THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS

by Charles M. Laymon ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1962

Dr. Laymon's book is appearing a second time, partly because, thanks to acceptance, the 1956 edition was quickly sold, and partly because of the tremendous advances in scholarship in that seven year period, which made a revision preferable to a reprint. Designed as a textbook, and aimed at the college level, the ready acceptance of the book is explained by its flowing style, scholarly background, and careful balancing of the possible factors and positions in those areas which lack a universal answer,- for instance, the timing of the last Supper, or the significance of the birth narratives. This balance is achieved, not by ""watering-down"" nor by the clever use of double-talk. Rather, when alternate positions exist, they are stated positively and clearly, and the student is challenged to make up his mind. Especially helpful are the large chapters devoted to the Life and Times of Our Lord, wherein the factors of history, culture and economics are given better attention than usual. The narrative of the Gospels is treated in sections, thus avoiding slavish adherence to a harmony of the narratives, and also making for ready use in classrooms. Sets of questions at the end of each chapter force students to do some thinking on their own, and the inclusion of suggested reading lists at the ends of the chapters also opens up the possibility of exploring some phase at greater length. The clarity of the writing and the format of the book open up the possibility of using this text in the upper high school level, while pastors with Bible Classes that mean business may find the volume very useful.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1962

Categories: NONFICTION