The Jesus Scandals: Why He Shocked His Contemporaries (and Still Shocks Today)
Although Western culture has been shaped for centuries by Christian teaching, a closer study of the Bible reveals that we routinely ignore the uncomfortable heart of New Testament ethics. It's too extreme, too confrontational. Even Christians pander to the world's way of thinking, making the astonishing bland.
In The Jesus Scandals, Dr. David Instone-Brewer identifies thirty areas where Jesus challenged the assumptions and practices of His contemporaries with insights that provoked shrill opposition and that continue to generate debate today. Some of these issues are familiar to us, such as the killing of unwanted children. But Jesus also taught His disciples humility--to take lowly titles, to consider themselves less; the New Testament church soon chose to ignore that teaching, just as we continue to do today.
Tour Dates: July 16-20, 2012
Tour List: Social Issues
"I found the book to be well-written, on topic, and an easy read."
Reviews from July 16, 2012
"There is just so much I want to say about this book but fear of spoiling it for you. So all I will say is READ IT! It is worth your time. It will open up the New Testament for you in a marvelous way"
"Whether you agree with all of David's conclusions or not, I am sure that you will find as I did that your understanding of the context of Jesus' life and ministry is expanded and enhanced, and so warmly recommend this book."
Zwinglius Redivivus
"Instone-Brewer is clearly very well versed in first century Jewish culture and society. He knows the sources and he uses them deftly."
"This book should be suitable for small groups as well as for individual study. Each chapter can stand alone and produce numerous discussion questions."
"The strength of this book is showing that no one would have made up a story about Jesus as we see in the gospels. There is just too much about him, his friends, and what he taught that would have been scandalous in the first century culture of that area. The gospels must be true."
" I recommend this book but encourage you to read and study it with an open Bible."
Panorama of a Book Saint
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Delightful to read, be prepared for your existing presumptions to be blown away as you let Instone-Brewer brings life to ancient texts, and purposeful living in modern contexts. Do not be deceived by the short chapters. They are packed with insightful observations and practical considerations."
"Within the pages of this short book you will laugh, think, rethink, and maybe learn something new."
Reviews from July 17, 2012
"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."
Sonya Writes...
"It's a very interesting book and very helpful to me to know more of the cultural background. Some things from the Gospel accounts make more sense when put into the perspective of the people of that time."
Reviews from July 18, 2012
" I found this book to be an excellent additional reading on the background of the Gospels in the New Testament."
"I will enthusiastically recommend this book for anyone interested in Jesus."
Reviews from July 19, 2012
"Scandals to Jesus' Teaching: This is my favorite part of the book as it looks at how Jesus lifted up women and children in a way countercultural to his day that has led to accpetance in our day. Such insights to Jesus teaching on such present day topics makes the book a good read."
"This is an excellent book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about what Jesus really thought."
"Instone-Brewer leads the reader not to, but away from conclusions about the "sweet little baby Jesus" so many people Christian and non- alike have come to mistakenly know"
"To better understand Jesus, read this book. To address your own concerns over Jesus, read this book. To get some good history and theology, read this book."
"I promise that this book will have you thinking, questioning, asking for days. It will spur you to look for more answers and give clarity to areas you never knew needed it. I highly recommend this book to all those interested."
"I was able to stay engaged and interested in each topic even in the few cases where my own perspectives did not quite match the bias of the author. In fact, it's written in a way that even a mixed-faith discussion group could easily use each chapter to delve into friendly discussions or debates."
"The book is fantastic. Totally worth reading."
Reviews from July 20, 2012
"He'll help you read with the mindset of a first century Jew or Gentile. And he does it in accessible language and short chapters. He covers many customs I've never seen addressed in any other commentary."
"Overall, if your looking for a fresh perspective on the Bible your going to find it in this book. Perfect for group study or using alone. I know this is a book that I will reread."
"I learned a lot from this book and I believe it has definitely strengthened my faith."
"The second thing you think will be 'where can I learn more about this?' but your first thought will be 'wow.' And if you're like me, you might even find yourself saying it aloud, even sitting alone in the cafe."
"The concepts and parallels shared in The Jesus Scandals are definitely thought provoking and interesting."
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