Jesus of Nazareth

Who better to write a book about the proclaimed Son of God than the leader of His largest organized group of followers, the Catholic Church? And who could be a more intimidating author of such a tome? Listeners to Don Leslie's presentation of the English translation find any trepidations soon quelled. Leslie reads the Pontiff's work as if he were an educated and caring priest delivering a homily to a beloved congregation. Pope Benedict refrains from obscure theological philosophy in favor of a clear examination of both biblical and scholarly writings on Christ. Together, Leslie's sonorous yet personable tones and the Pope's scholarly yet conversational writing style create an inviting study. R.L.L. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

May 14, 2007
In this rich, sophisticated introduction to the life of Jesus, the pope argues that Jesus brought to the world neither universal prosperity nor peace, but God. Indeed, Jesus cannot be understood outside of his relationship with God the Father, which is the true center of his personality. Ratzinger explores the meaning of key moments in the Gospels, such as the temptations of Jesus, the Transfiguration, and the Sermon on the Mount, and points to passages in which Jesus adumbrates Pauline theology. He underscores Jesus being rooted in the Old Testament, showing, for example, that the Beatitudes participate in a long tradition of blessings, exemplified in Psalms and Jeremiah. Ratzinger draws on historical-critical scholarship of the New Testament, but cautions that the usefulness of strictly historical readings of Scripture is limited: one must also read Scripture theologically, and view each passage of the Bible as part of a larger canonical whole. This learned book cannot be read casuallyRatzinger draws on a vast array of scholarship, and he assumes familiarity with theological categories such as Christology. But for those who are willing to work through Ratzingers text slowly, virtually every page will yield fruitful insights.