I enjoyed the book until they claimed Jesus Christ was just ...
590808
I enjoyed the book until they claimed Jesus Christ was just a man and not the son of God.  After that I just skimmed.
1924008
I was very intrigued by this book and enjoyed it thoroughly until I got to Chapter 2... As a Christian I am insulted by this chapter and recommend against anyone else buying it, unless you truly believe we share a line with apes and that God did not in fact create all beings. I couldn't get through ch. 2  due to the amount of misleading statements and opinions stated as facts by the author. I took it back for a full refund within 2 hours of purchasing it.
4543668
The book is trying to explain why nearly 2 billion people believe in Jesus, the Son of Mary (who had a libidinous relationship with God - as per Thomas Paine) who died on Passover Fridays and apparently resuscitated on the following Sunday, perambulated for a couple of hours around the grave and finally ascended to heaven where he sits at the right side of God forever and ever.
The attempt is quite convincing but the outcome is not, unfortunately. The author is forcing a number of presentations that could only convince those that are totally convinced already. But then, this is not the author's fault but rather the limitation of the silly fairy tale that he is trying to sell to believers only.
2896920
I have been researching the origin of Christianity since I left the "Holy" Roman Catholic Church and became Atheist. I am well read in Ancient Egypt. The title of the book interested me because anyone with any interest in Jesus is curious about the missing 30 years.

Tricia McCannon is correct about Jesus is Egypt, but as far as the rest is concerned, no. I have been to Glastonbury Abbey and know all the legends about King Arthur. I saw no irrefutable evidence of Jesus ever being there. The Celtic legends are fables only, not fact. Even the "Ley Lines" are fables. I know enough about science to know there are no such things as "Ley Lines" or "Energy Fields".

The name "Jesus" mght have been taken from the Celtic God Hu-Hesus by Pagan Roman Emperor Constantine I when he founded the Roman Catholic Church at the Council of Nicea 325 CE as the official Religion of the Roman Empire.

I won't go into McCannon's ideas about Jesus in India. Again they are  pure fables. There is no irrefutable evidence Jesus ever went to India.
To me this book as a believable as the worst book of fiction ever written the "Holy" Bible
3167391
Professor Evans systematically destructs the modern theories about who Jesus is.  After the Da Vinci Code, there have been other books published concerning the gnostic gospels that certain people give credence. Craig Evans contribution is to add some additional depth to de-bunking these theories. I also learned more about what the Jewish historian Josephus wrote relating to Jesus, Pilate and the early church and how the writings of Josephus have been misused. One great side-effect of all these silly theories about Jesus is to revive interest in the REAL history of Jesus and the 1st century church.

What comes across to me in this book is the length to which pseudo-scholars go to avoid the real Jesus.  While this book does not speculate on the motives of such "scholars", it can only come from heart the is very hostile to Christ and hostile to the gospel. It's amazing that the question "Who is Jesus" is as relevant and even as divisive today as it was in the 1st century
43428
I really liked the description of the book when I was reading the cover copy in the bookstore. What I didn't know until later, when I checked it out of the library, was that it was heavily slanted toward Christianity. Chapter 2, for example, is a long sales pitch for religion and how you can't be happy unless you have Christ in your life. While I get that for some people religion brings them peace, to put forth that you can't be happy unless you follow the author's religion is extreme arrogance. I flipped through the rest of the book from there and found more of the same and hurriedly returned it to the library.

If you're already Christian, you may get something out of this, but if you don't want a religious sales pitch, this book will not be something you'll want to read.
2245141
I've never read Fact or Fiction though I hope to. But the Christian Community shouldn't have needed another book to prove that The Harbinger was just a made up story in some guy's mind. Sometimes Christians are the most gullible people on the planet when we are to be the most discerning.
4404954
First let me state that I am not a Christian. I read this book for the same reason that I read Goebbels Diaries: I wanted to see the perspective of someone completely different from me. In that sense, this book was a success, and maybe I should give it 4 or 5 stars for that reason. Nevertheless, as far as the validity of the content of the book, I have to give it a one star. So, according to Ellen White, William Miller got it wrong in 1844 when he believed that the world was going to end. Nevertheless, Miller was right in that a great event did take place in 1844: "Christ then entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to perform the closing work of atonement preparatory to His coming." Of course, as usual with matters of religion, there is no way to verify this event just as there is no way to verify that a china teapot is circling the sun, to borrow an idea from Bertrand Russell. It is clear that Mrs. White believed in the late 1850s while writing this book that although the world did not end in 1844, we are near to that event. Well, that was 150 years ago. Are we still waiting? Unlike Miller, I guess you can never be wrong in your lifetime, if you prophesy that that the end of the world is coming in the near future but at an unknown time and date. But after 150 years isn't it apparent at least on this issue Mrs. White got it wrong.
2073196
This author asserts that "Jesus learned a lot (SIC) about people as he watched them in his father's shop, and as he visited their homes and fields."

