Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49725 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-15
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 130 pages

Customer Reviews

What Jesus Said and Did
In his latest work, Father Harrington shares his conclusions on what current New Testament scholarship "allows us to say with confidence" about Jesus as a historical figure. He presents the basis for these conclusions in clear language accompanied by examples, Scripture citations, sidebars, and questions for reflection. Chapters address such topics as Jesus in relation to the kingdom, prayer, women, and politics; and Jesus' death, resurrection, and second coming.

Harrington begins by comparing the Gospel Jesus and the "historian's" Jesus. The Gospels, our strongest basis for faith, show Jesus as a moral and religious figure, while biblical scholarship places him in his proper historical context "to arrive at a reliable and coherent interpretation of what Jesus said and did."

For example, the chapter on the death of Jesus addresses two opposing views: (1) Jewish leaders sought Jesus' execution, which was merely ratified by the Romans, and (2) Jewish authorities were not involved in any way. Harrington cites Scripture references to support a variety of possible reasons Jesus died; explains historical and theological circumstances that led to his death; and concludes that Pontius Pilate and certain Jewish leaders were responsible for it.

The sidebar discusses the film "The Passion of the Christ" and its portrayal of the role of the Jews in the death of Jesus. Chapter questions ask us to reflect on lingering anti-Semitism related to the Jews' perceived role in the death of Jesus.

This is an enlightening and engaging work suitable for individuals and small groups wishing to enlarge their concept of Jesus' life on earth.