The Original Jesus: The Life and Vision of a Revolutionary

Multiple topics are covered within this book that make it an appropriate read for both beginning and more advanced students of Christian origins and the person and mission of Jesus of Nazareth. Any literate person from an astute high school student and beyond will be able to read this book and digest at least some of the author's insights. N. T. (Tom) Wright has the unusual ability to be erudite and profound in relatively simple language. While I find James D. G. Dunn's "Remembering Jesus" to be the current state of the art consideration of Jesus and the early Jesus movement's thoughts about him, nine hundred plus pages of scholarly prose is beyond the capacity of many readers. And, considering this book's sub-title, "The Life of a Revolutionary," I think R. David Kaylor's "Jesus the Prophet" to be a far fuller and more satisfying explication of Jesus' political mission. With these thoughts in mind, what does one find in this slim little volume? The book's text of one hundred forty odd pages is divided into two equal length section and is full of striking color photographs and boxed inserts amplifying the narrative. The first sections deals with Jesus his message and his mission. Here Wright finds a radical, revolutionary message and a call to implement that message through the Kingdom of God on Earth. Based on a full understanding of the latest socio-rhetorical methods and insights, Jesus is effectively set in his time and place. Wright sees him as a messenger of peaceful revolution distinguished by passive resistance which would be truly unique in antiquity. This uniqueness of course flies in the face of historiographical norms which makes it suspect in some scholarly circles. However, the notion that Jesus was a violent Zealot revolutionary presaging the great Jewish revolt of 70 CE has fallen into disfavor over the last thirty years or so. In all fairness, it should be noted that a lively fringe movement still espouses this position, but it has scant support among current scholars of Christian origins and the historical Jesus. The second section deals with the gospels that comprise the written record of Jesus' life and deeds and his followers' interpretations thereof. While having different facts and Christologies, the author correctly assures us that these highly disparate and often contradictory accounts are a natural result of varied authorship coupled with later interpretation and emendation. And yes, texts evolved in Antiquity to meet the needs of the communities they served. This was normal and accepted however difficult it is for the post modern mind to deal with. This is especially so since our minds have been conditioned since the Reformation by the concept of Biblical inerrancy. Wright challenges the assumptions and methodologies of the Jesus Seminar and finds their work unsatisfying and arbitrary and to some extent anachronistic. Other modern scholarship is engaged as well. A nice annotated additional reading

After many confusing interpretations of the teachings of Jesus and dogmas from religions and false prophets making money and living a good material life under the umbrella of Christianity, this is a very simple to understand book, and it came into my hands at the right time. Wright explain life in times of Jesus and his teachings very clear and from a neutral point of view. I recommend it.

Searching to learn more about "Jesus among us," I've read E.P. Sanders, Geza Vermes, James Charlesworth, David Flusser, Brad Young and more.This is by far the most lucid statement, and the only truly stirring account I've read, of Jesus' historical ministry and its meaning for Christians.It is not an exhaustive treatment (see the number of pages), but it is my favorite book in this area.Although Wright points out that in comparing the Synoptic Gospels there are differences that are difficult to reconcile (which he points out adds to their credibility), conservative Christian believers will be comfortable with and helped by Wright's excellent book.

Dean Wright is masterful in relating, simply but not simplistically, how Jesus, as a Jew, related his mission to the great themes of the Jewish Scriptures. This is no Sunday School 101 approach to the person and work of Jesus. Many questions that have lingered in the recesses of my spiritual closet are clearly answered without being technical or weighty. This is a wonderful book to share to anyone, especially those in a Judeic or Arabic background or faith tradition, who is asking about the Messiah from Nazareth.

This is by far and away the best non-technical book on the historic Jesus I've ever read(and I've read zillions!) Author Tom Wright's(also known as N.T. Wright) writings on Jesus are by far the most intellectually convincing on Jesus' historicity & Resurrection. I encourage readers to check out his scholarly works as well- "Jesus and the Victory of God" and "The New Testament and the People of God"-along with his devotional works("Following Jesus:Biblical Reflections on Discipleship" and "The Crown and the Fire:Meditations on the Cross and the Life of the Spirit"). Enjoy and God Bless!!!