Excellent book, 21 Sep 2008
This is an excellent book for those who would like the basic issues set out in a way that is accessible. Yes it is not a thesis but I don't think the author intended it to be so - I have plenty of books I can go to to support his arguments in more depth and who argue both sides and look at objections in depth.
But I bought this book as an access way to these issues for young Christians or those who are searching. And that it exactly what it does.

If this was a real trial case there would be a mis-trial, 05 Aug 2008
At the start of the book I though what a unique spin to put on the argument about Christ and his life.
A few times I threw the book down after realising that the questions I wanted answering weren't.
The book is a Pro christian book which at time seem there just to back up the mainstream christian belief, in no way does it challenge or really try to affirm if Christ was a God or a Man.

A poor attempt and was in no way independant, heavens all the Proffesionals he talked to were Pro mainstream christians!

SJ Tanner, 13 Mar 2008
It must be remembered, whether or not one agrees with Lee Strobel's writing, that he wasn't a Christian when he began writing this book. He isn't biased towards Christianity; on the contrary he asks tough questions of the people he interviewed whilst researching this book.
As an academic and a Christian, I was fascinated by the depth of his research and the answers he found. It is a well-written book, filled with evidence to back up his findings, along with discussions with highly-respected academics. It is certainly challenging, and aims for historical accuracy which is sadly lacking in so many recent novels claiming to secrets about the life of Christ, which are often nothing more than mere speculation or opinion. At least the Case for Christ has solid historical, academic and archaeological evidence, which other fiction novels ignore or distort.
Many Christians will find their faith supported and strengthened by this book; other who are not yet decided may find it helpful, and others will inevitably dismiss it as rubbish. Personally, I found it a wonderful piece corroborating evidence for my own faith.


Contemptuously thinly veiled propaganda, 04 Jun 2007
Even someone with a second-rate R.S. A-level such as myself can see the falsehoods presented in this garbage. The author sets up evangelical christians with complete softballs and utterly refuses to criticise the answers, which, such as with the dating of the gospels, are far from widely accepted. There is no critical thinking displayed anywhere here, no dialogue or riposte from non-christian scholars, just a pathetic propaganda piece that will sadly influence and manipulate those looking for easy answers and haven't enough knowledge of the subject matter to separate objective analysis from subjective, bias crap like this. Read this with its "response" companion, or view from the other side of the argument, or not at all.

Very biased, 23 Dec 2006
This is a very biased book for Christianity.
Yes it is a 'case for Christ' as the title suggests but those thinking this is proper investigation of whether Christ existed or not are wrong.
All the people Lee interviews about the subject are Christians. So (unsurprisingly) are very biased!
And Lee never then goes and investigates for himself to find out what he's been told is true, he just seems to believe everything that he's told! Hardly a personal 'investigation'!
The reason I've given this 2 stars and not 1 is that it does raise some interesting points for further study.

Excellent book, 21 Sep 2008
This is an excellent book for those who would like the basic issues set out in a way that is accessible. Yes it is not a thesis but I don't think the author intended it to be so - I have plenty of books I can go to to support his arguments in more depth and who argue both sides and look at objections in depth.
But I bought this book as an access way to these issues for young Christians or those who are searching. And that it exactly what it does.

If this was a real trial case there would be a mis-trial, 05 Aug 2008
At the start of the book I though what a unique spin to put on the argument about Christ and his life.
A few times I threw the book down after realising that the questions I wanted answering weren't.
The book is a Pro christian book which at time seem there just to back up the mainstream christian belief, in no way does it challenge or really try to affirm if Christ was a God or a Man.

A poor attempt and was in no way independant, heavens all the Proffesionals he talked to were Pro mainstream christians!

SJ Tanner, 13 Mar 2008
It must be remembered, whether or not one agrees with Lee Strobel's writing, that he wasn't a Christian when he began writing this book. He isn't biased towards Christianity; on the contrary he asks tough questions of the people he interviewed whilst researching this book.
As an academic and a Christian, I was fascinated by the depth of his research and the answers he found. It is a well-written book, filled with evidence to back up his findings, along with discussions with highly-respected academics. It is certainly challenging, and aims for historical accuracy which is sadly lacking in so many recent novels claiming to secrets about the life of Christ, which are often nothing more than mere speculation or opinion. At least the Case for Christ has solid historical, academic and archaeological evidence, which other fiction novels ignore or distort.
Many Christians will find their faith supported and strengthened by this book; other who are not yet decided may find it helpful, and others will inevitably dismiss it as rubbish. Personally, I found it a wonderful piece corroborating evidence for my own faith.


Contemptuously thinly veiled propaganda, 04 Jun 2007
Even someone with a second-rate R.S. A-level such as myself can see the falsehoods presented in this garbage. The author sets up evangelical christians with complete softballs and utterly refuses to criticise the answers, which, such as with the dating of the gospels, are far from widely accepted. There is no critical thinking displayed anywhere here, no dialogue or riposte from non-christian scholars, just a pathetic propaganda piece that will sadly influence and manipulate those looking for easy answers and haven't enough knowledge of the subject matter to separate objective analysis from subjective, bias crap like this. Read this with its "response" companion, or view from the other side of the argument, or not at all.

Very biased, 23 Dec 2006
This is a very biased book for Christianity.
Yes it is a 'case for Christ' as the title suggests but those thinking this is proper investigation of whether Christ existed or not are wrong.
All the people Lee interviews about the subject are Christians. So (unsurprisingly) are very biased!
And Lee never then goes and investigates for himself to find out what he's been told is true, he just seems to believe everything that he's told! Hardly a personal 'investigation'!
The reason I've given this 2 stars and not 1 is that it does raise some interesting points for further study.

A good introduction for the study of Jesus, 23 Aug 2007
This is a good introduction for those interested in studying the historical figure of Jesus. Deceptively short as the text is quite small, Sanders provides a welcome antidote to the sensationalist pseudo-history such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and others.

Sanders is correct to state that the study of the historical Jesus is a perilous and frustrating task, not least due to the lack of sources. Sanders cleverly provides a setting for Jesus, putting him fully in his times of first century Galilee and Judaea. He places Jesus vis a vis Judaism and the political climate of Jesus' time. The strength of this book is that it is not encumbered with theology, but is an appraisal of Jesus the man, someone who had, or believed he had, an intimate relationship with God and who saw himself as the man to prepare the Jews for the coming of the kingdom. As Sanders correctly concludes, as a result Jesus was more of a teacher and a prophet than a preacher of repentance.

All in all a recommended book for both Christians and non-Christians wanting a good introduction to Jesus, without sensationalism, be it theological or pseudo-historical.




Infromative, 11 Feb 2006
This is an excellent and readable study of the historical figure of Jesus.

Certainly a Helpful Introduction, 29 Dec 2005
This work provides not just an Introduction to reconstructing the life of the historical Jesus, but also to the modes of biblical criticism. The chapter on the Method and Setting of Jesus' Ministry is particularly valuable, and rightly points out misconceptions about the amount of time Jesus would have spent in Judea as opposed to his native Galilee. The book is well written, and the information it provides set down clearly for comfortable reading. In places more detail might be useful, especially regarding the primary and secondary sources that he uses, although these discrepancies are totally rectified by his more in depth works, such as the celebrated 'Jesus and Judaism,' and his work on Paul.

As to his conclusions, they are both conservative and forward looking. This is not a contradiction, as Sanders really pioneers the view that much can be known about the historical Jesus, while at the same time not straying drastically outside generally accepted scholarly thought. His is a careful, but worthy, reconstruction of the life and times of arguably the most influential figure in history.

Authoritative review of Jesus' life, 01 Oct 2005
Whilst books like the Da Vinci Code continue to dominate people's thinking on religion, books like these based in fact provide a welcome read. This book in particular is probably the best historical book I have read.

Sanders has not only created a book that is authorative and intelletucual, but he does what other academics fail to do - he makes it readable. Sanders focuses only on what can be proved or dissproved and rarely goes into speculation. If he does he always tempers it with a 'we infer'. Sanders goes into some detail about the historical setting of Jerusalm and Jewdasim at Jesus' time to build his case.

What he doesn't do is go into great details about his birth or upbringing, because quite simply, he has no proof or knowledge of it.

Very much a recommended read for all those that interested in trying to understand the facts of Jesus' life as opposed to speculating on it.

Enjoyable, informative, authoritative, 17 Aug 2004
Professor Sanders must be one of those rare academics who can write well for the general public, neither over-simplifying the content nor boring the reader with excessive detail. The book has just the right balance of readability and credibility, and there are new insights on every page. Particularly interesting were the first few chapters, covering the historical and political background. We are all aware that Palestine was "occupied" by the Roman Empire at this period, but what was the nature of the occupation? Was it, for example, comparable to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the early 1940s? The answer apparently is no, and the situation in Galilee was very different from that in Jerusalem. The book paints a clear picture of what life was like for ordinary people living in that region around that time. In dealing with the events of Jesus's life, Sanders always makes clear the degree of certainty of any assertion. There is a scale, with "beyond all reasonable doubt" at one end and "as likely as not" at the other. People who want simple answers in black and white may be disappointed by this, but ancient history is not an exact science. This is surely the honest approach.

