I listened to this book as an audio book CD while driving around in my vehicle. The purpose of this book isn't to sway readers in any one religious direction. Rather, the purpose is for readers to understand the history and politics that Jesus grew up in. Hence the subtitle of "the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth." On that note, Aslan distinguishes between Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus the Christ. He gathers evidence from the time and other historical documents to paint a picture of both Jesus' childhood and his day-to-day life as an adult. The historical accuracy of many New Testament books comes into question as certain events do not align with what scholars note as commonplace. This isn't even to mention miracles, which Aslan has no problem with; after all, even Josephus notes the miracles of Honi the Circle Maker. What Aslan does find fault with is the notion that Pilate--a man known for his excessive cruelty and haphazard execution of Jews--would even bother to waste his time giving Jesus a trial. Aslan notes the political upheaval in the aftermath of the destruction of the Temple and the need to both absolve the Romans and make Christianity appealing to the Gentile masses. Aslan also discusses the early church disagreements between Paul and James / Peter. Aslan goes so far as to say that Paul invented Christianity...not Jesus or any of the disciples. This book is highly thought-provoking and will make readers question their deeply held religious beliefs. Do you believe something because you have tested its historical accuracy, or do you believe something because it aligns with your worldview and makes you feel safe?
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