Why Jesus?

by William H. Willimon

No figure in history has received more attention, and been less understood, than Jesus of Nazareth. Much of what has been written recently portrays Jesus as a vaguely kind and friendly person whose message sometimes pleases but never challenges believers. People might even be tempted to ask "Why all the fuss? What here is worth devoting my life to?"

Very little about that Jesus is worth it, says Will Willimon. Yet there is another Jesus, the mysterious preacher from Nazareth who continues to invite men and women to claim the true meaning of their lives by giving their lives away in service to God and others. This Jesus continues to fascinate and compel us, in spite of all the attempts to domesticate his message and put distance between us and the call to follow. In his radical teachings, his self-sacrificial death, and his liberating life beyond death, this Jesus teaches and shows us the true meaning and purpose of our own lives.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Religion

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at the Divinity School, Duke University. He served eight years as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, where he led the 157,000 Methodists and 792 pastors in North Alabama. For twenty years prior to the episcopacy, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Dave Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book is "Why Jesus?", a question that forms the premise of the book. Willimon is in love with Jesus and desires to write a book to answer the question as to why anyone should, does or has considered the Christian Jesus. It does not take very long to hear the question rephrased in a slightly different fashion as you delve in to the pages, from "why Jesus?" to "Why, Jesus". This is the brilliance of this book. The answer to the question why is not so much an answer as it is an encounter. If you find yourself asking the second question, which Willimon poses quite often, you will likely find yourself closer to at least recognizing or appreciating the first. Willimon represents Jesus in this book through select descriptives (Vagabond, peacemaker, storyteller, party person, preacher, magician, home wrecker, savior, sovereign, lover, delegator and finally body). The interesting nature of these descriptives is that they provide the means for Willimon to tell the full story of Jesus from the within the fuller Judeo-Christian story. I always found myself amazed at the ending of each chapter with the way that he weaved from one part of the story in to the next. It is not a movement from one idea to another, or one isolated discussion to the next. Rather it is a gradual unfolding of his theological approach (to some extent) to the person of Jesus, and much more so his understanding and exploration of just how Jesus changed his life and became known to him in a personal way.

In reading through some of the responses to this work in some of the reviews it is clear that Willimon's style and approach frustrated some and captured others. This comes with the territory of being a bit hard to place in terms of theological tradition. He is a United Methodist Minister. His best selling book is "Resident Aliens", and he has a definitive preachers heart and demeanor. He is primarily relational rather than doctrinal, although it would be a mistake to miss his intricate awareness and knowledge of Christian history, tradition and scripture. He is absolutely immersed in it and wears his faith on his sleeve. The challenge is that his depth of knowledge and approach is not always recognizable on the surface. To some he gives ode to a figure such as Eugene Peterson (an author and theologian I personally love) in his use of casual paraphrasing of scripture. This drives some readers up the wall in the same way that Peterson's Message version does. But in the same way that Peterson's knowledge and depth as a writer is sometimes missed by those who demand a more sacred use of scripture itself, Willimon's unapologetic use of casual flirtation with the angle of specific verses and candid asides (you will know what that is if you read the book) caused some to assume he is presenting a sort of fluffy and cheap work on the person of Jesus. This could not be further from the truth. If you can allow yourself to put some of those objections to the side, at least for a little while, you might be able to discover a devotion to scripture and to Jesus that is actually immersed in both the knowledge of the mind and the heart.