Professor Sanders has been studying this period since the 1960s and appears to be regarded as knowledgeable on Jesus (as well as on Paul). I am not in a position to judge, but certainly the book seems more authoritative than some similar titles written by journalists or by those with a proselytising agenda. Although raised in the Church of England, I read this book as a complete layman. I was aware that I had no idea how much of what I had been taught was true in a historical sense and how much was mere legend, tradition or the personal opinion of my teachers, and I was starting to ask questions like "who wrote the gospels, and when?" and "what did Jesus ACTUALLY say?". This book has taught me a great deal about the origins of this vast religion.

There is perhaps too much emphasis on dates. To the lay reader, the exact years of Jesus's birth and death are less interesting than what happened in between. And while I'm looking for faults, I could mention that there are a few things that are not well explained. For example, the Pharisees are referred to as a party, but what is meant by "party" in this context? Is it something equivalent to a modern political party? Obviously not, though just what kind of a group they were is still not clear to me. But there are few such omissions. All in all, this book gave me the information that I wanted in an enjoyable form, and I happily recommend it.

Excellent book, 21 Sep 2008
This is an excellent book for those who would like the basic issues set out in a way that is accessible. Yes it is not a thesis but I don't think the author intended it to be so - I have plenty of books I can go to to support his arguments in more depth and who argue both sides and look at objections in depth.
But I bought this book as an access way to these issues for young Christians or those who are searching. And that it exactly what it does.

If this was a real trial case there would be a mis-trial, 05 Aug 2008
At the start of the book I though what a unique spin to put on the argument about Christ and his life.
A few times I threw the book down after realising that the questions I wanted answering weren't.
The book is a Pro christian book which at time seem there just to back up the mainstream christian belief, in no way does it challenge or really try to affirm if Christ was a God or a Man.

A poor attempt and was in no way independant, heavens all the Proffesionals he talked to were Pro mainstream christians!

SJ Tanner, 13 Mar 2008
It must be remembered, whether or not one agrees with Lee Strobel's writing, that he wasn't a Christian when he began writing this book. He isn't biased towards Christianity; on the contrary he asks tough questions of the people he interviewed whilst researching this book.
As an academic and a Christian, I was fascinated by the depth of his research and the answers he found. It is a well-written book, filled with evidence to back up his findings, along with discussions with highly-respected academics. It is certainly challenging, and aims for historical accuracy which is sadly lacking in so many recent novels claiming to secrets about the life of Christ, which are often nothing more than mere speculation or opinion. At least the Case for Christ has solid historical, academic and archaeological evidence, which other fiction novels ignore or distort.
Many Christians will find their faith supported and strengthened by this book; other who are not yet decided may find it helpful, and others will inevitably dismiss it as rubbish. Personally, I found it a wonderful piece corroborating evidence for my own faith.


Contemptuously thinly veiled propaganda, 04 Jun 2007
Even someone with a second-rate R.S. A-level such as myself can see the falsehoods presented in this garbage. The author sets up evangelical christians with complete softballs and utterly refuses to criticise the answers, which, such as with the dating of the gospels, are far from widely accepted. There is no critical thinking displayed anywhere here, no dialogue or riposte from non-christian scholars, just a pathetic propaganda piece that will sadly influence and manipulate those looking for easy answers and haven't enough knowledge of the subject matter to separate objective analysis from subjective, bias crap like this. Read this with its "response" companion, or view from the other side of the argument, or not at all.

Very biased, 23 Dec 2006
This is a very biased book for Christianity.
Yes it is a 'case for Christ' as the title suggests but those thinking this is proper investigation of whether Christ existed or not are wrong.
All the people Lee interviews about the subject are Christians. So (unsurprisingly) are very biased!
And Lee never then goes and investigates for himself to find out what he's been told is true, he just seems to believe everything that he's told! Hardly a personal 'investigation'!
The reason I've given this 2 stars and not 1 is that it does raise some interesting points for further study.

A good introduction for the study of Jesus, 23 Aug 2007
This is a good introduction for those interested in studying the historical figure of Jesus. Deceptively short as the text is quite small, Sanders provides a welcome antidote to the sensationalist pseudo-history such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and others.

Sanders is correct to state that the study of the historical Jesus is a perilous and frustrating task, not least due to the lack of sources. Sanders cleverly provides a setting for Jesus, putting him fully in his times of first century Galilee and Judaea. He places Jesus vis a vis Judaism and the political climate of Jesus' time. The strength of this book is that it is not encumbered with theology, but is an appraisal of Jesus the man, someone who had, or believed he had, an intimate relationship with God and who saw himself as the man to prepare the Jews for the coming of the kingdom. As Sanders correctly concludes, as a result Jesus was more of a teacher and a prophet than a preacher of repentance.

All in all a recommended book for both Christians and non-Christians wanting a good introduction to Jesus, without sensationalism, be it theological or pseudo-historical.




Infromative, 11 Feb 2006
This is an excellent and readable study of the historical figure of Jesus.

Certainly a Helpful Introduction, 29 Dec 2005
This work provides not just an Introduction to reconstructing the life of the historical Jesus, but also to the modes of biblical criticism. The chapter on the Method and Setting of Jesus' Ministry is particularly valuable, and rightly points out misconceptions about the amount of time Jesus would have spent in Judea as opposed to his native Galilee. The book is well written, and the information it provides set down clearly for comfortable reading. In places more detail might be useful, especially regarding the primary and secondary sources that he uses, although these discrepancies are totally rectified by his more in depth works, such as the celebrated 'Jesus and Judaism,' and his work on Paul.

As to his conclusions, they are both conservative and forward looking. This is not a contradiction, as Sanders really pioneers the view that much can be known about the historical Jesus, while at the same time not straying drastically outside generally accepted scholarly thought. His is a careful, but worthy, reconstruction of the life and times of arguably the most influential figure in history.

Authoritative review of Jesus' life, 01 Oct 2005
Whilst books like the Da Vinci Code continue to dominate people's thinking on religion, books like these based in fact provide a welcome read. This book in particular is probably the best historical book I have read.

Sanders has not only created a book that is authorative and intelletucual, but he does what other academics fail to do - he makes it readable. Sanders focuses only on what can be proved or dissproved and rarely goes into speculation. If he does he always tempers it with a 'we infer'. Sanders goes into some detail about the historical setting of Jerusalm and Jewdasim at Jesus' time to build his case.

What he doesn't do is go into great details about his birth or upbringing, because quite simply, he has no proof or knowledge of it.

Very much a recommended read for all those that interested in trying to understand the facts of Jesus' life as opposed to speculating on it.

Enjoyable, informative, authoritative, 17 Aug 2004
Professor Sanders must be one of those rare academics who can write well for the general public, neither over-simplifying the content nor boring the reader with excessive detail. The book has just the right balance of readability and credibility, and there are new insights on every page. Particularly interesting were the first few chapters, covering the historical and political background. We are all aware that Palestine was "occupied" by the Roman Empire at this period, but what was the nature of the occupation? Was it, for example, comparable to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the early 1940s? The answer apparently is no, and the situation in Galilee was very different from that in Jerusalem. The book paints a clear picture of what life was like for ordinary people living in that region around that time. In dealing with the events of Jesus's life, Sanders always makes clear the degree of certainty of any assertion. There is a scale, with "beyond all reasonable doubt" at one end and "as likely as not" at the other. People who want simple answers in black and white may be disappointed by this, but ancient history is not an exact science. This is surely the honest approach.

Professor Sanders has been studying this period since the 1960s and appears to be regarded as knowledgeable on Jesus (as well as on Paul). I am not in a position to judge, but certainly the book seems more authoritative than some similar titles written by journalists or by those with a proselytising agenda. Although raised in the Church of England, I read this book as a complete layman. I was aware that I had no idea how much of what I had been taught was true in a historical sense and how much was mere legend, tradition or the personal opinion of my teachers, and I was starting to ask questions like "who wrote the gospels, and when?" and "what did Jesus ACTUALLY say?". This book has taught me a great deal about the origins of this vast religion.

There is perhaps too much emphasis on dates. To the lay reader, the exact years of Jesus's birth and death are less interesting than what happened in between. And while I'm looking for faults, I could mention that there are a few things that are not well explained. For example, the Pharisees are referred to as a party, but what is meant by "party" in this context? Is it something equivalent to a modern political party? Obviously not, though just what kind of a group they were is still not clear to me. But there are few such omissions. All in all, this book gave me the information that I wanted in an enjoyable form, and I happily recommend it.

enjoyable, in many ways a breath of fresh air, 17 Nov 2008
There are many books written on religion at the moment. What struck me about this book in contrast to 'God supplanting' books is that it is very gently and reasonably written. It is free from polemic and vitriol. Although I do not necessarily agree with everything this Pope says he is certainly a great rational man and a good man.It is not always easy to write an interesting book about Jesus - there must be more books written on him than anyone else for a start. However, I found that this book was always interesting and frequenly insightful. Benedict is clearly an outstanding scholar. What was also remarkable is that he can give an account of perspectives that he doesn't necessarily agree with but he can do this in a calm and inoffensive manner.

