Customer Reviews:
 The hills are alive... June 22, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Oh wait -- that's another matter.
Thomas Cahill's third outing on the hinges of history brings us to Jesus Christ, and appropriately so, for so much of the word 'hinges' on this person (and we'll define that word more closely in a moment) in many, often unknowing ways. Obvious hinges are the calendar which, even when modified to be BCE/CE rather than BC/AD cannot escape the fact that break is with this phenomenon.
Cahill has taken up the task not of showing who Jesus is, either as person (and that can be God-man, special prophet, political activist, or mythological figure) but rather to show some of the differences, a before-and-after, if you will, of what the world was and came to be due to the influence of this person, which obviously requires an examination of the influences on other persons, too.
Cahill uses ancient historians, modern scholarship, Biblical texts, and simple logic and reason to show influences and changes brought about by the Jesus Movement/Christianity. Packed with details written in an interesting manner, Cahill manages to interest, challenge and enlighten all at the same time.
Put together with the other two books (Gift of the Jews, which might serve as a prequel, and How the Irish Saved Civilisation, which carries Christianity further), this trilogy is a good introduction to the history of modern theology, philosophy, intellectual sensibilities, and how the world owes so much that is never quite realised to so few.
Didn't read it May 12, 2007
0 out of 16 found this review helpful
Though I might read this but as it turned out, I didn't...it is still around here somewhere....
beautiful portrait of my savior... April 18, 2007
I loved this book because it challenged the picture I had of Jesus in my head but didn't challenge my beliefs of Jesus. It added a deepening and understanding of the divinity of Jesus. I love Cahill's books and not just because I'm Irish and we saved western civilization.
 Desire of the Everlasting Hills: The World Before and After Jesus March 8, 2007
5 out of 11 found this review helpful
This book is not up to the quality of How the Irish Saved Civilization. Too much of his writing is merely quoting sources. Actually it is rather boring.
 Magical January 4, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I have read all of Mr. Cahill's books and consider this to be the finest. He answers and ambitious question -- "Did Jesus Matter?" By comparing the expectations of the civilized world before and after Jesus in a wonderfully entertaining fashion, he provides fresh insights and makes a compelling case. Whether you are a Christian or not, you can appreciate this captivating perspective and Mr. Cahill's lively writing.
|