I am not a United Methodist. Willimon tries to keep his own theological tradition a bit hidden while raising Jesus in to full view. This also caused some frustration for readers. Is he a universalist? Where is the distinct theology of substitutionary atonement? Where does he stand on the line between myth and truth, symbolism and history? Certainly the questions can go on, and certainly the questions could cause the reader to miss the point altogether. His main intent is to dismantle the safe ideas of Jesus in our minds and to bring in its place the Jesus he feels he has come to know, both through experience and in scripture that is far from safe. The book starts with "vagabond", establishing that the Jesus that revealed himself as God in the flesh was exactly the opposite of what everyone expected. This leads to peacemaker, which outlines the fact that this seemingly unrecognizable messiah is unexpected primarily in the way we understand Him to bring peace to our world. This is why as a "storyteller" we find Jesus' ministry plagued with a certain ambiguity as far as figuring Him out theologically, but yet radically clear in how He came to call and change peoples lives from the inside out. The minute we think we have things figured out is the minute we find Jesus calling us down a different path altogether. This is what makes Him so compelling (and as Willimon would say, far from something people would have simply made up from their own imagination), and is also what compels us towards Him. It is in the unsettling of this relationship to which God has called and pulled us towards that we ultimately find ourselves most settled in. From here Willimon pushes us through the earthly ministry of Jesus in a way that forces our stuffy theological minds and our pious pursuit of knowledge to come face to face with a Jesus who was far from stuffy and boring. In this Willimon works to bring to life a Jesus who is entirely interested in the person, and who also is (shock of all shocks) interested in being the life of the party, and at times (or in all times) the life itself that frees us to party. This becomes the means for Willimon to slowly push us away from the rules that bind us in to relationship as an obligation of ceding to God's concern for God's own glory, and towards the realization that God's own glory is found in glorifying His creation through His son. From here we are catapulted towards the death and resurrection, but just in case we find Willimon losing any sense of the weight of this world defining event in history, he gives us one of my favorite chapters called "Home Wrecker". It is here that everything comes crashing together. It does not matter whether we shift more towards a universalist or exclusive approach. Nor does it matter how exactly we view substitutionary atonement. No matter how we arrive at this chapter one thing remains certain. When we come face to face with Jesus our worlds are turned upside down. To be on the inside, to be one of the chosen, one of the saved, means to have our lives arrested in a way that brings division to every attachment of the material, which includes friendship and family. The way he deals with what is one of the most difficult elements of scripture (the Christ came to turn family against family) is one of the best pieces I have ever read on the subject and issue. Often any sense of universalism approaches theology with loopholes through the hard portions of who Jesus presents Himself to be. I am often frustrated with overly mythological approaches to scripture, as it often assumes symbolism where it is not intended to be. Here Willimon does not allow any sort of mythology or symbolism to hide the stark fact of who Jesus was and what He came to do. He pushes us through the most difficult of waters in order to allow us to fully appreciate the weight of the death and the resurrection. It is a crucial moment in our experience of Jesus, the same one that followed the rich man who came to Jesus and was sent away with the instruction to sell everything he had and give to the poor. We can be in full alignment (and it is hard not to be up until this point) with everything about Jesus until we come to this point. This is where things shift towards us, from God's pursuit and call to our response. Will we put down the book and walk away, or will we take the plunge and experience everything that Christ came to accomplish. As Willimon suggests, to follow Jesus fully is to follow Him all the way in to His death and resurrection.

To fully understand the journey to the final chapters of "lover" and "delegator", we need to recognize the full story of Jesus' earthly ministry. It is equally as important to understand that Jesus was about the person rather than the doctrine, as it is to also understand that in the fulfillment of the law and the full declaration of grace Jesus did not come to present us with a loophole. Without a firm grasp on both/and we will inevitably end up with a Jesus that serves our own purpose and fails to challenge us in the way that He desires to do. His kingdom message was to give up our agenda and to take up his, as Willimon puts it. This is what it means to look towards the hope of the final concluding chapter titled "body". The resurrection is found in a pivotal historical event, but it is also found as as the ongoing transformative event of living towards the full redemptive work of Christ. Willimon dismantles the typical way of approaching the "end of the world" and the already/not yet dichotomy. He frees us to see Christ playing out in all aspects of our life and our world, but also assures us of the tension between the promise of a transformed life and world and the reality of a fallen and broken experience. Jesus came to show us what we have to live for, and it is only in Him, a relationship that arrives as a call, as a gift and as a pursuit of God to us that we can appreciate this life as it was fully meant to be.

It is true that academics might get frustrated with Willimon's approach in dealing with the grander ideas of passages rather than intricate exposition. But this is a pastoral book at heart. It is meant to preach the good news of Christ to its readers. And I would suggest that any honest academic would be hard pressed to remove much of these ideas from the bigger picture and story of scripture, no matter how much intricate exposition they bring to light. I did not ever get the feeling that Willimon was creating his own theological pathway at a whim. He is firmly grounded and firmly aware, and above all stays connected to a Jesus who is both God and human, both divine and vulnerable. He stays true to the resurrection truth that was so crucial to the New Testament writers. This is not a gnostic treatment, far from it. I personally tend towards a universalist approach even though I am not a universalist. It is hard to pinpoint exactly where Willimon stands on some of these issues, which I think was intentional. He does not desire us to get lost in the divisiveness of theological wars. Rather he desire to introduce Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I would not hesitate to give this book to any person, believing or unbelieving, as an opportunity to enter in to the discussion of why Jesus? My own inclination is usually to want to answer the question why, Jesus before I get to the why Jesus, but what this book teaches us is that the order of salvation is a mysterious work that remains the work of God and God alone. I can pretend to judge, but the nature of judgment begins with myself, moves to the Church and then out to the world. never losing sight along the way that Jesus' ultimate ministry was to "love" the world in a way that causes us to live out from our limitations and in to our full purpose. To love the world in a way that makes us uncomfortable, uneasy and unsettled. There is no other reason to answer the question as to why the early disciples and apostles chose to follow Jesus at all cost to their comfort, their livelihoods, their families and their stability. They were not ignorantly duped or blinded by their own imagination. They were called, pursued and changed by the mercy and grace of God in the way that only God can do, that is the way of Jesus who continues to live in us today in spirit and in truth.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is classic Willimon. He means to answer the question as to why anyone would want to follow Jesus and doesn't want to bring easy answers. I once heard him say that the problem with much of Christian preaching is, "Come to Jesus and get everything that's wrong with you fixed!" This book explains much the same issue: Jesus seems to come to give you more problems than you started with. Or at least different ones. Ultimately, Why Jesus? Because of who he is and he calls you. Not everyone thinks they need him - in particular those of us with long lists of credentials, accomplishments, or money. Doesn't matter: Jesus goes to those who will have him and to those who the rest of the world aren't worth it.

