Rating: 
Summary: Fresh views but not a translation
Review: Klotz brings a fresh view of the words of Jesus based on Aramaic. However, his translation technique is to translate not word to word, but syllable to word. One sentence in Aramaic becomes four lines of imaginative and overly-liberal English prose. The translation technique is non-standard and unfortunately, cannot be considered accurate. You would not have heard Jesus speaking verbatim what this book has written in English.This book is worth reading to gain another insight into the Beautitudes (The Sermon on the Mount) and the Lord's Prayer. Those who want additional writings such as this will be disappointed. The author has not translated other portions of the bible in this way. His other works are not up to the same imaginative caliber. A decent read but leaves you unfulfilled when wanting more beyond a very few New Testament verses. The book will not revolutionize Christianity as the cover claims (for marketing reasons).
Rating: 
Summary: Makes my Heart Sing
Review: Not being an Aramaic scholar, I cannot really comment on the alternative shades of meaning and translations contained in this book, but I can, without reservation, say reading through these words and using the body prayers makes my heart sing. After many months I go back again and again to this book when I want more expansive material for meditations. Expansive, yeah, that's exactly what it is!
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Summary: Wonderful little book
Review: One reviewer found the difference between the King James version translation and this one disturbing - well yes. That may be the point. This very small book explains how this translation was done - looking at not just literal translation but other layers of meaning. Our Sunday study group (some Christian, many not) found it deeply inspiring and enriching. It brings into sharp focus the patriarchal, hierarchical mindset of King James' translators. They were a product of their times and of whatever political pressure may have been brought to bear upon them. This book does much to expand our understanding and to expand the accessibility and usefulness of the newly translated material
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Summary: A Present Day View of the Language of Jesus
Review: The Lord's Prayer and the Beatitudes (from the Sermon on the Mount) are retranslated using imagery that evokes new ways of looking at an ancient prayer. It's a blueprint for living in harmony with our universal destiny. If you have been raised Christian and have recited this prayer many times in your life, it will never sound the same - It has changed my life and I predict will change yours too. There are many study circles throughout the world devoted to the study of this book. The entire prayer and most of the beatitudes are also set to music and can be chanted as well as danced in the form of group sacred circle dances. Check out Desert Flowers web page.
Rating: 
Summary: Not re-examination but mis-interpretation!
Review: The reviewer from Orlando, by twice calling the language of Jesus "Arabic" instead of "Aramaic", makes a mistake similar to that made by the books own author, of confusing cultures and languages. The author of this slim title mixes "expanded translations" which are to say the least "reaching" (i.e., neither relevant nor particularly valid) with a non-Christian perspective on Jesus. And while I honor and respect the validity of other religions and paths, to apply the Arabic language and Islamic mysticism to a much earlier Aramaic language and Christian mysticism is flawed, in that he presents this as a supposedly clearer, more relevant understanding of Jesus. Which it is not, any more than eating a piece of apple pie will indicate what a glass of orange juice tastes like. Apples and oranges, indeed. True, a study of Aramaic and an understanding of mysticism will certainly bring one closer to the real prayer and message of Jesus, but this book presents a perspective which is a good bit removed linguistically, spiritually and culturally from the Jesus of faith and history, and therefore not very meaningful. For a much better take on the Aramaic Lord's Prayer, and a translation based on deeper truth rather than on wishful fantasy, see SETTING A TRAP FOR GOD by Dr. Rocco Errico.
Rating:
Summary: Not re-examination but mis-interpretation!
Review: The reviewer from Orlando, by twice calling the language of Jesus "Arabic" instead of "Aramaic", makes a mistake similar to that made by the books own author, of confusing cultures and languages. The author of this slim title mixes "expanded translations" which are to say the least "reaching" (i.e., neither relevant nor particularly valid) with a non-Christian perspective on Jesus. And while I honor and respect the validity of other religions and paths, to apply the Arabic language and Islamic mysticism to a much earlier Aramaic language and Christian mysticism is flawed, in that he presents this as a supposedly clearer, more relevant understanding of Jesus. Which it is not, any more than eating a piece of apple pie will indicate what a glass of orange juice tastes like. Apples and oranges, indeed. True, a study of Aramaic and an understanding of mysticism will certainly bring one closer to the real prayer and message of Jesus, but this book presents a perspective which is a good bit removed linguistically, spiritually and culturally from the Jesus of faith and history, and therefore not very meaningful. For a much better take on the Aramaic Lord's Prayer, and a translation based on deeper truth rather than on wishful fantasy, see SETTING A TRAP FOR GOD by Dr. Rocco Errico.
Rating: 
Summary: Concern with regard to translation
Review: The words are indeed deep and thought provoking. I am having a problem with the translation from Aramaic ultimately, to modern English. I find it very difficult to take the Aramaic version as a template for what we read in the NIV or KJV of the bible. Although the translations are there. I can't seem to find the bridge. They seem too disparate. I found it disturbing.
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Summary: Connections to the Essence of Prayer Life
Review: This book brought a living prayer into my life. For me, as for other Christians I have met, the mere sound of the words of Jesus whispered prayerfully in his original tongue, bring tears to the eyes, beauty and majestic gentleness to the soul. Healing power flows through what the author calls body prayers, and all the words of Christ take on new personal meaning as one begins to embody and objectify the spiritual essence of personal relationship. I carry this book with me whereever I go and have found the miracle of communion which is my company. One never walks alone
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Summary: Prayer of the Cosmos
Review: This book brought some clarity for me about the "Lords Prayer" and "The Beattitudes". It has made is easier to apply these "teachings" to my everyday life. I now have a deeper understanding of what Jesus was trying to say.
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Summary: I read a verse in class everyday...brings deep awareness.
Review: This little book carries within it's covers the power to change the way we view our world. It feeds the ability of its reader to find the truth because it unlocks the barrier to vision. Indeed it is pure food for wisdom. It has helped me to read scripture more than any other aid I know of outside of direct discernment.
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