The Jesus Scandals by David Instone-Brewer

Genre- Non-fiction/ Christian/Jesus

Published by- Monarch Books

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 192

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-85721-023-4

 

 

 

 

The tabloids would have featured Jesus constantly, according to David Instone-Brewer, because of the scandals he has been linked to.  There are records done by his friends and enemies that were examined to provide us with what his contemporaries really thought. 

There are 30 areas that are discussed and they include:

• The dubious status of his followers
• His anti-religious teaching on divorces, and judgment
• His thoughts of suicide and God-sent disasters

Excerpt from the Book!

About the Author-

David Instone-Brewer has studied at the South Wales Baptist College, University College Cardiff, and Cambridge University.  He is a regular contributor to Christianity Today and has written several books and articles on early Judaism and the Bible.  He is the Senior Research Fellow in Rabbinics and the New Testament at Tyndale House in Cambridge.  His other interests include computer programming and lowbrow movies.

My thoughts- This book was very interesting.  I enjoyed how short the chapters were so that I could use them as part of a daily Bible study.

I’m glad David Instone-Brewer wrote this book, because people really believe in scandals and the extra proof helps to prove to unbelievers that Jesus was the Son of God.  I thought it was interesting to learn that that if Jesus agreed, He said nothing, but if he disagreed he gave his opinion many times and told parables to illustrate it.

My favorite chapter was the one about oaths and curses.  I didn’t know that Jesus felt so strongly about this type of language.  I am going to have to make sure that I impress that upon the people that I am with.  I also learned that “By Heck” is addressing Hecate, the ancient Roman goddess of witchcraft.

This is an excellent book.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about what Jesus really thought.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Jesus Scandals by David Instone-Brewer for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Legacy Road by Graham Garrison

Genre- Southern Fiction

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-2671-1

 

 

 

Wes Watkins is being forced to focus on his relationship with his estranged father, his girlfriend whom he would like to marry, and the disease that may kill his mother.  Wes feels his life is spinning out of control.  Will he be able to forgive others and himself or will all the relationships be broken forever?

 

About the Author-

Graham Garrison has published articles in a number of newspapers and magazines and is the author of Hero’s Tribute.

My thoughts-  It seems to be difficult to find books these days that will appeal to men yet can also teach a positive lesson.  This book does just that.  My husband, who doesn’t read very often started the book soon after he opened the package.  Now I need to get it back to him so he can finish it.  And I know he will be as surprised as I was by the ending. 

Wes was a complex character who set against a simple yet complex background of Civil War Battlefields.  I felt that Wes was like many of us with our insecurities and inability to trust, but he also has a lot of bitterness and hatred towards his parents, that many of us may not.  His girlfriend, Emmy, was a positive in his life, and I thought she was great.  She is like many women and she wants to do what she can to help Wes, but she also has her own insecurities. 

I would recommend this book to men specifically, because it is about relationships between father and son, man and woman, and man and God.  Women will enjoy it as well, but they may not benefit from it as well as men will.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Legacy Road by Graham Garrison for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.