As usual, Willimon takes aim at everyone. His usual foil is the predominant presentation of Jesus given by American evangelicals - complete with swipes at Fox News. This book while 10 years old could have been written today. Jesus is decidedly on the poor and outcast and means to make those with money uncomfortable.

However, Willimon through stands in the tradition of the church. Jesus is not a fuzzy ideal but a real person. And this person is none other than God in human flesh - likely taking a swipe at the more progressive end of the church that wants to make out Jesus as someone who spouted revolutionary ideals, but as a living person doesn't need to be bothered with.

It reads like a book of sermons (and if you have heard Willimon, you will easily recognise his style). He paraphrases scripture in his own way and forces you to rethink what you know about Jesus. It is a book that I will come back to - even if only to re-shock myself and what I believe about Jesus.

[Stephanie White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book when I was still a Christian - I am now a proud atheist but I figured I would sit down and try to see if this would save me.

While I felt the author did bring up some interesting things - and that Jesus was ultimately a good man - I feel no urge to go back to the religion.


This book would probably be good for someone that is of that faith.

[Kelly Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked Willimon’s perspective and different “characters” of Jesus. It opened my eyes to new views I hadn’t considered before and reminded me that Jesus took on some really hard roles to do his work…without question or complaint.

[Eden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like his writing style. But I kept losing interest and having to come back to it.

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just no. The author seemed to be making stuff up with no Biblical basis. Made lots of weird assumptions. Sounded kind of condescending. Did not like this at all.

[Edward Bellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different book, awillimon strokes the right note using the different images of Jesus. Be prepared for a journey outward as he gives us lots to think about.

[Lee Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My previous review was a book with the same title: “Why Jesus.” That one was Ravi Zacharias; this is by William H. Willimon. I thought I would compare the two, but as it turns out, the two books are so different it’s a pointless exercise. I’ll give four stars to Willimon, simply for doing what he says he’ll do.

I confess, it took me a while to get into this one. The style doesn’t fit me; too hip, too informal. Too cute. An example will give you a feel for the book’s flavor: Jesus attends a “soiree” and a “woman of the city” shows up and makes a scene, caressing his feet, letting down her hair, and in general putting the party into an uproar. A Pharisee sneers that if Jesus were a real prophet, he would know what sort of woman she is. As Willimon tells the story,

Jesus replies to the Pharisee, “Simon, do you see this woman? I show up here expecting a good time, and you didn’t kiss me or give me a foot massage. She knows how to get down and party.”

Jesus then puts it in a parable: “A man was owed ten dollars by one debtor, ten thousand dollars by another. He forgave both debtors. Now, think hard, Mr. Religious Expert—which man was the most grateful?”

“Er, uh, I guess the one who was forgiven more,” answers the Pharisee.

Yeah, it took some getting used to, even though Willimon stayed true to his promise to present Jesus “as the gospels do”: a “wild, weird, and improbable character.” In time, however, I began to appreciate Willimon for his devotion to Jesus. I began to see why Jesus means so much to him. I began to see how many Christians, very different than me, can be inspired by this same Jesus—who seems to meet the needs of just about everyone one way or another. Jesus wears a dozen hats the way Willimon tells it. You’ve met Jesus the Party Person already, so I’ll just list the rest:

Vagabond
Peacemaker
Storyteller
Preacher
Magician
Home Wrecker
Savior
Sovereign
Lover
Delegator
Body

Whatever you’re looking for in a Savior, it’ll be in there somewhere!

[#ReadAllTheBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Be warned: In reading this book you are taking a risk of getting discombobulated, commandeered, and befriended by the most interesting person in the world."

Often highly informative & occasionally humorous, Willimon's Why Jesus? manages to not only hook in the readers but to also entertain as well. In this book Willimon dares to ask why exactly so many people have been entranced & lead by the Bible's most well known character (well, aside from God, but that's a given).

