Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives

Pope Benedict XVI, who as Joseph Ratzinger was one of the brilliant theological lights of the 20th century, offers an exegesis on the infancy narratives in this installment of his three-part series of books on Jesus Christ. As with the other two books in this series, we get here a high Christology rooted in an allegorical interpretation of scripture that is deeply patristic in its roots. As with all of Benedict's writings, this book is written in a style that is both academic and accessible (albeit not exactly exciting) for the popular reader who wants a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and how we understand him in the biblical text. Without dismissing the historical-critical method that has emphasized studying the historical context of these texts in many universities during the past century, Benedict offers a breathtaking contemporary synthesis of an older tradition -- rooted in the Church Father like Augustine and Jerome -- that gives us a more metaphorical and less literal interpretation of the texts. The book's goal is to create a better image of "the face of Christ," helping readers to know Jesus of Nazareth more intimately than what the deconstructionist treatises of certain historical-critical theological circles offer for reflection. This installment of the three-volume series is a very slim book, but is packed with wisdom and insight that will give the thoughtful reader much to ponder. If you're a student of Christology either amateur or professional, it's impossible to overlook this book and its contribution -- one might even say corrective -- to current scholarship on the person of Jesus Christ. I recommend it, particularly as bedside reading at Christmastime.

How sad that the prior reviewer wishes to put his bigotry on display for all to see in this season of love for all creation. Loving our enemies was of course one of the great teachings that Jesus brought into the world 2000 years ago. His birth and teachings have transformed humanity and given us the chance for a new a beginning even though it's not always easy to discern the positive results. But given the eyes to see we can discern real results in the world stemming from the birth of Christ as witnessed in the gospel. Helping to give us these eyes is what the pope's series of three books on Jesus is about, especially this latest one on the infancy narratives. It is a powerful analysis full of profound insights made all the more effective by its brevity. It takes a penetrating mind to say so much in so short a space. It makes the message and meaning of the work all the more clear and concise. This is a book worth savoring for the way in which it helps us understand so much about who we are and where we come from in both the secular and sacred realms of history. This alone makes the book worth reading and contemplating whether we are believers or not. It certainly is not a book to dismiss without reading unless you are someone who takes delight in making a point of your own bigotry. But if you do Jesus loves you anyway. Shedding some light on this greatest of all mysteries is what the book is about and it does the job as effectively as anything I have ever heard or read.

Here's what the Pope writes in the forward: "It is not a third volume, but a kind of small "antechamber" to the two earlier volumes on the figure and the message of Jesus of Nazareth. I have set out here, in dialogue with exegetes past and present, to interpret what Matthew and Luke say about Jesus' infancy at the beginning of their Gospels." So, the third volume of the Pope's wonderful work, but as he says, not really a volume; more a short monograph or extended essay. The book is only 128 pages long. The infancy narratives are more controversial than the body of the Gospels (Mark and John have no infancy stories) because they are not based on the apostolic witness, and many interpreters view them as more theological constructs with a goal of linking the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament) to the body of the Gospel witness. Benedict offers his insights as he looks at various interpretations, and spells out his own academic opinions, which he makes clear are not dogmatic statements - simply his own reflections. The Pope covers everything, from the two annunciations (to Mary in Luke and Joseph in Matthew) to Luke's story of Jesus being lost in the Temple. I found his insights and thoughts on Mary especially interesting. He will often sum up his reflections with a preliminary statement, like this one, on page 118, after his discussion of the Three Wise Men (The Magi): "... the question arises, how are we to understand all this? Are we dealing with history that actually took place, or is it merely a theological meditation, persented under the guise of stories?" He then states, in quoting another scripture scholar (and he agrees with this sentiment): "'No foundations would be shaken if it were simply an invention of Matthew's based on a theological idea.'" What is the Pope's personal opinion on this? Well, get the book. I am going to dig out some of my old books by the American scripture scholar Raymond Brown and compare the two men's thoughts, which will agree on some points and disagree on others.

Easy to read giving insights into Gospel writers (e.g., Luke, Matthew) exclaiming history in terms of the actual events rather than just documenting history.

Grande comprensione delle scritture espresso in parole semplice. Dividendo così con noi la grande gioia che è Jesù. Traduzione eccellente. Mi sento nutrito.

A wonderful exploration of Pope Emeritus Benedict's search for the "face of Jesus". It will undoubtedly change your view of this retired Pontiff. He uses his own exegetical technique to bring you closer to Christ. As one of the top theologians of his era and often portrayed by the media as rigid and uncompromising, this book is surprisingly gentle and personal.

This is my first Pope Benedict book and it won't be my last. I might wait for a bit before the next one though as it is very deep and theological and I found myself needing to read this slowly.

If you want to get to know Jesus more intimately you should of course start with the gospels etc but here the late Pope emeritus offers an exegesis of the infancy of Christ The print itself is very good its a large print and is easy to read And the book itself is easy to understand it isn't to complicated but it is very rich with knowledge I highly recommend this book ( note it's one in a trilogy )

An excellent book. It is accessible enough to engage anyone wishing to learn about Jesus's birth and childhood, yet in-depth enough to keep the interest of those already familiar with scripture and conventional church teaching (not just Catholics). An overview of the infancy gospels that can be read as it stands but rewards re-reading, and cross referencing to the texts. Also short enough to comfortably read during Advent should you wish. I would ask though - why is the audiobook available in the US but not the UK? The other two volumes in the series (also highly recommended) are available on Audible, but frustrating and weirdly, this one is not.