Read Killing Jesus Bill O'Reilly Killing Series Bill O'Reilly Martin Dugard 9780805098549 Books

Product details Series Bill O'Reilly's Killing Series Hardcover 304 pages Publisher Henry Holt and Co.; 1st edition (September 24, 2013) Language English ISBN-10 9780805098549 ISBN-13 978-0805098549 ASIN 0805098542

Killing Jesus Bill O'Reilly Killing Series Bill O'Reilly Martin Dugard 9780805098549 Books Reviews

• This is a very difficult book to review, as you can imagine whenever you read and try to write a review concerning a book about a religious figure. I know that the authors say that this is not a religious book, but instead one that focuses on the humanity of Jesus Christ. They have done a good job treading the fine line between straight biography and religious writing.
  
  Of course, the main, and possibly only, source for the life of the Nazarene (as the authors term him) are the four gospels with which most readers are familiar. Interspersed with these writings you will find chapters devoted to Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Tiberius, and other historical characters. There is a brief, but concise, history of Rome, and short biographies of some of the figures, including Pontius Pilate and the several Herods. It appears that the authors accept the gospel account of the birth in Bethlehem and the visit of the Magi, which led to the slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem at the insistence of Herod. There appears to be no historical record for these events except for the gospels, so the reader either takes it at face value or not, depending on his or her beliefs. Also, the sticky question concerning Jesus' siblings is handled somewhat offhandedly, with a note concerning the various theories about who these people were, depending on your particular religion. I do take exception to the mention of Herod's "castle", a term I don't believe existed at that time, but it's a minor quibble.
  
  All things (particularly religious beliefs) considered, the author have done a well thought out job. There is no writing concerning the actual miracles attributed to Jesus, but they are mentioned in the text as news of them spread into the surrounding area, so the authors appear to make no claim to any authenticity. Also, the narrative ends with the crucifixion and burial, and then the discovery of the empty tomb three days later. After that, it's once again news of post death appearances spread by supposed eyewitnesses, with no attempt to state any author belief in whether or not these events actually occurred.
  
  Lest I be accused of being some type of sceptic or unbeliever, let me state that, like the authors, I am a practicing Roman Catholic and truly believe that Jesus is who he said he is and that, if I do what is right, he will greet me when I die. Just because I have some doubts about parts of the gospels doesn't mean that my faith is weak. 17 years of Catholic education has kept me strong and will, I trust, lead me to the reward Jesus promised.
  
  One last thing. I know that there are many people out there who do not like O'Reilly for his political views and will allow that mind set to lead them to give this book a bad review, even though many of them will not have read it. To those folks I say read the book and if you don't believe that it's a good book, give it a bad review, but please don't let your political leanings cause you to downgrade the book because of your dislike of the author. There is no politics in this book, and so it shouldn't generate the venom that has accompanied the publication of his other historical works. Bill isn't a historian, but he and his co-author have done their best with a very touchy subject, and I salute their effort
• I liked the way the book brought the characters into a more understandable character. I have read the Bible a few times over and I think I do understand it but Killing Jesus puts the story of his life and death into a more understandable perspective if you've ever been confused by the stories of the Bible. They tell personal stories of the people in the Killing Jesus book as well. Things you won't read in the Bible. In some cases, the descriptions of the people for whomthey describe are quite vivid. King Herod had all kinds of gross physical/medical problems. For me, it was well worth reading. I can fully recommend it. I bought the audio book which is actually read by Bill O'Reilly.
• My 3rd O'Reilly book; however, it does not compare to "Killing Patton" or "Killing the Rising Sun".
  
  It is an in-depth study of life during Christ's time on earth. We read about the Gauls and the Romans, we learn things about Caesar, Tiberius, and Pontius Pilate that we never knew. The cruelty of the Romans and their manners of executions is horrifying. Chris't suffering is described in detail.
  
  O'Reilly does a fantastic job of helping the reader to feel the emotions of the characters, from the Roman government officials to Jesus's disciples.
  He also discusses the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. However, I feel he fails when it comes to Christ's resurrection and ascension. It is sort of left up to the reader to reach their own conclusion.
  
  On the whole the book is enlightening.
• Most of us know the telling of Jesus as a religious story, but the other half is a story filled with political intrigue. In this book, the political side takes primary notice. The personal issues are brought out, and the minutia of living in those times, as well as the details of the crucifixion, but the main issue exposed by this book are the political manipulations. Without them, Jesus may never have gone to the cross. Some parts are raw, but reflect honestly the brutality of the day. Sensitive minds beware.
• Whether you are a republican or democrat or a conservative or any political affiliation, O'Reily's books on history are first class and have no political biases or propaganda in them. That's the good thing about his history books and that's why they are always number one on the New York times best sellers lists. Killing Jesus has fastidious details on the times of Jesus and on the details surrounding his death. You can see the amount of historical research and material Dugard & O'Reily have done (listed in the Sources section in the back of the book) and it shows in the material and historical details of this book. I garnered and learned a lot of information on Judea during Biblical times and Jesus as man and his teachings and philosophy. Jesus's life biography was an interesting and enjoyable read and the time and money to spend on this book is well worth it for this prodigious book.
• We are told the story of Jesus, his life and death during Sunday school as a child. This book really explains the events that led up to Jesus’ arrest, flogging and unjust crucifixion. Many non believers think it’s all myth. The research done for this book is amazing. Just read the footnotes! Lots of information.
  I have recently come home from visiting many of the sites mentioned in this book. I wish i had read this right before going to Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee. Things would have been much more vivid.
  Great Book. Those were really tough times....the Jews vs the Romans.
• The book is an easy and enjoyable read. Unfortunately, the scholarship leaves much to be desired. Theories and folk-lore are touted as objective fact. The differences between the four authors are largely ignored. This is the first work of O'REILLY'S that I have read. His disregard for (or lack of interest in) serious biblical scholarship doesn't move me to purchase his other works.