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Jesus: A Biography from a Believer Audiobook
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(2.97) - 116 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Is Jesus relevant to us today?
Few figures have had such an influence on history as Jesus of Nazareth. His teachings have inspired discussion, arguments, even war. Yet few have ever held forth as movingly as Jesus on the need for peace, forgiveness, and mercy.
Paul Johnson offers listeners a lively biography of the man who inspired one of the world’s great religions and whose lessons still guide us in current times. Johnson’s intelligent and conversational style, as well as his ability to distill complex subjects into succinct and highly readable works, makes this book an ideal match of a major historian with a major subject. The result is an accessible biography and an insightful analysis of how Jesus is important in the present era.
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"It wasn't an overwhelmingly impressive read, but the subject and the author's clear admiration of him are appreciated. It was a succinct review of Jesus' life and perhaps Johnson's most valuable point is just how applicable the life of Jesus is for individuals and societies of our time."
— Regan (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Truly a distinguished work of history…We can take a great deal of intellectual pleasure in this book.”
— New York Times Book Review on Paul Johnson's works -
“Johnson’s biography is superbly written and deeply knowledgeable of Jesus’ life and times. It is consistently thought-provoking—not in the sense of offering a new image of Jesus, but in its ability to draw the reader inside the world of Jesus’ words and deeds. Despite the plethora of other works in this genre, “Jesus: A Biography From a Believer” is a welcome addition on the life of Jesus Christ.”
— Denver Post -
“In this eminently readable study of Jesus' life and teachings, Johnson delivers a cogent, conservative view of scripture and the character of the Christian faith. At times, Johnson's political views show through…But there is a compassion toward all people that echoes throughout this work. He concludes that this world, filled with evil, needs a return to the teachings of Jesus in order to right itself. Some will disagree. But none will be surprised at Johnson’s fluid writing and fundamentally conservative views of religion and, indeed, the world at large.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Journalist-historian Johnson’s deliberately noncontentious account of history’s most famous man is unapologetically, uncarpingly based on the New Testament…Since the book is longer than all four Gospels put together, it is obviously more than a conflationary synopsis. Johnson weighs what little is said about Jesus’ childhood and youth and why no more is said; discusses Jesus’ personal affect; notes the qualities of his teaching, especially in the parables; emphasizes his reservations about the miracles he performs; and analyzes how he differentially addressed men, women, children, and the aged…Johnson inspects the Passion, the Resurrection, and their aftermath to Pentecost with intelligent faith. An all-but-unalloyed gift to all believing Christians.”
— Booklist
Jesus Listener Reviews
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" meh. Nothing really amazing about this. Doesn't offer any new information that I hadn't already learned from High School Seminary. "
— Michael, 11/9/2013 -
" A very basic, and brief story of The live of Jesus. Most people who attended Sunday school know these stories. "
— Valaroaol.com, 9/13/2013 -
" Simple, easy to read, and yet powerful. I loved this book. "
— Beth, 1/19/2013 -
" A thoroughly disappointing book. Paul Johnson should stick to history, wherein he excels. "
— John, 11/12/2012 -
" Johnson's strength is descriptive characterization, and times he peaks. He refreshingly takes the Bible at face value. Many places he is doctrinally confused and at others he misses the point of what Jesus is doing, like confounding his enemies with parables. "
— Jerry, 11/11/2012 -
" Merely recounts the Gospels in a summary. Otherwise not very informative and largely disappointing. Does not bring up anything new. Boring and would not recommend reading this. "
— Dominic, 10/19/2012 -
" Extremely well organized and documented analysis of what we do know about the historical Jesus and of the message he brought. "
— Cynthia, 1/17/2012 -
" one would expect more in-depth story from historian with such reputation ... "
— Vlado, 12/12/2011 -
" Excellent biography by an historian. There are a few things I don't agree with, but I can recommend this book. "
— Laurele, 9/3/2011 -
" I expected alot more from this book. You take the four gospels and add some historical context and that is it. There are no prying questions, no real digging, needless to say somewhat disappointed. "
— Aaron, 8/6/2011 -
" Extremely well organized and documented analysis of what we do know about the historical Jesus and of the message he brought. "
— Cynthia, 3/16/2011 -
" Johnson's strength is descriptive characterization, and times he peaks. He refreshingly takes the Bible at face value. Many places he is doctrinally confused and at others he misses the point of what Jesus is doing, like confounding his enemies with parables. "
— Jerry, 2/10/2011 -
" I expected alot more from this book. You take the four gospels and add some historical context and that is it. There are no prying questions, no real digging, needless to say somewhat disappointed. "
— Aaron, 11/18/2010 -
" meh. Nothing really amazing about this. Doesn't offer any new information that I hadn't already learned from High School Seminary. "
— Michael, 4/29/2010
About Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson, British author and historian, is the author of many books, including Modern Times, A History of the Jews, Intellectuals, The Birth of the Modern, and The Quest for God, which have been translated into many languages. He has been a frequent contributor to the Daily Telegraph, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Spectator, and other newspapers and magazines. He has lectured to academic, business, and political audiences all over the world.
About Geoffrey Howard
Geoffrey Howard (a.k.a. Ralph Cosham) was a stage actor and an award-winning narrator. He recorded more than 100 audiobooks in his lifetime and won the prestigious Audio Award for Best Narration and several AudioFile Earphones Awards.