Posted by John (4.240.150.115) on January 29, 2008 at 19:22:12:

I said I would make a comment about Benedict's Jesus of Nazareth after reading it. Also, I didn't read any reviews until I read Gerald O'Collin's review in America, June 4, 2007 last night.

Well, O'Collins can make a better review than me and except for a sort of cryptic comment he made about the Eastern Churches that I don't understand, he did well.

My main impression was that Pope Benedict is very well versed in Scriptural studies and especially of German scholars and what they have said. It seems to me that he purposely criticized only those in the past who wouldn't be embarassed; he pointed out basic assumptions and errors in thinking and dealing with various subjects. I thought he did a good job.

I also had the impression that he was also writing for non-Christians, mainly, Jewish readers so that they might possibly gain some understanding of who Jesus is. In a sense his writing was evangelical. I think he could achieve a rare convert from someone seeking.

I didn't have a sense of anything shockingly new in what he wrote but there were some new facts I hadn't heard before. Overall, I think his book is good solid material and trustworthy; something lacking in many scholars caught up in their own bias. I'm glad he wrote this and hope all can read it.

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