sense, some didn't. The good thing about this book is that it's easy reading.
November 1, 2014
Enjoyed the shit out of this book. The information buoyed me when I needed some balance in my search for information about Christianity. Not that I believe everything written within this tome, but a counter-thought is always important in seeking the middle ground, & Sylvia and her book are filled with counter-thoughts. Read it, I will, again.
September 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, but since I don't trust anyone, I can't fully 100% believe anything "Francine" says. That being said, Sylvia's thought process is very similar to mine so I appreciated that aspect of it. I think it's important to question things when you can. It helps you develop as a person, especially in a spiritual sense.
March 1, 2008
Interesting.....
July 6, 2013
great
November 9, 2017
This book made Jesus so much more relatable. I really enjoyed it. I have a whole new perspective on his life and religion in general. I am so happy this book crossed my path. I would recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews