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I enjoyed this book and it will be a keeps book for me. I will read it over and over again. I learn more from this book ,than years of reading the New Testament. I really believe this book is everything Jesus wanted us to know and apply to our life. I feel like I know the real Jesus and his real message. I real like, I know and understand the true message Christ had for the world. I have read alot of spiritual books and been seeking for true understanding of life and This book has open my eyes to alot. I say this is one book all you read,But have a open mind when reading and decide for yourself.I am so glad Jesus spoke thru James Morgan and had this book written.

I loved this book from start to finish. Reading Jesus' own words is far more inspiring and readable than the King James version of the New Testament (or any other version), a book which has been edited and modified to meet the political and economic needs of Christianity and the West. This book sets forth the mission of the Master Jesus in simple and understandable words which ring with truth, kindness, and compassion. Even the most hardened fundamentalist cannot deny that this book has a marvelous message and story to tell.

This book ranks at the very top of best metaphysical works. It's authenticity can be felt inside, as it gently touches the spirit within. The story is told as a narrative, which makes it easy to read while holding multiple levels of meaning and significance. After 4 readings, I still look forward to reading it again. This work by Master Jesus has my highest recommendation.

Powell's book is five years old now, hopefully a revised and updated issue will appear.

Powell begins by introducing his readers to some of the reasons why the historical quest began and why it is not something Christians should be afraid of. He obviously has the ordinary Christian reader in mind who may wonder at the need for such a quest. He puts this across well and puts the reader at ease. And at the end of his introduction helpfully expresses his own Christian commitment. This kind of forthright declaration is always helpful and his conservative approach does come through in the book, though not in a negative way.

In the first two chapters he sets out the basic history of interpretation of Jesus and general trends and directions in scholarship. Which leads on to a discussion of the biblical and non-biblical sources for study of Jesus as a historical figure. This is both detailed enough to give the reader a genuine insight into the sources and yet is not burdensome.

With the basics covered, he heads into the main section of the book by a chapter on some important figures within research, discussing their protrait of Jesus and supplying a basic critique.

The rest of the book is taken up with 6 chapters on particularly important scholars in current scholarship:

1) The now infamous Jesus Seminar with its witty aphorism spouting Cynic Jesus. It's methodology and understanding are subjected to a fairly convincing critique.

2) Dominic Crossan (a leading member of the Seminar) is deemed important enough to be given a chapter of his own - his Jewish Peasant Cynic is then discussed (Note: Cynics were a Graeco-Roman and Urban phenomenon, Crossan's 'Jewish' and ''rural' portrait, using one problem to solve the other is ingenius, but historically implausible). Powell does a good job of showing how important common meals are in Crossan's portrait, this 'commensality,' showing the social aspects of Jesus' ministry, is a feature of Jesus studies which will rightly be maintained and elaborated upon.

3) Marcus Borg is another Seminar member, but one who is quite open about his Christian commitment and offers a rather different portrait of Jesus to the normal one within Seminar circles. His Jesus is a 'Spirit-person', a religious mystic and in many ways this is a very appealing picture. Powell draws out the main features of Borg's work and nicely explains how Borg's Jesus - one that originates from somewhere between the two normal camps of a thoroughly Hellenistic or thoroughly Jewish matrix - leaves him open to serious criticism by scholars from both ends of the spectrum.

4) Ed Sanders: Jesus the prophet of the endtimes. Sanders is rightly viewed as one of the leading scholars of this generation, his groundbreaking 'Paul and Palestinian Judaism,' demonstrates his knowledge and expertise on Judaism in the time of Jesus. Powell points out how Sanders puts Jesus' temple action at the heart of his reconstruction, that we must understand that action if we are to understand why Jesus was executed, and what he thought he was doing in the temple. This emphasis seems necessary if we are to get to grips with what Jesus' ministry was about. But, Sanders is critiqued both on his understanding of the controversy stories and his eschatology, both aspects of his protrait with which many scholars would take issue.

5) John Meier: A Marginal Jew. Meier's title expresses something missed in the other studies mentioned so far, his Jesus is Jewish, but yet there is something different about him. Powell does a good job of explaining what Meier is up to but not so much in drawing out the shortcomings in his work (only Vol. 1 was published when Powell wrote). This is one place where Powell does not do quite as good a job as with the other scholars he critiques.

6) Tom Wright: Jesus the True Messiah. Tom Wright has now become one of the best known scholars of our generation and it was his first two volumes on Christians Origins that have assured that standing. Powell offers both a good summary of Wright's position and some of the preliminary critiques of his position as it stood at the time of Powell's writing. (Much fuller critiques are now available.)

His final chapter draws together many of the strands of thought, both on methodology and on whether Jesus should be thought of primarily in Hellenistic terms or Jewish ones that the whole book has been concerned with. Moreover, should a Jewish Jesus be an eschatological prophet or non-eschatological one? This conclusion draws out very well the main areas of debate and issues that the reader should have taken careful note of. Appropriately, Powell ends with a quote from Mark's Gospel, which has Jesus asking the disciples 'Who do you say I am?' and I suppose this is what it's really all about.

A very good introduction to historical Jesus studies at its time of writing. Powell's generally informal, but still scholarly approach makes this a very user-friendly book, and I'm not surprised that it has been used as a introductory college text book. Lets hope that a revised and updated edition will appear soon.

I couldn't get enough of this book. Powell is a wonderful writer, and he introduces us to the perspectives of Historical Jesus scholars of the last two centuries with absolute clarity and just the right details. I just had a lot of fun reading on the different scholarly views on who that ancient man of sorrows was. Powell seemingly has no axe to grind, seems completely competent to plough the terrain, and makes the whole trip worth it with the last two pages of the book....After this huge deluge of information about what Jesus did or did not say; after all of the guessing concerning Jesus message; after probing why Jesus has remained so controversial after 2000 years, Powell offers a tantalizing scenario concerning the very first Christian words ever penned on the last two pages (his only personal reflections in the book). I had to wipe the tears from my eyes after that.

This book is a 5 all the way. You won't be disappointed regardless of your view of who Jesus was (or is).

Dr. Powell is head of the Historical Jesus section of the SBL. He not only is a New Testament scholar in his own right, he is also a respected colleague and friend of the Jesus Scholars he discusses. He not only has read their works, but he understands their positions from the inside.

In my experience, the study of the Historical Jesus is sometimes characterized by rhetoric, special pleading, and an unfruitful "us" vs. "them" attitude. While Powell is forthright about his own views when this is appropriate, he comes across as
surprisingly objective as he discusses the pros and cons of each position. This is aided by the fact that the Jesus scholars often disagree with each other - so he can just say "Wright would take issue with that", or "Crossan responds to this view
in this way."

Powell's writing style is refreshingly informal at times, and he obviously strives for clarity over the "scholar-speak" so often encountered. At the same time, he is obviously familiar with the technical concepts and not only throws the jargon around
but often explains it.

The book shows unusual restraint - Powell gives the reader room to formulate his/her own conclusions, while providing insight into both the issues and the scholars themselves.

I understand that this book is used in college courses as an introduction to the subject, and I can see why.

_Jesus As a Figure in History_ is a rare contribution: a clear explanation of a difficult and complex subject. I give it a 5.

I see myself -- and half my relatives in this upclose and personal look at ourselves.

If you liked this, you also love a great little package I found called, "A LITTLE JOY, A LITTLE OY" The book and the calendars are not only funny and filled with Yinglishisms, manner-Yidims, but also serious and poignant moments.

Randy from Brooklyn

Former stand-up comic Molly Katz, inspired by her marriage to a goy, has written a book for Gentiles who marry Jews. Katz expects - even demands - that you will yiddify your worldview, body language, eating habits, gastro-intestinal issues, child-rearing ideas, etc. when you join a Jewish family. Tidbits like "all Jews worry about everything all the time" and "you can have a Jewish wedding without a chuppa but not without a Viennese Table," while slight exaggerations, ring true. Having myself grown up Jewish I recall countless hours spent obsessing over medical problems, Chinese food, money, curtains, schools, etc. A bit more emphasis on Yiddish would have been a plus but the tips Katz gives on word usage and phraseology alone are worth the price of the book (eg, "How long are you married" for "how long have you been married"). Molly Katz is a letz (wit) who gently and affectionately pokes fun at our sometimes overwhelming, always delicious culture, mind-body axis, and worldview.

A funny look at everything Jewish! Great for everyone!!

In recent years, there has been a great deal of emphasis on Polish anti-Semitism. This is despite the fact that anti-Semitism existed virtually everywhere, and in Poland never approached the level which Jews encounted in many other European nations. Moreover, the positive aspects of Polish-Jewish relationships have been virtually ignored. Pogonowski's excellent book does much to show, in fact, how Jewish communities flourished in Poland.

Despite the frictions and mutual prejudices which sometimes developed between Poles and Jews, the fact remains that Poland was historically one of the most tolerant nations in the world for Jews. If the fact that 80% of the world's Jews, at one time, made their home in Poland does not prove this fact, then what does? This book makes it clear that Poland had been centuries ahead of others in terms of human rights and religious tolerance.

Iwo Pogonowski's book is a veritable mine of information about Polish-Jewish relations since the Middle Ages. This subject has been badly distorted in the English-language publications, mostly for reasons that have nothing to do either with history or honesty. "Jews in Poland" needs to be read slowly, in small doses, with frequent returns because sometimes a very important fact is hidden in a footnote or some such obscure place. This volume looks and reads like a scrapbook, and the impression is reinforced by its graphic aspect.

"Jews in Poland" is full of very instructional maps and diagrams, it also carries a good selection of illustrations (although their quality is rather so-so). All in all, a book that stands head and shoulders over any other treatment of Jewish-Polish history in the English language.

Excellent play. Excellent poignancy. Excellent subtlety. For English, I had to write another ending for the play and it served me so well. Stanhope's bottled emotions versus Raleigh's incomprehension of everything creates an extremely powerful juxta-POS-ition. To read it is a pretty good experience. But to see the TV version with Timothy Spall as Trotter is something else entirely. Wicked. Aye.

A true classic about life in the trenches. The writer served with an infantry regiment for most of the war and it shows. The play is sharp and spare. A truly remarkable work. I discovered it by accident. Read this play. And cross your fingers that one day you can see it on stage. Mine are.

As far as I know, this is the only play R C Sherriff ever wrote, and that is one of the greatest tragedies of the twentieth century. There have been various theatrical productions - including the Jason Connery/Nicky Henson production at the Whitehall theatre which captured absolutely the poignant, black humour of the piece. This drama, set in the trenches has everything - comedy, tragedy, history, despair and hope. I studied this piece at school and it has made a lasting impression on me. Captain Stanhope and Uncle will have a place in my heart for ever...

All the time people ask me about going out on their own. This is the book I make them read before I spend my time talking to them. Tells the inside story of how to make your dream real, or whether to keep on dreaming

When I made the switch from advertising account executive to poet it was intricate; the transition continues to be challenging, thought quite pleasant and rewarding. Brown's book was certainly helpful, and I especially appreciated its assessibility, as well as its creative approach to solving problems. Helpful too, was the profile of Alexs Pate, someone who left the corporate arena to pursue freelance creative writing. A wonderful, stimulating book.

Many books are inspiring, but this one goes beyond the dream stage. Brown not only tells how people really start up a home-based business, but he even gives the reader an occasional kick in the butt to get out there and do things right. Read this book before starting a business on your own, and then read portions of it again regularly to get back on track after the business has been started

Reading this book a year ago didn't keep my eyes dry, but kept them wet - all the time. I LOVED the stories about how his life was, how he found love in God, made a GREAT, LOVING FAMILY .... and how he didn't give up on his dreams.
For those who haven't read this - SHOULD, and DON'T FORGET TO GRAB A BOX OF TISSUES WITH YOU!
(I'm going to go tell my FRIENDS about this book and have THEM read this book!)

If you have ever heard David Ring speak, you must read this book. It is a powerful demonstration how God has a specific plan for each of us! I read it in one day...could not put it down.

The life of David Ring is a phenomenal one. This book will make you laugh, cry, smile, and frown. It will inspire you. You will understand what it means when people say that God accepts us just the way we are. David is an inspiration to everyone who meets him and gets to know this incredible man of God

Picking up this book was a trip into my Texas past. A glimpse of a rariified style of life that I pined for as a girl growing up in Grand Prairie....I don't think we had a Junior League. "Just As We Were" actually proves again, that no matter the side of the tracks you came from, Texas women are a singular breed, smart, strong, and comitted.