Willimon focuses on several key aspects of Jesus's character, such as Jesus as vagabond, savior, & ultimate party dude. (I kid you not- there's a section entitled "Party Person".) Through focusing on these certain aspects Willimon manages to create an entirely readable book about someone that many will admit that they probably don't know as much about as they'd like to think they do.

It isn't all fun & games though- through this book the reader is also challenged with the notion that we should constantly be on the move to do good by ourselves & by others. Willimon also manages to challenge himself, often humbling himself & his writing during the course of the book.

Just as the warning above states, many readers will find themselves challenged by Willimon's viewpoints. I myself wasn't expecting to see "Jesus as a party guy" in this book & I wasn't expecting to be as entertained as I was. People will read this once to absorb all of the information about Jesus, but they'll return because the book manages to be one of those that keeps them thinking & entertained long after they've turned the final page. This just made me feel like I'd managed to get into a lecture by one of those college professors that everyone loves & wants to attend his classes!

(ARC provided by Netgalley)

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why Jesus? by William H. Willimon
Abingdon Press, 2010
165 pages
Non-fiction; Christian
4/5 stars

Source: Received a free review copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Willimon asks two questions: "Why, Jesus?" and "Why Jesus?" in this new book, written in a very down-to-earth style. Each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of Jesus' character: Vagabond; Peacemaker; Story Teller; Party Person; Preacher; Magician; Home Wrecker; Savior; Sovereign; Lover; Delegator; and Body. Probably not the first words you necessarily think of when you think of Jesus. But he illustrates each well with scripture and he also includes asides to Jesus that really challenged my complacent lifestyle.

I think I liked those challenges the most because they defy expectation. We might think of God in some way but that's not necessarily how He is. And He didn't come to fulfill those expectations but to challenge and uproot what we think we know so that He can bring us to Him. Why did He do certain things and not other things that we might have assumed. He is so much greater than we can fathom.

My main problem was the style. All of the scripture he quotes has been rendered into colloquial speech that took away some of the reverence I think is due God. It seemed like Willimon was trying much too hard and I became annoyed.

Overall: A fun read overall.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but with a few caveats.

First the negative, the author comes from a fairly different part of the Christian tradition than me; he is a mainline United Methodist while I am a conservative Presbyterian. Thus, there were a number of points at which I demurred: he seems to see little utility in apologetic evidences for Jesus, takes a 'mainline church' view on Jesus and human sexuality, no substitutionary atonement, and a few other things here and there.

But all that being said, Willimon's basic thesis is on the money: Jesus is a surprising, challenging, unexpected, and extremely interesting Savior. He shows this through looking at 12 different facets of Jesus' personhood and ministry: Vagabond, Peacemaker, Storyteller, etc. Willimon focuses almost exclusively on the Gospels, and he is concerned to think through what it means for us, as Christians, to follow this Vagabond, Peacemaker, Storyteller kind of Savior.

With discernment, I think this is a good book for those feeling a little too comfortable or stagnant in their walk of faith. It's a good book to help scrape the barnacles off our discipleship, so to speak.

[Keith Beasley-Topliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

United Methodist bishop Will Willimon seeks to explain both why Jesus did the things he did and why we should care. What he said works for me, but then I'm a UM pastor and have read a lot by Willimon over the last several decades. His informal style and refusal to take himself too seriously help keep the book from being too preachy. Convincing readers to know and follow Jesus is all that really matters.

[Lee Bertsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willimon's writing style reminds me sometimes of Frederic Buechner or Robert Farrar Capon in the way he presents truths at times in sharp-witted, startling ways. His chapter headings of Vagabond and Home Wrecker with reference to Jesus are cases in point. It is a style that works for me - I finished the last page with a renewed sense of wonder over the way God came to us in the man Jesus.

[To.jfoster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me at a number of different levels. But Williamson has lived up to my expectations in his writing style, personal vulnerability, and acute insight. I must say that after reading "Why Jesus?", I am more convinced than ever that spending my life for Him is the least that I can do!

[Rick Lee Lee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just terrific, filled with William Willimon's signature humor and impeccable scholarship. It's a fresh yet ancient look at Jesus. You may not find Jesus when reading this book, but I'm fairly certain that Jesus will find you.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love this book! And, now I know how to answer the question, "Why are you a Christian?" - because I was on God's guest list and got invited to the PARTY!!

[Kathleen House · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some errors when quoting from the Bible but Willimon inspires thoughtful questions.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good, but nothing much stood out

[Yogafan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking. I'm sure I'll be reading bits and pieces of it again and again.