The Faith of Jesus - by James Nash (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Familiarity leads to contempt, or boredom. Depending on the spirit with which we approach the Gospel, it either changes lives or is a waste of time. How do we uncover and recover the transforming challenges the Jesus of the Gospel puts before us?

By asking tough questions, as Jesus did, and by digging deeper into the only texts we have to tell us who he was. Often, something crucial gets lost in translation. Did Jesus really threaten us with a hell of eternal damnation? Is he God or man? If he knew on the cross that he would soon be raised to eternal life, would we be impressed with his sacrifice? In The Faith of Jesus, careful reading of the biblical record reveals surprising answers to these and other questions, and we delve into the notion that perhaps Jesus, like many of us, was guided by faith, hope, and a prayer.

Review Quotes

"Nash make so many great connections between and among things-putting things together rather than breaking them apart. He offers a great blend of the scholarly and pastoral, the intellectual and personal, in his reflections, and I think it works wonderfully. The appendix is a helpful complement to the book as a whole.

"I can really see this book being used by individuals and communities who want to read along with their pastors and the liturgical year, for insight, spiritual edification, and faith development. What a great gift to the Christian community!"

-Dan Cowdin, Salve Regina University,

Chair of Religious and Theological Studies

"As a preacher and pastor, I see all kinds of potential uses for this book. It could be used for Bible study, for small group discussions, or for personal devotions. However, personally, I would use it as a resource for preaching. As he discusses the assigned biblical texts for each week, Jim [Nash] conversationally engages the reader with questions, personal stories, insights on the text from scholars, new ideas, church year connections, word study, and present-day illustrations. All of which is helpful as a preacher prepares their sermon. This will be a useful resource for any preacher as well as for others interested in what the Bible says for us today."

-Duane Paetznick, Pastor of twenty-seven years,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

"Reading the reflections from The Faith of Jesus helps to center my mind on the words of God and makes me excited to listen to what my parish priest has to say about the same verses. Now when I go to Mass, I experience the Gospel and my parish priest's homily much better. This is my new Sunday routine."

-Milena Kupczyk-Zielona Góra, Poland