There are literally thousands of books on the life of Jesus Christ. No matter which perspective a reader chooses they can find a tremendous number of works to both support and argue against their position. There is no other historical figure who has ignited such passion in readers for the past two thousand years and the debate is by no means over.
The Bible is probably the most commonly read work on the life of Christ. Only four Canon gospels actually were directly written about the man Christians believed to be the Messiah. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are traditionally viewed as the accurate and authoritative accounts of his life and works. Yet even these gospels have a tremendous amount of controversy surrounding them.
The most commonly encountered problem with the gospels is no one really knows when they were written. Some people believe they were compiled shortly after the death of the Messiah, whilst others think that they were not put down on paper till maybe a hundred years later. Many people feel that the gospels are just old oral traditions that were finally written down and do not accurately represent the happenings in Nazareth so many years ago.
There is still so much controversy around the life and teachings of Jesus. Many people are not sure what to believe and like to read a variety of works. This is a good way to see all sides of the argument and piece together their own view. Without some knowledge of the social, political and cultural aspects of life in the middle east two thousand years ago it is almost impossible to have an accurate idea of the what is likely to have happened.
One of the best modern authors to seek out is the German born and educated Gunther Bornkamm. Bornkamm discusses the difficulties of historical research and how the understanding of Christianity has been romanticized. His work is aimed at both the academic community and the lay person. He takes a great deal of time and effort to examine the Nazareth of two thousand years ago and present an accurate historical perspective to his readers.
Many modern works also introduce the importance of Pagan beliefs. The Celts had been living in western Europe for centuries prior to the spread of Christianity. They had a complex and well established religious system that was nature based and well supported. These ideas could not be wiped out by the new religion and instead were quickly incorporated. A serious study of Christianity must include the adoption of the ancient ways.
Many writers have explored the angle of Jesus as a mythical character. This is connected to the Pagan world and the roots of the early Christian church. There are many fascinating books that give the reader plenty of food for thought. Earl Doherty's The Jesus Puzzle is one of the better works.
The controversy surrounding the founder of Christianity will continue. Books on the life of Jesus Christ have always been popular and there certainly seems to be no less interest today. Readers are fascinated about the life of the man who many believe to be the son of God.
The Bible is probably the most commonly read work on the life of Christ. Only four Canon gospels actually were directly written about the man Christians believed to be the Messiah. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are traditionally viewed as the accurate and authoritative accounts of his life and works. Yet even these gospels have a tremendous amount of controversy surrounding them.
The most commonly encountered problem with the gospels is no one really knows when they were written. Some people believe they were compiled shortly after the death of the Messiah, whilst others think that they were not put down on paper till maybe a hundred years later. Many people feel that the gospels are just old oral traditions that were finally written down and do not accurately represent the happenings in Nazareth so many years ago.
There is still so much controversy around the life and teachings of Jesus. Many people are not sure what to believe and like to read a variety of works. This is a good way to see all sides of the argument and piece together their own view. Without some knowledge of the social, political and cultural aspects of life in the middle east two thousand years ago it is almost impossible to have an accurate idea of the what is likely to have happened.
One of the best modern authors to seek out is the German born and educated Gunther Bornkamm. Bornkamm discusses the difficulties of historical research and how the understanding of Christianity has been romanticized. His work is aimed at both the academic community and the lay person. He takes a great deal of time and effort to examine the Nazareth of two thousand years ago and present an accurate historical perspective to his readers.
Many modern works also introduce the importance of Pagan beliefs. The Celts had been living in western Europe for centuries prior to the spread of Christianity. They had a complex and well established religious system that was nature based and well supported. These ideas could not be wiped out by the new religion and instead were quickly incorporated. A serious study of Christianity must include the adoption of the ancient ways.
Many writers have explored the angle of Jesus as a mythical character. This is connected to the Pagan world and the roots of the early Christian church. There are many fascinating books that give the reader plenty of food for thought. Earl Doherty's The Jesus Puzzle is one of the better works.
The controversy surrounding the founder of Christianity will continue. Books on the life of Jesus Christ have always been popular and there certainly seems to be no less interest today. Readers are fascinated about the life of the man who many believe to be the son of God.
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