Jesus for Everyone

The renowned biblical scholar, Vanderbilt University Divinity School Professor, and author of Short Stories by Jesus and The Misunderstood Jew argues that Jesus’s historic and cultural influence make him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only faithful Christians but nonbelievers as well. Two thousand years after his birth and death, Jesus of Nazareth continues to be of vital interest. Yet much of the scholarship around Jesus focuses on his religious significance. Jesus for Atheists examines his most famous teachings from a fresh perspective, exploring how they have continued to shape ethics and civilization in the West for two millennia. Even for those who reject faith, Jesus’s life and his philosophy are important to study Amy-Jill Levine contends, because of the insights they hold for us today. Poring through scripture, analyzing what historical scholarship has revealed about Jesus’s views on a number of subjects—including women—reveals surprising messages sure to be fascinating to all readers. Placing Jesus of Nazareth within his historical context, Levine brings him vividly into focus and invites agnostics and the most committed nonbelievers to appreciate his lasting impact on the modern world.