Whatever your religious convictions I do think that there is a lot in this book that is worth reading. It certainly gave me new insights into Jesus.

Radical, readable, scholarly, 03 Aug 2008
A friend recommended I read this book. Although I was initially sceptical, as I had not always been keen on Josef Ratzinger's actions before he became Pope, I thought I'd suspend my prejudice and take my friend's advice. I am so grateful I did. Basically, this book takes the fruits of several decades of scientifically-rigorous 'historical-critical' exegesis and asks "What does all this scholarship mean for the understanding a person of faith might have of Jesus of Nazareth?". The answer is at once clearly presented and utterly radical. There are sections in this book - for instance the treatment of the temptation narratives - which cannot be read without bringing you face to face with the very challenges Jesus posed his contemporaries. I found myself forced to a critical self-examination many times, and absolutely 'wowed' at others. I've already recommended this book to other close friends. If you really want to be exposed to Jesus as he meant to present himself, this book is a great place to start. I do hope that the Pope delivers on his stated desire in the introduction to produce a second volume, extending the present coverage (on the public ministry of Jesus) to the infancy, passion and resurrection narratives. If this present work is anything to judge by, that future volume will be an immensely valuable contribution.

Jesus, 10 Jul 2008
Most books that have been written about Jesus recently seem to have been written with the intention of shocking the religious community. This is the Popes book and so it stands to reason that he's obviously going to follow the Catholic line. However even in the early chapters he makes those other authors seem self indulgent and exposes Jeremy Bowen's dreadful BBC documentary Son of God for the lazy hatchet job that it was.

Ratzinger argues with ease that you cannot separate the historical Jesus from the religious figure because Jesus preached about God above all else. He includes enough historical detail to make the reader understand the context of Jesus said and what it meant to the Jews when he said it.

Ratzinger also clears up any misconceptions people have about Jesus' teaching. For example I never really properly understand his teaching about doing good on a Sunday until I read this book. The language Ratzinger uses isn't lofty or overly dramatic. He communicates his meaning clearly and you don't have to be a member of the clergy to get it. You really get the sense that Ratzinger is on his home turf here, he's not trying to argue his case, he doesn't need to, he's just explaining what he knows.

And so you a get clearer portrait of the Jesus that lived 2000 years ago. A figure that is more radical, life changing and shocking than perhaps any of those other authors can come up with.

Good but not brilliant, 27 Jun 2008
I thought this was a most enjoyable read in accessible language on the mystery of Jesus. It was not, however, wholly satisfying. To give two examples, Pope Benedict makes the point that many people ask why Jesus has not done more to reveal himself in more recent times. It is an intriguing question. His response seems, at least to me, incomplete and says nothing more than the totality of Christ's revelation was the Cross. Quite so, but we knew that anyway, so why 'tease' the reader that he might have more to say on the subject?
A second example is in his excellent analysis of the 'Our Father'. He asks the question 'Is God also mother?': again, an intriguing question. However, once again, his answer is confined to a few lines on p140 which seem incomplete and leave one puzzling about why he asked the question if he had so little to say about it.
Notwithstanding the above, I am looking forward to Part Two when it is published.

Beautifully Written, 21 Feb 2008
This is a beautifully written book, accessible to the non-theologian yet requiring some solid concentration to take fully on board the theology. It has proved to me beyond doubt that Pope Benedict is an excellent communicator, his thoughts are lucid and he makes great effort to explain through numerous reference works the writings of the Church Fathers and other theologians through the ages on the subject of just who was Jesus of Nazareth. The particular highlights for me were the chapters on "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Message of the Parables", they were truly sublime.
I concur fully with an earlier reviewer who says that this book is one to be read and re-read again.

Excellent book, 21 Sep 2008
This is an excellent book for those who would like the basic issues set out in a way that is accessible. Yes it is not a thesis but I don't think the author intended it to be so - I have plenty of books I can go to to support his arguments in more depth and who argue both sides and look at objections in depth.
But I bought this book as an access way to these issues for young Christians or those who are searching. And that it exactly what it does.

If this was a real trial case there would be a mis-trial, 05 Aug 2008
At the start of the book I though what a unique spin to put on the argument about Christ and his life.
A few times I threw the book down after realising that the questions I wanted answering weren't.
The book is a Pro christian book which at time seem there just to back up the mainstream christian belief, in no way does it challenge or really try to affirm if Christ was a God or a Man.

A poor attempt and was in no way independant, heavens all the Proffesionals he talked to were Pro mainstream christians!

SJ Tanner, 13 Mar 2008
It must be remembered, whether or not one agrees with Lee Strobel's writing, that he wasn't a Christian when he began writing this book. He isn't biased towards Christianity; on the contrary he asks tough questions of the people he interviewed whilst researching this book.
As an academic and a Christian, I was fascinated by the depth of his research and the answers he found. It is a well-written book, filled with evidence to back up his findings, along with discussions with highly-respected academics. It is certainly challenging, and aims for historical accuracy which is sadly lacking in so many recent novels claiming to secrets about the life of Christ, which are often nothing more than mere speculation or opinion. At least the Case for Christ has solid historical, academic and archaeological evidence, which other fiction novels ignore or distort.
Many Christians will find their faith supported and strengthened by this book; other who are not yet decided may find it helpful, and others will inevitably dismiss it as rubbish. Personally, I found it a wonderful piece corroborating evidence for my own faith.


Contemptuously thinly veiled propaganda, 04 Jun 2007
Even someone with a second-rate R.S. A-level such as myself can see the falsehoods presented in this garbage. The author sets up evangelical christians with complete softballs and utterly refuses to criticise the answers, which, such as with the dating of the gospels, are far from widely accepted. There is no critical thinking displayed anywhere here, no dialogue or riposte from non-christian scholars, just a pathetic propaganda piece that will sadly influence and manipulate those looking for easy answers and haven't enough knowledge of the subject matter to separate objective analysis from subjective, bias crap like this. Read this with its "response" companion, or view from the other side of the argument, or not at all.

Very biased, 23 Dec 2006
This is a very biased book for Christianity.
Yes it is a 'case for Christ' as the title suggests but those thinking this is proper investigation of whether Christ existed or not are wrong.
All the people Lee interviews about the subject are Christians. So (unsurprisingly) are very biased!
And Lee never then goes and investigates for himself to find out what he's been told is true, he just seems to believe everything that he's told! Hardly a personal 'investigation'!
The reason I've given this 2 stars and not 1 is that it does raise some interesting points for further study.

A good introduction for the study of Jesus, 23 Aug 2007
This is a good introduction for those interested in studying the historical figure of Jesus. Deceptively short as the text is quite small, Sanders provides a welcome antidote to the sensationalist pseudo-history such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and others.

Sanders is correct to state that the study of the historical Jesus is a perilous and frustrating task, not least due to the lack of sources. Sanders cleverly provides a setting for Jesus, putting him fully in his times of first century Galilee and Judaea. He places Jesus vis a vis Judaism and the political climate of Jesus' time. The strength of this book is that it is not encumbered with theology, but is an appraisal of Jesus the man, someone who had, or believed he had, an intimate relationship with God and who saw himself as the man to prepare the Jews for the coming of the kingdom. As Sanders correctly concludes, as a result Jesus was more of a teacher and a prophet than a preacher of repentance.

All in all a recommended book for both Christians and non-Christians wanting a good introduction to Jesus, without sensationalism, be it theological or pseudo-historical.




Infromative, 11 Feb 2006
This is an excellent and readable study of the historical figure of Jesus.

Certainly a Helpful Introduction, 29 Dec 2005
This work provides not just an Introduction to reconstructing the life of the historical Jesus, but also to the modes of biblical criticism. The chapter on the Method and Setting of Jesus' Ministry is particularly valuable, and rightly points out misconceptions about the amount of time Jesus would have spent in Judea as opposed to his native Galilee. The book is well written, and the information it provides set down clearly for comfortable reading. In places more detail might be useful, especially regarding the primary and secondary sources that he uses, although these discrepancies are totally rectified by his more in depth works, such as the celebrated 'Jesus and Judaism,' and his work on Paul.

As to his conclusions, they are both conservative and forward looking. This is not a contradiction, as Sanders really pioneers the view that much can be known about the historical Jesus, while at the same time not straying drastically outside generally accepted scholarly thought. His is a careful, but worthy, reconstruction of the life and times of arguably the most influential figure in history.

Authoritative review of Jesus' life, 01 Oct 2005
Whilst books like the Da Vinci Code continue to dominate people's thinking on religion, books like these based in fact provide a welcome read. This book in particular is probably the best historical book I have read.

Sanders has not only created a book that is authorative and intelletucual, but he does what other academics fail to do - he makes it readable. Sanders focuses only on what can be proved or dissproved and rarely goes into speculation. If he does he always tempers it with a 'we infer'. Sanders goes into some detail about the historical setting of Jerusalm and Jewdasim at Jesus' time to build his case.

