The Messianic Legacy

When it comes to writing about history from 2000 years ago through the Dark Ages, a lot of speculation is necessary. Literacy was low so there weren't many written records to begin with, and the church, etc., had a lot of control over what information could be dispensed. As a result, a lot of speculation over this period is necessary. Baigent, et al., recognizing this, for part of the book examine Biblical history using the oldest surviving records as a basis point instead of church doctrine or the latest translation of a translation, etc, of a pieced together, largely edited, and largely oral history called the Bible. Therefore, while their speculations may be as historically sound as anyone else's, some will denounce them as blasphemous. The rest of the book then seeks to at least verify that their interpretations of the Bible have existed long throughout history by trying to determine the beliefs of certain secret societies who claim to be guardians of "The Truth".However, now instead of being impaired so much by a lack of records, the authors are forced to speculate about the secret societies' beliefs. Despite tracking down sources within a secret society, the authors' job is made difficult by the fact that such societies not only keep their secrets secret, but also fractionalize, engage in internal political struggles and have their own debates about dogma.Like Foucault's Pendulum, which this inspired, this book is ultimately a detective novel about various writers trying to get inside the minds of secret societies and running into various obstacles. It may dissapoint readers who want all their answers handed to them (and the authors don't even pretend to have them), but life is not that simple. Sometimes knowing what the right questions are is just as important. This is a fun, interesting, thought-provoking, mind-expanding book.

A delightful stop, this second one, on the express to enlightened understanding. This sequel to "Holy Blood Holy Grail" is an essential companion piece to that masterwork of historical and religious scholarship. In this book, Messrs. Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln begin where they left off in the world of the man known as Jesus the Nazorean. They further dissect elements of his life and times and go on to discuss the development of the schism between Jesus's followers lead by his family members and the group of so-called "christians" lead by Paul. The method of these historians is breathtaking in its scope and elegance.The second part of the book is much more theoretical and at first seems at odds with the rest of the work. As it melds with the third and final part of the book, there is a cohesiveness to the entire work that is satisfying enough.As an American reader, one must make certain allowances when taking in the work of these authors. Their British take on things, which is interesting in and of itself, does not always extrapolate to American understanding. Particularly, their fascination with monarchs and chivalry is quite foreign to me as it would probably be to most American readers.

I've read "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" and was held spellbound throughout. Yes, at times theories were expressed that caused me to scratch my head but all in all, it made more sense than what christianty has to say about it. Now, they have this follow up book called "The Messianic Legacy." Don't read it if you have a weak stomach or your not able to think for yourself other than what the priesthood tells you. It's another eye-opener!!! Doug