Life of Jesus: Who He Is and Why He Matters

by John Dickson

“I strongly recommend this study to anyone who wants to re-examine the deep historical roots of Christian faith and to find them as life-giving as they ever were.”—Tom WrightJoin historian John Dickson on this six-session journey through the most significant parts of Jesus’ life. Filmed on location in Israel, the Life of Jesus introduces what we know of Jesus’ birth, teaching, deeds, crucifixion, and resurrection. Includes bonus conversations between John Dickson and humanities scholar Greg Clarke that explore mind-stretching issues such as the existence of God, the problem of suffering, and belief in miracles.This DVD is designed for use with the Life of Jesus book, which features a self-contained discussion guide, but may also be used as a stand-alone study. It also includes the sessions combined into an hour-long documentary.John Dickson is an engaging speaker and delivers over 100 talks a year all over the world, including the US. He brings together unique qualities in this DVD: expertise as an historian and New Testament scholar, pastor, author, and speaker.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Christian

DVD (NTSC)

First published August 31, 2010

About the author

John focuses on the big ideas that have shaped our world.

His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.

With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .

John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.

His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).

Reviews

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Jesus for a thoughtful skeptic. Fantastic mixture of biography, history, apologetics and biblical commentary.

[Catriona McKeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and trustworthy narrative of Jesus: his existence historically, his claims to be God, and the evidence surround hi life, death and resurrection. A must read for believers and doubters alike.

[Claire Hoole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so accessible. The historical evidence for the person of Jesus, his birth, life, death and resurrection is invigorating to my personal faith - and well woven into the biblical text.Thought provoking and helpful for faith questions and conversations going forward. Thank you!

[A.C. Bauch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I've previously been exposed to many of the ideas presented in this book, I wasn't as blown away by it as I might otherwise have been. And as expected, I certainly disagreed with some of the ideas he presented. For that reason, I was glad we studied this in a group setting, so we could ask questions and discuss info with the pastor.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book is how it bases its premises on documentary and archeological evidence, treating the events surrounding Jesus as they are: historical events. I think many people--including Christians--would be surprised to discover that honest historians interested in authentic inquiry don't question that Jesus of Nazareth was a person who once lived. And that much evidence exists to support his existence.

I'd recommend this book for anyone, believer or not, who's interested in learning more about the historical Jesus.

[Karla Shotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent and easy read! Anyone who wants to dig deeper into the Life of Jesus and the gospels will find many treasures in these writings. Dickson speaks both to the beginner scholar of the Holy Bible and to the seasoned historian within the pages. His perspective is both genuine, well structured and thoughtful. I highly recommend this for any middle school student through adult who seeks historical truth in modern terms on Jesus Christ and how he changed history. He brings hope, healing and life in our dark age.

[Philip Esguerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at Jesus life from a historian's vantage

I thought I knew enough about the life of Jesus. This book gave me insights to the inexhaustible treasures of truth about the God man Jesus.

[Hedzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did the audiobook, read by Simon Vance.
Very good introduction to the life of Jesus, especially from a historical perspective.

[David Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a very worthy summary of the non-Biblical writings which jointly affirm every major aspect of Jesus' mission; his death, resurrection and the start of the Christian church.

I am very thankful for how this book introduced me to the Bible's "evidence against interest"; which is also known as: "criterion of embarrassment". It is there in the resurrection story (the women's testimony) and also there in Matthew's genealogy (identifying Gentile women - one an innkeeper or prostitute).

I'd like to read more on "evidence against interest" and hope to find it in the author's other books.

I found this book in a Street Library in the Blue Mountains town of Blaxland (corner of View and Hope Sts).

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read with excellent historical and practical information