REALLY? Where's the biblical warrant for this?  The author is completely comfortable speculating and presenting his speculation as fact (facts that are not recorded in history or scripture.) Did Jesus not always know the hearts and minds of men?

He asserts that Jesus developed a sensitivity and learned the needs of others.  Is the author suggesting that at some point Christ's sensitivity was lacking?

On page 56 he says "Jesus also grew in His relationship with the Father."  I would ask: So at what point did Jesus and the Father become one?

Many of the chapters in this book are bad, but the chapter describing Christ's development is terrible.  It sounded to this reader like the heresy of Dynamic Monarchianism.  This author does begin chapter 6 saying that Jesus was fully God and fully man, but he does not demonstrate that he knows what that means.

I found this book more troubling than helpful.
1626990
In The Jesus Dynasty, the author begins with an almost Indiana Jones type background. It reminds of The DaVinci Code because of the mysterious type of suspicion is cast upon the traditional history of the Bible. The book was very easy to read and had an interesting subject at first glance. It does however, lack scholarly evidence to back up his theory and ends with an enigmatic question of little importance. The author makes an appeal to controversy but does not verify his claim. The author attempts to portray another fraud theory and makes unverifiable claims that Jesus in fact was not resurrected but was moved to another tomb where he was buried.

I disagree with the statement that Dr. Tabor makes about Jesus being moved to another tomb and ultimately being left dead and un-resurrected. If this was the case then over 500 witnesses to the risen Christ must have been mistaken. The Roman government and Jewish leaders would have had a rebuttal to the resurrection claim if this would have been true. We know from the recorded history of the Bible that there were eyewitnesses to these claims of resurrection.

  Although, the author is credentialed, the book would appeal to the audience of non-thinkers. The author states that the Mary, the mother of Jesus participated in infidelity and Jesus was merely an illegitimate bastard. This is one of the many premises that are unsubstantiated and distasteful as well as in claim. The author also contends that the ministry of Jesus was less than that of Paul. This is mostly in part due to the revelations of Paul that translated into creeds and forming "The Way." The theory of Mary being unfaithful goes against what we know about Jewish culture. If she would have been unfaithful and not pregnant of the Holy Spirit then it is far more likely that Joseph would have put her away. It was not until the teachings of Jesus came along that the intent of the law was elevated to the higher status than lock-step obedience. It is very unlikely from the cultural standpoint that Joseph would have remained engaged unless he believed the Holy Spirit was in fact the father of the child to be called Jesus.

 My thoughts about the methodology to substantiate these preposterous claims were off base. If the author sought respect from his peers and the scholarly community it would appear to me that he would have made a much more documented case against the historic beliefs of Jesus. He wrote in opposition to the historic belief and the obligation to defend that stance rest squarely upon him. At the present moment I would chalk this book up to another fraud claim that is theory and not even significant enough to consider.

 At the end of the book I had a feeling that I had been entertained but somehow cheated from a real lesson that the book seemingly promised from the introduction that teased with revealing new secrets about Jesus. I think that the writer did cross a line in some aspects of marginalizing the same Jesus that died on a cross to save the world. It did smack of ridicule in places when describing what could have been based on speculation and denying the historical and archeological truths we currently have and study frequently especially in the authors' field. I dare say he has not impressed me or his peers with this work. The bottom line that the reader should consider is if the author is true in his claims and Jesus is not raised then all of Christendom is a lie and we of all people are most miserable as Paul stated. This work can not stand on its own merit in light of the historical records, archaeology, and the manuscript evidence found in the Bible.
4603896
I'm one third into the book and i'm stopping. This book seems to be intended to put doubt in jesus' credibility as Christ our Savior. I would not recommend any Christian read it.
53033
Without wasting too much time on this book let me say that once again a by-gone generation of by-gone liberals are attempting to reconstruct their identity.  I read this book and it was like having a nightmare of rereading all the 19th century and 20th century liberal Jesus questers who believed that they could reconstruct a Jesus of History and a Christ of faith.  I hope someday this very immature philosophical school will find its resting place in history.

Now I didn't give this book one star because I must admit Robin is a very fun and talented writer.  Even as deeply as I dislike Robin's read of the gospels and history I find him worthy of reading if for no other reason than he can write.  In fact he makes reading this stuff almost interesting, hear interesting not convincing, however, at the end of the day as we looks into Albert Schweitzer's proverbial well all we can see is a picture of the author. This book brings us no closer to Jesus because it attempts to suggest that Jesus stands behind the churches worship and not in the midst of it.