Prudence has an unofficial fan club in El Paso, Texas. It started with her first book, Thundering Sneakers, and when the second one came out, Retreads, we were all thrilled. Now, with this treasure, Just as We Were, well, it's just too much! Prudence writes with such wit and wisdom about the things many women do in their lives. I never realized how funny some of the stuff is that we do until I read about it from her view point. The Junior League stories are enough to make your sides split, I actually read parts of it at our own Junior League meeting one time! Don't get me wrong, you DO NOT have to be a member of the Junior League or anything else to enjoy this book. She writes about things from two sides and it is a great experience. Sad things, like aging parents and the painful parts of child rearing can be funny and ultimatly less painful from Prudence' perspective. I highly recommend this book!

Junior Leaguers finally have a voice!!! Prudence Mackintosh has captured a part Texas womanhood in a series of hilarious essays just published in book form. I laughed hard but wait, this is more than just personal and funny stories. Mackintosh acts like a social anthropologist, commenting upon all the things that make Texas women's lives unique.So if you want a delightful read and if you want to understand Texas (or Southern) women, read this book. Actually, if you want to understand women at all read this book because she really touches on issues like growing up, children, college, domestic help, and aging parents which are experiences most middle class women have had. Elizabeth Cauthorn (drewc@dcci.com)

AWESOME!! Has many facts on every species of gecko imaginable. A must for the true Gecko enthusiest!

Very thorough. Tells you everything from A-Z about every breed of Gecko you can think of. Recommended VERY HIGHLY!

This is a great book for any gecko owner, be he/she a begginer or a professional breeder, this wil be very useful to everyone.

I concur with the other reviewers, but only want to emphasize that this is a very dry, hard to read book - good for the scholar writing a Ph.D thesis, not so good for the average reader who just wants to brush up on the Akedah before the story is read in shul a few days later.

Resurrected? The ram was in the Garden of Eden before it appeared in the thicket?

These are all stories derived from the Akedah throughout Jewish history, some older than others, some really stretching the text of the Bible. The process of midrash, answering those nagging questions about puzzling texts, filling in the spaces of various Biblical stories, has a long history, much of it written down in the various writings of the Rabbis after the fall of the Temple in 70 CE. One of the prominent stories which had taken on a life of its own after the writings of the Hebrew Bible had ceased (c. 165 BCE or so) was that of the sacrifice of Isaac.

If anyone is interested in the 'Jewish legends' (to borrow Ginzberg's title) and the lost art of story telling this is a wonderful addition to your library. Shalom Spiegel does a remarkable job in summarizing these stories as the pertain to the Akedah in great detail and at great length for such a small book.

Spiegel dives into the various threads of the traditions associated with the Akedah. Geza Vermes tapped into this a bit in his Scripture and Tradition in Judaism but Spiegel broadens the scope a bit. It is remarkable how many variants on this story are to be found throughout Jewish history, some of it still followed, some of it much more obscure.

This book reveals, to a degree, just how the development of this particular story led to the interpretation by the Christian movement and, though it is not discussed in this book, that of Islam. The stories found in these two religious traditions find their roots much more in the traditions than is commonly understood (or admitted).

The word of God is not static and is not confined to text. It lives and breathes and in this little book reveals proof of such life. A wonderful little gem.

In this fascinating book, Spiegel traces rabbinic interpretations of the Akedah (the Binding of Isaac) from the earliest sources through the Middle Ages. He begins at the end, with the remarkable fact that during the Middle Ages, European Jews looked to Isaac as a martyr, the prototypical sacrifice and an inspiration to those Jews who killed themselves rather than convert to Christianity under the threat of the Crusaders. Despite the plain language of Scripture -- in which God ultimately tells Abraham *not* to sacrifice (or even harm) Isaac -- many aggadic interpretations suggested that Isaac was actually sacrificed and then brought back to life. In the 12th century rabbinic poem that inspired this book, Isaac is actually killed (and resurrected) *twice.* Spiegel asks how medieval interpretation of the Akedah could have strayed so far from the plain meaning of Scripture, and in particular whether the theme of the redemptive sacrifice of the first born should be traced to Christian influence. Spiegel looks to rabbinic, Christian and pagan sources to try to answer these questions.

This is a scholarly work and assumes familiarity with classical rabbinic literature. Some arguments are hard to follow if you do not know the generations of the Tannaim; and if you've never read any midrash, you will find the style very hard going at first. Even so, as a non-scholar with only a beginner's knowledge of rabbinic literature, I felt that I got a lot out of the book, particularly in terms of the history of ideas and the contrasts between Jewish, Christian and pagan notions of sacrifice, redemption and ancestral merit.