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This illustrated edition of the bold, momentous book written by Pope Benedict XVI is beautifully adorned with reproductions of classic works by a veritable pantheon of classic painters--from Tiepolo to Chagall. Begun before his election to the papacy, the book contains masterfully cogent and accessible essays on the life of Jesus, including his baptism, his temptation in the desert, the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord's Prayer, the disciples, the parables, the principal images of John's Gospel, Peter's confession and Jesus's Transfiguration, and Jesus's two self-descriptions, "Son of Man" and "Son." Pope Benedict XVI responds to the revisionist historical literature that makes Jesus a man of his time and place, and he discusses recent archaeological, historical, anthropological, and sociological research. As sensitive as it is erudite and brilliant, this edition is lavishly illustrated with handsome reproductions of classical depictions of Jesus by a roster of eminent artists, including Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Veronese, Bellini, Kandinsky, Gauguin, Matisse, and many others.… (more)
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While he refers to a variety of scholars for historical contexts and interpretations, often he prefers to keep the exegesis insulated - he refers back to other parts of the Bible, the Torah or the prophets for example, to interpret the Gospel. It's a very sophisticated and often innovative look at who exactly Jesus was
While not disputing any of the content of the book, I offer a warning to those who may wish to read it. This is not a book for beginners. It's not even a book for "mid-levels". The book mostly offers an advanced look at the life and teachings of Jesus taking for granted that the reader understands many movements with and against the Roman Catholic understanding. Many proper names and movements over the past 2000 years are referenced by name without any further elaboration on their background, assuming the reader already knows or will pursue knowledge. When Pope Benedict XVI was elected, he was dubbed "the thinking man's pope" to contrast his sytle to that of John Paul II who was able to appreciate the vernacular. Pope John Paul II was right for his time as he could work with the television media and understood the importance of sound bites. Pope Benedict XIV is perfect for his time as the prevalence of the internet facilitates the ease of communication, reading and research. This book reflects that style by offering a very complex look at the life and teachings of Jesus and his critics over the past 2000 years.
I will read this again as I'm sure I will get something out of it every time I read it.