Book Review: "The Jesus Scandals" by David Instone-Brewer

July 17, 2012 at 9:09 am | Posted in Books | Leave a comment
Tags: Book Review, Non-Fiction

David Instone-Brewer in his new book, “The Jesus Scandals”  published by Monarch Books explains Why He Shocked His Contemporaries (and Still Shocks Today) .

From the back cover:   David Instone-Brewer unravels history to discover what has been lost over the centuries – what Jesus’ contemporaries really thought about him and his teaching.

Jesus scandalized both friends and enemies.  Topics covered include:

• His parentage and accusations of alcohol abuse and fraudulent miracles
• The dubious status of his followers – poorly educated, ex-prostitutes and the certifiably mad.
• His anti-religious teaching on temple practices, eternal torment, easy divorces and judgement in this life.
• His thoughts of suicide, shameful execution and impossible resurrection

Faithful to the Biblical text, this carefully researched book can be read as a whole or as stand-alone chapters.  Useful for house groups and as discussion starters.

Why look for scandals?  Rev. Instone-Brewer tells us, “scandals are our best guarantee of historical truth in the Gospels.  When disgraceful, embarrassing and shocking details about Jesus are recorded by His friends and supporters, it is much harder to disbelieve them.”  Rev. Instone-Brewer looks at thirty areas of the teachings of Jesus and presents them down into short, easy-to-study chapters. Each chapter covers an area of the ministry of Jesus or His teaching that was found scandalous in His day. The scandals are divided into three parts: Scandals In Jesus’ Life, Scandals Among Jesus’ Friends, and Scandals in Jesus’ Teaching.  Before he died my pastor back East would continually tell us to fall in love with Jesus.  ”The Jesus Scandals” will help you to understand Jesus more and the more you understand Him the greater will be your love for Him.  Not only will you understand Jesus more but you will understand the settings of where and why Jesus spoke.  ”The Jesus Scandals” will enhance your understanding of Biblical times.  If you have read the Bible read this book.  It will give you a fresh perspective and a desire to go and read the original source again.  All in all I say this book is a resource that will be used over and over again.  I recommend this book highly.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications.   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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”