PEACE
4508433
I was totally engrossed in the book until I came to the point where the author decided to represent God and the Holy Spirit as women. This point cannot and should not be made light of or overlooked. Even in choosing a book of fiction one must take a stand for what is right, and this isn't right. Scripture is clear that God is a "he". For those who consider this a casual read, please let me try to explain it this way. How would you feel if someone wrote about your family and misrepresented those you love and respect most of all? This is how I feel about this book. My relationship with Jesus and my Father are the most important relationships in my life. The author chose to take my relatives and paint them as he saw fit. It's hurtful and sad to those of us who know Jesus Christ to see the Holy Trinity represented in this light. For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
483713
I was going to give this book at least 4 stars. That was until he started banging on about God in the last few pages. "God" doesnt actually exist, believe it or not. Once that mythical fabricated garbage began, I felt as though his whole purpose for writing this book was to lead his readers, well his non believer readers, to join the flock of the gullible and turn to God for salvation. In fact I didn't even finish the book because of this. It's a shame because up until then I thought the book was fantastic.
3148379
Clearly Michael Grant must be in possession of the time machine to be able to make such a bold assertion concerning loving one's enemy and turning the other cheek, "indeed even Jesus did not fulfill it regularly himself." (page 28). I think this statement says it all about the historical worth of the book. How could one trust the author's opinion of Jesus when he states such nonsense that is not supported by any historical source whatsoever? From the aforementioned statement in page 28 the author's biased view of Jesus is made apparent.
3076953
It just is so sad. My elderly mother was duped into believing this was a factual account from a trustworthy source and asked me to order this for her. I do believe in heaven and look forward to it, but not for pizza parties in the throne room, roller coasters or golf. These and other ridiculous "revelations" may be fun to imagine, but are indicative of a con person saying outlandish things carnal and gullible people might be willing to pay to hear. Not one of them is edifying or indicative of or consistent with spiritual truth or biblical truth. Like a con man who steals from dishonest people, I am sure the scam is partially successful just because "Who is going to be able to deny your claim?" She goes on to say God is dispensing large numbers of dinner plate sized gems in this crazy outpouring of heaven on earth happening as I write, of which she is a principal harbinger picked by and endorsed by angels to spread. So if Angels wrote the forward to her book, and say how important her message is, why did they not hand her a Real one, so she would not have to lug around a plastic facsimile to her meetings, and over charge for little books to fund her "ministry"? Now that would be a tad more credible, right? She prophesied miraculous government changes in 2010, and Mitt Romney being heaven's pick for President in 2012. Neither happened. He may have been a far better choice for reasons of fiscal responsibility alone (I voted for him), but Mitt Romney does not even believe in the biblical view of the afterlife! He is a devout Mormon, with very different beliefs. I think if the God of the Bible and its Jesus were to get together and hand-pick a presidential candidate, it would not be someone whose core beliefs on heaven is based on mythology found in the Book of Mormon, rather than the all sufficiency of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the one way to His throne room. And when or if you do get there, I hope you are not disappointed to find no pizza parties or Star Wars reruns, enjoy those down here. I enjoy reading fiction, unless it is masquerading as truth.
1396613
The author and many reviewers here seem to embrace something that they so desire to believe in. As an Indian, who lived in India for more than 20+ years - with numerous hindu, muslim friends - I find this attitude to reject christianity and Christ as its center - to be very common and when I moved to west - I realized that there are souls out here - who also would like to move away from Christ - and embrace buddhism or some sort of eastern religion or find some sort of equality among all religions - just because they are bored and want to have something new.

 Its a blatant attempt to re-write ecumenism with Christ as the center - at best its fiction(a poor one) and at worst its blasphemeous. And reviewers here seem to collect information about christ via this book - if you truly want to know about christ - Bible would be the best place to start.

 And no! it is not a common belief that Jesus did not survive crucification- its a fact! - Christ DIED on the cross - and ROSE AGAIN on the 3rd day - and bible accounts for another 40 days AFTER crucification & resurrection - with numerous accounts.

And Christ was NOT here to unit Jewish tribes or people - infact, the only reason christ was here was to reunite HUMANITY With the LOVING & LIVING GOD - only way to God is Christ.

 Jesus was the ONLY person in all religions who claimed to be GOD - and that stings many people - who want to believe in equality, karma, re-birth etc....- there is no way to get to heaven except through Christ.

 Christ claimed to be the supreme being in Human form - HIS claim was supported by over 300 prophecies stretching over 500+ years before he arrived.

 Here are few: to be born in the city of David, a virgin birth, a lowly birth, the death on the cross & the resurrection - all prophecised - even to the pin-point to the day - Christ rode the donkey down to the Jerusalem temple (king David wrote: this is the day that the LORD has made) - the week before he was crucified.

 And referring to NASA: did you know that NASA verifies the accuracy of the bible to the day - that God delayed the sun-down? on one particular day? - when NASA wanted to go back into history and find the days- they got stuck on a day which accounted for extra hours. - Joshua's "Long day" - search it -you will find it.

 Finally, this book is just thrash - for people who are starved to get away and believe in something - so desperately - that they will believe anyone or anything - that confirms their "ideal history".

 Christ is real - every day, every moment - we count days from and before the days for christ - our life revolves round HIM. You can fight the facts - but they won't budge.