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Liked It “In October of 2005 I asked JDC a question at a lecture in Guilford Connecticut once. I don't remember the question, but the answer was "The normalcy of civilization is not the inevitability of human nature." Two years later this book embodies that theme.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“In October of 2005 I asked JDC a question at a lecture in Guilford Connecticut once. I don't remember the question, but the answer was "The normalcy of civilization is not the inevitability of human nature." Two years later this book embodies that theme. ”
Bryan B wrote this review 7 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I enjoyed reading this book. Crossan makes several good points about religion and politics. I do agree that it is a very human tendency to use religion as a political control mechanism rather than a force for positive change and healing.
Aaron Munro wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
However, it seems that Crossan allows way too much wishful thinking into his interpretation of history and the bible. He asserts the possibility that the more controversial writings of St. Paul were late additions by conservative scribes. Though it's entirely plausible and likely that scribal error and deliberate alteration occurred at some level, it seems more likely that St. Paul's was not trying to satisfy our modern conscience. If we truly respect the bible and the dynamic of the gospel, should we really be trying to dissect and sterilize it at this point? As for me, I hope the true reward comes in simply wrestling with the text as it is and trying to glean truth through the lens of the golden rule. That said, if it wasn't for people like Crossan, it would be very easy for us lay folks to get lazy in our study of scripture.”
“God and Empire: Jesus Against Rome, Then and Now,
HeIsSailing wrote this review Monday, September 15 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
by John Dominic Crossan. Finished reading 15 Sep 2008. 3/5 stars.
I enjoyed this book and Crossan is one of the most respected Biblical scholars around. He is a decent writer, extremely knowledgeable, and this book is full of Crossan's interesting perspectives. With all that said however, John Dominic Crossan remains the king of the non-sequitor, the loose end, the rabbit trail and the incoherent narrative. As much as I liked this book, I must confess that I have no idea what it was about.”
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