What he doesn't do is go into great details about his birth or upbringing, because quite simply, he has no proof or knowledge of it.

Very much a recommended read for all those that interested in trying to understand the facts of Jesus' life as opposed to speculating on it.

Enjoyable, informative, authoritative, 17 Aug 2004
Professor Sanders must be one of those rare academics who can write well for the general public, neither over-simplifying the content nor boring the reader with excessive detail. The book has just the right balance of readability and credibility, and there are new insights on every page. Particularly interesting were the first few chapters, covering the historical and political background. We are all aware that Palestine was "occupied" by the Roman Empire at this period, but what was the nature of the occupation? Was it, for example, comparable to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the early 1940s? The answer apparently is no, and the situation in Galilee was very different from that in Jerusalem. The book paints a clear picture of what life was like for ordinary people living in that region around that time. In dealing with the events of Jesus's life, Sanders always makes clear the degree of certainty of any assertion. There is a scale, with "beyond all reasonable doubt" at one end and "as likely as not" at the other. People who want simple answers in black and white may be disappointed by this, but ancient history is not an exact science. This is surely the honest approach.

Professor Sanders has been studying this period since the 1960s and appears to be regarded as knowledgeable on Jesus (as well as on Paul). I am not in a position to judge, but certainly the book seems more authoritative than some similar titles written by journalists or by those with a proselytising agenda. Although raised in the Church of England, I read this book as a complete layman. I was aware that I had no idea how much of what I had been taught was true in a historical sense and how much was mere legend, tradition or the personal opinion of my teachers, and I was starting to ask questions like "who wrote the gospels, and when?" and "what did Jesus ACTUALLY say?". This book has taught me a great deal about the origins of this vast religion.

There is perhaps too much emphasis on dates. To the lay reader, the exact years of Jesus's birth and death are less interesting than what happened in between. And while I'm looking for faults, I could mention that there are a few things that are not well explained. For example, the Pharisees are referred to as a party, but what is meant by "party" in this context? Is it something equivalent to a modern political party? Obviously not, though just what kind of a group they were is still not clear to me. But there are few such omissions. All in all, this book gave me the information that I wanted in an enjoyable form, and I happily recommend it.

enjoyable, in many ways a breath of fresh air, 17 Nov 2008
There are many books written on religion at the moment. What struck me about this book in contrast to 'God supplanting' books is that it is very gently and reasonably written. It is free from polemic and vitriol. Although I do not necessarily agree with everything this Pope says he is certainly a great rational man and a good man.It is not always easy to write an interesting book about Jesus - there must be more books written on him than anyone else for a start. However, I found that this book was always interesting and frequenly insightful. Benedict is clearly an outstanding scholar. What was also remarkable is that he can give an account of perspectives that he doesn't necessarily agree with but he can do this in a calm and inoffensive manner.

Whatever your religious convictions I do think that there is a lot in this book that is worth reading. It certainly gave me new insights into Jesus.

Radical, readable, scholarly, 03 Aug 2008
A friend recommended I read this book. Although I was initially sceptical, as I had not always been keen on Josef Ratzinger's actions before he became Pope, I thought I'd suspend my prejudice and take my friend's advice. I am so grateful I did. Basically, this book takes the fruits of several decades of scientifically-rigorous 'historical-critical' exegesis and asks "What does all this scholarship mean for the understanding a person of faith might have of Jesus of Nazareth?". The answer is at once clearly presented and utterly radical. There are sections in this book - for instance the treatment of the temptation narratives - which cannot be read without bringing you face to face with the very challenges Jesus posed his contemporaries. I found myself forced to a critical self-examination many times, and absolutely 'wowed' at others. I've already recommended this book to other close friends. If you really want to be exposed to Jesus as he meant to present himself, this book is a great place to start. I do hope that the Pope delivers on his stated desire in the introduction to produce a second volume, extending the present coverage (on the public ministry of Jesus) to the infancy, passion and resurrection narratives. If this present work is anything to judge by, that future volume will be an immensely valuable contribution.

Jesus, 10 Jul 2008
Most books that have been written about Jesus recently seem to have been written with the intention of shocking the religious community. This is the Popes book and so it stands to reason that he's obviously going to follow the Catholic line. However even in the early chapters he makes those other authors seem self indulgent and exposes Jeremy Bowen's dreadful BBC documentary Son of God for the lazy hatchet job that it was.

Ratzinger argues with ease that you cannot separate the historical Jesus from the religious figure because Jesus preached about God above all else. He includes enough historical detail to make the reader understand the context of Jesus said and what it meant to the Jews when he said it.

Ratzinger also clears up any misconceptions people have about Jesus' teaching. For example I never really properly understand his teaching about doing good on a Sunday until I read this book. The language Ratzinger uses isn't lofty or overly dramatic. He communicates his meaning clearly and you don't have to be a member of the clergy to get it. You really get the sense that Ratzinger is on his home turf here, he's not trying to argue his case, he doesn't need to, he's just explaining what he knows.

And so you a get clearer portrait of the Jesus that lived 2000 years ago. A figure that is more radical, life changing and shocking than perhaps any of those other authors can come up with.

Good but not brilliant, 27 Jun 2008
I thought this was a most enjoyable read in accessible language on the mystery of Jesus. It was not, however, wholly satisfying. To give two examples, Pope Benedict makes the point that many people ask why Jesus has not done more to reveal himself in more recent times. It is an intriguing question. His response seems, at least to me, incomplete and says nothing more than the totality of Christ's revelation was the Cross. Quite so, but we knew that anyway, so why 'tease' the reader that he might have more to say on the subject?
A second example is in his excellent analysis of the 'Our Father'. He asks the question 'Is God also mother?': again, an intriguing question. However, once again, his answer is confined to a few lines on p140 which seem incomplete and leave one puzzling about why he asked the question if he had so little to say about it.
Notwithstanding the above, I am looking forward to Part Two when it is published.

Beautifully Written, 21 Feb 2008
This is a beautifully written book, accessible to the non-theologian yet requiring some solid concentration to take fully on board the theology. It has proved to me beyond doubt that Pope Benedict is an excellent communicator, his thoughts are lucid and he makes great effort to explain through numerous reference works the writings of the Church Fathers and other theologians through the ages on the subject of just who was Jesus of Nazareth. The particular highlights for me were the chapters on "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Message of the Parables", they were truly sublime.
I concur fully with an earlier reviewer who says that this book is one to be read and re-read again.

Little things do matter, 22 Dec 2007
In my great desire to follow Christ the Living Saviour and learn more about the Little Flower, I was to be a lucky recipient of the Story of a Soul: Authobiography of St. Theresa of Lisieux.

St. Theresa's parents had taught her to respect the poor - a virtue my parents have disciplined me into. St. Theresa is spending her heaven in doing good on earth. Her autobiography is excellent. It contains her teaching as she had lived life (obedience ... I am a very little soul and that I can offer God only very little things). She speaks to us of the truths and beauty of heaven.

Like the Bible, the Story of a Soul always internally changes me, a new truth, a new vision every day. The little things do matter and I must pursue matters through love, consideration and obedience. I must love, only love.

Story of a Soul has received recommendations from the highest of highest. Pope Pius XI "We earnestly desire that all the faithful should study her in order to copy her, becoming children themselves; since otherwise they cannot, according to the words of the Master, arrive at the kingdom of heaven."

The Little Way, 20 Aug 2007
A remarkable book by someoned whose childlike faith and total reliance on her Saviour is truly inspirational. I'm looking for a hardback edition as I'll wear the paperback out too quickly with constant re-readings of my favourite passages!

They call her approach "The Little Way" as in the original Douay translation of the Bible the word 'little' is used in many places where modern translations use 'humble', 'young, 'a child', etc. To Therese, she just had to be 'little' and let God work through her. The book includes her whole life story and a beautiful chapter about her understanding of Faith, Prayer and service of God.

If you wanted an example of someone who truly tried to 'become as a little child' in her Faith, then you need look no further.

The beauty, simplicity and greatness od St. Therese, 22 Apr 2004
How wonderful St. Therese's life is! This, her biography, is one of the most beautiful books ever written filled, as it is, with the story of her utter love and devotion for Our Lord that was her life on earth! The 'Story of a Soul' is one of the most dear and beautiful of guides to happiness; from heaven her prayers for us are even now so powerful. A must for every Catholic and for all, Christian or not.

fabulous book!!, 27 Mar 1999
i read this book for school. i think it is very very wonderful and is a marvolous spiritual guide. the end

Excellent book, 21 Sep 2008
This is an excellent book for those who would like the basic issues set out in a way that is accessible. Yes it is not a thesis but I don't think the author intended it to be so - I have plenty of books I can go to to support his arguments in more depth and who argue both sides and look at objections in depth.
But I bought this book as an access way to these issues for young Christians or those who are searching. And that it exactly what it does.

