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Killing Jesus: A History

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're looking for a fast-paced, vivid retelling of the life and times of Jesus, complete with political intrigue and the drama of Roman-occupied Judea, this book is likely to grab your attention. Its strength lies in painting a picture of the historical backdrop - Caesars, high priests, and everyday life - making events that happened 2,000 years ago feel very immediate. Newcomers to the topic or readers interested in a dramatic, narrative-driven account (rather than academic analysis) will find this an easy, engaging entry point. Fans of Bill O'Reilly's 'Killing' series or those who want a broad overview without theological deep-dives will enjoy how the story is brought to life.

Who May Not Like This Book:

History buffs and critical readers might get frustrated by the book's frequent blending of legend and fact, sparse references, and occasional historical inaccuracies. Some were disappointed by its reliance on the Biblical narrative without much scholarly examination or presentation of alternative viewpoints. Those seeking a nuanced, well-sourced academic analysis, deep theological insight, or balanced exploration of the myths versus facts may find this work superficial, selective, or even problematic. If you want to separate history from storytelling or hope for detailed citations, this may not scratch that itch.

A punchy, fast-moving historical narrative that will appeal to casual readers and fans of accessible, story-driven non-fiction, but may leave historians and serious Bible scholars shaking their heads.

About:

"Killing Jesus: A History" by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard delves into the life and death of Jesus in a historical context, exploring the political and religious landscape of the time. It offers a detailed account of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, shedding light on the societal norms, power struggles, and brutal realities of the Roman Empire and Jewish leaders. The writing style is described as informative, engaging, and providing a clear historical perspective on the life of Jesus.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is simple and engaging, blending historical detail with imaginative narrative to maintain reader interest.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on the historical context of Jesus's life, detailing his birth, key political dynamics of the Roman Empire, and the events leading to his crucifixion.

Setting:

The setting is rich in historical context, depicting the sociopolitical landscape of 1st-century Judea under Roman rule.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, allowing readers to quickly absorb the content, especially as it transitions from political history to the life of Jesus.
But gout is the least of Herod’s ailments. The king of the Jews, as this nonpracticing convert to the religion likes to be known, is also suffering from lung disease, kidney problems, worms, a heart c...

Notes:

Bill O'Reilly's Killing Jesus provides a concise history of life in the Roman Empire and Judea during Jesus's time.
The book describes political conditions and focuses on leaders like Julius Caesar, Tiberius, and Pontius Pilate.
It attempts to present an unbiased account, using the English translation of the New International Version Bible.
The writing humanizes historical figures, making emotional moments more relatable, especially in the final chapters about Jesus.
Readers may find the book compelling even if they are previously familiar with the Bible.
Many historical aspects are debated among scholars, highlighting the complexity of Jesus's life and the perception of him as the Messiah.
Killing Jesus evokes more emotion than traditional historical accounts, making the narrative engaging.
The authors reuse biblical accounts, leaving out large chunks of non-biblical history.
The dialogue and quotes in the book are largely assumed by the authors, adding a fictional narrative voice.
The book details the brutality of Roman punishment, emphasizing the harsh realities of crucifixion.
Readers noted numerous criticisms about historical inaccuracies and the authors' selective use of sources.
There are no primary sources directly referencing Jesus from the time, raising questions about the historical documentation of his life.
The book portrays Jesus's life as influenced by a politically charged environment, explaining his revolutionary message.
Overall, readers found the book fast-paced and engaging, though some criticized it for historical distortions.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic depictions of violence, especially related to crucifixion and political brutality.

From The Publisher:

FROM BLOCKBUSTER BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND TRAILBLAZING TV JOURNALIST BILL O' REILLY AND MARTIN DUGARD COMES THE STORY OF ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MOMENTS IN WORLD HISTORY: THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS CHRIST.

Nearly two thousand years after this beloved and controversial young revolutionary was brutally killed by Roman soldiers, more than 2.2 billion human beings not only attempt to follow Jesus of Nazareth's teachings but believe he is God. In this riveting account of Jesus's life and times, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Caesar Augustus, Herod the Great, Pontius Pilate, and John the Baptist are among the legendary figures who play a part in Jesus's story. Killing Jesus takes readers inside this most volatile epoch and the seismic political and historical events that made Jesus's death inevitable-and changed the world forever.

Praise for Bill O'Reilly's Killing series:

"Powerful…immersively written." -Janet Maslin, The NewYork Times

"All the suspense and drama of a popular thriller." -The Christian Science Monitor

"Vivid and emotionally engaging."-Nelson DeMille

September 2013
371 pages

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About the Author:

BILL O'REILLY's success in broadcasting and publishing is unmatched. He was the iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor, the highest-rated cable news broadcast in the nation for 16 consecutive years. His website is followed by millions all over theworld, his No Spin News is broadcast weekday nights at 8 and 11 (ET) on The First TV, and his O'Reilly Update is heard weekdays on more than 225 radio stations across the country. He has authored an astonishing fifteen #1 bestsellers; his historical Killing series is the bestselling nonfiction series of all time, with nearly 18 million books in print. O'Reilly has received a number of journalism accolades, including three Emmys and two Emmy nominations. He holds a History degree from Marist College, a master's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University, and a master's degree from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. O'Reilly lives on Long Island where he was raised. His philanthropic enterprises have raised tens of millions for people in need and wounded American veterans.

Martin Dugard is the New York Times bestselling author of several books of history. He and his wife live in Southern California with their three sons.

 
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