Book Critic: Joshua McQuirk
Introduction Overall, I believe that this is a book that I will keep on my shelf in order to look go over it again at a later stage. This a standard read for foundational beliefs within the Christian Faith. The author’s orientation to the study of Jesus’s life is very basic (in other words, easy to read), factual, and it is based on solid truth. He is not bothered with the unnecessary parts that people can get caught up on easily yet he focus’ on the main events and if there has been a discrepancy on the topic that he addresses he makes sure that he makes it clear as to what is right by supplying evidence for his claims. The Author’s aim was for this books to become a text book for students, studying theology.
Summary of Its Contents Part one addresses the key issues in studying the life of Christ. This part consisted of three chapters: Where You Start Determines Where You Finish, Where Can We Go, and When Did All This Take Place? These first few chapters help one to enter the rest of the book with the big picture in mind, and it settles the small questions that one might have. The author proceeds to the second part, entitled “The Life of Christ.” This part speaks of Jesus’s life from the time he was born, through the years of his childhood, up until the resurrection. It contains all the important parts of his life, in-between. Critical Evaluation The organisation of the text was done well due to the two major parts that it was split into. I found that the first part provides a solid foundation for Christology and it flows into the second part. Therefore, the organisation of the text was done well. I found the references at the end of each chapter insightful – it added to the credibility as well as the academic nature of the book. The conclusion at the end of each chapter was well written and easy to understand. The questions that are addressed in the first part are vitally important to the historic figure of Jesus, and they are questions that many believers have asked. These questions were well chosen and they keep the reader’s interest. I find it difficult to criticise this book as an academic textbook. I believe that all the key areas of the life of Christ are included. Its layout is easy to follow and the text does not contain much jargon – which would make it difficult for the layman to understand. Conclusion Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ is a well written textbook of a wholesome, historic, and factual evaluation of the life of Christ. It is easy to follow and most readers will find it a joy to read. If you are in search of a clear, concise, and academic writing about the life of Christ, then you will definitely enjoy Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ. As it has been said, the educated layman would appreciate this book and find it insightful. I believe that minds who inquire about Christ’s life will find a solid foundation through Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ. All in all, if there were a collection of books that all Christians should read, I think that this book should be one of them.
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