If this was a real trial case there would be a mis-trial, 05 Aug 2008
At the start of the book I though what a unique spin to put on the argument about Christ and his life.
A few times I threw the book down after realising that the questions I wanted answering weren't.
The book is a Pro christian book which at time seem there just to back up the mainstream christian belief, in no way does it challenge or really try to affirm if Christ was a God or a Man.

A poor attempt and was in no way independant, heavens all the Proffesionals he talked to were Pro mainstream christians!

SJ Tanner, 13 Mar 2008
It must be remembered, whether or not one agrees with Lee Strobel's writing, that he wasn't a Christian when he began writing this book. He isn't biased towards Christianity; on the contrary he asks tough questions of the people he interviewed whilst researching this book.
As an academic and a Christian, I was fascinated by the depth of his research and the answers he found. It is a well-written book, filled with evidence to back up his findings, along with discussions with highly-respected academics. It is certainly challenging, and aims for historical accuracy which is sadly lacking in so many recent novels claiming to secrets about the life of Christ, which are often nothing more than mere speculation or opinion. At least the Case for Christ has solid historical, academic and archaeological evidence, which other fiction novels ignore or distort.
Many Christians will find their faith supported and strengthened by this book; other who are not yet decided may find it helpful, and others will inevitably dismiss it as rubbish. Personally, I found it a wonderful piece corroborating evidence for my own faith.


Contemptuously thinly veiled propaganda, 04 Jun 2007
Even someone with a second-rate R.S. A-level such as myself can see the falsehoods presented in this garbage. The author sets up evangelical christians with complete softballs and utterly refuses to criticise the answers, which, such as with the dating of the gospels, are far from widely accepted. There is no critical thinking displayed anywhere here, no dialogue or riposte from non-christian scholars, just a pathetic propaganda piece that will sadly influence and manipulate those looking for easy answers and haven't enough knowledge of the subject matter to separate objective analysis from subjective, bias crap like this. Read this with its "response" companion, or view from the other side of the argument, or not at all.

Very biased, 23 Dec 2006
This is a very biased book for Christianity.
Yes it is a 'case for Christ' as the title suggests but those thinking this is proper investigation of whether Christ existed or not are wrong.
All the people Lee interviews about the subject are Christians. So (unsurprisingly) are very biased!
And Lee never then goes and investigates for himself to find out what he's been told is true, he just seems to believe everything that he's told! Hardly a personal 'investigation'!
The reason I've given this 2 stars and not 1 is that it does raise some interesting points for further study.

A good introduction for the study of Jesus, 23 Aug 2007
This is a good introduction for those interested in studying the historical figure of Jesus. Deceptively short as the text is quite small, Sanders provides a welcome antidote to the sensationalist pseudo-history such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and others.

Sanders is correct to state that the study of the historical Jesus is a perilous and frustrating task, not least due to the lack of sources. Sanders cleverly provides a setting for Jesus, putting him fully in his times of first century Galilee and Judaea. He places Jesus vis a vis Judaism and the political climate of Jesus' time. The strength of this book is that it is not encumbered with theology, but is an appraisal of Jesus the man, someone who had, or believed he had, an intimate relationship with God and who saw himself as the man to prepare the Jews for the coming of the kingdom. As Sanders correctly concludes, as a result Jesus was more of a teacher and a prophet than a preacher of repentance.

All in all a recommended book for both Christians and non-Christians wanting a good introduction to Jesus, without sensationalism, be it theological or pseudo-historical.




Infromative, 11 Feb 2006
This is an excellent and readable study of the historical figure of Jesus.

Certainly a Helpful Introduction, 29 Dec 2005
This work provides not just an Introduction to reconstructing the life of the historical Jesus, but also to the modes of biblical criticism. The chapter on the Method and Setting of Jesus' Ministry is particularly valuable, and rightly points out misconceptions about the amount of time Jesus would have spent in Judea as opposed to his native Galilee. The book is well written, and the information it provides set down clearly for comfortable reading. In places more detail might be useful, especially regarding the primary and secondary sources that he uses, although these discrepancies are totally rectified by his more in depth works, such as the celebrated 'Jesus and Judaism,' and his work on Paul.

As to his conclusions, they are both conservative and forward looking. This is not a contradiction, as Sanders really pioneers the view that much can be known about the historical Jesus, while at the same time not straying drastically outside generally accepted scholarly thought. His is a careful, but worthy, reconstruction of the life and times of arguably the most influential figure in history.

Authoritative review of Jesus' life, 01 Oct 2005
Whilst books like the Da Vinci Code continue to dominate people's thinking on religion, books like these based in fact provide a welcome read. This book in particular is probably the best historical book I have read.

Sanders has not only created a book that is authorative and intelletucual, but he does what other academics fail to do - he makes it readable. Sanders focuses only on what can be proved or dissproved and rarely goes into speculation. If he does he always tempers it with a 'we infer'. Sanders goes into some detail about the historical setting of Jerusalm and Jewdasim at Jesus' time to build his case.

What he doesn't do is go into great details about his birth or upbringing, because quite simply, he has no proof or knowledge of it.

Very much a recommended read for all those that interested in trying to understand the facts of Jesus' life as opposed to speculating on it.

Enjoyable, informative, authoritative, 17 Aug 2004
Professor Sanders must be one of those rare academics who can write well for the general public, neither over-simplifying the content nor boring the reader with excessive detail. The book has just the right balance of readability and credibility, and there are new insights on every page. Particularly interesting were the first few chapters, covering the historical and political background. We are all aware that Palestine was "occupied" by the Roman Empire at this period, but what was the nature of the occupation? Was it, for example, comparable to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the early 1940s? The answer apparently is no, and the situation in Galilee was very different from that in Jerusalem. The book paints a clear picture of what life was like for ordinary people living in that region around that time. In dealing with the events of Jesus's life, Sanders always makes clear the degree of certainty of any assertion. There is a scale, with "beyond all reasonable doubt" at one end and "as likely as not" at the other. People who want simple answers in black and white may be disappointed by this, but ancient history is not an exact science. This is surely the honest approach.

Professor Sanders has been studying this period since the 1960s and appears to be regarded as knowledgeable on Jesus (as well as on Paul). I am not in a position to judge, but certainly the book seems more authoritative than some similar titles written by journalists or by those with a proselytising agenda. Although raised in the Church of England, I read this book as a complete layman. I was aware that I had no idea how much of what I had been taught was true in a historical sense and how much was mere legend, tradition or the personal opinion of my teachers, and I was starting to ask questions like "who wrote the gospels, and when?" and "what did Jesus ACTUALLY say?". This book has taught me a great deal about the origins of this vast religion.

There is perhaps too much emphasis on dates. To the lay reader, the exact years of Jesus's birth and death are less interesting than what happened in between. And while I'm looking for faults, I could mention that there are a few things that are not well explained. For example, the Pharisees are referred to as a party, but what is meant by "party" in this context? Is it something equivalent to a modern political party? Obviously not, though just what kind of a group they were is still not clear to me. But there are few such omissions. All in all, this book gave me the information that I wanted in an enjoyable form, and I happily recommend it.

enjoyable, in many ways a breath of fresh air, 17 Nov 2008
There are many books written on religion at the moment. What struck me about this book in contrast to 'God supplanting' books is that it is very gently and reasonably written. It is free from polemic and vitriol. Although I do not necessarily agree with everything this Pope says he is certainly a great rational man and a good man.It is not always easy to write an interesting book about Jesus - there must be more books written on him than anyone else for a start. However, I found that this book was always interesting and frequenly insightful. Benedict is clearly an outstanding scholar. What was also remarkable is that he can give an account of perspectives that he doesn't necessarily agree with but he can do this in a calm and inoffensive manner.

Whatever your religious convictions I do think that there is a lot in this book that is worth reading. It certainly gave me new insights into Jesus.

Radical, readable, scholarly, 03 Aug 2008
A friend recommended I read this book. Although I was initially sceptical, as I had not always been keen on Josef Ratzinger's actions before he became Pope, I thought I'd suspend my prejudice and take my friend's advice. I am so grateful I did. Basically, this book takes the fruits of several decades of scientifically-rigorous 'historical-critical' exegesis and asks "What does all this scholarship mean for the understanding a person of faith might have of Jesus of Nazareth?". The answer is at once clearly presented and utterly radical. There are sections in this book - for instance the treatment of the temptation narratives - which cannot be read without bringing you face to face with the very challenges Jesus posed his contemporaries. I found myself forced to a critical self-examination many times, and absolutely 'wowed' at others. I've already recommended this book to other close friends. If you really want to be exposed to Jesus as he meant to present himself, this book is a great place to start. I do hope that the Pope delivers on his stated desire in the introduction to produce a second volume, extending the present coverage (on the public ministry of Jesus) to the infancy, passion and resurrection narratives. If this present work is anything to judge by, that future volume will be an immensely valuable contribution.

Jesus, 10 Jul 2008
Most books that have been written about Jesus recently seem to have been written with the intention of shocking the religious community. This is the Popes book and so it stands to reason that he's obviously going to follow the Catholic line. However even in the early chapters he makes those other authors seem self indulgent and exposes Jeremy Bowen's dreadful BBC documentary Son of God for the lazy hatchet job that it was.

