I just finished this book. It took me a while to read it because I was busy reading other stuff like the entire Harry Potter series and the Hobbit. Yeah, I know. I have read the Hobbit about 5 times already, but I was not wanting to read any book that might have a substantial purpose. I was after fluff.
I did find this book to be a good way to get a glimpse into the world that Jesus walked in, but there were times that I was quite uncomfortable. You see, there are some religious books, writings and movies that I don't like because the make me feel like my relationship with Jesus is cheapened. It is for this very reason that I have never watched the Passion of Christ. I have always felt that if I watch this movie I will no longer be able to see the passion of Christ through the window in my mind. I am afraid that it will no longer be as personal.
I suppose that this book did that to me in a way. I felt like its emphasis on the historical took a little bit of the mystery away. In fact, I realized that while I am profoundly interested in Theology, I am not very interested in biblical history, at least not the kind that turns Jesus into a two dimensional figment of someone elses imagination. I don't want to hear that the miracles of Christ were not miracles, but instead they were just some out of control rumor that people without much hope believed and spread like some holy telephone game. You know the kind of game I am talking about, don't you? I whisper in your ear, then you whisper in someone else's ear and eventually what is being whispered is nothing like what I originally said.
Does that make me a gullible, unthinking, religious groupie? I hope not. I really like the Jesus that walked on water and fed 5,000 with a sack lunch. You know what I mean?
3 comments:
Interesting take. I like the history because I feel like it helps me to better identify with Jesus' humanity, something that my evangelical roots aren't very comfortable with.
This is Corrie. Yes, Trent, I finally got on your blogspot. Shocking, I know.... Read Brothers Karamazov if you get the chance. It's both convicting and enlightening. Probably the best book on human character that I've ever read. Warning - don't read it if you're wanting fluff.
I read it in high school just cause I liked Russian writers but I have almost no memory of it.
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