The following comes from an Oct. 26 posting on The Catholic Thing.
The quest for the “historical Jesus” – the supposed man beneath the accoutrements of faith – rages unabated today, three centuries after the first of these now countless attempts appeared in book form. Since then, volumes have come and gone, all claiming to have found the “real Jesus,” through each author’s supposedly objective and faith-free interpretation of the epic events that occurred in Palestine two millennia ago. Yet this Jesus has still not been found. Instead, in these volumes, as Pope Benedict XVI explained in his own book about Jesus, we find “photographs of their authors and the ideals they hold.”
Killing Jesus, by cable-news anchorman Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, is the latest such book to land on the best-seller lists. The authors explain that theirs “is not a religious book.” It is rather “an accurate account of not only how Jesus died, but also the way he lived and how his message has affected the world.” But in pushing the “Christ of faith” to the margins along with faith-conscious interpretations of Jesus’ words and deeds, we are left with the Gospel according to Bill O’Reilly – a dramatic political conflict between the leading religious and civic authorities of the first century, which had consequences for the whole world.
The greatest strength of Killing Jesus is its vivid descriptions of the physical and social backdrop to the stories told in the canonical Gospels. The landscapes of Nazareth, Capernaum, Jerusalem and its Temple are colorfully depicted, as are the complex social and political relationships between leading personalities and groups. The practical elements of domestic and ritual lifestyles underlying the Biblical accounts are also explained in detail, including the preparations for Passover in Jerusalem, where Jesus “sees the hundreds of temporary clay ovens that have been constructed in order that each pilgrim will have a place to roast his Passover sacrifice. . . .He hears the bleat of sheep as shepherds and their flocks clog the narrow streets, just down from the hills after lambing season.”
O’Reilly and Dugard thus provide a composition of place for all the major events in Jesus’ life: his baptism in the Jordan, his overturning of the money tables in the Temple, and above all, the intricate details of his Passion, from the type of flagellates with which Jesus was scourged to the “pleural and pericardial fluid. . .mixed with a torrent of blood,” that flowed from Jesus’ pierced side on the cross.
But if the book excels in physical and political descriptions, it’s wanting in historical interpretation. Time and again O’Reilly and Dugard present conjectures as facts and perform psychoanalysis on men whose motives remain unknown. The interpretation of ancient history, even after you’ve looked at the primary sources, requires careful discernment and reconstruction. Yet in Killing Jesus historical circumspection is often sacrificed in favor of a more sensational narrative.
Historical indiscretions appear in two forms. First, there are oversimplifications or even distortions of complicated facts, generally relegated to footnotes, including the dating and naming of Christmas and the timing of Jesus’ final Passover celebration. Second, unknown attitudes and motives are presented as facts without qualification in the narrative. At the last supper, for example, the authors declare that “Jesus is having trouble focusing on his final message to the disciples.” Really?…
To read the entire posting, click here.
Many years ago, an excellent book was written by Jim Bishop called THE DAY CHRIST DIED. There is also another book he authored, and I believe it is called THE DAY CHRIST WAS BORN. These books provide an accurate account of what it was like when these events took place. I have not read Bill O’Reilly’s work, but I hope it will draw its readers closer to Our Lord, and not damage of weaken the Mystical Body of Christ.
Father Karl, I think that Mr. O Reilly will show a great respect in that account…he seems to be more conservative than most are today.
What I gleaned from the book was a new feeling for what Jesus went through during His scourging and crucifixion. I felt drawn closer to Jesus reading the description of how the soldiers treated Him and what the motives of the temple leaders were. Oh how He loved us. I questioned the authors conclusions in several places as the author above mentioned but found descriptions of Jerusalem coming up on Passover informative: i.e. sounds and smells.
I will be interested in reading additional reviews from sites such as this one.
I am skeptical about anything Catholic related written by Mr O’Riley. Some of his comments do not follow the Magesterium. Also, I have a limited amount of reading time to devote to my Faith. And, there are so very many wonderful books out there both orthodox and reverent AND authored by authentic Saints, I cannot imagine I could squeeze this one in to the rotation somewhere. For example, I recently finished St. Thomas More’s “A Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation” which is an excellent book to assist us in our confrontation in today’s neo-pagan culture. I am now reading “Real Presence” by St. Peter Julian Eymard. THIS should be “required” reading for Catholics who are interested in to delving in to the Love of our Eucharistic Lord. Many many meditations on how better to adore our Lord.
One question for Dugard and O’Reilly : You were there ?
I’m sure they think they have it right, but how did they get the special insight ? Of course, they didn’t and couldn’t. It’s a shame but many people will believe this book over the gospels, because a co-author is a TV star.
I have not read the book, but some of the comments he has made sound off the wall!
I think we all should watch THE WORLD OVER with Raymond Arroyo this Thursday on EWTN as Bill will be a guest…..and see what he tells Raymond.
I still have not finished my two books by Pope Benedict about the Lord Jesus, so they come first in my reading, but I will try to listen to Bill O’Reilly on EWTN to hear what he says. Although I do not always agree with him on everything, I do thank Bill O’Reilly for the times he has stood up for the rights of pro lifers to defend unborn children, and all the times he has stood against the abuse of children already born.
The book is an easy read. Alternate views are presented in the foot notes. Historical narrative is an acceptable historical methodology. If this book advances Christianity, then it serves a worthy a worthy purpose.
I have read both the book and listened to the audio versions. I concur with jjc’s analysis completely. One way O’Reilly/Dugard advances a clearly Christian perspective account after account is by shedding light upon how often and consistently his disciples “got it wrong” and how our Lord led them away from their foibles with all-consuming love and forgiveness.
It also succinctly portrays the prevelant political culture of the Roman emperors, people and the debauched lineage of Herod, Herodius, Herod Antipas and the woebegone Pilate in a clear way.
Charles, thank you for your book review. I missed out on the first half hour of the interview with Bill O’Reilly on EWTN, so your post is most helpful.