Ratzinger argues with ease that you cannot separate the historical Jesus from the religious figure because Jesus preached about God above all else. He includes enough historical detail to make the reader understand the context of Jesus said and what it meant to the Jews when he said it.

Ratzinger also clears up any misconceptions people have about Jesus' teaching. For example I never really properly understand his teaching about doing good on a Sunday until I read this book. The language Ratzinger uses isn't lofty or overly dramatic. He communicates his meaning clearly and you don't have to be a member of the clergy to get it. You really get the sense that Ratzinger is on his home turf here, he's not trying to argue his case, he doesn't need to, he's just explaining what he knows.

And so you a get clearer portrait of the Jesus that lived 2000 years ago. A figure that is more radical, life changing and shocking than perhaps any of those other authors can come up with.

Good but not brilliant, 27 Jun 2008
I thought this was a most enjoyable read in accessible language on the mystery of Jesus. It was not, however, wholly satisfying. To give two examples, Pope Benedict makes the point that many people ask why Jesus has not done more to reveal himself in more recent times. It is an intriguing question. His response seems, at least to me, incomplete and says nothing more than the totality of Christ's revelation was the Cross. Quite so, but we knew that anyway, so why 'tease' the reader that he might have more to say on the subject?
A second example is in his excellent analysis of the 'Our Father'. He asks the question 'Is God also mother?': again, an intriguing question. However, once again, his answer is confined to a few lines on p140 which seem incomplete and leave one puzzling about why he asked the question if he had so little to say about it.
Notwithstanding the above, I am looking forward to Part Two when it is published.

Beautifully Written, 21 Feb 2008
This is a beautifully written book, accessible to the non-theologian yet requiring some solid concentration to take fully on board the theology. It has proved to me beyond doubt that Pope Benedict is an excellent communicator, his thoughts are lucid and he makes great effort to explain through numerous reference works the writings of the Church Fathers and other theologians through the ages on the subject of just who was Jesus of Nazareth. The particular highlights for me were the chapters on "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Message of the Parables", they were truly sublime.
I concur fully with an earlier reviewer who says that this book is one to be read and re-read again.

Little things do matter, 22 Dec 2007
In my great desire to follow Christ the Living Saviour and learn more about the Little Flower, I was to be a lucky recipient of the Story of a Soul: Authobiography of St. Theresa of Lisieux.

St. Theresa's parents had taught her to respect the poor - a virtue my parents have disciplined me into. St. Theresa is spending her heaven in doing good on earth. Her autobiography is excellent. It contains her teaching as she had lived life (obedience ... I am a very little soul and that I can offer God only very little things). She speaks to us of the truths and beauty of heaven.

Like the Bible, the Story of a Soul always internally changes me, a new truth, a new vision every day. The little things do matter and I must pursue matters through love, consideration and obedience. I must love, only love.

Story of a Soul has received recommendations from the highest of highest. Pope Pius XI "We earnestly desire that all the faithful should study her in order to copy her, becoming children themselves; since otherwise they cannot, according to the words of the Master, arrive at the kingdom of heaven."

The Little Way, 20 Aug 2007
A remarkable book by someoned whose childlike faith and total reliance on her Saviour is truly inspirational. I'm looking for a hardback edition as I'll wear the paperback out too quickly with constant re-readings of my favourite passages!

They call her approach "The Little Way" as in the original Douay translation of the Bible the word 'little' is used in many places where modern translations use 'humble', 'young, 'a child', etc. To Therese, she just had to be 'little' and let God work through her. The book includes her whole life story and a beautiful chapter about her understanding of Faith, Prayer and service of God.

If you wanted an example of someone who truly tried to 'become as a little child' in her Faith, then you need look no further.

The beauty, simplicity and greatness od St. Therese, 22 Apr 2004
How wonderful St. Therese's life is! This, her biography, is one of the most beautiful books ever written filled, as it is, with the story of her utter love and devotion for Our Lord that was her life on earth! The 'Story of a Soul' is one of the most dear and beautiful of guides to happiness; from heaven her prayers for us are even now so powerful. A must for every Catholic and for all, Christian or not.

fabulous book!!, 27 Mar 1999
i read this book for school. i think it is very very wonderful and is a marvolous spiritual guide. the end

Have a go..., 27 Sep 2005
I do find a lot of Christian books very hard to get into and a lot seem very dry and irrelevant. I actually picked up this book when I was in the States and found it extremely readable and interesting. He is basically trying to get back to the idea of Christianity as a relationship, rather than a rule book. His ideas that morality is the consequence of a relationship with God - and therefore is more of a betrayal in that relationship than the contravening of some rule book, was particularly key to the whole book. It was a good introduction too for those who may be attracted to Christ, but repelled by a lot of what they see in religion. There were flaws in it - there was a bit where his history wasn't quite right and there were a few things about his interpretation of the Bible that I thought a bit eccentric. But, even if you don't agree with everything he says, he holds to and explains the essence of the Christian faith in an effective and refreshing way and, the greatest compliment, I really wanted to read it.

Excellent book, 21 Sep 2008
This is an excellent book for those who would like the basic issues set out in a way that is accessible. Yes it is not a thesis but I don't think the author intended it to be so - I have plenty of books I can go to to support his arguments in more depth and who argue both sides and look at objections in depth.
But I bought this book as an access way to these issues for young Christians or those who are searching. And that it exactly what it does.

If this was a real trial case there would be a mis-trial, 05 Aug 2008
At the start of the book I though what a unique spin to put on the argument about Christ and his life.
A few times I threw the book down after realising that the questions I wanted answering weren't.
The book is a Pro christian book which at time seem there just to back up the mainstream christian belief, in no way does it challenge or really try to affirm if Christ was a God or a Man.

A poor attempt and was in no way independant, heavens all the Proffesionals he talked to were Pro mainstream christians!

SJ Tanner, 13 Mar 2008
It must be remembered, whether or not one agrees with Lee Strobel's writing, that he wasn't a Christian when he began writing this book. He isn't biased towards Christianity; on the contrary he asks tough questions of the people he interviewed whilst researching this book.
As an academic and a Christian, I was fascinated by the depth of his research and the answers he found. It is a well-written book, filled with evidence to back up his findings, along with discussions with highly-respected academics. It is certainly challenging, and aims for historical accuracy which is sadly lacking in so many recent novels claiming to secrets about the life of Christ, which are often nothing more than mere speculation or opinion. At least the Case for Christ has solid historical, academic and archaeological evidence, which other fiction novels ignore or distort.
Many Christians will find their faith supported and strengthened by this book; other who are not yet decided may find it helpful, and others will inevitably dismiss it as rubbish. Personally, I found it a wonderful piece corroborating evidence for my own faith.


Contemptuously thinly veiled propaganda, 04 Jun 2007
Even someone with a second-rate R.S. A-level such as myself can see the falsehoods presented in this garbage. The author sets up evangelical christians with complete softballs and utterly refuses to criticise the answers, which, such as with the dating of the gospels, are far from widely accepted. There is no critical thinking displayed anywhere here, no dialogue or riposte from non-christian scholars, just a pathetic propaganda piece that will sadly influence and manipulate those looking for easy answers and haven't enough knowledge of the subject matter to separate objective analysis from subjective, bias crap like this. Read this with its "response" companion, or view from the other side of the argument, or not at all.

Very biased, 23 Dec 2006
This is a very biased book for Christianity.
Yes it is a 'case for Christ' as the title suggests but those thinking this is proper investigation of whether Christ existed or not are wrong.
All the people Lee interviews about the subject are Christians. So (unsurprisingly) are very biased!
And Lee never then goes and investigates for himself to find out what he's been told is true, he just seems to believe everything that he's told! Hardly a personal 'investigation'!
The reason I've given this 2 stars and not 1 is that it does raise some interesting points for further study.

A good introduction for the study of Jesus, 23 Aug 2007
This is a good introduction for those interested in studying the historical figure of Jesus. Deceptively short as the text is quite small, Sanders provides a welcome antidote to the sensationalist pseudo-history such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and others.

Sanders is correct to state that the study of the historical Jesus is a perilous and frustrating task, not least due to the lack of sources. Sanders cleverly provides a setting for Jesus, putting him fully in his times of first century Galilee and Judaea. He places Jesus vis a vis Judaism and the political climate of Jesus' time. The strength of this book is that it is not encumbered with theology, but is an appraisal of Jesus the man, someone who had, or believed he had, an intimate relationship with God and who saw himself as the man to prepare the Jews for the coming of the kingdom. As Sanders correctly concludes, as a result Jesus was more of a teacher and a prophet than a preacher of repentance.

All in all a recommended book for both Christians and non-Christians wanting a good introduction to Jesus, without sensationalism, be it theological or pseudo-historical.




Infromative, 11 Feb 2006
This is an excellent and readable study of the historical figure of Jesus.

