Description

Why Jesus’s historic and cultural influence makes him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only Christians.

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 Everyone 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, writes renowned biblical scholar and author Amy-Jill Levine, 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 everyone from faithful Christians, agnostics, and the most committed nonbelievers to appreciate his lasting impact on the modern world.

About the Author

AMY-JILL LEVINE is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and Department of Jewish Studies. She has also taught at Swarthmore College, Cambridge University, and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. She is the author of many books, including The Misunderstood Jew and Short Stories by Jesus, and she is the co-editor of the Jewish Annotated New Testament. 

Praise For…

PRAISE FOR A. J. LEVINE: “Levine ultimately allows Jesus to become “a bridge,” spanning the gap between modern Jews and Christians.” — New York Times

“Every book from Levine startles me with its brilliance and pluck.”  — Barbara Brown Taylor

“No two people have done as much to help educate and challenge Christians as Levine and Brettler.”  — James Martin, SJ, New York Times bestselling author of Learning to Pray and Come Forth

“As a Jewish scholar and a clever raconteur, Levine’s writing is totally absorbing.” — Christian Century

“Abundant in scholarship and leavened by gentle humor.”  — Rabbi Harold Kushner

“Levine is learned by scholarly standards, a wonderful writer by literary standards, and a sensitive, witty, and wise teacher by human standards.” — Richard Elliott Friedman 

 “Levine’s writing is full of vim, vigor, and vitality.” — Dr. Ben Witherington, III