The life of Christ

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic book - readable, scholarly & profound
Review: Despite being 60 years old and long out of print, Fr. Ricciotti's Life of Christ is the best I have ever read. I first read in college a few years back and it changed everything I thought I knew about the New Testament. His scholarship is simply amazing and his faith is evident on every page, but the most amazing thing about this book is that it is so down-to-earth and readable. He doesn't use obtuse theological terms or cloud his thoughts in philosophical hair-splitting, but writes clearly, simply, and logically. The chapter entitled "Rationalist Interpretations of the Life of Christ" is the best debunking of modern New Testament scholarship I have ever read and is worth reading on its own. His explanations of the differences between the four Gospel accounts is both illuminating and intelligent, and his defense of their authenticity makes far more sense than any of the complicated theories I wasted so much time learning in Catholic high school and college. I highly recommend this book or any others by the the same author. By the way, it IS available new from Roman Catholic Books.

Rating:
Summary: possibly the greatest life of Christ ever writtten
Review: In the waning days of WWI Giuseppe Ricciotti felt the urge to write a book about the life of Christ. Decades later he finally did. This book stands out from every of life of Christ becuase the author was not only talented but extremely serious about history. Ricciotti explains how Israel was structured, how Herod and the Romans ran it and the hierachy of the Israelite politcal and religious powers. He never makes the mistake of putting words in Jesus's mouth that aren't biblical and he never tries to force the life of Christ into modern clothes. This book will make history lovers happy, archaeologists will enjoy it and anyone who looks at wonder at that One Solitary Life will love it. Sadly, this valubale book is out of print and you may have to track it down at a used book store but it's worth the effort. I read my copy one or twice a year.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This is one of the most treasured books on my shelves. I came across it in a used bookstore, and in the years that I have owned it, I have referred to it time and again. It has often helped me in my apologetic efforts. This is a scholarly apologetic and historical work containing a wealth of useful and faith-strengthening information. Judging from this book alone, Riccioti strikes me as a man with a deep love of scripture, as well as a strong belief in it's divine inspiration. I could hardly be more pleased with this book.