Very enlightening on the time period that Jesus lived. ...
343682
Very enlightening on the time period that Jesus lived. I could sense though as I was reading that the author was attempting to shift your thoughts from questioning your traditional beliefs to believing. I saw through that. What is apparent is there is very little to substantiate what we have been taught and very little to counter it. So faith is what you choose to make it.
939354
I do not think this book is for everyone but if you are interested in the historical Jesus and his times, this is the one to read. Shorto does a great job explaining the sometime involved ideas of different theologians.
4837048
I learned a lot reading this fascinating book, despite the fact I have often read books about this period.  I had thought of Jesus as a man who was trying to modernize and "soften" Judaism.  It turns out that, if you examine the actual history of the times as well as the language used by the people of the times, Jesus was actually trying to kick the Romans out of Palestine.

At the time, Rome had appointed "Quislings" as Temple priests, and the place was rife with corruption.  Jesus was a fundamentalist who wanted to take his people back to the time when they were a kingdom established by god.  Basically what nearly everyone longed for was another King David.

I was particularly fascinated by the discussion about what happened between Jesus' successor, his brother James, and Saul, who preached that people didn't have to obey the Law in order to follow Jesus.  That chapter alone answered some questions I had had about Paul who always seemed like the Evil Tempter of the story. So many histories leave that part out.

I am giving the book 5 stars although sometimes in the reading I thought of knocking off a star because I am a very chronological person, and the author often loops back before going forward again.  But, the book is so fascinating and well written it held my attention anyway.
2169198
Finding this book at a local bookstore, at first I was put off by the title and wouldn't consider getting it.  But then I browsed through the pages and realized it was not something negative against Jesus, but something insightful.  Purchasing the book, I couldn't put it down..  There are so many details about Jesus's trial, and the Hell He truly endured that I had no idea about.  Also, the details of the religious ruling elite of that time, and how they conspired against Him so they could maintain their comfortable corrupt lifestyles was very insightful.  After reading this book, I was left with a deeper love and appreciation for Jesus.. and an awakened reality of just how much of a HELL He truly experienced on all levels to purchase us with His blood.  I recommend this book for everyone..  God bless the author!
3394147
Zealot was well researched and well written.  It gave me a historical view of the world during of the life and time of Jesus.
4531497
It was very good in giving the lives and times of the Roman domination of the known world at that time.  It was a brutal time and life was at the will of the Caesar.  The conversion of those early people was well described.  I enjoyed it very much and it will help in teaching Sunday School.
2362608
A detailed accounting of life during Jesus' time. I learned a lot of things I did not know about the kings, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphus, & others of the time. Many issues were clarified that had been confusing to me. This book is not written to "win you over" into Christianity. Christians & non Christians alike can learn from the facts of this book. I highly recommend it.
4164694
I would have liked to learn more about Jesus life with his siblings and Mary Magdalene
Loved learning what I did about Jesus from your research
Would definitely recommend it to all denominations of people not just Christians.
1921638
Dawnlight is written during the last year of Jesus's life until just after His Resurrection.  It makes real the suffering and persecution of His followers by following the life of Elisheba, her husband, and his three close friends.  Each of these characters must face a test of their faith during the last days of Jesus's life.  When the Resurrection occurs, their faith and well being is even further tested.

As a reader, this book made me really see how both wonderful but yet terrifying living during the time of Jesus's life and His teachings were.  As a believer, it would have been so (words cannot describe) to hear His teachings and touch His robes.  However, during His last days would have been terrifying and heart wrenching.

A very good book!!! I would recommend this book to all!
4906484
A very informative book with deep understanding of Hebrew culture and what happened during Jesus formative years that would cause men to not only listen to Him but to leave all to follow Him! Note that even the religious leaders of Thea's would gather also to hear what He had to say.  This book explains all this in an enlightening way that is needed to be heard by everyone. A wonderful book!
3286835
Although the author tends to be a bit pedantic, this is an excellent perspective on the heart of the historical Jesus and puts into context the many actions and sayings of Jesus.  The author sets the stage for first century Jerusalem, the mores of Judaism at that time and how radically subversive Jesus' teachings were for that day.  Although the author is a Christian, this book is an excellent read for anyone interested in the roots of modern Christianity and how divergent the teachings of the Christian church became from the actual intent and teachings of Jesus.
743386
Even though one learns that Jesus was a man in regular teachings, this book reveals a more sinister side of the region, before, during and after his life.  A true historical disertation of the times and the politics that ended in his execution.
783342
O'Rielly does a great job revealing the culture and social/religious climate of the period. Enjoyed reading this book.
I would recommend also The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
841481
A great book that looks at the life in the time of Jesus from a different prospective. I like the way the books look through the eyes of sinners and children. The author takes the writings of the Gospels and makes then a more personal. You feel like you are there.
255031
I was enlightened more from the historical side of the Killing of Jesus, than that of the religious aspect. I would highly recommend
that if the chance arises, that you read this most informative reading.
4115
Excellent story, very enlightening regarding that period in history, particularly as concerns Judea and the creation of Jesus' legacy..  I'm on the fifth book now and I'm starting to become impatient concerning how and when Vespasian rose to be emperor.
776299
I was so glad to get a glimpse (although sobering) of that period in mission history.  The thought provoking questions are not easily answered, but  are so good to consider in this day and age when we know so little about the cost of faithfully serving God.