Jesus: A Beginner's Guide

Description

Jesus: A Beginner's Guide introduces Jesus, the man and his enduring legacy. Separating fact from fiction, Professor Le Donne places Jesus within the context of first-century Judaism, and explores the debate about his status as 'Son of God' among the early Christians. He then follows his legacy through medieval Europe, and compares the various cultural Jesuses in enlightenment and post-enlightenment thought.

Anthony Le Donne (PhD, Durham) is Assistant Professor of New Testament at United Theological Seminary. He is the author/editor of seven books and serves as an editor of the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus.

'This lively and engrossing book covers a vast historical range, from first-century Palestine to the latest Jesus-memes in popular culture, drawing on an enviable breadth of knowledge. I can think of no better or more accessible introduction which draws readers into exploring for themselves the many images of Jesus and their long and still powerful hold on the imagination of the West. ' * John M.G. Barclay, Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University * 'Fresh, punchy and perfectly crafted for those with little or no background in this field of study, Le Donne explains Jesus not only in terms of long ago, but through the centuries to today. He traces not one Jesus but many, each reshaped for different reasons. Ultimately, this book presents Jesus as a remarkably malleable entity, and yet a figure who is as critically relevant now as ever.' * Professor Joan Taylor, Professor of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism, King's College London * 'Le Donne's writing never fails to evoke, entertain and educate students - and this volume on Jesus is no exception. Covering Jesus' construction within historical enquiry to reception in pop culture this will be a welcome addition to the reading lists of many undergraduate programmes and an invaluable and accessible teaching resource.' * Professor Louise Lawrence, Associate Professor in New Testament Studies, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Exeter * 'This little book punches far above its light weight. In Jesus: A Beginner's Guide, Anthony Le Donne has given us an excellent short cultural history of Jesus. From the letters of Paul to the Gospel of Mary, from the Alexamenos graffito to Timothy Schmalz's "Homeless Jesus," from Clare of Assisi to Martin Luther King, Jr., it is all here, expertly narrated and beautifully illustrated.' * Matthew Novenson, Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Christian Origins, University of Edinburgh * Praise for The Wife of Jesus: 'An impressive work from beginning to end, "The Wife of Jesus: Ancient Texts and Modern Scandals" is a fascinating, informed, informative, and iconoclastic work that is as thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is well written and presented. Enhanced with extensive notes, an impressive nine page bibliography, and a reference index as well as a subject index, [it] is highly recommended reading and will make an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Christian Studies collections.' * Midwest Book Review *