The trial; conviction; and death of an innocent man 2;000 years ago have particular resonance today. Atrocities from around the world shake us nearly every day; and we all experience trials in our own lives too. In this book the former Archbishop of Canterbury looks in depth at the trial of Jesus; using it to teach readers how to face the challenges of life in today's trying times. Bringing the biblical accounts of Jesus' trial vividly to life; Rowan Williams highlights what can be learned about Jesus from each of the four Gospel portraits. Mark shows a mysterious figure revealed as the Son of God. Matthew describes the Wisdom of God tried by foolish men. Luke presents a divine stranger. John speaks of the paradox of divinity submitting to judgement. These illuminating discussions are followed by a reflection on Christian martyrdom and a meditation on tyranny; freedom; and truth. A set of discussion questions and a thought-provoking prayer after each chapter make Christ on Trial an ideal book for study groups. Throughout the book Williams draws not only from the Bible but also from fiction; drama; and current events; pointing up ways in which society today continues to put Christ on trial. Even more; he argues that all Christians stand with Jesus before a watching world. Though we may not be directly confronted with death; we are nevertheless called daily to respond to the falsehood of such lures as power; influence; and prestige. Several words aptly describe this book by Rowan Williams: Profound. Incisive. Literary. Contemporary. Relevant. Prophetic. Christ on Trial will move and change those who read it.
#400175 in Books Larry W Hurtado 2005-11-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .62 x 6.00l; .77 #File Name: 0802828612246 pagesHow on Earth Did Jesus Become a God Historical Questions about Earliest Devotion to Jesus
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Compelling explanation of how Jesus became to be seen as divine by early Jewish followersBy The WolfHurtado can barely contain his excitement and enthusiasm as he examines the belief that Jesus was/is divine that developed very quickly; very early in the days following his death. Hurtado's argument/explanation seems sensible and convincing. He has worked on this topic for more than twenty years. I have read this book carefully five times and underlined so many important parts that nearly every word is now underlined. Also let me say that I have read many books of theology; philosophy; religion; etc in the last thirty years and this is one of the best. I will read it again.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. have just begun reading thisBy A. HAGGERTYand am more than satisfied with the author's directness in laying to rest the discrepancies put forth by other scholars who dispute the ancient church's position in worshipping Jesus as their Lord shortly after His resurrection. By verifying these views with scripture itself he has revealed how these earliest christian believers grasped the significance of worshipping Jesus and understood that it was actually the purpose of God's intent for them to do so. I look forward to exploring the remainder of the author's views.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Teodoro MedeirosJust solid scholarship: not propaganda for biased "truths"
