A Portrait of Jesus

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 192 pages
• Published by: Image September 14, 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0385484771
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0385484770
• Book Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 6.1 ounces

From Publishers Weekly
Popular novelist Girzone (Joshua) uses his considerable storytelling skills in an imaginative retelling of the Gospel stories. Girzone opens his account of the itinerant preacher Jesus by asking the question, "What did people see in Jesus?" According to Girzone, Jesus was not a holy man who went "around Nazareth asking everyone if they were saved, and forcing religion" on them. Rather, according to Girzone, Jesus was popular simply because he understood human shortcomings, didn't judge people because of their flaws and accepted them on their own terms. In short, Girzone argues, people saw in Jesus a gorgeously balanced human being with a sense of humor. Girzone looks at the way that Jesus approached others and what Jesus' actions tell us about how we can live our lives today, arguing that there is an earthy quality in Jesus' spirituality. Girzone's Jesus was a warm, personable and understanding man who, with a nod and a wink to human foibles, succeeded in balancing the requirements of humanity with the demands of divinity. Yet, despite Girzone's sincere wish to bring Christians into deeper intimacy with Jesus, his gentle, holy fool of a Messiah will leave others shaking their heads in disbelief at such a naive, watered-down portrait of Jesus.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Retired priest Girzone, author of the best-selling Joshua stories, gives a simple narrative account of Jesus' life, envisioning facets of the human being reflected in the gospel stories and painting a lively portrait of a man who understood human frailty to its depths. Girzone's admiration for the unconditional love of Jesus gives him cause on occasion to be critical of conventional church morality. This will appeal to readers who want a devotional approach to Jesus' life rather than an examination of his ministry on Earth through careful biblical study.
-ABernadette McGrath, Vancouver P.L.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
Girzone captures Christ's persona. I found myself asking lots of questions of who I thought Christ was--and found Girzone answering them in a way I never expected. Shedding light on Christ's humanity and well as his divinity by shedding insight to his story, as found in the Gospel, Girzone creates a vivid picture of a truely caring man who relished his role as counselor, teacher, healer, friend and savior. If you want to know Jesus better and more personally, read this book. Have a Bible near by, you may wish to look up stories as Girzone mentions them. I know it was worth my time and effort and I highly recommend this book.