audiobook The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem by Marcus J. Borg; John Dominic Crossan in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. excellent; easy to readBy Terry L. Guayexcellent; easy to read. tells the story mostly from Mark's gospel; as Mark actually described events that happened each day of holy week from Palm Sunday's procession to Easter Sunday. and Mark was the first gospel written. from time to time; other gospels are compared and contrasted. The authors bring in history of the time plus the author's point of view. very interesting points made. will make you think. Mark portrays Jesus as continually reminding the followers that they are missing the point. he wants them to follow his "way;" live the way he shows them; include all; show mercy; have fellowship with all. Mark also points out that the established government system of the day was a dominance system by the Romans and also the Jewish rulers who did as the Romans wished and together they kept the Jewish people poor and powerless. Jesus was in direct opposition to that dominance system. Jesus wanted justice and equity; the complete opposite of what was happening. and the government didn't like his comments which eventually got him killed. God had the last word though and said yes to Jesus' way with Easter and no to the dominance way. As the authors say you only thought you knew everything there was to know about Holy week. we bring to the story our own understandings from what we've heard or been taught when we were young. this book explains how Mark and the other gospel writers sometimes covered different parts of the story and somehow we learned the combined story which wasn't ever combined by the authors who wrote the various versions of it. I want to read more by these authors.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Help for Wherever You Are in Your Faith JourneyBy Henry DellRecommended by a friend; I read this before and during Holy Week. I am re-reading parts because even though on the first read-through; I learned a lot; I'm still not sure about some events of that week. It is a helpful back-up to our study groups on the New Testament. I now believe that everyone and everything is within the circle that is the Holy Spirit. Believing this; I've started praying for terrorists; that they hear the call to go home. I find myself treating others with more kindness.I'm still struggling with the crucifixion; what it means and if it is to be taken literally. My faith journey continues.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. First; I am really enjoying this book. Why ...By James SmithFirst; I am really enjoying this book. Why three stars? On the fly leaf of the book it is described as "What the Gospels teach..." And then in the opening chapters it is explained that we must lay aside the teachings of the other Gospels in order to let Mark speak and to interpret what he says with no presuppositions. My other reservation is (and I am not finished with the book); the authors seem to say that over time Christians have misinterpreted Jesus' true passion because of presuppositions accumulated over the ages of the Church and yet posit themselves as free from presuppositions that might color their own interpretations. Having said this I am enjoying the read and without saying I agree with their conclusions in entirely believe it to be a profitable book.