Certainly a Helpful Introduction, 29 Dec 2005
This work provides not just an Introduction to reconstructing the life of the historical Jesus, but also to the modes of biblical criticism. The chapter on the Method and Setting of Jesus' Ministry is particularly valuable, and rightly points out misconceptions about the amount of time Jesus would have spent in Judea as opposed to his native Galilee. The book is well written, and the information it provides set down clearly for comfortable reading. In places more detail might be useful, especially regarding the primary and secondary sources that he uses, although these discrepancies are totally rectified by his more in depth works, such as the celebrated 'Jesus and Judaism,' and his work on Paul.

As to his conclusions, they are both conservative and forward looking. This is not a contradiction, as Sanders really pioneers the view that much can be known about the historical Jesus, while at the same time not straying drastically outside generally accepted scholarly thought. His is a careful, but worthy, reconstruction of the life and times of arguably the most influential figure in history.

Authoritative review of Jesus' life, 01 Oct 2005
Whilst books like the Da Vinci Code continue to dominate people's thinking on religion, books like these based in fact provide a welcome read. This book in particular is probably the best historical book I have read.

Sanders has not only created a book that is authorative and intelletucual, but he does what other academics fail to do - he makes it readable. Sanders focuses only on what can be proved or dissproved and rarely goes into speculation. If he does he always tempers it with a 'we infer'. Sanders goes into some detail about the historical setting of Jerusalm and Jewdasim at Jesus' time to build his case.

What he doesn't do is go into great details about his birth or upbringing, because quite simply, he has no proof or knowledge of it.

Very much a recommended read for all those that interested in trying to understand the facts of Jesus' life as opposed to speculating on it.

Enjoyable, informative, authoritative, 17 Aug 2004
Professor Sanders must be one of those rare academics who can write well for the general public, neither over-simplifying the content nor boring the reader with excessive detail. The book has just the right balance of readability and credibility, and there are new insights on every page. Particularly interesting were the first few chapters, covering the historical and political background. We are all aware that Palestine was "occupied" by the Roman Empire at this period, but what was the nature of the occupation? Was it, for example, comparable to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the early 1940s? The answer apparently is no, and the situation in Galilee was very different from that in Jerusalem. The book paints a clear picture of what life was like for ordinary people living in that region around that time. In dealing with the events of Jesus's life, Sanders always makes clear the degree of certainty of any assertion. There is a scale, with "beyond all reasonable doubt" at one end and "as likely as not" at the other. People who want simple answers in black and white may be disappointed by this, but ancient history is not an exact science. This is surely the honest approach.

Professor Sanders has been studying this period since the 1960s and appears to be regarded as knowledgeable on Jesus (as well as on Paul). I am not in a position to judge, but certainly the book seems more authoritative than some similar titles written by journalists or by those with a proselytising agenda. Although raised in the Church of England, I read this book as a complete layman. I was aware that I had no idea how much of what I had been taught was true in a historical sense and how much was mere legend, tradition or the personal opinion of my teachers, and I was starting to ask questions like "who wrote the gospels, and when?" and "what did Jesus ACTUALLY say?". This book has taught me a great deal about the origins of this vast religion.

There is perhaps too much emphasis on dates. To the lay reader, the exact years of Jesus's birth and death are less interesting than what happened in between. And while I'm looking for faults, I could mention that there are a few things that are not well explained. For example, the Pharisees are referred to as a party, but what is meant by "party" in this context? Is it something equivalent to a modern political party? Obviously not, though just what kind of a group they were is still not clear to me. But there are few such omissions. All in all, this book gave me the information that I wanted in an enjoyable form, and I happily recommend it.

enjoyable, in many ways a breath of fresh air, 17 Nov 2008
There are many books written on religion at the moment. What struck me about this book in contrast to 'God supplanting' books is that it is very gently and reasonably written. It is free from polemic and vitriol. Although I do not necessarily agree with everything this Pope says he is certainly a great rational man and a good man.It is not always easy to write an interesting book about Jesus - there must be more books written on him than anyone else for a start. However, I found that this book was always interesting and frequenly insightful. Benedict is clearly an outstanding scholar. What was also remarkable is that he can give an account of perspectives that he doesn't necessarily agree with but he can do this in a calm and inoffensive manner.

Whatever your religious convictions I do think that there is a lot in this book that is worth reading. It certainly gave me new insights into Jesus.

Radical, readable, scholarly, 03 Aug 2008
A friend recommended I read this book. Although I was initially sceptical, as I had not always been keen on Josef Ratzinger's actions before he became Pope, I thought I'd suspend my prejudice and take my friend's advice. I am so grateful I did. Basically, this book takes the fruits of several decades of scientifically-rigorous 'historical-critical' exegesis and asks "What does all this scholarship mean for the understanding a person of faith might have of Jesus of Nazareth?". The answer is at once clearly presented and utterly radical. There are sections in this book - for instance the treatment of the temptation narratives - which cannot be read without bringing you face to face with the very challenges Jesus posed his contemporaries. I found myself forced to a critical self-examination many times, and absolutely 'wowed' at others. I've already recommended this book to other close friends. If you really want to be exposed to Jesus as he meant to present himself, this book is a great place to start. I do hope that the Pope delivers on his stated desire in the introduction to produce a second volume, extending the present coverage (on the public ministry of Jesus) to the infancy, passion and resurrection narratives. If this present work is anything to judge by, that future volume will be an immensely valuable contribution.

Jesus, 10 Jul 2008
Most books that have been written about Jesus recently seem to have been written with the intention of shocking the religious community. This is the Popes book and so it stands to reason that he's obviously going to follow the Catholic line. However even in the early chapters he makes those other authors seem self indulgent and exposes Jeremy Bowen's dreadful BBC documentary Son of God for the lazy hatchet job that it was.

Ratzinger argues with ease that you cannot separate the historical Jesus from the religious figure because Jesus preached about God above all else. He includes enough historical detail to make the reader understand the context of Jesus said and what it meant to the Jews when he said it.

Ratzinger also clears up any misconceptions people have about Jesus' teaching. For example I never really properly understand his teaching about doing good on a Sunday until I read this book. The language Ratzinger uses isn't lofty or overly dramatic. He communicates his meaning clearly and you don't have to be a member of the clergy to get it. You really get the sense that Ratzinger is on his home turf here, he's not trying to argue his case, he doesn't need to, he's just explaining what he knows.

And so you a get clearer portrait of the Jesus that lived 2000 years ago. A figure that is more radical, life changing and shocking than perhaps any of those other authors can come up with.

Good but not brilliant, 27 Jun 2008
I thought this was a most enjoyable read in accessible language on the mystery of Jesus. It was not, however, wholly satisfying. To give two examples, Pope Benedict makes the point that many people ask why Jesus has not done more to reveal himself in more recent times. It is an intriguing question. His response seems, at least to me, incomplete and says nothing more than the totality of Christ's revelation was the Cross. Quite so, but we knew that anyway, so why 'tease' the reader that he might have more to say on the subject?
A second example is in his excellent analysis of the 'Our Father'. He asks the question 'Is God also mother?': again, an intriguing question. However, once again, his answer is confined to a few lines on p140 which seem incomplete and leave one puzzling about why he asked the question if he had so little to say about it.
Notwithstanding the above, I am looking forward to Part Two when it is published.

Beautifully Written, 21 Feb 2008
This is a beautifully written book, accessible to the non-theologian yet requiring some solid concentration to take fully on board the theology. It has proved to me beyond doubt that Pope Benedict is an excellent communicator, his thoughts are lucid and he makes great effort to explain through numerous reference works the writings of the Church Fathers and other theologians through the ages on the subject of just who was Jesus of Nazareth. The particular highlights for me were the chapters on "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Message of the Parables", they were truly sublime.
I concur fully with an earlier reviewer who says that this book is one to be read and re-read again.

Little things do matter, 22 Dec 2007
In my great desire to follow Christ the Living Saviour and learn more about the Little Flower, I was to be a lucky recipient of the Story of a Soul: Authobiography of St. Theresa of Lisieux.

St. Theresa's parents had taught her to respect the poor - a virtue my parents have disciplined me into. St. Theresa is spending her heaven in doing good on earth. Her autobiography is excellent. It contains her teaching as she had lived life (obedience ... I am a very little soul and that I can offer God only very little things). She speaks to us of the truths and beauty of heaven.

Like the Bible, the Story of a Soul always internally changes me, a new truth, a new vision every day. The little things do matter and I must pursue matters through love, consideration and obedience. I must love, only love.

Story of a Soul has received recommendations from the highest of highest. Pope Pius XI "We earnestly desire that all the faithful should study her in order to copy her, becoming children themselves; since otherwise they cannot, according to the words of the Master, arrive at the kingdom of heaven."

The Little Way, 20 Aug 2007
A remarkable book by someoned whose childlike faith and total reliance on her Saviour is truly inspirational. I'm looking for a hardback edition as I'll wear the paperback out too quickly with constant re-readings of my favourite passages!

