Introducing Jesus

This is Christianity presented as philosophy without much theology. It is a snapshot for the historical record of Christ and his teachings using illustrations (cartoons) and notes on a timeline. This is a brilliant presentation. It can be very helpful for remembering the big picture when concentrating for long periods of time on something specific in Christianity (such as some doctrine). It is a very high achievement in liberal Christian thinking because its presentation is as philosophy not as theology. The book's presentation qualities can even be appreciated by conservative theologians. However, being very liberal and a philosophy, it contains criticisms such as Christ not being God and the possibility of failed prophecies. It does not leave out the critics, nor does it make much of an attempt to list all the arguments and counterarguments in Christological apologetics. This means that it needs to be read with care and should not be taken as the final word on the subject but it does cover the whole range of issues in a snapshot and that is what makes it worthwhile. Imagine a collection of theology books from every aspect of thought captured in cartoons in the space of about 174 pages. It is the complete range of thought from Christ is God to Christ was just a human liberator. Core material: Creed Constantine Evidence Pauline Epistles Historical Jesus Judaism Jewish occupation by Assyria in 721 BC, Persians in 538 BC, Alexander 333 BC, Romans in 64 BC, Herod, half Arab. alf Jewish Idumean. Old Testament Jewish apocalyptic Pharisees open minded Sadducees traditional Essenes apocalyptic (Qumram) Man as masterpiece of creation by Greek Antigone in 5th century BC Logos 20 BC to 50 AD by Philo of Alexandria Plato was believed to have had a miraculous birth Pythagoras (580 BC - 500 BC), son of God Hermes Alexander (350 BC - 323 BC), the Great, son of Zeus Augustus (30 BC) God mercury Moses, Enoch and Elijah raptured Preaching foolishness, death on cross humiliating Life of Jesus Miracles and science Jesus Un-Jewish? Imminent Apocalypse What did Jesus meant Kingdom of God Imminent return? Jesus converts gentiles, crumbs from master's table mat 15:21-28 and mar 7:24-30. joh 10:16 is about laying his life down for those who are not of his fold. Jesus anointed in luk 7:37-50 Kingdom of poor The cross The resurrection Martyrs Acts Pauline Christology Jesus and divinity Heresy Anti-sex? Arianism The Anthropic principle Pantokrator Jesus is all Imperial religion Persecutions Christendom Poverty Meditation and devotion Revolutions and Crusades Luther Calvin Contemporary Jesus Jesuits Catholic Mystics Sacred heart Liberation theology and political Assent Redemption