They call her approach "The Little Way" as in the original Douay translation of the Bible the word 'little' is used in many places where modern translations use 'humble', 'young, 'a child', etc. To Therese, she just had to be 'little' and let God work through her. The book includes her whole life story and a beautiful chapter about her understanding of Faith, Prayer and service of God.

If you wanted an example of someone who truly tried to 'become as a little child' in her Faith, then you need look no further.

The beauty, simplicity and greatness od St. Therese, 22 Apr 2004
How wonderful St. Therese's life is! This, her biography, is one of the most beautiful books ever written filled, as it is, with the story of her utter love and devotion for Our Lord that was her life on earth! The 'Story of a Soul' is one of the most dear and beautiful of guides to happiness; from heaven her prayers for us are even now so powerful. A must for every Catholic and for all, Christian or not.

fabulous book!!, 27 Mar 1999
i read this book for school. i think it is very very wonderful and is a marvolous spiritual guide. the end

Have a go..., 27 Sep 2005
I do find a lot of Christian books very hard to get into and a lot seem very dry and irrelevant. I actually picked up this book when I was in the States and found it extremely readable and interesting. He is basically trying to get back to the idea of Christianity as a relationship, rather than a rule book. His ideas that morality is the consequence of a relationship with God - and therefore is more of a betrayal in that relationship than the contravening of some rule book, was particularly key to the whole book. It was a good introduction too for those who may be attracted to Christ, but repelled by a lot of what they see in religion. There were flaws in it - there was a bit where his history wasn't quite right and there were a few things about his interpretation of the Bible that I thought a bit eccentric. But, even if you don't agree with everything he says, he holds to and explains the essence of the Christian faith in an effective and refreshing way and, the greatest compliment, I really wanted to read it.

A breakthrough book, 24 May 2007
Sam Wells is perhaps the most exciting speaker and thinker in western Christianity today. This book is simple, erudite and deeply moving. More than that it is totally accessible to a general reader. Rarely has the central part of the Jesus story been examined in such an innovative and interesting way.

Powerful and full of insight. , 17 Feb 2007
Sam Wells has written a real winner in this powerful book. His dramatic presentation of how six characters responded to our Lord's Passion and Crucifixion is deeply challenging.
Sam's portrayal of Pontius Pilate, Barabbas, Joseph of Arimathea, Mrs Pilate, Peter and Mary Magdalen are true to human experience, and not least of all to ourselves. At the end of each character study there is section entitled "opportunities for individual or group reflection." The reader is asked to consider nine or ten possibilities that might help him or her grow in wisdom. These begin with the words - "I wonder..."
"I wonder what it feels like to sense that truth is against you." (from the section following Pontius Pilate.)
This isn't only a book for Lent. Its a profound introduction to the Christian Faith that will help any genuine seeker in his search for the reality of God.

Right at the start the author expresses his aims in writing the book.

"I believe that in Jesus' resurrection lies the power to transform the passion of our lives. This transformed passion gives dsciples a new power that is best described as a new politics because it changes so many of the things we take for granted that makes the world go round."



Becoming more like Jesus, 03 Jan 2007
Ethics is the new evangelism. Or rather, how we live as Christians will give us the opportunity to lead more to Christ. Sam Wells is an ethicist, who has studied Hauerwas' virtue ethics, and leant his trade as a pastor and leader on the council estates of Tyneside and Norwich and suburban Cambridge. During that time he recognized his calling was to write. Suddenly his talent was recognized and he was plucked from obscurity (how many leaders dream of that?) to replace William Willimon (one of the US's greatest preachers) and become Dean of Duke Chapel, and possible eventual mantel bearer to his long time mentor, Stanley himself.

I've just been sent Sam's new book, which the Archbishop of Canterbury asked him to write for Lent. It's called `Power and Passion' and looks at how six characters in the passion narrative relate to Jesus. I think it's fantastic! It analyses the interplay of power between Jesus and Pilate, Barabbas, Joseph of Arimathea, Mrs Pilate (!), Peter and Mary Magdalene. Sticking closely to the text of the most powerful story ever told (remember Leighton Ford's book - 'The Power of Story'?) the author provides perhaps something old, but definitely something new, by reflecting on how these characters relate to Jesus - and we find ourselves in all of them.

The argument builds to a crescendo: Jesus invites us to a new kind of passion, because he brings us a new kind of power. I want more of that passion and that power. There are some powerful moments in the book. It made me think about the power I didn't realise I have, and the role violence in society today. It helped me understand those Christians who find it hard to publicly follow Jesus, and the tension many women feel who are married to men less spiritually aware than they are.

Each chapter ends with `wonderings'. Saying `I wonder...' can be a much better way of reflecting on Scripture than asking questions. And after that a prayer. If you want to be stimulated by a week of daily readings in your quiet time then get this book. I bet you'll even read it on your day off.

Excellent book, 21 Sep 2008
This is an excellent book for those who would like the basic issues set out in a way that is accessible. Yes it is not a thesis but I don't think the author intended it to be so - I have plenty of books I can go to to support his arguments in more depth and who argue both sides and look at objections in depth.
But I bought this book as an access way to these issues for young Christians or those who are searching. And that it exactly what it does.

If this was a real trial case there would be a mis-trial, 05 Aug 2008
At the start of the book I though what a unique spin to put on the argument about Christ and his life.
A few times I threw the book down after realising that the questions I wanted answering weren't.
The book is a Pro christian book which at time seem there just to back up the mainstream christian belief, in no way does it challenge or really try to affirm if Christ was a God or a Man.

A poor attempt and was in no way independant, heavens all the Proffesionals he talked to were Pro mainstream christians!

SJ Tanner, 13 Mar 2008
It must be remembered, whether or not one agrees with Lee Strobel's writing, that he wasn't a Christian when he began writing this book. He isn't biased towards Christianity; on the contrary he asks tough questions of the people he interviewed whilst researching this book.
As an academic and a Christian, I was fascinated by the depth of his research and the answers he found. It is a well-written book, filled with evidence to back up his findings, along with discussions with highly-respected academics. It is certainly challenging, and aims for historical accuracy which is sadly lacking in so many recent novels claiming to secrets about the life of Christ, which are often nothing more than mere speculation or opinion. At least the Case for Christ has solid historical, academic and archaeological evidence, which other fiction novels ignore or distort.
Many Christians will find their faith supported and strengthened by this book; other who are not yet decided may find it helpful, and others will inevitably dismiss it as rubbish. Personally, I found it a wonderful piece corroborating evidence for my own faith.


Contemptuously thinly veiled propaganda, 04 Jun 2007
Even someone with a second-rate R.S. A-level such as myself can see the falsehoods presented in this garbage. The author sets up evangelical christians with complete softballs and utterly refuses to criticise the answers, which, such as with the dating of the gospels, are far from widely accepted. There is no critical thinking displayed anywhere here, no dialogue or riposte from non-christian scholars, just a pathetic propaganda piece that will sadly influence and manipulate those looking for easy answers and haven't enough knowledge of the subject matter to separate objective analysis from subjective, bias crap like this. Read this with its "response" companion, or view from the other side of the argument, or not at all.

Very biased, 23 Dec 2006
This is a very biased book for Christianity.
Yes it is a 'case for Christ' as the title suggests but those thinking this is proper investigation of whether Christ existed or not are wrong.
All the people Lee interviews about the subject are Christians. So (unsurprisingly) are very biased!
And Lee never then goes and investigates for himself to find out what he's been told is true, he just seems to believe everything that he's told! Hardly a personal 'investigation'!
The reason I've given this 2 stars and not 1 is that it does raise some interesting points for further study.

A good introduction for the study of Jesus, 23 Aug 2007
This is a good introduction for those interested in studying the historical figure of Jesus. Deceptively short as the text is quite small, Sanders provides a welcome antidote to the sensationalist pseudo-history such as Holy Blood Holy Grail and others.

Sanders is correct to state that the study of the historical Jesus is a perilous and frustrating task, not least due to the lack of sources. Sanders cleverly provides a setting for Jesus, putting him fully in his times of first century Galilee and Judaea. He places Jesus vis a vis Judaism and the political climate of Jesus' time. The strength of this book is that it is not encumbered with theology, but is an appraisal of Jesus the man, someone who had, or believed he had, an intimate relationship with God and who saw himself as the man to prepare the Jews for the coming of the kingdom. As Sanders correctly concludes, as a result Jesus was more of a teacher and a prophet than a preacher of repentance.

All in all a recommended book for both Christians and non-Christians wanting a good introduction to Jesus, without sensationalism, be it theological or pseudo-historical.




Infromative, 11 Feb 2006
This is an excellent and readable study of the historical figure of Jesus.

Certainly a Helpful Introduction, 29 Dec 2005
This work provides not just an Introduction to reconstructing the life of the historical Jesus, but also to the modes of biblical criticism. The chapter on the Method and Setting of Jesus' Ministry is particularly valuable, and rightly points out misconceptions about the amount of time Jesus would have spent in Judea as opposed to his native Galilee. The book is well written, and the information it provides set down clearly for comfortable reading. In places more detail might be useful, especia